3 Things To Look For In Rogue One

With tomorrow being the opening night for Rogue One, there is a distinct thrill in the air.

All over social media, throughout commercials and even permeating news shows, Rogue One has been discussed almost everywhere.

The reviews are fantastic, the fanbase is hungry and Rogue One is ready to satisfy.

I fully expect this movie to be as masterful, exciting and entertaining as everything we’ve been hearing.

In fact, I’ll go so far to say I think I am more excited to see Rogue one than I was to see The Force Awakens…

Big statement right there.

This movie is going to be a big one and with it comes expectations. Now I’m not talking about how it will fare, I’m saying expectations on what we will see!

Here’s some things to look for…

3. How will the beginning of the Rebel movement compete with the Empire?

Without the Force to aid their cause at this point how will the early-stage Rebels compete with the Empire?

Extremely crafty and guerrilla style warfare will be very pertinent for the Rebels to survive.

Remember, at this point in the saga the Rebellion is most certainly established but they are without a surefire victory that allows them to draw attention to themselves thus boosting their numbers of enlistment.

Not to mention the Rebels have done little in the realm of hurting the Empire. Sure they’ve caused major headaches for Imperials everywhere and limited their growth here and there but they have yet to unleash a signature devastating blow that even the Emperor feels.

How will they do it and will we see some sort of that magic in Rogue One?

2. The evils of Krennic.

Orson Krennic is in charge of getting the Death Star’s super laser operable. What lengths will the Director of the Galaxy’s most feared weapon go to?

It’s clear from “Catalyst” that he stopped at nothing to get what he felt was his but in Rogue One I assume he’s willing and capable of going a step further than that.

Does that mean the wife of Galen Erso, Lyra finally encounters that “accident” that Krennic so badly wanted her to have?

It was clear during the book that he was under major pressure from the Empire’s higher ups but in Rogue One it’s safe to say the pressure Orson Krennic will be under is immense.

There’s very little mention of Vader and Krennic together in the book but in the movie it will be a different story!

I think the trailers tell us enough!

1. Will Vader be unleashed?

For so long now we’ve heard that this is the coming out party for Darth Vader. That finally our imagination of what the man in the suit is fully capable of takes form.

Will we truly get to see the thunderous blade of crimson death ripping through flesh and bone? Or will we see a more lenient version of Vader’s powers as he still sets an example with the Rebels but in a more tamed way?

I’d like to imagine a scene where it’s quiet, there’s a band of Rebels in a secluded area with high grass separating them from everything else when out of nowhere Lord Vader takes the stage and absolutely decimates the traitors with his mighty blade.

How epic would that be??

PREDICTION!

The one prediction I have for Rogue One and I know this isn’t going too far out on a limb but I believe in some form or way we will see Princess Leia or maybe the Tantive IV getting ready to take off at the end of the movie.

Of course we know the first scene in the franchise is the epic chase with Vader’s flagship The Devastator chasing down Bail Organa’s Tantive IV in attempts to recapture the stolen Death Star plans.

With that being the entire premise of Rogue One, it’s possible we see what happens right before The Devastator does go in pursuit of the Tantive IV.

Final Word

Finally the movie is upon us.

After so much speculation we finally will have the first ever standalone Star Wars film.

I want to take this time to sincerely wish everyone who watches Rogue One tomorrow a great time filled with memorable moments that will last a lifetime.

This is my 100th blog post so for my readers, thank you.

Until next time Star Wars fans.

-Sith Pacify out

The Villain We’ve Been Waiting For

In six days, the much anticipated and first of its kind Star Wars standalone film drops in the United States.

Rogue One features the story before the original story that we all know and love.

Set just before A New Hope, the movie follows the (for lack of a better term) rebellious Jyn Erso as she joins up with the Rebellion in order to ascertain the information so desperately needed on this “imminent” weapons test.

Of course we know this weapons test is the diabolical world-eater or better known as the Death Star.

But who is behind this mechanical contraption from hell that seems to take on a life of it’s own?

None other than the awesomely infamous Orson Krennic…

The man in the white cape that you see in all the trailers is Krennic. Responsible for the Death Star’s completion and the overseer of the laser, Krennic is a higher up in the increasingly evil Empire.

A week ago today I took on the task of finishing the brilliant James Luceno written book Catalyst in preparation for the release of Rogue One.

As I have 20 pages left, my prime and number one thought of the book is directly in relation to Orson Krennic…

The electric personality and devious attitude of Krennic’s is something we haven’t seen since well…Tarkin!

With class and an air of royalty Orson Krennic has an aura of regal power.

His intelligence is inspiring and his quick wit is exceptional. A character of Krennic’s stature is a surefire home run for Star Wars fans.

Undoubtedly, I expect him to be at the center of attention whenever Krennic is on the screen. He lives for the moment, his analysis of his surroundings is impeccable and his actions are as precises as his cape is white.

What makes the Empire so evil that they’re cool is their crisp and flawless display of order and power.

The Imperial Officers radiate stern discipline mixed with intense ambition hellbent on burning the Galaxy down all the while looking sophisticated and sharp as ever.

This is Krennic in a nutshell. His rise to power is not due to a muscular, taut physique or a gifted skill that sets him apart from just about anybody.

No what sets him apart is his tireless attitude and his insatiable hunger for power and recognition.

He is crafty as he is guile and his smooth haughtiness reigns supreme.

Obsessed with the Death Star’s completion, Krennic will risk everything for the ultimate of achievement of being recognized as the father of the ultimate weapon.

However, if you cross him and become subject to his wrath you might feel nothing…then again you probably won’t feel a thing as his enemies had a talent for succumbing to horrible and tragic “accidents”.

What’s more to say? Krennic wields more power than most know.

It’s one thing to be a danger of a man with great importance but it’s the ones who enjoy high profile status and have zero hesitation in doing what is deemed necessary, for the “good” of the people.

Those individuals are truly terrifying.

And I got splendid news for you all, Krennic is that type of man.

Besides seeing Vader and his swashbuckling prowess, Orson Krennic wins the title for my “most interesting man” award.

Just wait and see, Krennic will bring the heat and we will bask in his fiery passions.

-Sith Pacify out

 

The Importance of Star Wars Novels

Exactly 25 months ago I began my mission.

My goal was to read any and every Star Wars book I could get my hands on. 

Like so many around the world, I’ve been a lifelong Star Wars fan since I was very young. But when it came to reading, I never had any interest. 

Even if I was reading something that was of supreme interest to me I always found it difficult to follow through and read the entire book. 

Well after 25 months of taking up Star Wars books, I’m up to 38. 

So you might say to yourself, “Who cares? Why are these books important anyways?”

I’ll tell you…

For starters, so much of the information out there in the Star Wars universe, maybe about 60% of it all derives from the fantastic novels.

So if you care about Star Wars, this information is so very important.

Whether it’s the backstories to Revan and Malgus or the tales and adventures of Darth Maul and Darth Bane, these books are the vital lifelines to the characters we know and love.

Without the fantastic writings of James Luceno we would never know much about Darth Plagueis. 

If it wasn’t for John Jackson Miller’s masterpiece of a novel in Kenobi we would forever wonder what occurred on Tatooine after Anakin and Obi-Wan’s fateful duel.

These authors deserve the credit and the accolades that books of their caliber render. 

Over the next six months we will see some pretty epic titles be released. 

In August to be exact, the second book in Chuck Wendig’s trilogy, Aftermath: Life Debt was released (should be arriving at my door this week.) 

And later on in the year we will get a tantalizing novel on Ahsoka Tano as well as an intriguing novel of Rogue One. 

As the days, weeks, months and years pass by it seems that we continue to receive more material that is getting deeper and bolder.

If I were to analyze the future of Star Wars novels I would imagine seeing intricate stories and attention grabbing themes continue to be produced. 

With that being said, here’s to the future.

For the continued longevity of Star Wars and the stories that their fabulous army of writers continue to produce.

-Sith Pacify out

The Lasting Power of Darth Bane

Throughout the Sith lineage the Galaxy has seen some tremendous eras.

From Andeddu, to Revan and Malak, to Malgus and Ruin, all the way to Darth Bane. The true Sith legends are few and far between, yet they helped shape the Force as we know it.

The Galaxy is forever tainted and permeated with the Dark Side thanks to these individuals.

Yet it’s Darth Bane who is the most significant.

The true beauty of Bane’s achievements and thought process is his innate ability to put his Order first.

I feel confident in saying Darth Bane had a direct effect on the Sith more than anybody.

To think that the Rule of Two was completely thought of, implemented and remained thanks to Bane is an achievement like none other.

Bane was a self serving, egomaniac yet still put the future of the Sith before himself even if it meant his own demise.

That type of behavior is completely unheard of from a Sith.

In a way, Bane had that aspect of his character in line with the Jedi and their own thought process.

In their selflessness and generosity, the Jedi and Bane had more in common than they would ever know.

Not only was Darth Bane a revolutionary but he was also a dominantly imposing bringer of death on the battlefield.

Standing at 2 meters tall Bane was a mountain of a man. His sheer brute strength was legendary and his ferocity unmatched.

Yet in addition to his massive size, he also boasted an agile and deceivingly quick repertoire.

Bane’s lightsaber mastery was one of the best. It was his swordsmanship that sets him apart from other Sith legends.

As he learned from one of the true elite lightsaber masters on Korriban, Darth Bane truly became an expert with his blade.

His tenacity, mindset and muscular frame made him an unstoppable force that wreaked havoc like a runaway storm.

My favorite aspect of Darth Bane’s arsenal of fearsome firepower was his Force lightning.

Described as crackling violet bolts of pure Dark Side singeing energy arcing through the air in a practically instantaneous manner, Bane’s devastation was relentless.

His diversity in his use of the Force lightning was fascinating as well.

In some instances he used it in short quick bursts to continuously barrage his adversaries and other times he gathered up his strength and power only to release a charge of thicker and even more vibrant strikes that would melt flesh and rip through solid rock.

Bane’s willpower was a powerful part of his being.

His devotion towards his master plans required concentration levels beyond comprehension. Bane was not one to receive many visions of the future yet he was still able to piece together the groundwork that would eventually see the Sith rule the Galaxy.

I think it’s important to give Darth Bane the credit that he deserves.

To be an unparalleled fear-inspiring force on the battlefield is one thing but the fact that he was also extremely intelligent is something completely else.

Bane was a hunter of Sith artifacts in his pursuit of knowledge. He knew that the texts and scriptures of those gifted in the Dark Side that came before him would allow him to further the Sith and fortify himself.

It was none other than Darth Bane who was able to effectively use the ancient Sith technique of Darth Andeddu’s, the Essence of Transfer.

Revealed in Andeddu’s Sith holocron, Bane took advantage of its teachings and carried out its powers.

Unfortunately, at the end of the final trilogy of the Bane series we are left with a bit of a cliffhanger…

As Bane and Zannah, his apprentice, go at it to see who will be the future of the Sith, Bane attempts to take over her body.

In what almost seems inconceivable Bane completes the transformation and casts out his apprentice’s soul to the void.

Yet this is where it ends. From what I have seen, there is no more information on if this really is the case or if Bane ever dies..

All  I know is Darth Bane is a total bad ass and is one of the true legends of all time within the Sith.

-Sith Pacify out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Star Wars to ABC in Primetime!?

This past week, ABC President Channing Dungey made waves in the Galaxy as she responded to a question at the Television Critics Association on whether she’d want a Star Wars primetime show.

She responded with…

“Oh, as a fan, I would absolutely love to say yes, the conversations with Lucas, we have had conversations with them and will continue to have conversations with them. I think it would be wonderful if we could find a way to extend that brand into our programming.”

So what does this mean for Star Wars? Well two things come to mind.

1. The growth of Star Wars.
2. Too big too soon?

Star Wars has never been bigger. Whether you tribute it to the boost of life Disney gave the franchise after acquiring it in 2012 or just the “can’t get enough” appetite of millennials everywhere, (just kidding) Star Wars is MASSIVE.

It seems that no matter what is being thrown out there, fans are devouring it and demanding more.

The Force Awakens was easy proof of that. With the film being the fastest movie to ever gross $1 billion and the biggest worldwide opening weekend and single weekend ever, it’s clear the love for Star Wars is tremendous.

It’s interesting though…Star Wars first started in the 70’s and now more than four decades later it’s at its height of popularity.

The unique nature of Star Wars is that the layoff from episodes VI to I spanned 16 years. Instead of the fan base cooling and dissipating, it only grew in numbers and passion as the world needed more.

As new information is revealed on what the details of a new Star Wars show could entail, it’s only obvious that a live action type of deal will be the format.

With their already being Star Wars Rebels out and other smaller Star Wars shows, it’s time for a real program to be made.

That brings me to my next point…

With all this talk of a new primetime Star Wars show possibly becoming a reality, is there any truth to potential oversaturation?

If you think about it? There very well could be something to be said by all that.

With Star Wars releasing TFA in December 2015, Rogue One due to be released in four months and Episode VIII coming to the big screens in December 2017, is it a bit too much to add a primetime show?

I’m no expert in market vulnerability and entertainment supply and demand trends but I would normally think…yes! It sounds way too much!

With people getting this thrown at them this way, that coming in from over there and that thing blindsiding its way over…it sounds way too much!

BUT

This is Star Wars we’re talking about.

One of the biggest franchise’s the world has ever seen. Not only is the popularity obviously there but the minds behind the magic are the best in the business.

Disney knows what they’re doing and if they feel like they can take on a major role for Star Wars with a primetime audience? Go for it!

To be honest, I think this is a phenomenon that all major franchises will follow in the future.

Disney through Star Wars is setting the standard on how you deal with an established fan base and grow it tenfold.

Everything has been operated perfectly. Nothing is surprising to me anymore when it comes to Star Wars taking on new ventures. It’s obvious this is the time to cultivate the future foundation for the franchise and Disney is taking full advantage.

I think a primetime show would be a thing of pure visual beauty.

But until it’s offical, I’d rather not get my hopes up!

Certainly seems like we’re heading in the right direction though…

-Sith Pacify out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Never Ending Disappointment of Star Wars Battlefront

Eight months ago we finally received a new Star Wars Battlefront game. The anticipation was just about as intense as I have seen when it comes to new video games.

I can remember other big video game releases in which it seemed like everyone was beyond excited for its eventual arrival.

Unfortunately, when the game dropped the enthusiasm would inevitably follow as over time more of us began to realize how disappointing the gameplay was.

As it has been mentioned a million times Battlefront is a carbon copy of Battlefield.

The lives of the characters are expendable, there’s no real strategy to playing and luck seems to be more valuable than skill.

What’s even more maddening is I believe Battlefield games are 10x better than Battlefront!

The fact that the environment is in play as in some buildings and other materials are capable of being leveled is fantastic.

In the world of Star Wars Battlefront, you shoot a powerful rocket launcher at small crates and nothing happens besides a small little black mark.

In Battlefield you get the fantastic option of customizing your weapon’s add-ons to increase its power. In Battlefront whatcha got is what ya got…

Not to mention the fact that Battlefront was released with four maps!

To be fair, the expansion packs have been very entertaining and interesting to say the least but you know what? You had to dish out some serious dough for that! Not cool!

Just look at this graphic as this version of Battlefront is compared with the old one…

How ridiculous and offensive is that? The obnoxiousness is endless!

Maybe one of my biggest gripes with Battlefront is the fact that there are so many useless game modes.

The way I see it, if it’s not supremacy, sabotage, occasional walker assault and once in a blue moon fighter squadron, it’s not worth playing.

It’s also pretty clear that the original blueprints for Battlefront as in games one and two that were released in ’05 and ’06 were consulted for about 10 minutes…

What irks me too is the changing of the way bases are captured.

In the old days of Battlefront, the game would start and you could immediately go after your opponent’s main base. Not only was it more difficult and took longer to convert to one of your own but if you did complete the task of taking the base, you would have a serious advantage.

This game gives you one option: one base at a time…

Awful. God awful.

The creativity, the strategy and the free-flowing play all went out the window.

This version of Star Wars Battlefront has about only one advantage on the old ones and that’s graphics and sounds.

There’s no denying the stunning aesthetics of this game. The colors are vibrant, the explosions are epic and the sounds throughout the game are very impressive.

But besides that, I honestly can’t think of much more they got right.

Okay maybe the additions of new hero and villain characters such as Dengar, Nien Nunb, Greedo and Lando are awesome, I won’t deny that.

But man, DICE really dropped the ball on this one.

As the DLC continues to be released, I find myself constantly thinking “will they just change the game to the old one already?”

I know I’m slightly ranting here but I also find it mind-numbing that the old school classic look of the scoring bar was taken out completely.

It was so simple yet so effective and perfect. The system now with just bases and time is played out.

I also think some of the Hutt contracts are useless and too difficult to get.

The quest you must endure to unlock some of these items are painstakingly annoying!

I just want to unlock new guns and use them in the heat of battle, not randomly throw smoke grenades or kill an enemy as I’m standing in this specific area or something.

It takes away from the overall idea of you’re playing the video game for fun and not a contest to win.

What separated the new and the old Battlefront games in my eyes however is the fact that one had a form of a story mode or a player vs computer ability as the newer one had an extremely repetitive and boring survival mode.

The recently added game mode of skirmish is severely lacking. It seems that even when DICE goes to fix its problems they still can’t get things right.

For example, I played skirmish walker assault last night and you know what happened? I got the hero icon right away and played as Nien Nunb…I ended up surviving the entire game and going 189 and 0…

You might say that sounds fun and maybe it was at first but you know what? It was pathetically boring.

I guess what I’m trying to say is Battlefront I and II were 10/10 games for me and so many others. This new Battlefront, even with the updates is so weak and seems to stay on the same level of disappointing.

It’s way too one dimensional as it’s lacking so much material that was there over 10 years ago!

They could have simply taken the old game, upgraded the graphics and added some characters and boom! All would be good.

Another crazy mishap that Battlefront boasts is the restrictions of having original trilogy-based characters only…

Now I understand that supposedly DICE was not granted permission to use Episode VII characters but what happened to the prequel heroes and villains!?

It’s well documented that many Star Wars fans took exception to Episodes I-III (which is crazy in itself) but the characters in those movies are epic and deserve to be everywhere.

From Darth Maul and General Grievous to Plo Koon and Mace Windu, it’s painful to not see them in this game.

Just spoof up the graphics and let the awesomeness commence!

As for now, I guess we’ll just have to settle for what we’ve got: a mediocre moneymaker that has the title of “Star Wars” on it.

I’ve always been an eternal optimist but in this case it’s pretty difficult.

Here’s to better games in the future! Please!

-Sith Pacify out

 

 

 

 

 

 

What To Expect In The New Rogue One Trailer

With the Star Wars Celebration taking place in London this week, we will get another look at Rogue One.

This Friday on ABC a one hour special titled  “Secrets of the Force Awakens” will air and at some point in that broadcast we will get a look at the next Rogue One trailer.

But what will we see?

Besides the storyline of Resistance efforts to steal the Empire’s plans for the Death Star, there’s very little known on what exactly we can expect.

The first trailer gave us some epic shots of awesomeness and some new characters, but besides that we’re still very much in the dark.

Before I continue I want to first say that Disney is the absolute best at keeping movie details under wraps until the films are released.

For instance, with The Force Awakens we all had no clue what was going to happen.

I would expect the same with RO.

Before you start to think of what will be seen in the next trailer, it’s important to see the parallels with TFA.

The second TFA trailer was released last in April 2015 during the Star Wars celebration in California.

As you can see, the trailer had almost nothing of substance.

Normally I would suggest the same thing will occur with RO’s next trailer but you know what? I don’t think that’s the case.

With the TFA, things were different. We all knew the six Star Wars movies like the back of our hands.

We were searching and craving for any little snippet of picture time that showcased our favorite characters and vigorously searched far and wide for any plot twists.

That’s exactly why the trailers for the movie were so vanilla. They were released knowing that the public would eat up anything Star Wars related.

But as I said earlier with RO, there’s very little known information on what is to come.

That brings me to my next point. Because there’s a real lack of knowledge, I fully expect to see something mind blowing, something that we will be talking about for months to come.

What could that exactly be?Maybe more screen time for the man in the white cape?  What about a demonstration of sheer might from the Empire? Or maybe an appearance of Darth Vader!?

All of these possibilities would be pretty epic but the last one is what I’m hoping for.

But on the realistic side of things I’m not sure exactly if that would really happen.

Would it make sense for RO to show their biggest and most popular character in only the second trailer?

Honestly I’m not sure.

With TFA, probably the biggest takeaway was the deformed helmet of Darth Vader and the hearing of Luke’s voice.

Looking back that was pretty major considering Kylo Ren is Luke’s nephew and the second trailer clearly foreshadowed that pretty big nugget with Luke’s line of “The Force is strong in my family.”

It’s almost a sure bet we will see something similar in this trailer with RO considering that Disney is very high on symmetry.

But think about it. What else do you want to see in RO that has not been mentioned before.

I know what I would want and that’s an appearance of the Emperor.

It would definitely make sense. With the amount of resources the Empire sunk into the Death Star and the amount of importance it holds for them, you would expect the top man to be around right?

I do believe Palpatine will be in RO but my one concern is I’m not sure if he will be in the second trailer or even the third.

It might be showing your cards too early and when it comes to Star Wars, rookie mistakes like that are never made.

You ever see a trailer for a movie like a Marvel Comics superhero flick where it feels like it’s 35 minutes long and by the time it’s over you’re almost under the impression that you just saw all the good parts??

Yea well Star Wars doesn’t have that ridiculousness…

Star Wars decision makers do it right and something they are absolutely famous for is not revealing anything too important.

I do believe RO is a different animal because it is so new but I wouldn’t be that surprised if we do see something pretty spectacular in the trailer since I’m sure they’re wanting to build up the buzz.

In the end, what will we see?

Main characters of other previous films? Possibly.

Parts of intense fighting scenes? Probably.

Could their be some hints leading to something major? I fully expect it.

 

All I know is I’m excited for Friday.

RO will be fantastic and I just can’t wait to learn more.

-Sith Pacify out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Significance Of The Empire’s Depiction In Rogue One

On this day of independence, we as Americans reflect on what it means to be free from oppression and injustice.

With that being said, today got me thinking about the Empire and how their portrayal in Rogue One should play out.

For starters, Rogue One is supposed to have a much darker look to it compared to the past seven Star Wars films.

Now understand this: We know of the Empire to be overbearing, controlling, cruel and manipulative.

But besides some scenes like Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru’s death and the obliteration of Alderaan, we have seen relatively few depictions of the Empire’s oppressive nature.

RO should change that. Right from the start we need to see the decimation of civilians, of the common folk.

So far in all films we’ve seen military targets and Rebel Alliance members in the cross hairs of the Empire, but where’s the foul treatment to the everyday people?

Star Wars Rebels did a fantastic job in showing what everyday life is like living under the Empire.

But to see it on the big screen? Now that would be spectacular.

You might be asking yourself, “Who cares? What does it matter how the people of the land get treated.”

Well, it’s important and I’ll tell you why.

First, horrid treatment and oppressive regimes always build up enough anger and hatred amongst the people that actions are taken.

We know what the end result is in Star Wars of course but the beginning is so vital for the story because it shows us how cruelty and blatant greed emanating from a crooked government did them in in the end.

Second, we get to see why the war between the Empire and the Rebels started.

Of course we know why, I mean it’s a state bred on fear within the Empire!

But we will get to see the incidences on a small level. The local injustices, those who lost their land just because some governing Moff wanted more property or a village shot up and burned down because they didn’t accept the totalitarian rule.

Lastly, the response of the state.

With the news of Darth Vader returning, we have our executioner.

The Grand Moff Tarkin once said  “We will crush the Rebellion with one swift stroke.”

The parallels between this line and the image of Vader’s lightsaber flashing as he cuts down Rebel after terrified Rebel are very telling.

You see, the Empire doesn’t play any games.

Sure they don’t want people to see them as they absolutely cripple their enemies with sheer brute force but you know what? This is their world, we’re just living in it.

RO must show this side of The Empire.

It is so very key that we see the crushing hatred of the Empire spewing out and being forced upon all who live under their reign.

We also must see The Empire as an unstoppable force mutilating the enemy. 

These two ingredients will make RO a special movie.

Let’s take the political correctness out of Star Wars and let’s show what happens when a band of Rebels steps up against tyranny of a fire-breathing monster in The Empire.

-Sith Pacify out

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why It Was Absolutely Imperative For a Darth Vader Return in Rogue One

With exactly 173 days away from the next Star Wars feature, the world is preparing for its most unique and abstract storyline yet.

The first of its kind, Star Wars: Rogue One will take place immediately before A New Hope as the Rebellion scrambles to acquire plans for the Empire’s newest and most sinister weapon, the Death Star.

With a familiar feel of an original trilogy return, we are bound to see old friends and foes as they grace the screen with their fantastic presence.

Might we see a young Han Solo? Possibly.

A regal Princess Leia? Could be.

But that one character who we all can’t get enough of? Yes, he has officially been confirmed.

Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith, fallen Jedi and the faceless visage of evil will be a mainstay in Rogue One.

I’m not one to keep up with the endless swirl of rumors surrounding Star Wars but when this broke and the news was out that Vader will return, I found myself fist pumping and jumping to the skies.

It’s no secret that the popularity of Darth Vader has him forever etched in the pantheon of all-time movie greats but what does this do for Rogue One?

Does this change things?

To be honest and to put it rather bluntly, I think a lot of us knew this was coming for quite some time.

Regardless when it would announced however, this most definitely catapults this movie into rarefied air.

Darth Vader is to Star Wars as fireworks are to the Fourth of July.

He is the most important quintessential piece to Star Wars in any capacity.

Hey, there is a reason why the next trilogy (Ep. VII, VIII, IX) is based on Vader’s legacy…

What he brings to the table that the minds behind all Star Wars material realized is pure, untapped entertainment that can revitalize a previously visited time period that needed an extra spark.

Don’t get me wrong, even without Vader in Rogue One I still think the film would have been extremely successful.

But with the man in the suit donning the screens again Star Wars recaptures some of that original flare that made this franchise so dynamic.

In the last couple of months there has been talk of a “darker” Star Wars movie.

Something where brutality and mutilation are rampant and shrill screams of agony stained with the stench of fear are everywhere.

 

So I’ll say it again…Why is it important that Vader is in Rogue One?

Simple. Vader is fear, Vader is death, Vader is the human representation of all these emotions bundled together in a wrecking ball of a cyborg-like human being.

He brings to the table what the movie needs. Without reinventing the wheel, Rogue One has their swashbuckling villain all warmed up and ready to go.

Movies like these, and when I say “movies like these” I mean movies that are part of a longstanding series that are all in a single direction and then a new one comes along marching on a different path.

A movie like Rogue One needs a galvanizing force.

It needs someone who moviegoers will continuously sit on the edges of their seats desperately waiting for the first appearance of this attention-grabbing character.

Vader owns this factor and so much more.

Not to mention the fact that he is the perfect hunter to go after these “plan stealing Rebels” but hey, he ties the whole story together!

Darth Vader’s presence will elevate everything related to Rogue One and then some…

He’s a man of torture and results. Someone who enjoys others pain.

Ever since he was birthed by the fiery brimstone and molten lava rivers of Mustafar Vader has craved the brutal destruction of others.

With the Dark Lord, everything just adds up.

If you start to analyze what the movie would look like without a Darth Vader and maybe someone that is similar to Darth Vader in the form of a punisher, things start to look a little strange.

For starters, the timeline of the movie would mean that Vader is in his absolute prime. He’s at the height of his killing and mangling.

It would be at the point in time when he is still unaware of his offspring’s survival which therefore wouldn’t take up his time, the wounds and the death of Anakin Skywalker would still be relatively fresh in his mind and his orders by the Emperor would still be to spread fear.

Is it just me or does that almost sum up the Empire’s approach to Rogue One perfectly!?

I know I’m supposed to make a case why he must be in this movie but it’s virtually impossible to omit Vader from the script.

I mean, during this time in the Galaxy Vader is the face of the Empire emanating vile hatred.

To many of the people around the universe he is public enemy number one.

With that being said, of course Darth Vader will be in it!

If by some terrible mistake Vader was not in Rogue One, in being a Star Wars superfan I would see the movie no matter what.

But when you tell me that it’s going to be a “darker” more visual movie and Darth Vader will be a mainstay, you can count me in every day of the week.

-Sith Pacify out

 

Official Sith Pacify Power Rankings: #1

The 1st and top character for the Official Sith Pacify Power Rankings is…Anakin Skywalker!

Anakin Skywalker Overall = 99

For this case, I consider this version of Anakin Skywalker to be the man before he donned the suit. 

He is the chosen one, he is what the prophecy speaks of, he is the greatest.

From the very first time Anakin Skywalker was introduced to us, we knew he was beyond special.

With the highest midi-chlorian count ever recorded in a force-user, Skywalker had the necessary foundation to launch himself to supreme dominance of cataclysmic proportions.

With fluidity and poise matched with never ending potential, Anakin was a light that was brighter than any other.

Yet with all his prowess, he was constantly tormented with relentless demons.

At the center of perfect irony, Skywalker was forced to make difficult choices. Choices that he would always regret.

From leaving his mother behind on Tatooine to struggling with his connection to Padmé as well as his undying quest to prove himself, Anakin Skywalker’s life would continue the trend of ups and downs.

But with all his pain he continued to progress in his abilities.

Day after day, week after week, Anakin’s command of the Force paired with his athleticism was truly eye opening.

Unfortunately for Anakin because of his lacky of humility and eccentric personality, his progress was met with cautious apprehension amongst his peers.

Always looking to be appreciated and loved Anakin inevitably fell in with the wrong crowd.

Of course it’s easy for us to say, considering Palpatine came across as nothing but a genuinely sweet and caring elderly man, he would inevitably be the final nail in the coffin that would be Anakin Skywalker and the birth of Darth Vader.

Characteristics

• Athletic Ability (Strength, 100/100)- Perhaps only rivaled by his own son, no one could reach the heights of Anakin when it came to the feats that his body was capable of. Lean muscle absolutely pulsating with tremendous ability, strength, speed and power were all powerful tools that the young man was able to call upon. Even at such a young age he was keeping pace with legendary, grizzled Jedi veterans with little to no effort. The skill set of Anakin’s wasn’t unique, it was his age with his skill set that made him unique. It just goes to show, the talented Anakin Skywalker was one of a kind.
• Force Unleashed (Strength, 100/100)- Characters like Yoda or the Emperor might have had more discipline or knowledge of the Force but it’s those like Anakin who are the most unpredictable and deadly. You know how some people have different levels of how hard they are battling? As in they’re about to “go into an extra gear”? Well Skywalker had no ceilings or limitations. Even when he didn’t know exactly what he was doing, he could still call upon the Force and unleash hell on anything that stood in his path to what he desired. 
• Art of the lightsaber (Strength, 100/100)- As if the very weapon was an extension of himself, Anakin’s mastery of a lightsaber is the epitome of impressive. His dazzling performances on the battlefields of the Clone Wars made the bloody conflict look almost like a performance of a musical presentation. The flowing light of the weapon, the gracefulness mixed with violent hammering was a thing of beauty. Also, because he was so physically gifted, he could truly call upon any form and dominate. That’s pretty rare, but when you find out it’s Anakin Skywalker who owns that ability, it’s almost expected.   
• Gift of Influence (Strength, 98/100)- Skywalker had the ability that allowed everyone around him to rise to the occasion. In the thick of battle Anakin just made those around him better. Through his energy and constant heart, his allies would subconsciously put in the extra effort and turn the dynamic of the team around from an already force to be reckoned with to an unstoppable wave. That’s what the great ones do, they allow those around them to grow and make no mistake, Anakin is the greatest.
•  Emotional Ties (Weakness, 0/100)- As if it was a terminal illness, Anakin was the epitome of an emotional being. As I stated earlier, the losses of his mother, his embattled relationship between Padmé and the Jedi as well as his friendship with the Supreme Chancellor would eventually be his undoing. There was no escaping it. The moment young Skywalker, looking disheveled as ever, walked away from his mother on his home planet of Tatooine, a ticking time bomb initiated. His relentless search for love, belonging and appreciation would prove to be too much in the end as he would ultimately be consumed by his thirst for power and practically self destruct. 
• Youth and Ignorance (Weakness, 15/100)- To understand this weakness in Anakin’s character you have to look at him as a whole. He was a young teenager who was thrown into a position of real power and importance as he entered the Clone Wars. Never lacking confidence Anakin did his best and tried his hardest to always succeed. Of course someone as young as he was was bound to eventually fail. Now when this failure arrived, Anakin did not have the mental maturity to look at it as natural and inevitable. Instead he pushed himself to never fail, never lose and never be anything but the best. The effect this mindset had on Skywalker was devastating. Because Anakin knew and understood how exceptional he was, he was no stranger to insubordination. In fact, the young Jedi was often at odds with his superiors or just authority in general. Never able to appreciate his greatness as well as failing to follow simple orders, this was a recipe for disaster. 

Intangibles

• Rage (Strength/Weakness, 95/100)- Even though Anakin belonged to the Jedi, he always belonged more to his own ideals than anything else. Emotion or more specifically anger and hatred is something that is obviously frowned upon within the Order. But with Anakin, when pushed past his limits he would fully give in to his feelings and emotions and he would emerge as a fire-spitting, hate engulfed man hellbent on destroying anything in his way. We saw it when his mother was discovered and dies in his arms, we saw it when he returns to the temple after Order 66 initiates and we see it during his fateful bout with his longtime friend and former Master, Kenobi. The thing is, when Anakin would go into his rage mode, he lost touch with his Jedi side and almost became a rogue symbol of the Force itself. Although it gave him great power and extended his already amazing abilities tenfold, the overconfidence it instilled in him as well as the distorting of his reality might have turned this attribute into a weakness rather than a strength.

Final Word

At long last, the Sith Pacify Power Rankings are complete! To be honest, from the very beginning I had Anakin Skywalker locked in to the number 1 spot. Although I toyed with the idea of having Luke, Yoda and the Emperor at the top, Anakin was the final victor. I look at Anakin Skywalker and see two parts. I see someone who was so immensely powerful. Someone who could have gone on to be a Grand Master of the Jedi Order and not only have gone on to do great things for the Jedi but create a real sense of inclusiveness within the Galaxy. I could see him opening up relations between Force-users and everyday people. Skywalker could have bridged the gap between curious and fear-filled citizens to younglings and Jedi Masters. This would have been tremendous and could very possibly have guaranteed the public’s support for the Jedi and thus making them an all-time stalwart in society. The second part that I see when I look at Anakin is shameful disappointment. He was the most gifted Force-user ever, he was the most athletically inclined Force-user and he was incredibly intelligent! However, with all those abilities, he achieved very little. His record in battle was fantastic and he was of course known as this guy who was one of the best but raw. Yet, so little of his achievements were actually recognized mostly due to the fact that he was in his early 20’s when he left the Jedi Order. With Anakin you get the ultimate tale of irony. Someone who craved attention, who wanted to be loved and respected and when he finally gets what he’s always wanted, he cracks. If there’s one short line you should think of when Anakin Skywalker’s legacy is at hand it’s this: “Oh what could have been.”

-Sith Pacify out