Search Results for “Anthony Daniels” – Page 2

The Phantom Menace

Posted on May 19, 1999August 30, 2022 by Dave

The Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic sends two Jedi Knights, Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi, to the planet Naboo to investigate a distress call indicating an invasion by the Neimoidian Trade Federation. When their diplomatic visit leads them into an ambush, the two Jedi stow away on the Trade Federation’s landing vessels to warn the people of Naboo themselves. The first local they encounter, Gungan misfit Jar Jar Binks, takes them to his undersea home city of Otoh Gunga for safety, but the Gungans quickly turn all three back toward the surface. Just when the Trade Federation’s battle droid army appears to have captured the young Queen Amidala, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan rescue her, convincing her to escape with them to Coruscant, where she can plea for Naboo’s freedom before the Galactic Senate. Amidala reluctantly agrees, but her personal ship is almost destroyed in the escape from Naboo, saved only by the valiant efforts of an astromech droid designated R2-D2. With her ship’s main drive unit in pieces, the Queen agrees to a brief layover on a frontier planet called Tatooine for repairs.

On Tatooine, Qui-Gon and Jar Jar try to find replacement parts, with a royal handmaiden named Padme’ in tow. As Qui-Gon tries to bargain with a no-nonsense parts trader, Padme’ becomes acquainted with a precocious nine-year-old slave boy named Anakin Skywalker. After failing to strike a deal for the parts needed to repair the Queen’s ship, Qui-Gon and his companions move on, but a run-in between Jar Jar and one of the locals reunites them with Anakin. A chance sandstorm forces Qui-Gon’s entourage to take shelter in Anakin’s slave quarters, where he lives with his mother, who is also a servant. Anakin eagerly suggests that Qui-Gon sponsor him in the Boonta Eve pod race, just a day away – a race whose prize money could allow Qui-Gon to buy parts for the Queen’s ship an escapes. Though Anakin’s mother is concerned for her son’s safety, she agrees, and Qui-Gon makes the bet. At the same time, the Jedi Knight suspects that Anakin is very strong with the Force, since no human has the reflexes necessary to race pods.

The hazardous pod race, overseen by Jabba the Hutt, results in the death or disqualification of most of the contestants – except for Anakin and an alien named Sebulba, who has no qualms about cheating. But quick thinking (and, Qui-Gon believes, the Force) not only keeps Anakin in one piece, but he beats the reigning champion. What Anakin does not know is that Qui-Gon had such confidence in his abilities that he added Anakin’s freedom to his bet. But Anakin falters at the thought of leaving Tatooine for a life of adventure when his mother will still be toiling away. Shmi Skywalker assures her son that he will be safe, and encourages him to pursue his dreams. With a new hyperdrive and a new young passenger, Qui-Gon sets out to return to Queen Amidala’s ship – a journey which is abruptly interrupted by a dark warrior who tries to use his considerable Jedi skills to kill Qui-Gon. Barely escaping with his life, Qui-Gon realizes that his attacker could only have been a Sith Lord – the evil opposite number to the valiant ranks of the Jedi, and probably an assassin in search of Queen Amidala.

On Coruscant, Qui-Gon informs the Jedi Council of the murderous Sith, though some of the members insist that the Sith are extinct. He surprises them even more by introducing them to Anakin, whose Force instincts and genetic makeup both prove to be very unique – and potentially very powerful. But the Council members, after testing Anakin’s skills and interviewing him, conclude that the boy is too old and set in his ways. Elsewhere on Coruscant, Queen Amidala’s attempts to bring the pressure of the Senate to bear are thwarted by bureaucracy. Naboo’s Senator Palpatine suggests a vote of no confidence, which is quickly passed, deposing Supreme Chancellor Valorum from leadership of the Senate. Naturally, Palpatine nominates himself as Valorum’s replacement, and the Senate’s sympathy for the plight of Naboo assures his ascension. Queen Amidala vows to return to Naboo to rally her people, calling on Jar Jar to help her make peace with the isolationist Gungans. Qui-Gon (with Anakin in tow) and Obi-Wan accompany the Queen back to Naboo to protect her.

Though Jar Jar has a difficult time convincing his people – now in hiding from the Trade Federation’s battle droids – to help defend Naboo, the Queen puts herself at the Gungans’ mercy. The Gungans commit all of their resources to the battle in an attempt to retake the Queen’s palace, a fight made more difficult by the entrenched army of droids. Anakin is forced to take shelter in a Naboo starfighter, but in trying to protect himself he accidentally launches the ship, hurling himself into the midst of the intense space battle being waged between the Naboo defense force and the Federation’s droid fighters. Darth Maul, the Sith Lord, also reappears, and Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan divert all of their energy and strength to preventing him from assassinating the Queen. The freedom of Naboo depends on the efforts of the Jedi, the determination of Queen Amidala, and the inquisitive Anakin . . . but not all of them will live to see the peace restored.

written by George Lucas
directed by George Lucas
music by John Williams

Cast: Liam Neeson (Qui-Gon Jinn), Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Natalie Portman (Queen Amidala/PadmÃƒÂ¨ Naberrie), Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker), Pernilla August (Shmi Skywalker), Frank Oz (Yoda), Ian McDiarmid (Senator Palpatine), Oliver Ford Davies (Sio Bibble), Hugh Quarshie (Captain Panaka), Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu), Ray Park (Darth Maul), Peter Serafinowicz (voice of Darth Maul), Ralph Brown (Ric Olie), Terence Stamp (Chancellor Valorum), Brian Blessed (Boss Nass), Sofia Coppola (SachÃƒÂ¨), Adrian Dunbar (Bail Antilles), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Warwick Davis (Wald), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Silas Carson (Nute Gunray), Dhruv Chanchani (Kitster), Celia Imrie (Bravo Five), Margaret Towner (Jira), Silas Carson (Ki-Adi-Mundi), Oliver Walpole (Seek), Kristina DaSilva (Rabe’), Jerome Blake (Rune Haako), Steven Speirs (Captain Tarpals), Warwick Davis (Spectator), Benedict Taylor (Bravo Two), Greg Proops (Beed), Scott Capurro (Fode), Liz Wilson (EirtaÃƒÂ¨), Khan Bonfils (Saesee Tiin), Cin (Adi Gallia), Roman Coppola (Naboo Guard), Michaela Cottrell (Even Piell), Mark Coulier (Aks Moe), John Fensom (TC-3), Ray Griffiths (Sebulba), Warwick Davis (Grimy man), Ray Griffiths (Power Droid), Madison Lloyd (Amee), Lewis Macleod (voice of Sebulba), Geoffrey Pomeroy (General Ceel), Alan Ruscoe (Plo Koon), Hassani Shapi (Eeth Koth), Alan Ruscoe (Bib Fortuna), Christian J. Simpson (Naboo Pilot), Alan Ruscoe (Sil Unch)

LogBook entry by Earl Green

Attack of the Clones

Posted on May 16, 2002August 30, 2022 by Dave

Ten years after the invasion of Naboo, the Republic continues to crumble. Many star systems are leaving the Republic, flocking to the leadership of former Jedi Count Dooku. The growing tension prompts some senators to propose that the Republic create an army for itself, an unprecedented step that draws opposition from Senator Padme Amidala, the former queen of Naboo. She reluctantly returns to Coruscant to vote against the measure; her ship’s landing is met with an explosion that kills several members of her entourage. Supreme Chancellor Palpatine insists that Padme receive protection from the Jedi Knights, and assigns two Jedi who are old acquaintances with the former queen – Obi-Wan Kenobi and his padawan, Anakin Skywalker.

Eager to impress Padme, Anakin promises to uncover the identity of the would-be assassin, despite Obi-Wan’s warnings to keep his focus on their mission of protection and to stay in control of his feelings. Control does not come easily to the young Jedi – already troubled by dreams about his mother, Anakin’s affection and desire for Padme threaten to overwhelm him. He and Padme decide to take the initiative in order to lure the assassin into the open – a plan which almost succeeds too well when an assassin droid arrives at Padme’s chambers. Obi-Wan and Anakin chase the droid back to its owner, a changeling bounty hunter named Zam Wesell. Before they can interrogate her, another bounty hunter kills her with a poisoned dart. Palpatine urges Padme to return to Naboo for her own safety until Obi-Wan can complete his investigation of the bounty hunters. Reluctantly, she agrees, leaving her Gungan aide Jar Jar Binks as representative in her stead. Despite Obi-Wan’s misgivings, the Council sends Anakin to serve as Padme’s escort . . . to the approval of Palpatine, who has fulfilled his promise to pay close attention to young Skywalker’s progress.

One of Obi-Wan’s sources identifies the source of the dart as a planet named Kamino, but Obi-Wan can find no mention of it in the Jedi Archives. With help from Yoda and some young Jedi-in-training, he discovers that the records of the planet’s existence have been erased, and sets out to find the planet. Upon his arrival, he is welcomed by the Kaminoans, who seem to have been expecting a visit from a Jedi and are ready to show him the status of their latest project – an army of hundreds of thousands of clones, apparently ordered by a long-dead Jedi a decade ago. The template for the clone troopers is a bounty hunter named Jango Fett, whose evasive answers fuel Obi-Wan’s suspicions. Jango and his son Boba (actually a clone of Jango, devoid of the accelerated aging and psychological modifications of the troopers) manage to leave Kamino, despite Obi-Wan’s attempts to detain them . . . but they find the Jedi to be a most dogged pursuer.

On Naboo, Anakin and Padme retire to her lakeside retreat, momentarily out of harm’s way. The two discuss their lives and their views on the current political situation, as Anakin expresses his frustration with democratic squabbles and his wish for a strong will to force the galaxy along a better path. He also expresses his feelings for Padme, which she insists she can not return – their responsibilities as Jedi and senator make that impossible. To make matters worse, Anakin’s nightmares grow stronger, beyond the point of his endurance. Padme agrees to accompany him on his return to Tatooine.

Obi-Wan tracks Jango to the planet Geonosis, where he discovers Dooku cultivating an alliance with the Trade Federation (contingent on Dooku arranging Padme’s death) and several other crucial guilds, as well as an army of droids. Obi-Wan attempts to transmit these findings first to the Council on Coruscant, then to Anakin on Naboo, but is soon captured and brought before Dooku. The former Jedi, who once trained Obi-Wan’s master Qui-Gon Jinn, offers an invitation: the Sith have gradually been exerting their control over the Republic; the Sith Lord Darth Sidious has much of the Senate in his sway, and the Dark Side clouds the Jedi’s ability to see through the deceptions and manipulations. Join me, Dooku says, and we will defeat the Sith once and for all.

On Tatooine, Anakin discovers that Watto sold his mother years ago to a moisture farmer named Clieg Lars, who soon freed and married Shmi. Upon arrival at the Lars homestead, Anakin meets his stepbrother Owen and Owen’s girlfriend Beru and reunites with C-3P0, but also receives terrible news from Clieeg. A band of Tusken Raiders captured his mother a month ago, and repelled all attempts to rescue her. Anakin immediately sets off in pursuit, but finds his mother just in time to share her final moments. Enraged, Anakin turns his vengeance on the entire camp of Sand People, leaving no survivors. At the homestead, he bemoans his inability to save his mother, blames Obi-Wan for holding him back and declares his intention to one day be the most powerful of all Jedi. His mourning is cut short by Obi-Wan’s message, and Padme’s decision to launch a rescue attempt with 3PO and the ever-loyal R2-D2.

As the two head for Geonosis, the Jedi Council and Palpatine’s Loyalist Committee (including Alderaan’s Bail Organa) react to Obi-Wan’s news. It appears impossible to deny that the Republic needs an army, and good fortune has provided one on Kamino. But the Senate is still locked in debate over the creation of such an army, with no end in sight. Only through a granting of emergency powers to the chancellor can the situation be addressed in time, but such action would require the initiative of a senator willing to take the political risks involved. When Palpatine suggests that Padme would, if only she were present, Jar Jar takes the bait and makes the motion – to near-unanimous acclaim in the Senate. Vowing to renounce his new powers as soon as the Republic is restored, Palpatine authorizes the Grand Army of the Republic. Yoda travels to Kamino to inspect and gather the clone army, while Mace Windu and the other Jedi travel to Geonosis to aid Anakin and Padme in their rescue.

As it turns out, their assistance is very much required, as the two are captured shortly after their arrival. Sentenced to die in the Geonosian arena, Padme admits her love for Anakin . . . but their future will depend on the skills and sacrifice of many Jedi. True loyalties are revealed and plans set in motion, as the galaxy plunges into war . . .

written by George Lucas and Jonathan Hales
directed by George Lucas
music by John Williams

Cast: Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Natalie Portman (PadmÃƒÂ¨), Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker), Christopher Lee (Count Dooku), Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu), Frank Oz (Yoda), Ian McDiarmid (Supreme Chancellor Palpatine), Pernilla August (Shmi Skywalker), Temuera Morrison (Jango Fett), Jimmy Smits (Senator Bail Organa), Jack Thompson (Cliegg Lars), Leeanna Walsman (Zam Wesell), Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), Rose Byrne (DormÃƒÂ¨), Oliver Ford Davies (Sio Bibble), Ronald Falk (Dexter Jettster), Jay Laga’aia (Captain Typho), Andrew Secombe (Watto), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Silas Carson (Ki-Adi-Mundi / Nute Gunray), Ayesha Dharker (Queen Jamillia), Daniel Logan (Boba Fett), Joel Edgerton (Owen Lars), Bonnie Maree Piesse (Beru), Anthony Phelan (voice of Lama Su), Rena Owen (voice of Taun We), Alethea McGrath (Madame Jocasta Nu), Susie Porter (Hermione Bagwa), Matt Doran (Elan Sleazebaggano), Alan Ruscoe (Lott Dod), Matt Sloan (Plo Koon), Veronica Segura (CordÃƒÂ¨), David Bowers (Mas Amedda), Steve John Shepherd (Naboo Lieutenant), Bodie ‘Tihoi’ Taylor (Clone Trooper), Matt Rowan (Senator Orn Free Taa), Steven Boyle (Senator Ask Aak), Zachariah Jensen (Kit Fisto), Alex Knoll (J.K. Burtola), Phoebe Yiamkiati (Mari Amithest), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Jerome Blake (Oppo Rancisis), Hassani Shapi (Eeth Koth), Gin (Adi Gallia), Khan Bonfils (Saesee Tiin), Michaela Cottrell (Even Piell), Dipika O’Neill Joti (Depa Billaba)

LogBook entry by Dave Thomer

Chapter 1

Posted on November 7, 2003 by Dave

The Clone Wars spread throughout the galaxy as more systems leave the Republic. Chancellor Palpatine asks Obi-Wan Kenobi to lead his army against the Separatist stronghold of Muunilinst. The Chancellor also places Anakin Skywalker in charge of the starfighter assault, to the padawan’s delight . . . and over the objections of both Obi-Wan and Yoda.

Volume 1 Cast: Corey Burton (San Hill/Count Dooku/Warrior#2), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Grey Delise (Asajj Ventress/Padme Amidala/Shaak Ti), John DiMaggio (General Grievous/Padawan), Nick Jameson (Supreme Chancellor Palpatine/Darth Sidious), Tom Kane (Yoda), Mat Lucas (Anakin Skywalker), Daran Norris (Durge/Aide #2/Henchman/Warrior#3/Ki-Adi-Mundi/Master Barrek), Kevin Michael Richardson (K’Kruhk/Human Male Jedi Master), Andre Sogliuzzo (ARC Captain/Battle Droid/Clone Trooper/ARC Trooper/Captain Typho), Cree Summer (Luminara Unduli), James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan Kenobi/Aide #1/Aide #3), Tatyana Yassukovich (Barriss Offee)

story by Bryan Andrew, Darrick Bachman, Paul Rudish and Genndy Tartakovsky
directed by Genndy Tartakovsky
original music by John Williams
new music by James L. Venable and Paul Dinletir

LogBook entry by Dave Thomer

Chapter 21

Posted on March 21, 2005 by Dave

Clone troopers lead a rescue mission to Hypori, where only Ki-Adi-Mundi still stands against General Grievous. The reinforcements’ heavy firepower turns the tide of the battle, but despite Ki’s urgings, they are unable to pursue Grievous – the wounded need medical care too badly. Yoda has a vision of Qui-Gon Jinn and a boy Anakin preparing to face a psychological trial. Anakin and Padme continue to hide their marriage, much to Anakin’s frustration. Months later, the war continues, and the Council faces a shortage of Knights to lead the battles. Obi-Wan suggests that Anakin be knighted despite not having faced the formal Jedi trials, arguing that the events of the war have tested him enough. Mace Windu has reservations, but eventually Obi-Wan’s suggestion is accepted. Anakin Skywalker becomes a Jedi Knight.

Volume 2 Cast: Mat Lucas (Anakin Skywalker), James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan Kenobi/Agen Kolar/Turnstile Computer/Techno Union Scientist #2/Mutated Warrior #1), Tom Kane (Yoda), Grey DeLisle (Padme Amidala/Shaak Ti/Stass Allie/Nevanian Boy/Nelvaanian Woman/ Nelvaanian Child), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), T. C. Carson (Mace Windu/Saesee Tinn/Alien General), Andre Sogliuzzo (ARC Trooper/ARC Captain/Battle Droid/Clone Commander Cody/Clone Trooper/Captain Typho/Clone Pilot/Captain Fordo), Daran Norris (Ki-Adi-Mundi/Even Piell), Richard McGonagle (General Grievous/Kit Fisto/Nelvaanian Shaman/Nelvaanian Warrior), Frankie Ryan Manriquez (Young Anakin Skywalker), Fred Tatasciore (Qui-Gon Jinn/Oppo Rancisis), Corey Burton (Count Dooku), Nick Jameson (Supreme Chancellor Palpatine/Darth Sidious/Main Techno Union Scientist)

story by Bryan Andrew, Darrick Bachman, Paul Rudish and Genndy Tartakovsky
directed by Genndy Tartakovsky
original music by John Williams
new music by James L. Venable and Paul Dinletir

Note: The episodes in Volume 2 of Clone Wars were roughly 12 minutes in length.

LogBook entry by Dave Thomer

Revenge of the Sith

Posted on May 18, 2005August 30, 2022 by Dave

The Clone Wars have come to the heart of the Republic. The Separatists, led by Count Dooku and the part-organic, part-droid General Grievous, have attacked the capital planet and kidnapped Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. Obi-Wan Kenobi, now a Jedi Master, and his former apprentice Anakin Skywalker launch a rescue mission, flying their starfighters into the landing bay of Grievous’s command ship. With the help of Anakin’s resourceful astromech droid R2-D2, the two Jedi find the Chancellor, but before they can escape they are confronted by Dooku – also known as the Sith Lord Darth Tyranus. Dooku manages to knock Obi-Wan unconscious before the younger, more powerful Knight disarms him. Palpatine urges Anakin to kill Dooku, to the Sith Lord’s apparent surprise. He hesitates for a moment, torn between Dooku’s apparent defenselessness and his own desire to make Dooku pay for his actions in starting the war. In the end, vengeance wins, and Dooku dies.

The rescuers’ efforts to leave the ship are temporarily frustrated by Grievous’s troops, and in the ensuing fight the general escapes even as his command ship falls apart under a heavy barrage of Republic fire. After a crash landing, Obi-Wan leaves to report to the Jedi Council while Anakin receives a hero’s welcome from senators including Alderaan’s Bail Organa. He receives another kind of welcome altogether from his secret wife, Senator Padme Amidala. She is pregnant, a pregnancy she has been hiding since Anakin left for the sieges on the Outer Rim months ago. The shocked Anakin declares this the happiest moment of his life, although he soon has reason to reconsider. In his dreams, Padme dies in childbirth. A shaken Anakin asks Yoda for counsel; the Jedi Master urges Anakin not to fear death, to let go of the things he is afraid to lose. It is the one piece of advice the young Jedi can not take.

With Grievous’s escape, the war continues. The Senate prepares to transfer more emergency power to the chancellor, who has stayed past the end of his term of office to deal with the crisis. The Jedi, including Obi-Wan, distrust the politician; Palpatine, in turn, fears the Jedi may be acting to subvert the Republic. He appoints Anakin as his special representative to the Council – an appointment the Council reluctantly accepts, although Anakin’s seat on the Council will not come with the title of Jedi Master. This wound to his pride is only inflamed when Obi-Wan tells him, out of session, that the Council wants him to report on Palpatine’s activities. Palpatine senses the pull between Anakin’s loyalties, and offers criticism of the Council’s shortsightedness in not trusting him. Perhaps the Jedi and the Sith are not so unlike after all, he muses – both seeking to maintain their power. But at least the Sith are willing to fully explore the potential of the Force – including the ability to stop people from dying.

Grievous has retreated to the Utapau system, where the Sith Lord Darth Sidious commands him to send the Separatist leaders to the lava world of Mustafar for their safety. The clone armies intercept Grievous’s location, and Palpatine shares the intelligence with Anakin, offering his hope that the Council will send him to defeat the general. Instead, the Council decides that a Master’s experience is necessary. With Yoda already on Kashykkk aiding the Wookiees, the assignment falls to Obi-Wan. He and Anakin wish each other a fond farewell, with Obi-Wan assuring Anakin that the Council will soon see what he does: that Anakin has become a greater Knight even than Obi-Wan, and deserves the rank of Master. Obi-Wan and clone troops led by Commander Cody engage Grievous’s forces on Utapau; when Cody reports this to Mace Windu, the Jedi sends Anakin to tell Palpatine, hoping to learn something of the chancellor’s intentions through his reaction.

The plan works, but not in the way anyone foresaw. Palpatine urges Anakin to learn about the Dark Side of the Force from him – to gain the only knowledge that can save Padme. Anakin realizes the truth – Palpatine is the Lord of the Sith the Jedi have sought. He rushes to tell Mace, who assembles a group of Jedi to arrest the chancellor and tells Anakin – whose conflict and confusion are palpable – to remain in the Council chambers. As Palpatine awaits the Jedi’s arrival, he telepathically reminds Anakin that if the Jedi kill him, all hope of saving Padme dies with him. Finally, Anakin can wait no longer. He takes a speeder and rushes to the Chancellor’s office. By the time he arrives, Palpatine has managed to kill each of the Jedi except Mace, who kicks Palpatine’s saber out of a window. Palpatine begs for Anakin’s help; when he hesitates, Palpatine attacks Mace with Force lightning. As Mace blocks it, the feedback seems to wither the Sith Lord, whose face shrivels into a pale, worn shadow of itself. Despite Sidious’s protests of weakness, Mace believes he is too dangerous to be kept alive – but Anakin can not face that loss. As Mace prepares to deliver the killing blow, Anakin slices off his hand, giving Sidious – powerful as ever – the opportunity to destroy the Jedi Master. A horrified Anakin declares that he will do anything to save Padme – even pledge himself to the Dark Lord. Sidious christens his new apprentice Darth Vader, and declares that the time has come to wipe out all of the Jedi – even Obi-Wan.

On Utapau, Obi-Wan succeeds in killing Grievous. He meets briefly with Cody and sets off to lead the troops to higher ground. But at that moment, the clone commander receives a transmission from Lord Sidious, implementing Order 66. Cody orders his men to shoot down Obi-Wan, who plunges to the water below. Across the galaxy, clone troopers turn on their Jedi generals. In the Jedi Temple, Vader leads the clone troopers in their assault, destroying even the Jedi younglings. Senator Organa discovers the catastrophe, and desperately brings his cruiser into space to try and warn off and rescue as many Jedi as he can. But other than Obi-Wan, only Yoda has escaped, thanks to the assistance of the Wookiee general Tarfful and Chewbacca. The pair of Jedi return to the Temple and discover the horrifying truth – the Chosen One of prophecy has joined the Sith.

In the Senate chamber, Organa joins Padme just in time to see Palpatine declare the Jedi enemies to be destroyed, and reorganize the Republic into the Galactic Empire – all to thunderous applause. Later, in her apartment, Obi-Wan reveals Anakin’s treachery and asks if she knows where he is. The disbelieving senator lies and says no, even though Anakin revealed to her that Palpatine was sending him to Mustafar to end the war. Lord Vader does so, by destroying all of the Separatist leaders and deactivating their droid armies. Padme flies to Mustafar, accompanied only by C-3PO, to confront her husband, and discovers to her horror that Obi-Wan was right. Vader eagerly describes how he will save her life with his newfound power, and eventually overthrow the Emperor so that he and Padme can rule the galaxy and set things right. Horrified, Padme begs him to come with her, to run away and hide while they still can, but Vader refuses to listen – especially when Obi-Wan appears, having stowed away in Padme’s ship. The enraged Vader uses the Force to choke his wife to unconsciousness before he and his former master draw their lightsabers. “I will do what I must,” says Obi-Wan. “You’ll try,” Vader replies . . . and the duel begins.

On Coruscant, Yoda brushes aside two of the Emperor’s royal guards to confront Sidious in his office. Sidious gains the upper hand, but Yoda will not give up so easily. Soon, their sabers clash and they quickly make their way into the Senate chambers, leaping from pod to pod in search of any advantage. Sidious sends Yoda falling to the bottom of the chamber, and the Jedi Master barely escapes from a mass of clone troopers with Bail Organa’s help. Having failed to destroy the Emperor, Yoda readies himself for a life in exile. Sidious orders his troops to search for Yoda, but his attention turns elsewhere. He orders a shuttle readied, for his senses tell him that Lord Vader is in danger.

On Mustafar, the Dark Lord’s concern seems misplaced. Vader is stronger than Obi-Wan, and attacks relentlessly. Obi-Wan manages to parry the blows, but can not gain the upper hand. The battle rages out of the command center, and soon the two combatants are floating down a river of lava, using any available platform or footing to stay out of the burning flow. As Vader presses the attack, Obi-Wan manages to leap from his platform onto higher ground. He warns Vader not to try to follow him; Vader warns Obi-Wan not to underestimate his power. The Jedi’s warning turns out to be more prescient; as Vader leaps to the river bank, Obi-Wan slices off both legs and Vader’s undamaged hand. Vader screams his hatred, while the heartbroken Jedi picks up Vader’s lightsaber and walks away – unable to look as Vader’s body catches fire and is consumed by flames.

Obi-Wan brings the still unconscious Padme to the medical facility at Polis Massa. Medical droids discover that while her body is physically fine, her spirit is fading – she has apparently lost the will to live. Obi-Wan stands by Padme as her twin children are born. She names then Luke and Leia; then with her final breath turns to Obi-Wan and insists that somewhere, there is still good in the heart of the man who was once Anakin Skywalker.

On Mustafar, Sidious finds Vader, barely alive, and brings him to Coruscant, where droids attach new mechanical limbs and place his body in a life support suit. As a skull-like mask is placed on Vader’s head, the sounds of mechanical breathing echo through the room. His first words ask of Padme’s fate; his master tells him that she is dead, at his hand. The Sith Lord’s grief and rage wreaks havoc on the chamber. Eventually he emerges to the bridge of an Imperial cruiser to stand beside Sidious and observe the initial stages of construction of an immense battle station.

As Padme is laid to rest on Naboo, Bail Organa and the two remaining Jedi plan their next move. Organa places C-3PO and R2-D2 in the care of Alderaan’s Captain Antilles, and orders that the protocol droid’s memory be wiped. He and his wife will adopt Leia. Obi-Wan will bring Luke to Tatooine, to live with his Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru while Obi-Wan watches over him. Yoda will head into exile until the time is right. Until that time, Yoda has made a discovery – the Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, killed over a decade ago, has found a way to retain his identity even as he became one with the Force after his death. He will share that knowledge with Yoda, who will share it with Obi-Wan. And together, they will wait for the time when a new hope emerges for freedom and justice in the galaxy.

written by George Lucas
directed by George Lucas
music by John Williams

Cast: Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Natalie Portman (Padme Amidala), Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader), Ian McDiarmid (Emperor Palpatine/Darth Sidious), Jimmy Smits (Bail Organa), Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu), Christopher Lee (Count Dooku/Darth Tyranus), Frank Oz (voice of Yoda), Ahmed Best (Jar Jar Binks), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Matthew Wood (voice of General Grievous), James Earl Jones (voice of Darth Vader)

LogBook entry by Dave Thomer

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Posted on August 15, 2008August 15, 2022 by Philip R. Frey

As the Clone Wars continue, the Republic faces difficulties due to the control the criminal Hutt clans exert over the Outer Rim trade routes. But the kidnapping of crime lord Jabba the Hutt’s son Rotta opens the door for the Jedi and Supreme Chancellor Palpatine to make a deal with the gangster. Despite the misgivings of Jedi Master Mace Windu, they agree that in return for Jabba’s help with the trade routes, the Jedi will send two of their best to rescue the young Huttlet. But the Jedi Knights best suited to the task, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, are bogged down on the planet of Christophsis, with their differing approaches in clear view. Obi-Wan, in particular, is eager for a new Padawan now that Anakin has been elevated to full Knight status. But it is the reluctant Anakin who finds himself with an apprentice in the form of young Jedi-in-training Ahsoka Tano, sent to him by Yoda. While General Skywalker and Ahsoka embark on a mission to sabotage the Separatist’s defenses, Obi-Wan confronts their leader, General Loathsom. Both gambits prove successful and the Republic regains control of the planet.

But in wartime things seldom stay calm and the three are soon off on their missions in relation to Rotta’s kidnapping. Anakin and Ahsoka are sent to the planet of Teth to retrieve the child, while Obi-Wan negotiates with Jabba. The entire affair proves to be a plot by Count Dooku to frame the Jedi and put them in contention with the Hutts. Dooku sends his disciple, Asajj Ventress, to carry out the details of the plan. But following a massive battle, Anakin and Ahsoka (with R2-D2 in tow) rescue Rotta and escape the planet, heading to Tatooine in a battered old freighter so they can reunite Jabba and his son.

Arriving on the planet, they soon split up. Anakin squares off against Count Dooku, leaving Ahsoka to stave off Magna Guards alone. Meanwhile on Coruscant, Anakin’s secret wife, Senator Padme Amidala, attempts to contact Jabba’s uncle, Ziro the Hutt, to ask for his aid in the conflict. She learns that Ziro is in league with Count Dooku and is trying to take over the Hutt clans. Caught eavesdropping, she is imprisoned by Ziro. On Tatooine, Anakin is able to outmaneuver Dooku and the Huttlet is returned to his father, who nonetheless orders the deaths of Anakin and Ahsoka. Padme is rescued by the timely intervention of C-3PO and a squad of Clone Troopers, allowing her to transmit the evidence of Ziro’s treachery to Jabba, saving the two Jedi and foiling the Sith’s plans.

screenplay by Henry Gilroy, Steven Melching & Scott Murphy
directed by Dave Filoni
music by Kevin Kiner / original Star Wars themes by John Williams

Cast: Matt Lanter (Anakin Skywalker), Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano), James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Dee Bradley Baker (Clone Troopers / Captain Rex, etc.), Tom Kane (Yoda / Admiral Yularen), Nika Futterman (Asajj Ventress), Ian Abercrombie (Chancellor Palpatine / Darth Sidious), Corey Burton (General Loathsom / Ziro the Hutt), Catherine Taber (PadmÃƒÂ© Amidala), Matthew Wood (Battle Droids), Kevin Michael Richardson (Jabba the Hutt), Samuel L. Jackson (Mace Windu), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Christopher Lee (Count Dooku)