Vader, Mr. Darth
What is thy bidding, my master? Wow, how many lines do we have from him that we use regularly? I'm sure by this point most of the world is Star Wars-ed out, but really, if we delve into the character of Darth Vader, there is quite a complex history there.
I know I don't need to tell you what it is, because you know it well, but here are few highlights that make him a fave:
*Highly intelligent
*Loyal, even tho it's to the bad guy
*Determined to a point of being convinced
*Skilled in the ways of the Jedi
*Part machine
*Obi Wan's protege
*Inhuman strength
*Streak of goodness
And boy oh boy it took his only son to drag that streak of goodness out of him. Was it Luke's jedi mind trick, or great strength that turned Vader away from the dark side? Nope. It was Luke's belief that his father could be good again, that he was worth it. Isn't that what we all need from time to time? Someone to believe in us?
Props to James Earl Jones for giving Vader a powerful voice we can never forget. I love to hear that man talk.
Check out this uber cool story of Mark Hamill paying a visit to fellow blogger and writer, Leslie Rose's, fifth grade class.
Any thoughts on Vader? Or is there another V character you love? Do you like it when bad guys turn good? Please share ...

37 comments:
Oh my favorite movies. Yes, we do need people to believe in us to bring out our good side. Love this!!
Oh, Vader. I always felt a bit sorry for him.
Oh, Vader. I always felt a bit sorry for him.
My son met Vader at ICON. So Cute, especially when Vader handed him a playing card.
*insert very heavy breathing here*
I wasn't a huge fan originally, but the full story arc that includes why he turned bad originally is pretty good.
James Earl Jones has the most awesome voice.
I agree about James Earl Jones's voice. I did also get shivers in the cinema when I saw Anakin turn into Darth Vadar (yes, I know, it's not cool to admit to liking 'those' films!)
I find it so interesting that the first three movies made the story about Luke, Han, and Leia, but then after the other three movies came out it made the whole series about Vader. For me, anyway. Great movies!
I love the story of how the actors first got their script, and Darth Vader's line read, "No, YOU are your own father."
All the leading characters griped about it, and Lucas said something about time travel!
Had to keep it a secret!
You forgot to mention his SEXY voice. It's not just powerful. It's sexy.
Okay, I didn't quite see it that way when I saw the movie as a kid. :)
James Earl Jones. Enuf said. :) (p.s. great pick!)
I really liked the heavy breathing. Creepy-sexy.
Brilliant character here. Unforgettable. And put James Earl Jones' voice to it, and you want to run and hide.
I think James Earl Jones has the sexiest voice - shivers down the spine voice!! Take care
x
The only movie I enjoyed of the Star Wars was the first part and Darth Vader was the one who impressed me !!
This is a great choice, but I do have to nit-pick at your list. First off, he wasn't loyal; he was essentially drug addicted. The dark side is a drug that grabs hold and never lets you go. He stayed with the Emporer because he (#1) wanted/needed more power and (#2) didn't think he had any good left (i.e. full of self pity, seeing no alternatives, etc). His tale is actually very similar to how drug addicts often can't get away from their addiction, even when they know its a bad choice.
Also, saying he is inhumanly strong is a misnomer of sorts. He is cybernetic/robotic and fueled by the force. In essence, he really is only half-human.
See, I told you I'd be nitpicky LOL. Other than all this, Vader is a great choice :)
This is a great choice, but I do have to nit-pick at your list. First off, he wasn't loyal; he was essentially drug addicted. The dark side is a drug that grabs hold and never lets you go. He stayed with the Emporer because he (#1) wanted/needed more power and (#2) didn't think he had any good left (i.e. full of self pity, seeing no alternatives, etc). His tale is actually very similar to how drug addicts often can't get away from their addiction, even when they know its a bad choice.
Also, saying he is inhumanly strong is a misnomer of sorts. He is cybernetic/robotic and fueled by the force. In essence, he really is only half-human.
See, I told you I'd be nitpicky LOL. Other than all this, Vader is a great choice :)
V just had to be for Vader! Such a good character with depth and pathos. In fact, he's so good that I completely forgive him for giving my son nightmares...of course that could be my fault for showing him Star Wars too early but let's not inspect this too line of thought too closely!
Best movies evah!
That classroom story is so cool! Wish he would come to my school.
Umbridge's picture is showing as you ask about another V character--Voldemort! He may be the new Vader. Unfortunately for him, he never makes it back from the dark side :)
I love me some Vader!
And yes, all we need sometimes is just someone to believe in us. I love that!
Love Vader! And especially his change--which was totally believable, and hard-won. :)
The ultimate ICONIC villain! How could you choose anyone else for V? :)
Oh, awesome! I am a huge SW fan!
Can't think of a better V. I loved the original movies when they first came out and then got to enjoy the whole thing again when my son was born in the late 90's. Brilliant choice!
A good V post and very popular choice.
Yvonne.
I thought the way his turning was portrayed was well done. Luke almost died before Darth realized he was on the wrong team. Excellent choice and oh yes, he did have some great lines :)
Such a tremendous character, at least as played by David Prowse and voiced by Jones.
LOVE Vader. I love the original movies, I never tire of them. I liked the STORY of the newer trilogy, but they just didn't have the magic of the first set.
Great V post!
I firmly believe that Lucas based Lord Vader on my maths teacher. Except that Vader was a little bit nicer.
Bad guys turning good is one of my fav things:) We are big Vader fans in my house!
Vader is one of the most iconic characters of my lifetime and he put James Earl Jones on the map
Hmmm, it depends on what you mean by 'bad'. We all have bad traits within us as do our characters, right? If you mean very bad like I think you do, nope, I want them to remain bad. On occasion it's okay to allow them to turn good, as in the case of Vader.
On another note, I wonder how many people have tried to impersonate Vader? lol Don't tell me you have not tried.
We are a huge STar Wars family. Love V for Vader. My hubby's ring tone when he calls my cell is the darth vader imperial march.
I must be the only person who has never watched SW...I know the character and everything but I've never seen the movies.
I totally agree with the choice, but I also liked the character V in V for Vendetta.
Oh, thanks so much for including my link. Ah, Vader. Best scene ever is when he tosses the Emperor over the rail. It's so cool the "retool" of Return of the Jedi included Hayden Christensen as a "Jedi force glow" to give Luke a nod during the Ewok party. Excellent V choice!
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