The Impact of Luke Not Returning to 'Return of the Jedi'

Hello there Daniel, and thank you for the A2A. The question of what would have happened if Luke had not turned back is indeed intriguing and has puzzled many fans of the Star Wars universe. While George Lucas and his team may have the definitive answer, we can explore the potential outcomes based on the existing storyline andour imagination.

The Potential Destruction of the Rebellion

If Luke had not returned to 'Return of the Jedi', the ultimate destruction of the rebellion would have been highly likely. The two most prominent Sith Lords, Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine, would have been free to continue their reign of terror. With the destruction of the Second Death Star, the rebellion had a critical blow to its ability to resist the Empire. If Vader had survived and then rejoined the Emperor, the galaxy would have faced a similar scenario to what occurred in 'The Empire Strikes Back' without the relief that came with Luke's retreat and his eventual return.

The Protracted Existence of the Empire

The Empire, with Palpatine at the helm, would have continued its business as usual. The empire's policies, military might, and the absence of Luke Skywalker's intervention would have prolonged the struggle between the two forces. Luke, being oh so supportive of the mission's success, would have missed his critical moment to challenge Vader and the Emperor. This absence would have left the Moff Tarkin and other Imperial leaders in power, further solidifying the Empire's grip on the galaxy.

Potential Consequences for the Rebellion

Had Luke not interceded, the chances of the rebellion's victory would have been significantly reduced. His absence would have disrupted the balance of power in their forces. Without Luke's inspired strategy, the rebels would struggle to maintain their offensive capabilities. The key points of A, B, and C, which were pivotal to their plans, would have been missed, leading to a prolonged and possibly unsuccessful rebellion. The potential outcome would have led to a fundamentally different narrative for the Star Wars saga.

Training and Completion of Luke's Plan

Assuming Luke would have eventually ended up at the Death Star, he would have completed his training, likely resulting in the conclusion of his mission against the Sith. The potential for him to defeat Vader, as suggested by Yoda and Obi-Wan, would have played out. However, given the Emperor's immense power and the limitations of the Jedi training Luke received, it's difficult to predict if he would have succeeded in this endeavor.

Empire’s Continued Threat

Even if Luke did manage to defeat Vader, the Emperor's power, particularly his ability to use lightning, would still pose a significant threat. Without the knowledge or time to teach Luke Vaapad, the Emperor's powerful abilities would likely have overwhelmed him, leading to his own demise. This outcome, while tragic, would have ensured the collapse of the Empire, thus paving the way for the new Republic to be established.

Reimagining the Saga

It's fascinating to consider the alternative outcomes and how they might have reshaped the Star Wars saga. The introduction of lightning deflection in the Prequels, as you mentioned, does add an element of irony to the situation. If such a technique existed, it would have made the Emperor's lightning dramatically less effective. However, the real excitement lies in the idea of Luke's absence leading to alternate outcomes, such as the destruction of the rebellion and the continued reign of the Empire.

Conclusion

In conclusion, what if Luke had not returned to 'Return of the Jedi'? Bad shit would have happened. The Empire would have continued its domination, and the galactic balance of power would have shifted in its favor. However, it's also a testament to the importance of Luke Skywalker in the overarching narrative of Star Wars. His return and his eventual actions played a critical role in shaping the future of the galaxy.