The Resurgence of Padme Amidala

Should you’re a fan of the prequels, and there are a lot of followers, you’ll be able to simply conjure up a large number of on-screen examples while you’re being requested, or compelled, to defend your place on episodes one, two and three. Like them or hate them, the prequels are filled with putting cinematic moments that gave George Lucas the chance to lastly inform the story he wished to inform and had the know-how to take action. It’s actually the kind of avant-garde filmmaking that captures the viewers’s consideration and for what Star Wars is most identified for.

The main target of the trilogy after all is the transformation of Jedi Anakin Skywalker to Sith Lord Darth Vader however holding her personal on display alongside him is Natalie Portman’s Padme Amidala Naberrie of Naboo. Seemingly the simplest and mostly identified path to her legacy within the Star Wars universe is that of mom to twins Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa, however that will be remiss. She’s a lot, far more than that.

Sure, her function of mom to Luke and Leia and spouse to Anakin are of important significance within the context of the galaxy, however to dismiss her as merely a broodmare or consort can be silly. She’s additionally been a Queen, a Senator, an Ambassador, a warrior and like her daughter years later, a insurgent. Sure, Padme was the chief of a resistance 47 years earlier than being the chief of the resistance was a factor!

You may perceive why she linked with youthful feminine Star Struggles followers, regardless of restricted dialogue, who have been desperately searching for the Princess Leia of their era. Whether or not it was on a far-off planet or on the Senate flooring, Padme was a robust feminine character who when given the chance (which wasn’t at all times the case) fought with as a lot conviction as her male counterparts.

So, for years, followers waited patiently for extra Padme tales to be informed that weren’t essentially about her function as a secret spouse to a brooding Jedi. It was fully apparent to many who she did not at all times require saving and that she might, like her daughter, fend for herself, she simply wanted the chance to take action. We have have had loads of Padme for the reason that prequels to soak up, whether or not it was on The Clone Wars TV present or Forces of Future or extra just lately within the Timothy Zahn novel, Thrawn: Alliances. However once more, these weren’t solo quests and sometimes concerned Anakin in a method or one other, they weren’t purely Padme tales. Forces of Future comes closest however in her 4 appearances, just one is she on her personal and people after all are solely two minutes lengthy. The followers have been hungry for extra!

Lastly, their loyalty and dedication to this character was rewarded as at San Diego Comedian-Con, in the course of the Star Wars authors panel, it was introduced that E.Ok. Johnston, writer of “Ahsoka”, would inform a narrative the place Padme is the central character. The novel, which is titled “Queen’s Shadow”, is about between the occasions of The Phantom Menace and Assault of the Clones, a time when Padme is busy transitioning between being Queen of Naboo and its Senator. The writer’s abstract states…

When Padmé Naberrie, “Queen Amidala” of Naboo, steps down from her place, she is requested by the newly-elected queen to turn out to be Naboo’s consultant within the Galactic Senate. Padmé is not sure about taking up the brand new function, however can’t flip down the request to serve her individuals. Collectively together with her most loyal handmaidens, Padmé should determine the best way to navigate the treacherous waters of politics and forge a brand new id past the queen’s shadow.

Seems like we’re in retailer for lots of political intrigue and a glance deep contained in the seedy and corrupt aspect of the Coruscant authorities. With Anakin off coaching to be a Jedi with Obi-Wan Kenobi, it is a good time to point out Padme on her personal utilizing her intelligence, wit and energy to navigate the very muddy waters of life on this sometimes-hostile planet. Here is hoping we see Duja make an look to supply some extra context to their friendship!

For her half, Johnston is totally conscious of the duty at hand and appears to grasp that there is extra to Padme than meets the attention. She just lately opened up in an interview with StarWars.com and defined how the prequels by no means totally fleshed out the character in profound method…

“I feel numerous what Padmé does within the films goes on inside her head. So, her brilliance and her political acumen, you do not essentially see it play out within the films. As a result of she’s so good, she does not clarify what she’s doing. Attending to form of get inside her head slightly bit, and write from the angle of inside her head, you form of see how good and the way gifted and the way deeply compassionate she is. In a costume that weighs 80 billion kilos or in a swimsuit for sneaking round or no matter, she has it lined as a result of she is aware of herself and he or she is aware of her buddies so nicely.”

Like Zahn’s tackle the character in “Thrawn: Alliances”, it appears Johnston will actually concentrate on Padme’s resourcefulness and crafty. Not like her eventual life associate, she’s simply not showy about it, selecting to be subversive and strategic about her decisions relying extra on her prowess and intelligence than bodily energy. However do not suppose Padme will not decide up a blaster ought to the necessity come up, we have seen her do this already and it is probably a selection she could need to make once more. Like all good strategists, she is going to after all, method the choices…

“Queen’s Shadow” will hits shops on March 5, 2019, you will not wish to miss this one!

Until subsequent time…MTFBWY.

New Thrawn: Alliances Excerpt – Padme Is On A Mission


New Thrawn: Alliances Excerpt


Vader Teams Up With Thrawn On Cover Of Thrawn: Alliances