The Dark Empire Trilogy

[ElvenSkywalker83]

The Dark Empire trilogy has WAY more controversy than I thought it would have when I watched the first two audio and comic videos on YouTube. I've not been able to watch the last one, but I guess I can kinda see how people don't like it.
I liked it though, and I feel that Luke's 'fall' is more in character than Jake Skywalker ever was.

So people have a problem with Luke's abrupt fall, but he didn't fall to the Dark Side at all. After being captured Luke was alone besides Artoo, and unless Artoo suddenly shows signs of Force Sensitivity he is Luke's loyal but not very helpful friend in this trial. Darth Sidious was still far more powerful than the Jedi, so Luke opted for self preservation and pretended to join the Dark Side. After this we see Luke countless times using his position to sabotage the Dark Empire and all these crazy weapons they got. That doesn't sound like Luke has given himself fully to Sidious' teachings although he is dabbling in the Dark Side to keep up the facade. (Which will affect his life til The Hand of Thrawn)

I hate how Luke Force Choked Han too, I truly do, but Han was being a real jerk in this story no matter how protective he is of Leia and their unborn Anakin. Like dude, Luke's sacrificing everything and you've no faith in your bestfriend?
Anyways, what I'm getting at, is when Luke is given the choice he does not hesitate to destroy Sidious' clones, and of course gets defeated by the last one and ends up getting mentally tortured into submission. That part broke my heart.

I really like that despite Luke Skywalker's power, even after ROTJ he is still getting saved by his sister and friends, and he learns the value of having others there to help him when Leia helps Luke out of Sidious' Dark Side manipulation. It's a lesson Luke goes on to continue learning, but he is always reminded that he never has to go through trials alone. Dark Empire's true purpose seemed to have been for Luke to learn that lesson, and if just for that it is a beloved story for me.

What do you think of the Dark Empire Trilogy?

[TheDutchman]

Admittedly it's been decades but I seem to remember that I actually enjoyed the Dark Empire arc of Luke's journey.  I also felt that his time as the Emperor's apprentice elicited for Luke an understanding that the Jedi Order as a whole was deficient in, and in that doing so it would allow Luke to become the Jedi Master that--as a kid--I hoped that he'd become.  Here would be a Forceuser that had straddled the duality of both the Light and Dark Sides to emerge a better Jedi, one that the Order could rebuild as a stronger and better organization, inaugurating a golden age.

The only characterization that I disagreed with was that of Han, certainly as compared to the movies.  And while I considered that to be a big misstep for the story, I thought that the trajectory of Luke and Leia was perfect for the Skywalker Saga, true pathos for the Hero's Journey.  And I have to admit: I liked the fact that the Emperor was the villain (as I'd only really seen his character in RotJ I felt that he hadn't yet lived up to his potential as the Bigger Bad of the SW Universe).

I really like that despite Luke Skywalker's power, even after ROTJ he is still getting saved by his sister and friends, and he learns the value of having others there to help him when Leia helps Luke out of Sidious' Dark Side manipulation. It's a lesson Luke goes on to continue learning, but he is always reminded that he never has to go through trials alone. Dark Empire's true purpose seemed to have been for Luke to learn that lesson, and if just for that it is a beloved story for me.

I also agree with this, in fact I believe that this conflict is what drives the SW Saga, especially as I remember the OT.

It's just too bad that Disney decided to do away with so much of the EU (now Legends).  I have to say that thus far, I am underwhelmed to say the least.

Thanks for reminding me of just how much I enjoy(ed) the EU of SW from back in the day 

[ElvenSkywalker83]

Aw another fan! XD it's not often I find someone who actually likes/appreciates this arc in Luke and Leia's journey! And I agree, Luke was able to gain insight about what he wanted and did not want from his academy and the journeys his Jedi would face. I also liked that the consequences of this story would carry on with Luke and affect his outlook on the Force and himself.

Indeed, Han felt a little too protective of Leia and colder towards Luke, so much so that Luke had to forcefully shut Han up... super scary stuff. I definitely liked how Sidious returned too, indeed back then fans were only exposed to a fraction of Sidious' power in ROTJ. His powers in DE was INSANE! I loved it!

It really is, imagine how awesome it would have been to see Leia and Luke versus Sidious on the big screen! The only content Disney has made that intrigues me thus far has been Darth Vader Marvel comics. We could definitely use the creativity and passion that came with the EU.

You're welcome! Always glad to remind others of our original lore!