There’s something very fishy about Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. And we’re not talking about Admiral Ackbar. No, we’re thinking about Vader’s lightsaber during his final duel with Luke Skywalker.

Ad

You know the bit: instead of giving a helping anthropomorphic hand to the Ewoks, Luke flees Endor to resolve some daddy issues with Darth Vader aboard the Death Star Mark II (you know, the one with the massive design flaw that destroyed the Mark I). However, Vader’s not too keen on a catch-up and tries to strike down his son, even lobbing his lightsaber at Luke. Terrible parenting.

But there’s something extremely wrong about Vadey’s lightsaber during this scene. Focus you mind and see if you can spot it around the 46-second mark.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ_j3s5xj8I

Got it yet? Yes, as spotted by Imgur user gfoster18, the blade is coming out of the wrong end.

117131
117132

Instead of emerging from the blade emitter, Vader’s red krystal beams through the weapon’s high-output diatium power cell. In other words, the lightsaber is completely upside down.

Was it an almighty force trick pulled by Darth to strike down the Galxay’s last Jedi? Did Vader bend the laws of physics using his almighty midichlorian count? Or did some padawan in special effects really drop the ball?

Ad

Make your own judgement, you must.

Authors

Thomas LingStaff Writer, BBC Science Focus

Comments, questions and tips

Rate this recipe

What is your star rating out of 5?

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Overall rating

Ad
Ad
Ad
Create an image depicting a festive scene with elements from the top Christmas songs, such as a snowy New York for 'Fairytale of New York', a cozy home setting for 'Last Christmas', and a glamorous Christmas party for 'All I Want for Christmas Is You'. Include musical notes and festive decorations to represent the spirit of these iconic Christmas songs.

RT offer

Immediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live events

hello
An image depicting a festive scene with iconic Christmas elements such as a beautifully decorated Christmas tree with twinkling lights, snow gently falling, and perhaps a cozy fireplace in the background. The image should capture the essence of popular Christmas songs, with musical notes and lyrics subtly included in the design, representing a playlist of classic Christmas tunes.

summer

Immediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live eventsImmediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live eventsImmediate’s iconic brands reach 21m people every month – that’s more than a third of the UK’s adults – through its world-class magazines, innovative digital products and exciting live events

More