The climactic chase scene of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story gave fans what is undeniably the most badass Darth Vader scene in all the Star Wars movies, barely even rivaled by any other. But thanks to one tragic rewrite, the slaughter of the Rebels is even more humiliating than it first appeared.
If the Roge One scene depicting Darth Vader slicing, slashing, Force-choking and pushing his way through an entire Rebel starship achieved one thing, it was demonstrating the true fury of Vader unleashed. Nobody would criticize the Rebels, per se, but their training for just such an event means no Star Wars fan will ever see the carnage the same way again.
The Rebels Create And Practice A ‘Vader Engagment’ Formation
The Rebel Response is Revealed in Star Wars #54 by Kieron Gillen, Salvador Larroca
The unfortunate truth behind the Rogue One slaughter is revealed in the pages of Star Wars #54, following the Rebellion in the wake of the successful retrieval of the Death Star plans. That timing means Darth Vader is now attacking a group of Rebels far more prepared for his arrival… and even arranged in a “Vader Engagement Drill.”
Having witnessed a direct assault from the Emperor’s masked attack dog, the forces under General Draven’s command have developed a strategy to more effectively resist the enemy’s advance. At least, that’s the theory. But almost immediately, the helpless defense of the fully-prepared Rebels is blown wide open in humiliating fashion.
The Rebel Preparation Makes Vader’s Slaughter So Much Worse
Even With a Plan, The Rebels Are Slaughtered in Seconds
Ultimately, the idea of Rebels forming any kind of resistance to Vader is completely laughable. While the initial Rogue One assult could arguably have the element of surprise, Draven is brutally murdered after his entire squad is killed in literal seconds of Vader laying eyes on them. And these soldiers were enacting a specific drill, not lost to fear or chaos.
There is an argument to be made that the hopeless sacrifice of these Rebel soldiers is akin to Luke’s own death in The Last Jedi. A life traded to simply distract, and buy time for their allies to escape. But let’s be honest: when Draven said “every second we buy” could mean the difference, fans certainly hoped he was being somewhat hyperbolic.
Sure, Darth Vader’s hallways slaughter might not make sense for the character in the trilogy, but there’s no denying its impact. And sadly, thanks to this expansion of the Rogue One Vader attack, there’s no denying just how terrible the Rebels truly were at mounting a heroic defense against the Sith Lord.
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- Created By
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George Lucas
- Franchise
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Star Wars
- Died
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Star Wars: Episode VI – Return Of The Jedi
- Race
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Human
- Movies
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Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
- TV Shows
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Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, Ahsoka
Conceived by the will of the Force itself, Anakin Skywalker was the prophesied Chosen One, destined to bring the Force into balance. Anakin struggled to balance competing attachments to the Jedi Order and his wife Padmé Amidala, and ultimately fell to the dark side, becoming Darth Vader. For years he served as Palpatine’s right hand man, but he was ultimately redeemed by the faith of his son, Luke Skywalker. Now a Force Ghost, Anakin continues to act as an agent of balance.
