When I think of the word “good” I think of justice and triumph over evil.
Well, apparently when Chancellor Palpatine thinks of the word, he imagines absolute power and a Galaxy belonging to him.
The scene this post refers to takes place in Episode III Revenge of the Sith.
The setting is at the Galaxies Opera House, one of Palpatine’s favorite venues.
Anakin meets the Chancellor here and thus continues to be corrupted by Palpatine’s propagandist ways.
This brings me to my point.
You see, during this little meeting, the Chancellor and Anakin discuss the Jedi, the Dark Side and even Darth Sidious’ Master, Darth Plagueis.
Palpatine tells Anakin that “All who gain power, are afraid to lose it, even the Jedi”.
Anakin then goes on to defend the Jedi Order saying “The Jedi use their power for good”.
The next line in the conversation is where Palpatine shows his true colors.
His retort to Anakin’s comment is “Good is a point of view Anakin”.
Now to dissect Palpatine’s words is not too difficult. In fact in doing so allows us to see who this man is quite freely.
Normally a man of secrecy, Chancellor Palpatine shows us what he really represents…and it’s not pretty.
You see, when it comes to getting what he wants, Palpatine will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
Whether it’s the cold blooded murder of a billion lives on an innocent unsuspecting planet (Alderaan) or the “conform or die” attitude the Empire displays.
This is what he means when he refers to good as a point of view.
In the mind of Palpatine, good means “do anything necessary to get what you want”.
To understand Palpatine’s new order and new Empire, it’s very important to understand this.
Just think about it, do you really think this man thinks it’s a “good” thing to take over the entire Galaxy by force practically enslaving everyone not named Palpatine? Of course not.
He’s a nobleman who is well educated and lived a life of public servitude as a politician.
The irony in it all is that the Jedi Order had it all in front of them the whole time.
If they only trusted Anakin as well as their own intuition, they would have sniffed out the corrupt Republic leader’s plot to overthrow the Jedi and save the Galaxy and all its inhabitants.
As I write this, another thought comes to mind…
What if Palpatine was right when he was talking about the Jedi?
If you recall back to the duel between Sidious and Mace Windu, as the Jedi Master’s blade is at the Dark Lord’s throat, the Sith says to Anakin “The Jedi are taking over!”
Yes, they were taking over to ensure a safe transition to peace for the Republic, but does it really matter?
Was this scene foreshadowed by Palpatine’s statement of “good is a point of view?”
I think so.
It sounds hard to believe but hear me out.
What if Mace Windu killed Palpatine, returned to the Jedi Council and said it’s their time to take over.
Now let’s say, three months down the line, the Jedi are still holding the peace as they’re reigning over the Republic.
Why would they ever give it up? Would they really trust an independent politician for the post? Perhaps they would choose Senator Bail Organa.
Now here’s the problem.
If they did choose Organa, don’t you think he’d basically be a figurehead? Would the Jedi really let him be?
I doubt it.
I think they’re too bold and intricate to allow someone else to make their own decisions out of the fear (and paranoia) of another “bad egg” to come along.
This is why I think what Palpatine said to Anakin in that suite at the opera house has a bigger meaning than just the Sith.
I believe that scene is designed to let the audience in on a little hint, no one is safe from the distinction of good or bad.
After all, a taste of power does funny things to even the most honorable individuals…
-Sith Pacify out
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