‘Somehow Palpatine Returned’ – Making Sense Of Star Wars’ Most Hated Line

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As a lifelong Star Wars fan who’s witnessed the highs and lows of this epic saga, I must say that the Palpatine twist in “The Rise of Skywalker” left me feeling quite perplexed. The way it was executed felt like a hasty decision rather than a well-thought-out plot development.

It’s been several years since “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” hit theaters, and we’re still enthusiastically discussing it. Perhaps this is due to the fact that Lucasfilm hasn’t released a new Star Wars film in the meantime, although numerous ones have been speculated, announced, scrapped, and postponed. Recently, Steven Knight vacated his position as screenwriter for the supposedly forthcoming Rey (Daisy Ridley) Jedi Order movie. The franchise is slated to reappear on the big screen in 2026 with Jon Favreau’s “The Mandalorian & Grogu.

It’s clear that the time gap between movies had an impact, but it’s also undeniable that “The Rise of Skywalker” and the entire sequel trilogy left a peculiar aftertaste for many fans. Although both “The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi” were critically acclaimed and financially successful, making them two of the highest-grossing films ever, the trilogy stumbled in its conclusion. The sudden reappearance of Emperor Sheev Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) at the last moment has become a symbol of the primary complaint: a lack of consistent storyline progression, which was compensated for by fan service.

Initially, J.J. Abrams appeared to prioritize the visual aspects of Star Wars over creating fresh, substantial content. In “The Force Awakens,” key elements such as the First Order, the New Republic, and the galaxy’s overall condition were not adequately explored. Instead, “The Last Jedi” took a thematic approach. The decision by Lucasfilm to somehow revive Darth Sidious sparked criticism from Star Wars fans, with many still expressing anger over his supposed resurrection. However, is the controversial line that heralded Sheev’s return truly as problematic as people claim? Let’s delve into it.

Who said ‘Somehow Palpatine Returned‘ and what does it actually mean?

In the early scenes of “The Rise of Skywalker,” Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) shares a startling revelation: Palpatine has returned. This intelligence comes from Resistance agents and is eventually disclosed to have been orchestrated by General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson). The fact that the ancient Sith Lord is back, against all odds, is inexplicable – hence the use of “somehow.” How could someone who was so old, killed long ago, and destroyed by the explosion of Death Star II still be alive? This line, when viewed in isolation, seems ordinary. However, it’s hard to fathom how Palpatine managed to return, given the circumstances.

A fresh character, Beaumont Kin (played by Dominic Monaghan), offers a closer look at Palp’s resurrection method, stating, “It’s dark science. Cloning perhaps. Things only the Sith know.” Despite his lack of screen time in the movie, he seems to have nailed it. In numerous Star Wars stories that followed, it’s revealed that before his fall, Palpatine had been engaged in various experiments for years, trying to achieve what his old master, Darth Plagueis, could never grasp – eternal life.

Since 2019, writers of Star Wars have faced the main challenge of providing additional background and preparation for Palpatine’s resurrection. Shows like “The Bad Batch” and “The Mandalorian,” among others, have been adapted to accomplish this task. However, some fans remain displeased with how casually the return of the dark lord was initially revealed.

Why do Star Wars fans hate Palpatine’s return so much?

Following the release of “The Rise of Skywalker,” the phrase “Somehow, Palpatine returned” gained traction among frustrated fans as a unifying slogan. To many viewers, the line was perceived as an unconscious admission of poor writing and unnecessary fan service by Disney. Numerous YouTube clips featuring this line attracted millions of views, making it a constant topic in online discussions about Star Wars. The meme has since persisted and yet to be fully contained again.

Indeed, the reaction wasn’t merely over a single line; it encompassed a broader sentiment. The introduction of Palpatine in the previous two movies without any precursor or explanation left many viewers feeling perplexed. One might anticipate the final installment of a trilogy to be climactic, but the Exegol plot in “The Rise of Skywalker” felt fresh and unfamiliar, which diminished its impact as a culmination of a long-running saga for some. The sudden resurgence of Darth Sidious, a villain deeply rooted in Star Wars lore, came across as abrupt, sparking a range of reactions from bewildered and let down to outright furious.

It’s well-known that certain passionate Star Wars fans often prioritize profit over artistic merit when it comes to the franchise. Many of these critics have singled out women as scapegoats for their discontent. However, those with a more balanced perspective were deeply troubled by the Palpatine twist, leading Lucasfilm to embark on a lengthy effort to rectify the situation. The question remains: was this attempt successful?

Palpatine’s hidden comeback is actually SUPER Star Wars

If we set aside the criticisms about the sequel trilogy’s structure, audience polarization, and online backlash against Lucasfilm’s work, Palpatine’s return in Star Wars isn’t so unexpected. In fact, it aligns quite well with the broader narrative of the saga. Emperor Palpatine was always preoccupied with achieving immortality. As he explains to Anakin Skywalker in “Revenge of the Sith,” a Sith Lord who attains a certain level of power, like Plagueis, becomes afraid only of losing that power.

It’s logical to assume that Palpatine would have multiple contingency plans, even a backup for his backup plan. The various comic storylines and “Bad Batch” episodes revolving around Force cloning, Sith science, mystical powers, and secret cults in distant galaxies align with the image of Palpatine as a man striving to become a deity. Manipulating life force is the most extreme misuse of it, and his attempt to interfere with the natural cycle of life raises eyebrows. If the sequel trilogy had been developed more organically, and “The Rise of Skywalker” hadn’t seemed so apologetic about its predecessor’s bolder decisions, Palpatine’s return could have been more seamlessly incorporated.

It’s quite like Star Wars to introduce crucial plot points in the opening titles and expect viewers to piece together the rest. George Lucas did this with the Trade Federation and Republic relationship in “The Phantom Menace,” as well as Count Dooku and the Separatists in “Attack of the Clones.” The series has always relied on additional, post-production storytelling to flesh out details. Despite this, the Palpatine twist could have benefited from a longer cooking time.

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2024-11-04 22:00