But anyway the idea that Vader is too far into the dark to ever return is probably antithetical to the general idea of star wars, since, you know, the ending, but there was definitely a sliding escalation into him being convinced he'd gone too far this time. Even in AotC he has this moment of sheer panic and despair at fucking up supremely, but between Padme's acceptance and getting swept up with events he manages to brush it under the rug for a big. He can continue that uneasy trend when he kills Dooku and stuff, but he feels locked in when he helps kill Mace. At that point I think he gets into the mindset that he's gone too far this time but, actually, at this point I think if someone had talked him down, Obi Wan or Padme or Ahsoka- it might have worked. After he sacks the temple, now that- that is a point he refuses to return from, not without collecting his prize, no matter what anyone else can say. He's paid too high a price already. That wasn't done in fury, or panic, that was inescapably a choice. It can't have been for nothing. Still even then, he probably thought that if he just got what he wanted, if Padme asked him to walk away after that, then fine, but not yet, so she should shut up and stay out of it until the bargain is completed.
After he's killed her too, and Obi Wan left him, that's when he decides he just going to be evil now forever. Still, he will eventually come to the conclusion that he doesn't have to do all that. That it's never too late.
i like to think that soap designs some of ghosts tattoos and like, incorporates ghosts scars into the art piece?? essentially making them part of the masterpiece idk
this man does not know how to wink!!!!! this is my truth