Best Star Wars Character of All Time Series (Chancellor Palpatine Character Analysis) Part 1

[@KraziKazi]

Who do you think is the greatest Villain in Star Wars and why?

[@tristanstefanovic]

Definitely Palpatine, especially with episode 9. It really sets in stone that he's been playing everyone from the beginning, even when he was an apprentice of Plaegius.

[@GalaxyDogenut]

Palpatine-

[@Nicholas_Chen_]

Palpatine. He is the devil himself. I view the majority of the Star Wars villains as victims, who are corrupted by Palpatine.

[@inarencommander4663]

@@tristanstefanovic Yep. Telling the galaxy your plan after surviving a Death Star explosion really solidifies you as a great villain.

[@inarencommander4663]

In the OT, Vader. The PT, Palpatine.

[@tb4322]

fun fact: In Qui-gon's funeral, when it shows Palpatine, there's only two people between him and Anakin; Obi-Wan and Padme

[@terrychaney6050]

Nice catch! I see that scene definitely now, and what it signifies 💯

[@Shadow-rz5pb]

He stared down at the result of his commands. And he couldn't help but smile inside.

[@dontebennett6098]

"Muh Visual storytelling 🤓" (Seriously, that's a really cool detail, thanks for pointing that out)

[@Little_Panda_Baby_FirePanda]

After being a Star Wars fan my entire life I’m only NOW realizing this. Thank you for informing me of this my friend

[@MYJEWISHLAMPSHADES]

PALPATINE2024

[@andysiegel725]

We will watch your Palpatine series with great interest.

[@777-pdf]

Lmao, this cracked me up 😅

[@Bennahr_Fett]

Use his knowledge. He begs you!

[@galacticemperorsheevpalpat219]

Indeed

[@thecarter8700]

LMAOO incredible Love SW fans

[@taabishali7396]

😆

[@pgthe3rd]

Ian McDirmid did an amazing job as this character. Iconic

[@zososierp]

McDiarmid

[@themoldysausage]

It's very appreciated how you're able to keep the analysis so objective. No critiques or comments on the quality of the movies or writing, no jabs at weird plots or dialogue. Just critical character analysis.

[@KraziKazi]

Thanks! It's great to hear that it comes across that way, I always try my best to stay objective and just write the best analysis I can

[@samlerf]

@@KraziKazi KZbinrs "Rick worley" and "Anomaly Inc" also do great Star Wars content. And never forget the few novels/audiobooks written with Lucas ("Darth Plagueis", "Cloak of Deception", "Shatterpoint", "Labyrinth of Evil" and the movie novelizations.

[@tristanstefanovic]

I've been looking forward to this.

[@KraziKazi]

My powers have doubled since we last met

[@Nicholas_Chen_]

@@KraziKazi Good. Twice the pride, double the fall.

[@ronin7561]

Oh I bet you have! *Shoots first*

[@Robert-tl2vg]

@@ronin7561 wrong movie

[@ravanpee1325]

@@KraziKazi Masterwork dude :)

[@KittyWrangler-bf9ci]

I think splitting analysis videos in parts is a good idea for characters with whom it would take more than half an hour to cover their arcs and roles.

[@skywalkerorder2170]

Yeah especially characters like Anakin Skywalker, Obi Wan Kenobi, and other characters in my opinion.

[@KraziKazi]

Thank you for the feedback, I think that's a really good rule of thumb to go by for future videos. Especially since the next few characters on my list will almost certainly be over an hour.

[@mgway4661]

Palpatine could have 10 analytic videos for himself

[@Robert-tl2vg]

Why?

[@GribJastrebAkbaba]

Maybe think about making a longer video for yoda? I loved that one

[@Digidragon55]

Watching The Phantom Menace first. You realize how smart Darth Sidous is. Regardless, of how Padame end up. Palpatine would gain the favor of The Senate. Stated by the villains wiki.

[@Jim54_]

George Lucas is clearly a student of history. Palpatine seems to be a well put together combination of Hitler, Stalin, Julius Caesar, Caesar Augustus, Caligula and Diocletian. George also seems to have mirrored historical events when writing about Palpatines plans, for example, Order 66 is an obvious copy of the Night of the Long Knives. This is very effective, as it makes the events in an otherwise unrealistic fantasy land seem very plausible. The fans who criticised the prequels obviously knew Fuck all about the world around them to not see that

[@zoetropeguardian]

Spot on.

[@thecarter8700]

I agree … But I think multiple of those characters are significantly different than the other Star Wars is set in the sense of our current view of the world (at least post WWII) … therefore I don’t think it’s fair to use Ancient Rome in this scenario

[@Five_y_kay]

"hes playing chess and everyone else checkers..." lol that set me off! Haa! LOL!

[@Five_y_kay]

lol "im sending my apprentice..." lol "ahh shit... now theres TWO of them.."

[@GaetanoBonaparte]

I love how Palpatine's Arc can explain to us how liberty dies by populism or when the institution becomes blind to events and rather than safe us from dictatorship, it prefers to preserve itself as Jedi Council did it.

[@corneliusevazan]

My thoughts when this popped up in my recomendations: A surprise to be sure but a welcome one

[@DemonsRun87]

You have been well trained

[@durwinpocha2488]

"Once the Sith know what the Jedi desire. The Sith simply align Sith goals with the Jedi's desires and allow things to proceed, as the Sith have planned."

[@thecarter8700]

This sounds simpler than it is ! Amazing through 6 movies how obvious this is … Sidious one of the best villains ever SW’s is amazing to contrast to Dune

[@Baamthe25th]

It's good you emphasize Padme's role so much. One of the character that deserved more screen time (alongside Dooku, Windu or Grevious, but her role is more important)

[@thecarter8700]

I feel she got more than enough screen time I think Yoda and Mace’s mistakes needed more screen time I also WISH Yoda and Obi Wan’s respect and deference to Mace were displayed more (in hindsight) … I Also wish the way tough love can sometimes backfire so bad was shown more with Mace and Anakin I truly think Mace just wanted Anakin to earn his place in the Council… But this was 100% the wrong time to flex that muscle

[@lukesmale24]

Great video. One thing I feel is actually underrated in the prequels is how Palpatine comes to power. I was expecting massive takeovers and such. But he wins over the Jedi by subtle and more clever methods

[@GalaxyDogenut]

Impressive. Most impressive.

[@RedMage409]

Funny how we can recognize and appreciate this in a movie, but can’t see it happening in our own society. Star Wars wasn’t an entertaining story, it was a warning about our future.

[@thecarter8700]

True … Although everyone who’s a player in this universe is a FIGHTER .. whereas in America a huge percentage of ppl are so scared to take any action (and that’s in regard to all races and classes)

[@michaelstark8720]

Someone has been playing Battlefront 2 2005. That day we realized that the Jedi could be fooled. And if they could be fooled, then they could be killed. Great video you earned sub

[@aaronvirdee5813]

18:37

[@Tareltonlives]

Gooooood It's surprising how the genius of the character goes over people's heads. It's been seen before many times in fiction, but Palpatine's plans in episodes 1-6 often get lost in the details. It's a little obscure, but that's because we're not seeing his perspective. It's only by paying close attention that you actually see the plot, and how he stays in control no matter how often it gets derailed. A good strategist makes a win-win situation, and always has a plan B that still gets them what they want- the battle of Naboo was lost, but he still won. Anakin was captured on Geonosis and Padme survived the campaign, but Palpatine got his army and his war. He wasn't able to overpower Mace and Yoda in combat, but he didn't need to. He lost the Death Star, but Vader kept the Empire on the upper hand. A good politician knows how to appeal to the base of power, and how to bring people together to support them- the double role thus got everyone to dance to his tune weather they wanted to or not. Potential threats are limited, derailed, and thus can be dealt with. It's not until Luke throws a spanner in the works that his plans don't work out. A good villain isn't just powerful and scary- they also have to be smart; that intelligence gives them an extra power. A wizard is scary. An army is scary. But what's scarier is a wizard who doesnt' need to shoot fireballs to get his way, and someone who can lead an army completely undercover. It's the subtlety that adds terror; you don't know you're playing his game until it's too late. Thus while Palpatine is indeed based on Hitler, Nixon, and Napoleon, his flaws are subdued and his successes increased. Nixon made a rookie mistake despite all his under the table smarts, and it backfired. Hitler and Napoleon were never in control of their enemies and simply became overwhelmed. Palpatine goes one step further. I feel that as Lucas developed the character between Episodes 4 and 6, he added in more archetypical characters, more ancient inspirations- he's Iago to Anakin's Othello in the end. Eventually Palpatine became Satan himself, perched on Luke's shoulder in the climax of the series.

[@leeporwoll2380]

Spot on. Just blows my mind that more "fans" don't get the Prequels. They're Palpatine's story, just as much as Anakin's. I do think the parallels to Hitler work on more than one level. Namely, how once Hitler rose to absolute power the need for him to do rousing public speeches and be in the spotlight faded. There's the infamous radio address he gave to the nation after the July 20th Revolution, once Col. Stauffenburg and his men were captured and summarily executed in the firing line. That speech was the first time in years that the German populace had heard Hitler's voice; which is crazy to think -- he was able to maintain power from the shadows once more, where he'd gained them from in the first place. And what does Palpatine do the minute he gives his little "more safe & secure society" speech? He promptly goes into hiding and no one, even the audience, nobody sees him again until he randomly pops up in the Kenobi show & at the end of of RotJ. Otherwise, yes, Lucas has said that Palpatine was based a lot on Nixon. I just read somewhere that Lucas originally wanted him to be more of a bureaucrat with a deep booming voice (I'm thinking somewhat like what we got in Darth Tyranus/Count Dooku, but idk), and it was Ian McDiarmid who fought him for the more snively/nasal-y version we got in RotJ; which certainly suits the character better I think. But just to push back a little -- while Palpatine's flaws may be more subdued in the Prequels; by the time we get to the events of Ep.6, his flaws are on full display. His hubris in "foreseeing" everyone's destiny proves to be myopic. His inability to sense the "conflict" in his last apprentice proves to be his undoing. Which is rather poetic. Since he was used to being king shit of crap mountain for so long his powers dulled and his prowess atrophied. And the Empire crumbles as all Empires do because they're "unnatural" as Namek from Andor says. I love the Iago comparison too. Vader makes a true Faustian pact as well, selling his soul for gaining little in the way of power to "save the ones he loves." And that's such a great moral play. Perhaps the best of our generation. Who knows...?

[@ButchersNailsEnjoyer]

People call the phantom menace a pointless movie, but fail to realize that the invasion of Naboo was the perfect hand for Palpatine to play in order to become supreme chancellor. Naboo is a mostly peaceful world, therefore an easy target. He’s from Naboo so he’s able to easily earn Padme’s trust to vote for him since there’s common ground among them both. The Trade Federation is an easy army to manipulate as Gunray is both cowardly and greedy. It’s like he was testing how playing both sides in a war would’ve gone, so he went for Naboo before trying it on a galactic scale. And the decade that happens between Ep 1 and Ep2 not only shows him taking his time meticulously on both the republic and the CIS instead of jumping straight into the clone wars, it also allows him the opportunity to corrupt a former jedi (Dooku) before he can do it to skywalker. Everything leading up to the end of attack of the clones is just Palpatine testing his grand scheme on smaller targets

[@ChairmanKam]

14:20 Au contraire, this works to his advantage, because Gunray's anger at the betrayal pushes him for all out Separatism, and into Dooku's hands.

[@AlexanderGonzalez-vy1fj]

10/10 would watch again can't wait for part 2

[@KraziKazi]

Thank you my friend, I appreciate you!

[@LetsFindOut1]

This was so well thought out. Excellent work man

[@louisdemm1758]

I'm loving all the prequel appreciation vids I've been seeing lately. The politics went over most peoples heads I think.

[@bemasaberwyn55]

I love videos like this because none of this was hidden in the prequels. True they got fleshed out significantly over 7 seasons and 2 additional films. But the context is there in that trilogy that was SO DERIDED by critics and fans

[@lenircotia]

Fantastic analysis!!!! Finally someone who analyses the politics of Star Wars soooo well!!!!

[@peanutbutter7721]

Wow this is a fantastic analysis. I'm particularly impressed with how much you compared palpatine and Padme. It was a fantastic note that palpatine accepted additional power while Padme rejected it.

[@EmmettMcFly55]

A very interesting, well-done video. Two points you didn't mention: - I don't know whether it was intentional the way I'm thinking of it (since Palpatine's looks and expressions in Episode I are not *extremely* subtle, probably so that the viewers can catch on) but when Palpatine announces that his nomination to the position of chancellor is "a surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one", he seemingly catches himself in his inappropriate enthusiasm and eagerness before continuing more humbly. Now you can read that as exactly that - Sidious letting a little too much of himself show - or you can read it as a more subtle move of Sidious presenting Palpatine, this seemingly-perfect mentor and senator character, with an understandable flaw of ambition. Palpatine now looks like someone who is human, who does feel giddy about being nominated to this position despite their trying times, but, crucially, who is absolutely lousy at hiding it. So the other characters can think of Palpatine as someone whose flaws they've seen, someone who may be ambitious, but who could *never* be some secretive mastermind. Which suits Sidious just fine. - In Episode II, I think it's not just that Jar Jar wants to take decisive action like Padmé would have done, but that it's an "only Nixon could go to China" moment. Padmé calling for emergency powers in the Senate could gain traction precisely *because* her anti-military voting record is so impeccable. Jar Jar and the others could well be excused for thinking that in this kind of situation, even Padmé *would* come around to the idea (after all, even Bail Organa implicitly and reluctantly does so), but since she can't be there to actually call for the vote in person Jar Jar, as her representative, will have to speak in her name. And the senators will see that regardless of what private doubts they might harbor about this 'emergency powers' idea, if the *Naboo* Delegation is all for it, despite them being so at odds with the Chancellor before, it must have its merits.

[@SamvedIyer]

Which is why I first found wondering why the motion put forth by Binks suddenly captures the Senate's attention. It was only later that I realized the kind of reputation Naboo had, ever placing diplomacy before confrontation and committed to the Republic. It danced so well into Palpatine's grand plan, it is almost music.

[@erikstrickland96]

I think you’re spot on for his episode 1 “letting too much show on purpose” analysis. The reason I say that is because your comments seem to align closely with how Mathew Stover wrote the Episode 3 novel, in which the Jedi believe Palpatine loves power but he would never be a Sith Lord and only someone in his inner circle could manipulate him.

[@EmmettMcFly55]

@@erikstrickland96 That's true, yes. Although there the Jedi's obliviousness seems to stem more from the idea that "he already rules the galaxy, what more could he have to gain by being a secret Sith with all these shadowy plans". But it's certainly not dissimilar.

[@jnmusic9969]

The thing I love about palpatine is that we all know that he is the villain, but can also see why the other characters cannot. That makes the reveal all the more powerful

[@kevmasengale6903]

Good....... Can't wait for part 2

[@randywilliams6248]

That's why to me, the prequels are awesome. It's Palpatine's story overall, with Anakin having his life manipulated and ruined, bleeding out to all others. The story is awesome, it just wasn't executed that great.

[@alinefischer1251]

Yes!!! And people think they are so cool criticizing, but it is an amazing story.

[@harry_page]

The more videos like these I watch, the more I love the prequels. I love this sort of in-depth character analysis too

[@raylast3873]

Palpatine also underestimated Qui Gon and Obi Wan tho. Maul wasn‘t able to stop them on Tatooine and that messed up the plan big time.

[@raylast3873]

@Marcus-Aerilius Maximus this is certainly what ended up happening, but I really don‘t think Palpatine planned on Amidala surviving and beating the trade federation, and I doubt he planned on losing Maul. Yes he was ultimately replaceable, but a valuable tool like that is never completely expendable. If he wanted to catch the Jedi‘s attention or provoke them, losing Maul really wasn‘t a necessity for that.

[@siddreddy1416]

Maul was always going to be his behind the scenes killer, he was grooming Dooku to be the head of the trade fed army as he was more politically sounds and able to garner more allies

[@raylast3873]

@@siddreddy1416 true, but that still means Maul was bad at his job. When you only get to have two, or maybe a handful of Sith, they need to be better than your average Jedi. Maul was taken down by a Padawan.

[@sambo416]

​@@raylast3873yes but he also killed a master. And that padawan beat the chosen one in his prime. And he had obi beat but hos hubris betrayed him

[@Nicholas_Chen_]

You never fail to amaze me with your excellent in-depth analysis! I have not seen another video that puts us in Palpatine's POV so well, and explains so clearly how he achieved his goals every step of the way. At times, this video makes me feel like I am Palpatine playing his 'Game of Thrones' and empathize with him. Ironically, he, has zero empathy hahaha Palpatine, in my humble opinion, is the greatest villain of all times in the cinema. A being of pure evil, much like the Devil himself, who corrupts the good, magnifies the bad, and manipulates essentially all of existence to his use. Also, I know, and I can see you don't like the Sequel trilogy and do not acknowledge them, but I do think the idea of Palpatine behind everything, his Contingency Plan in Final Order, including the manipulation of Ben Solo from birth is a brilliant twist. Also, I think Kylo Ren is a rather interesting character worthy to be analyzed!

[@KraziKazi]

Thank you so much, the kind words mean everything! I just want to do one of the great villains in fiction justice. As for the Sequels, yeah I'm not crazy about it but I'm definitely not opposed to writing about them in the future, and I agree Kylo would probably be the best start for that

[@vinceboros6154]

@@KraziKazi "please dont" cover the Sequels.

[@vinceboros6154]

then you just havent seen any video of this style (video Essay of the prquels)

[@TheTrueE9]

Impressive most impressive

[@edcliffe2988]

What I am convinced of is that Sheev's natural appearance from the beginning is that of corrupted flesh, white hair and Sith taint in his eyes along with a scratchy voice. I feel that he uses a dark force power to hide his real appearance under the visage we see. We can hear the voice coming from the masked visage on occasion. "Do it!" for example. Mace Windu is no match for a dark Lord who no longer needs a lightsaber and holds stooping to its use as a debasement. If he can give Anakin specific nightmares to push him bit-by-bit to the dark side, then holding Windu just at bay long enough for Anakin to arrive, attack Windu of his own accord and complete his fall is no great effort. Watch the duel and see Windu outmatched until it comes time to discard his saber so as to appear unarmed before Anakin, feigning weakness, only to proclaim "Unlimited power!" two seconds after being 'so weak...' Watch how quickly his hair restraightens as he gets up and composes himself. Windu was never a contest.

[@inarencommander4663]

18:38 Love that Battlefront 2 Rise of the Empire reference. Hope your channel explodes with subs.

[@KraziKazi]

I'm so glad you caught the reference, it was one of my favorite games growing up

[@inarencommander4663]

@@KraziKazi Same. Knightfall was always my favorite mission. Tem Morrison absolutely nailed it with the voice acting role he had in that game.

[@FirstLast-cg2nk]

I think that Palpatine's machinations on Naboo go deeper than many believe. There are signs that, before leaving Coruscant, Jar Jar was supposed to be replaced with a shapeshifter (Although this seems to have been dropped due to Jar Jar not being popular). If that had been the case, Palpatine knew what Padme was planning and urged the Trade Federation to attack, right into the trap Padme was setting. He made sure the Trade Federation lost, because he needed a prolonged war. I wish this had actually been allowed to go forward in the prequel trilogy, because it would all have made Palpatine far more insidious and clever than before. Yes, even in those moments where it seemed Palpatine was miscalculating or lacked full control of the situation, there was no miscalculation and everyone simply continued to dance within the Sith Lord's palm. Padme saved Naboo only because it furthered Palpatine's plan that she succeeded. *From beginning to end, everything had moved according to his design.*

[@yaujj65]

Emm... the battle of Naboo is win-win situation for Palpatine as he benefits whether Naboo or Trade Federation wins. If TF wins, he will gain the sympathy vote while eliminate the Jedi and Padme with it. While Naboo wins is detrimental to Palpatine total victory, he still wins as the main crisis is merely a stepping stone to Chancellorship and no hindrance to the ultimate plan,

[@FirstLast-cg2nk]

@@yaujj65 If the Trade Federation won on Naboo, it would actually have short-circuited Palpatine's plans a bit, since it would mean that the Trade Federation would get to decide who was the planet's representative in the Senate. It would look extremely suspicious if, after the Trade Federation took control, Palpatine remained in the Senate. Further, in that situation where Palpatine now appeared to have the Trade Federation's backing him, it would be a great deal more difficult to hide his hand guiding both sides of the war. In short, he needed the Trade Federation to lose this war, so that he could play the victim card while at the same time maintaining a degree of seperation for the Trade Federation. Further, by losing the war in no small part due to Republic interference, it would give the Trade Federation a seeming motive for why they had seperated. If the Trade Federation had succeeded, it wouldn't make sense for them to seek to sever from the Republic, since they were still largely being allowed to do whatever they wanted, even having a large voice in the Senate despite being a corporation. They needed to overreach, and then get slapped down, in order to have that fig leaf of justification for the war. Without it, the Seperatist movement would make no sense.

[@yaujj65]

@@FirstLast-cg2nk You do have a point. There is some supporting and counter points Supporting The fact that the Naboo Crisis where Naboo won inspired people to form the Separatists to separate from the corrupt government. Naboo victory accidentally created a huge galactic crisis that Palpatine can manipulate. Counter Trade Federation defeat is not necessary for the TF to join the CIS. As seen with other companies, they join the CIS out of profits and they are against Republic's taxes and regulation that undermine their profit. Not to mention despite pledging to the CIS, some of the mega corporation are still consider 'neutral'. Not to mention some Plagueis influence to form the alliance to begin with. So TF defeat is not necessary for the separatists creation. Also maybe Palpatine will backstab the TF if they win in Naboo as they are means to an end.

[@ozdeveraux2082]

@@FirstLast-cg2nk No. You’re looking at this from the viewer perspective and understanding that the trade federation are the bad guys. In the story only a handful of people recognize the invasion as a negative action. It’s very simple, if the TF wins Palpatine would either: #1 made them come to a “peaceful” pact with the Naboo and resume the relationship before the events of TPM #2 Act as an ambassador to the Naboo and the TF and work his way as “savior” of the situation furthering his deception as the good guy. There’s always a way out for Palpatine, he may have underestimated Padme but not to the extent that his entire plan would be ruined by it. He already got what he wanted when he was nominated for Chancellor, the rest is good padding for the rest of his plan.

[@SquealingPig1651]

"Chancellor Palpatine" sure is a weird way of saying Jar Jar Binks.

[@ght_1]

I still can’t believe that jar jar was the one that suggested palpatine becoming dictator and palpatine “reluctantly” agreed

[@SamvedIyer]

@@ght_1 I think his position as Padme's representative filled him with a sense of responsibility to help the Republic win against the separatists. Many a fan sure derive huge fun toying with the idea that Binks is secretly a Sith, possibly superior to Palpatine, and I laugh along, but after all I do not subscribe to such views.

[@lyndafeustel4861]

Good very good! I’ve been looking forward to this

[@stanimirgeorgiev.87]

"Your father cannot be turned!" My favorites character. After Vader, of course. :)

[@CDBookManGaming]

Virtually every line Ian states in the three movies is epic.

[@Brian6587]

Palpatine: The Level 99 master chess player! "Excellent! Everything is going as planned" hahahaha. Great job and analysis!

[@j4ward95]

Yes!!!! I can’t believe I missed your upload 2 weeks ago. I can’t wait for part 2!!! Can you give us a clue on who’s next?! I’m hoping it’s someone who hates sand and grows up to have a breathing problem

[@KraziKazi]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Unfortunately he's not next, but his master will be

[@j4ward95]

@@KraziKazi well “hello there”

[@Edventually]

I’m glad something got you to finally DO IT. Great video subbed for the next one

[@obaidfaraz5735]

I am pretty early. Gotta say man you smashed the yoda video. I absolutely loved it. Please try to do Obi wan next. Love from India

[@KraziKazi]

I appreciate it. Just for you, Obi-Wan is next on the list

[@MrSagaTeller]

@@KraziKazi I too would love your analysis of Obi-Wan! He was a paragon Jedi Knight of the Late Republic period, even more so than Mace Windu, because he remained true to his ideals till the very end.

[@admiral_m_10k35]

I really like this breakdown and analysis of the character, really fantastic work! This is the first time I'm seeing a video of yours and a great introduction to your channel! I think breaking character analysis into parts (even if just part 1 and part 2) would really boost these sorts of videos in the landscape of a youtube algorithm. Keep up the great work!

[@tudorbaldean8549]

First, I really like the video and the analysis. It is always fun to learn new points of view, especially about masterpiece stories like Star Wars. This is a defence of the jedi, who are often seen as less then they represent. I have always seen the jedi as selfless, benevolent, highly trained, self-controlled altruists, who think twice before acting, look inside before blaming the outside. That is because a saw their actions in the movies, shows and books that I have read. This fact comes in conflict with the public opinion on the jedi (of the real-world people). From what I have seen in various videos, articles and comments, people see the jedi in 2 ways: -1: Selfish, arrogant, stupid warriors with power they cannot control and blind faith in wrong, strict dogma. This view usually includes the “The jedi got what they deserved” statement and puts the jedi in a darker position than the sith themselves. -2: This view is milder with the criticism. It recognizes the skilled and selfless character of the jedi however treats them as foolish in the long run. The mistakes that are usually attributed to the jedi are: Being blind to Palpatine’s ascent. Being too strictly bound to their dogma. Not trusting Anakin enough / not helping him enough with his emotions. Being hypocritic by doing things like trying to kill Palpatine without a trial, fighting in a war instead of preserving peace, not solving big problems like slavery. Both these 2 views seem wrong to me because they undermine the whole core of the jedi order and imply that even the wisest, most selfless men (and women of course) in the galaxy were old stubborn fools. Before all, let’s agree that the first described view is wrong. The amount of proof against those kinds of accusations is huge and almost all of it is a result of wise and selfless actions taken in the name of good. The second view is harder to combat due to the ultimate fall of the jedi, event that, at first glance, favours the presented description. Therefore, I will address the 4 flaws attributed to jedi (that I listed above): The jedi were blind to Palpatine’s ascent. Yes, that is true. The jedi did not see the sith emperor rising and growing power. Why? Because he was HIDING. Not only was Palpatine powerful enough to hide his dark side from even Grand Master Yoda, but he was hiding in a pool of darkness and deception: the world of politics. He was not a wolf disguised as a sheep; he was a wolf disguised as a sheep in a heard of wolfs disguised as sheep parading between a handful of true sheep. Also, the public opinion considers Master Windus statement “I do not believe that the sith could have returned without us knowing” to be arrogance. It has been 1000 years since the destruction of the sith. The surprise was huge. At no point did the jedi deny the existence of the sith. These words were spoken simply due to the unexpected nature of the events. The jedi blindly followed their dogma. No? Did their rules allow for Anakin to join the jedi order? No. Did Anakin join the jedi order? Yes. Why? Because the jedi counsel, although disagreeing with Qui Gon Jinn, TRUSTED his judgement. Could the council not reject the training of Anakin after Qui Gons death? What other proof is needed? The jedi did not trust Anakin / did not help him with his relationship with Padme. Ah, yes. We got here: “the jedi failed Anakin”. The jedi never agreed to train Anakin. Why? Because: -He was too old. -He had to strong a bond with his mother. -They could sense fear in him. The existence of fear was not a problem. The fact that earning trust in a grown child is very difficult was the problem. Despite all this, Qui Gon Jinn could have put him on the right path, not because Qui Gon was the best jedi, but because the chain of events lead Anakin to view him as a father figure. BUT. Qui Gon died - Here begins the tragedy of Anakin: his father dead, his mother lost, his brother (not in blood, Obi Wan) young and unexperienced. Why was Obi Wan trusted to train Anakin? Well, who else? Obi Wan was the closest thing to a (still alive) father to Anakin, and a father figure was the only thing that could save him. So, what did the jedi fail to do with Anakin? Nothing. They did the best they could, but it was not enough. One cannot condemn them for that. Hypocrisy. The jedi tried to kill Palpatine before a trial. “The senate will decide your fate” is the line a true jedi should have spoken. Followed by the capitulation of Palpatine. Of course, Palpatine did not capitulate and killed 3 jedi masters. And then everyone expects master Windu to put him in a box and bring him in front of competent authorities. See the problem with this logic? It’s not like Windu had a choice, nor was his action bad. Palpatine was guilty of enormous crimes and no neglection of a prior legal procedure can judge Windus actions as bad, especially in those circumstances (Palpatine basically controls everything on both sides). The jedi fought a war instead of preserving peace. What should they have done instead? Stand by and watch? They tried to bring peace even in those trying times. The jedi never wanted war, they were simply not able to stop it from happening. The jedi did not solve a lot of big problems, like slavery. That is an oversimplification of politics in the Star Wars universe. It's not that simple. As a recap, allow me a comparison: The jedi are like the police, paramedics, firefighters … . They do their best to save people and stop bad things from happening. However, blaming them for tragedies they could not prevent is wrong. The story of Star Wars is a tragedy. Actions of evil that the good were not able to stop in time. And by evil I do not mean only Palpatine, but also all the corrupted and ill-intentioned people that fuelled the conflict (and lead to its appearance in the first place). Also, by good I mean more than the jedi. I will end this message with a quote from another franchise: “It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness; that is life.” - Captain Jean-Luc Picard.

[@leeporwoll2380]

This is a fairly cogent argument, and I like some parts of it. But if I may push back a little on your point about why the Jedi were blind to Palpatine's ascent. It wasn't just because he was a Sith Lord who was highly proficient in the Dark Arts & could hide his identity in plain sight. The very fact that the Jedi were starting to lose their connection to the Force is why they couldn't sense Palpatine when he was right in front of them. The Jedi going to war, when they're meant to be humble monks, is why they lost their connection to the Force. Don't believe me? Then, might I ask what your reaction to Yoda weilding a lightsabre for the first time in Ep.2 was? How did you feel about that? Bcuz most audience members felt betrayed. In the then-zeitgeist it was taken that the Jedi Knights were the ones with lightsabres, and Yoda being the wisest among all the Jedi, it was viewed as a betrayal of the character to have him brandish a weapon. Now, this is because deep down most people know the difference between "right/wrong" at least in terms of what the Force is meant to be "used" for. This is a contradiction at the very heart of the Jedi (and to a lesser extent the Sith) because to be a true conduit for the Force is to forgo one's own self. The Jedi were ab/using the Force for their own ends in the Prequels & thus were subject to the Great Purge because the Force was seeking balance within itself. Mostly because the Jedi were proving Palpatine right when he said they only wanted power -- that the Sith & the Jedi are the same in almost every way. This is because both sides were ab/using the Force to their own ends & not striking a balance. The only way to achieve this balance is to simply throw away your lightsabre, like Luke Skywalker does at the end of Ep.6 -- and he does so knowing he very well may be annihilated by the Emperor right then and there. But Palpatine is the one who is destroyed there, along with Vader. Thus redeeming himself, and restoring balance & fulfilling the Prophecy of the One (as Lucas himself has said he did in myriad interviews since Ep.3 came out) -- this is crucial. How could Anakin still be the Chosen One all those years later after he'd already slaughtered the Jedi? This is precisely bcuz he's finishing what he started in Ep.3 -- and by doing so, he restores balance to the Force; which was only out of alignment bcuz a bunch of mortals (the Jedi & the Sith) were misusing the Force to their own ends. The Sith with their manipulation of the midi-chlorians used in creating Anakin from scratch & the Jedi in waging a war & ab/using the Force to wage war. Anakin resolves this conflict by eliminating all egos involved; Sith & Jedi alike. And his violence is "sanctioned" by the Force as he is the vergence of midi-chlorians & thus "allowed" to embody the Will of the Force itself. It's a brilliant story and a great allegory for the ages. Also, speaking of Mace; you make a great point about him being "justified" in trying to take out Palpatine, mostly bcuz "he's too dangerous to be left alive" and you'd be right. But again, the Force won't notice. All the Force "sees" is a living mortal body returning to the fold, either way the Force doesn't have a human/mortal agenda. That's a false syllogism & a dangerous one, as it lead the Jedi to the Purge by their hand and their hand alone. Plus, it fell right into Palpatine's false narrative that "the Jedi are taking over" and when Mace is thrown out of the window, his swordhand severed, his body still on fire from the lightning strike; he probably had no idea how his actions were gonna be used to justify hunting down the remaining Jedi to the rest of the Galactic Senate. I'm not saying he could've sat around and done nothing -- buuuut, since Mace is on the Jedi Council, he could've simply called for a special session in the Senate and had Anakin speak to everyone on what he knows about Palpatine -- security recordings could've been confiscated from the Chancellor's Office & that's all the proof they would've needed to ouster Palpatine right then and there. As Obi-Wan says on his last adventure, bcuz he learned the hard way, "there are alternatives to fighting." Just some food for thought.

[@dylanrajcula3527]

As well as Sauron and Tom Marvolo Riddle/Lord Voldemort!

[@fantasykaijugeeks5452]

Your Palpatine essay is undoubtedly one of the best I enjoyed watching this series from the first to the third part in all its glory.

[@johnnybhoff226]

Great video so far. Some what at the beginning but already love the format. I love me a good video essay 💜

[@godblessamerica99]

Your over-use of "EMBICILE!!!" was on point. A style I would have chosen myself. Well done. I was eight when ANH came out in theaters. I had Darth Vader nightmares. But there was another... Ooh. Just gave myself chills.

[@unHolyEvelyn]

I think one of the saddest things for Maul is having to realize everything he did was for a master who never planned on ruling with him.

[@krismcdaniel2858]

If Ian MacDiarmid had been more movie famous, that nose would go down in movie history with Bob Hope and Jimmy Drurante. You notice the nose in both Sidious and Shiv Palpatine. It really sticks out!

[@CRYSTAL_CUSTOMS]

*sheev

[@MagusFlorren]

Your video really makes me look at these prequels in a whole different light.

[@Wills-Corner]

@KraziKazi Brilliant analysis with some points I never thought of before. But please include Last Jedi and Rise of Skywalker. Because Palpatine’s role in those is crucial too.

[@WonkelDee]

Those don’t count

[@magnenoalex2]

@@WonkelDee amen

[@Wills-Corner]

@@WonkelDee yes it does. Love em or hate em they are part of the saga

[@777-pdf]

Gotta love and respect Palps. But wow, this video was amazing! Very excited for part 2

[@masterskywalker4840]

7:54 some amazing in depth analysis (like this one) of GOT characters perhaps? :)

[@KraziKazi]

Definitely something I've been considering, but it'll be much further in the future

[@vadneysean72]

Just wanted to say I enjoyed your style and presentation.

[@ScottyG-wood]

Well done!

[@lisaduguid2948]

I have read Darth Plaguieis it explains a lot about how he manipulates everyone.

[@Pomoscorzo]

Is anything known about Palpatine's past, his youth for example? Why was he so vicious and power-hungry? Other villains in Star Wars are more ambiguous - as far as I know, Palpatine is the only ultimate evil one.

[@KraziKazi]

Interesting question, not that I've seen, the novelization of Darth Plagueis is probably the closest thing we have. But I feel like out lack of knowledge to his youth is intentional so, like you said, he could be seen as the ultimate evil in Star Wars

[@tylerjones7592]

The Dartb Plaugis novel

[@AspieMediaBobby]

In the EU, it was said Sheev was born to a noble political family on Naboo but(Much like Voldemort as Tom Riddle Jr. in the Harry Potter franchise)even from a young age he was feared by family and peers alike and he sensed there was something 'special' about him long before Plagueis taught him what The Force and The Dark Side were, his father saw him as uncaring,opportunistic and reckless, his mother and siblings were terrified to death of him and so when told to cut all ties with the mundane non-Force sensitives he despised much like he told Anakin he did not hesitate and showed no mercy .(In other words,Sheev`s obsession with Anakin becoming his 'ultimate apprentice' was in part due to the prospect of turning The Jedi`s own Chosen One into their destroyer being too delicious an irony for any self-respecting Dark Lord of The Sith to resist but also because Anakin`s marriage to the woman he saw as the greatest threat to his dominion over the Republic and the galaxy even more so than The Jedi whose misguided devotion to the laws of The Republic blinded them to the fact that the Dark Side energy they sensed so strongly was coming from The Republic itself even after Dooku and Barriss Offee both tried to warn them and he saw much of himself in the ambitious young Jedi.)

[@Pomoscorzo]

@@AspieMediaBobby Thank you. 😊

[@AspieMediaBobby]

@@Pomoscorzo Yep, another paradox of Sheev`s character in the EU is he exploited human xenophobia even though many of his most trusted confidantes from the Old Republic era were extraterrestrials and in reality he looked down on non-force sensitives regardless of species whilst also fearing, envying and seeking to control other force sensitives.

[@gregphillipsel9906]

I like the part intervals. Great work btw.

[@kevmasengale6903]

A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.

[@leoncarrillo89]

I just noticed that the separatist council is set around a table / desk that looks a lot like the Empire's logo. Probably it was unintentional, but it's a cool detail that forshadows the creation of the Empire.

[@reepacheirpfirewalker8629]

A perfect character, in every way. So much unexplained within his story and I hope nobody tries to ever explain it all away. From Episode 1 there are so many times he has those looks towards certain things like talking to Padme about the Chancellor and how he was being a sorry character and being somebody who is manipulated by the people in the shadows. Amidala becoming the first one to edge towards Palpatines wishes through his machinations through her as he did with Anakin.

[@luiselizondo7030]

This video just made me realize what a Genius Lucas is. The greatness of the prequels lies in the tiny details. Especially In the prequels's political dilemas.

[@bxrdo]

That was beautiful 🎨

[@Lucas-de-Andrade-de-Oliveira]

A great video about the senate

[@jparkst2023]

Fantastic in-depth analysis! I've been looking for things like this, and I'm glad I found you! Subscribed :)

[@LordNexusTheFir]

For yoda having over 800 years on Palpatine it doesn't make any sense that he especially couldn't sense past Palpatine broken unrealistic force concealment to not only hide his eyes but also how deep he was in the dark. Only real explanation could be the Jedi werent wrong Palpatine didn't win cause he was smarter or better than the Jedi (if he was dont think he would've let Windu almost clean his ass & disfiguring himself painful with his own powerful lightning only an idiot would believe he was holding back after dusting 2 others instantly & 1 other after a short time, since SITH DONT HOLD BACK IN A FIGHT & he very much enjoys fighting. Maul & Savage fight for example) but its all the will of the Force. Its like some cruel game that it knows how it will play out but likes to watch it play out.

[@acegabrielcruz3687]

True He had trained for a very long time but couldn't identify the less experienced Dark Lord

[@bigbird2240]

Need to do this after reading Darth Plagueis

[@SkillKid]

i really like this way of video making !!

[@MikeSidious]

Excellent....

[@mgway4661]

Greatest villian ever

[@thomasd3146]

This is brilliant!

[@caedengoering]

This is where the fun begins.

[@brethilnen]

I love your videos

[@hatemongeringverbalterrori7356]

This will be a video long remembered

[@TheMocutMiester]

Never noticed the size of that man's 6 head bruh

[@KraziKazi]

lmao

[@DannyGarrigan]

Brilliant!

[@ARCtrooperblueleader]

Brilliant video. Bravo.

[@HiagoRebello]

In politics, we all are puppets, and the politicians of the Senate, for example, puppets... But... HE is THE SENATE.

[@AstroCreep77]

Well, considering the clusterfuck that was made in the sequel trilogy, the entire saga has basically become the saga of Sheev Palpatine.

[@lolstrrz]

I haven’t finished this yet, but I’m just gonna drop this rq. I hate the emperor so much, and that’s probably why he’s literally the greatest character in the franchise.

[@MrShirial]

You forgot to mention Palpatine is one of Star Wars greatest meme generators

[@happysecret5273]

A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one

[@scottgrohs5940]

Now here’s a 64 million $$ question: How could a Palpatine be prevented from turning Starfleet into the mirror universe Terran Empire were he in the UFoP? He wouldn’t have any Jedi or Sith abilities, but he would have his intellect, intelligence, patience and ability for subterfuge.

[@AlyssMa7rin]

To be fair, his force prowess was responsible for a great deal of his schemes succeeding, in foresight, coercion, and survivability

[@obitwokenobi9808]

Make it *66 million*

[@django445]

palpatine is nothing short of genius

[@cesarreyna4163]

My favorite character in the series!

[@andrespolanco3182]

Kreia would like a word. If we count the games of course.

[@brethilnen]

This is a great video, Darth Sidious is the best villain

[@Peregrin3]

I wouldn't be surprised if Palpatine is directly inspired by Sauron/Annatar they are very similar.😎

[@jmwilliamsart]

Palpatine wasn’t wrong about the Republic, it wasn’t what it once was. The Republic had become so corrupt which would’ve happened even without the machinations of the Sith.

[@lil2177]

Ever since I could remember, sideous has always been the scariest man I knew. And because of that, I think he’s the best character and he’s as important as Luke or anakin, and Rey wouldn’t be anything without him.

[@genildomiranda1690]

"I promise to end the corruption" see i could never do what he did, i would not be able to keep a straight face

[@kimonmatara6903]

I notice there's a 'trope' with film analysis channels where the narrator will insert random pauses in the middle of sentences, for example, "if you'd like to then... subcribe."

[@williamj.dovejr.8613]

Palpatine could have written the 48 laws of power...

[@baldi-wankenobi5167]

Star wars is a puppet stand and palpatine is the one kid that plays the puppet show so he's the "Master of puppet"

[@liaml.e.5964]

I just found your channel and I am quite pleased... What kinds of characters will you be covering? Just the ones in the films or also the ones from the Expanded Universe?