“Obi-Wan was wise to hide her from me.” – Darth Vader
Note: The Following Features Heavy Speculation and Possible Spoilers:
I have often thought about the similarities between Chancellor Palpatine and Princess Leia’s secret identities. Let’s face it … it’s no real conspiracy that both were hidden in plain sight and under very comparable circumstances; in a manner of speaking of course. If the entire senate knew that their leader was indeed a Sith Lord his reign would’ve ended much sooner than it did, in fact, probably instantaneously. No different could have been said about Leia. If Senator Bail Organa had made Leia’s birth name public, it would’ve raised more than an eyebrow or two.
“She’s hiding something. I can see it in her eyes.”
– Chancellor Palpatine (ROTS deleted scene)
One of my all-time favorite scenes of Padme Amidala is a deleted scene from Revenge of the Sith; Delegation of 2000. If memory serves me correctly, Bail Organa and Mon Mothma were the original founders or forefathers of this petition. They discreetly held a private meeting amongst the elite Loyalist Committee at Padme’s senatorial suite, where it was motioned that she should present the entreaty before Chancellor Palpatine because of their mutual certitude for one another. Before the small assemblage concluded, each member agreed not tell another soul what they had discussed, not even family. Intriguingly enough, Padme mentioned how she’d like to consult with one particular Jedi on this matter, one who she felt could be of great assistance to their cause. Of course, no one responded positively to such an unconventional idea, even Bail expressed some apprehension and insisted that she exhibit some patience for the time being.
“Some see instability as an opportunity.” – Chancellor Palaptine
And so, this is true, on both sides of the coin. We see this in both, the Prequel and Original Trilogies. In the Prequels, this is obviously apparent in the Republic government and all that are involved in the political ladder, including the Jedi. The Original Trilogy is no different, take A New Hope for example and the first Death Star …
“If the Rebels have obtained a complete technical readout of this station it is possible, however unlikely, that they might find a weakness and exploit it.” – General Cassio Tagge
In which case they did, but you see my point. Now, I’m not saying that any of the deleted scenes or dialogue pertaining to the Delegation of 2000 is considered to be canon at this point, but I cannot fathom that it did not happen, at least in some shape or form. After all, this is the birth of the Rebellion.
“Vote for Palpatine. Vote for the Empire. Make Mon Mothma vote for him too. Be good little Senators. Mind your manners and keep your heads down. And keep doing all those things we can’t talk about. All those things I can’t know. Promise me, Bail.” – Padme Amidala ROTS novelization: the Declaration of a New Order.
I don’t think it’s too farfetched to say, that they did just as Padme had asked them to, which brings me to my next reflection or possible rumination. The plausibility that Bail kept those promises by implementing Leia directly into that course of action and in doing so, living up to her mother’s last words of Hope, for a better tomorrow. Yes, Princess Leia was a Senator in the Imperial Senate, the Ambassador of the Tantive IV, but she is also a Leader of the Rebellion and quite possibly, something more …
“I have traced the rebel spies to her. Now she is my only link to finding their secret base.” – Darth Vader
Ever since REBELS began on Disney XD and all the theorizations started to swarm, circulating around this mysterious person, known to us as simply, Fulcrum. What better way to tie it all together (the PT, OT, TCW, and REBELS) than by linking it symbolically, through parturition. The Rebellion and the galaxy’s most emblematic attribute; Hope.
“But it is she who leads the battle, yes, hmm … Princess Leia Organa. Bold. Strong … her mother’s blood flows through her.” – Yoda (Star Wars: The Power of the Force comic)
Artwork by Steve Anderson
To me, this is the most logical outcome and sensible character connection to join these time periods together. Again, this is only a concoction of my own personal musings and nothing more. Thank you for entertaining my ideas, whether or not you were able to see any substance to give it merit.
This IS the Podcast you’re looking for!
Please follow me on Twitter @urangelb or contact me directly via email at beccab@coffeewithkenobi.com or Becca@thecantinacast.net