Enter: America 2019, where forgiveness and redemption are rarely found in public discourse. It’s hard to imagine Darth Vader’s eventual return to the light meeting unanimous applause. After all, he was a genocidal monster with a vague sexual harassment and spousal abuse record, to boot. His final hour, however, was a classic Hollywood redemptive moment, where a vilified father gave his life in defense of his son. Vader had a moment of clarity when he realized there was hope for him beyond the mask and metallic black suit. It was personal.
Would things have gone the same way if Vader had considered whether he’d be brought up on war crimes and human rights violations upon turning against the Empire and leaving with Luke, as his son had suggested? A contemporary understanding of Vader’s ability to be redeemed would no doubt be tied to his specific crimes against the galaxy and his ability to offer reparations for each.
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