ROTS Revisited

I should note that there are a number of scenes that are in the official script (get it at Borders or B&N), but are not in the movie. I think there are several important omissions, but they fall into two categories.

1. Senatorial Plot. Lost in the movie is the fact that Padme, Bail Organa, Mon Mothma and several other Senators were plotting against the Chancellor. The introduction of Captain Antilles at the very end makes it clear that this is the start of the Rebellion of Ep. IV. Several scenes of this nature are cut.

2. Ancient Order of the Whills. The apparition of Obi-wan, Yoda and Anakin has its basis in the Ancient Order of the Whills and it is the ultimate power of the light side of the Force. At it turns out, Yoda and Obi-wan learn it from Qui-gon Jinn, who, like Obi-wan in Ep. IV, initially appears in voice form only. The later manifestation is the apparition. The power is to use the force consciously, but without a physical presence. Mastering this power allows one to be one with the Force. It also explains why Yoda and Obi-wan did not have bodies in Ep. IV and VI, but why Qui-gon (who had not yet mastered it in Ep. I) did. Most importantly, Yoda and Obi-wan become Qui-gon's apprentices in the time between Ep. II and Ep. IV.

The Shaman of the Whills and the Ancient Order of the Whills were left on the cutting room floor.

I sincerely hope Lucas adds those scenes back in the DVD version...