#they're both fascist militarist leaders who initially had pure intentions but gave into fear

[benevolentslut]

there's that specific brand of villain that's like - you're only a villain because you gave into your deepest fears and allowed them to control you, and now you've gone way too far to ever be truly redeemed.

like, they are beyond a shadow of a doubt a villain and should be seen as such, but there's still a certain tragedy to it, y'know? that tragedy of like "damn, you would've been a decent person if you'd just had some therapy, but now look at you"

#this post is simultaneously about darth vader and general ironwood #they're both fascist militarist leaders who initially had pure intentions but gave into fear #one was so afraid of losing the one he loved he sacrificed his humanity for power to protect her #and lost her anyway and just. shut down emotionally and kept on his path because he saw no way out #and the other was so terrified of failing that he blocked out all compassion to attempt to focus on the best logical option #sacrificing everyone around him to achieve his goal of ultimate pragmatism #and inevitably destroying himself in the process #they're both villains and this is in no way trying to forgive either of them #just thinking about it y'know? #like if either one of them had gotten decent therapy before they turned for the worse #they could've done so much good for their respective worlds #but they didn't and that's that #and yes. in the end vader sacrificed himself to aid his son and attempt to make amends #and so yeah he chose good in the end and that redeems him In A Way #but it doesn't negate the death and suffering he caused around a whole Galaxy #i recognise his tragedy and his choice for good in the end #but i really don't like how so many in the sw fandom are like 'oh he was purely a good guy then' like no actually he was still a fascist #like he could be sitting there killing people and thinking 'this is wrong' but he's still doing it.