tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257593436505428001.post9152890087027386797..comments2023-10-07T07:54:03.233-04:00Comments on One Lost Road: Geek Journeys: Star Wars Villain RankingsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11398928097419345757noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257593436505428001.post-32530506794417919782011-11-19T19:25:11.249-05:002011-11-19T19:25:11.249-05:00I definitely agree that DV is #1 with a bullet. Bu...I definitely agree that DV is #1 with a bullet. But I would argue that most of his allure is the mystique he transcends beyond the films themselves. For SWU purposes, I would give the title to Palpetine. As you said, he succeeded where the Sith failed for over 1000 years. <br /><br />Allow me to play Devil's Advocate regarding Darth Vader's success as a villain.<br /><br />DV doesn't really show up till Episode 3. Before that, he's an annoying kid who grows into an annoying teenager. How many Jedi does he actually kill? Not sure. We NEVER see any on screen killing as Darth Vader, it's all inferred. OK, there was that footage where he did kill 2 jedi at the temple, but that hardly warrants being responsible for the destruction of the Jedi Order. In fact, we see more jedi die at the hands of Clonetroopers than Vader.<br /><br />Villains come in two categories. Mastermind, and thug. As a thug, Vader served a purpose, he went to Mustafar to kill the remaining separatist leaders. But is Vader a Mastermind? Well, to qualify as a mastermind, you need intelligence and careful plotting and planning. His plot seemed to be to endorse a war and kill young-lings in order to impress his wife. Did he really think that would impress her? And when it didn't, he had a temper tantrum. Controlling your emotions is another hallmark of a mastermind. Obviously, Vsder is lacking.<br /><br />So, Vader isn't leadership material. This is evident in Episode 4 where he's essentially Grand Moff Tarkin's errand boy. How menacing is Vader? He kills an unarmed Alderaan security officer and a 65 year old hermit who basically allowed Vader to win.<br /><br />Once again Vader shows his lack of thinking. With Leia captured Vader is charged with interrogating her for information about the rebel base. Apparently, even with a mind probe she proves to be resistant. Did Vader forget that he has the Jedi Mind Trick? Couldn't he say "You want to disclose the location of the rebel base." ?????<br /><br />In ESB, Vader is somehow in charge. But this is confusing. First he kills Admiral Ozzel for being too close to the system. Why? Did Ozzel disobey a direct order? If Vader had a better tactic in mind than "a surprise attack" he darn should have instructed the fleet. Vader complains that Ozzel came out of light speed to close to the system. What does that mean? Better to come out further away from Hoth giving the rebels more time to escape before a blockade could be formed? Obviously Vader has no gift for strategy.<br /><br />This is further evident later on in ESB. His plan was to lure Luke by capturing Han, Leia and company. Yet they escape his clutches....AGAIN! What's his excuse? Ohhhh we disabled the hyperdrive on their ship? Why not just disable the WHOLE FRIGGIN SHIP???? Or better yet, impound it. <br /><br />Vader's absent mindedness once again shows up during the confrontation with Luke. We see Vaders power in the ability to move objects with but a thought. Yet, when Luke hurled himself off the ledge, Vader didn't try and Force Grab him?<br /><br />In RotJ, Vader is once again relegated to a non-discript position, becoming the new foreman for the construction of the Death Star. Vader confronts Luke again, and still can't seem to defeat some kid who had 3 weeks training as a Jedi. In the end, Vader dies from an asthma attack. The great villain dies, not with a bang, but with a wheezing whimper.<br /><br />So much, for the great Star Wars villain.Bill Permanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05536377699212722493noreply@blogger.com