Replay: A look back at The Empire Strikes Back scene we can’t forget
By Nick K
We’re celebrating 40 years of The Empire Strikes Back with one of the many fantastic scenes from the film.
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back was released in theaters back in 1980. The film continues the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, the droids R2-D2 and C-3P0 and the Rebellion as they continue their valiant fight against the evil galactic Empire.
The film contains many, many great scenes. One in particular is very great but sometimes may become overlooked.
With the group of Han, Leia, Chewbacca and Threepio now in Cloud City on a sudden detour due to ship disrepair, the heroes are greeted and given a tour by baron administer, Lando Calrissian. The tour comes to a sudden halt as Lando Calrissian pauses by a door after ominously boasting, “I’ve just made a deal that will keep the Empire out of here forever.”
The door opens to reveal none other than the dark lord of the Sith, Darth Vader standing at a table. The realization hits; Han Solo fires at Vader, who deflects the bolts. “We would be honored if you would join us,” Vader says. The bounty hunter Boba Fett and a squad of stormtroopers and Lobot step into view to affirm Darth Vader’s invitation.
Han asks Calrissian, “What’s going on buddy?” All Calrissian can say is, “I’m sorry, I had no choice. They arrived just before you did.”
“Well, I’m sorry, too,” Solo responds. The group is taken into custody by the Empire to be used as a lure to get Luke to Cloud City.
What makes this scene so great are several factors:
The unexpected betrayal from Lando. But Solo did say it himself when asked by Leia if Lando could be trusted: “No.”
Lando redeems himself, shortly after his betrayal, but it is too little, too late. However, Lando Calrissian shines heroically in Episode VI — Return of the Jedi.
The scene from Empire is really one of the best, in the film for several reasons.
The grit and never-without-a-fight attitude from Solo — who, no matter the enemy or how many the number, would put up a fight, even if he knew it was a losing battle. Never tell him the odds!
The wit and commanding presence of Darth Vader: If the Sith want something, they get it!
Boba Fett’s presence proves how die-hard and cunning he is. Where the other bounty hunters fail, Boba Fett succeeds.
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This is hands-down one of the best scenes from the film The Empire Strikes Back. With such fierceness, it does indeed show the Empire strikes back — with a vengeance.