2005-05-29 23:03:29
I was seduced by the Dark Side over the past week. I am still in mouring that Star Wars will not be released in Japan until July 9th, but I was able to put to rest the longing I have had for Obi-wan, Anakin, and the gang. In about three days I read, "Labyrinth of Evil" by James Luceno (the prequel), and quickly read "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" by Matthew Woodring Stover (cover to cover in one day). It had been a while since books captivated me.
The thing I like about the SW series novels is that they are extremely well written, and bridge the movies. Part of me wishes that the episode prequels would be made into films (or TV mini-series). I really liked the Episode II prequel, "The Approaching Storm" by Alan Dean Foster, and "Labyrinth of Evil". What I like most about these novels is that they delve into the minds and perspectives of less prominent (but key) characters like Count Dooku, Mace Windu, and General Grievous. You form attatchments to the bad guys, and can understand where their perspectives stem from.
Then there was the seduction of Anakin.
It wasn’t that I didn’t know he was going to turn, but the way it snowballed into conclusions left me feeling dizzy. Part of me *gasp* felt the Jedi got what they deserved because they put too much pressure on Anakin. He used the "prophesy" as an excuse and a crutch to act out, up, and wimp out. I also thought he turned on Obi-wan too easily, as if his didn’t truly care about him. If given the option between the Chancellor and his Master, I thought Anakin would have sense to just walk away from both and be with Padme.
Was it me or was Padme, too, a bit childish in her selfishness about Anakin, the children, and trying to live a double life? Also, for the Star Wars fans out there, can someone explain to my what Leia meant by when she remembered her mother, she said she looked sad? Was she talking about Bail Organa’s wife or was Leia able to see Padme through the Force? From what I gathered from the novel, Padme only lives long enough to name the children.