just watched Altar of Mortis

[wyncatastrophe]

And once again, I'm not sure what to think of it. Like last week's episode, it felt more like fan fiction, a sort of metaphysical reimagining of the Star Wars universe, than an integral piece of the story. But it was enjoyable in its own right, for all that. Loved the Arthur imagery of Obi-Wan capturing the sword sort of in the stone. I wasn't quite sure what to make of Ahsoka's temporary turn, or the idea that Son can turn you to the Dark Side against your will - what's up with that? And it was reinforced by Anakin's claim "I will never turn to the Dark Side willingly." Which, we could argue, is true; he finally turns under the threat of Padmé's death. On other other hand, even under duress, aren't we responsible for our own choices? So the implication that one can be turned to the Dark Side unwillingly would seem to undermine the sense of free will and personal choice that underlies both the pathos of Episode III and the triumph of Episode VI. I am, of course, always interested in seeing more Anakin, and we saw quite a bit of him in this episode, so that made me quite happy. But maybe the most enticing piece of the episode was Son's proclamation that "everything has transpired" according to his plan, a near-echo of the Emperor's various statements to the same effect, most notably his "everything that has transpired has done so according to my design," from Episode VI.

So is it possible, guys, that when it's said (in Labyrinth of Evil, I think?) that the Sith had waited all these years for someone to be born who was strong enough to become the Dark Side's dedicated instrument (Palpatine), this was in a more literal sense than we ever knew? Can Son have been possessing Palpatine from afar, and imbuing him with more power than even a Sith would normally be able to access? Hmmm.

I'd say more, but the projects are piling up around me, so ... back to work!