Emperor Palpatine's Biggest Mistake in Star Wars: A Shocking Revelation

What Was Emperor Palpatine's Biggest Mistake?

Despite his impressive abilities and manipulations across the entirety of Star Wars, Emperor Palpatine was not infallible - a trait often emphasized in how he was considered to be the master planner of a galactic conflict, or a super-planner for how he made changes to both the Republic and later the Galactic Empire.

Palpatine is often shown to be on top of every move in the Star Wars canon. But his power as a Sith Lord and as Emperor Palpatine comes to a near-destruction by a simple clerical error when a clerk, instead of alerting the Galactic Empire, instead handed Lando Calrissian a blood sample of Darth Sidious. This was critical to Luke's plan to take out Palpatine by using a "Grim Rose." That Grim Rose's powers would have wiped out both Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine from Star Wars, if it wasn't for this mistake.

What Happened in Star Wars #50?

Emperor Palpatine with an upset expression. Image

This latest release for Star Wars comics features a critical arc in the ongoing saga as the main cast attempts to use the powers of "The Grim Rose" to take down Emperor Palpatine, but only if they could acquire the right DNA samples to complete the act of dark magic - Lando was dispatched to secure Darth Sidious' DNA as he is a well-recognized, notorious Sith lord - by gathering up the Galactic Republic databanks that stored DNA from those who served as senators.

This becomes a point of tension for Star Wars #50 as the Rebellion attempts to obtain this DNA while confronting the Galactic Empire , specifically Darth Vader as the leader, along with their efforts to use these tools of dark magic and, more specifically, a "Grim Rose" that would ultimately take out Palpatine.

How Did Palpatine's Rule Lead To The Galactic Empire?

Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader side-by-side. Image

Emperor Palpatine was a powerful Sith Lord who orchestrated the events of Star Wars: The Clone Wars and the creation of the Galactic Empire, ultimately marking a transition from the Galactic Republic .

He managed to make his way through a political career with a series of cunning plans as he made his way through the ranks. Even while pretending to serve the Galactic Republic - he utilized the Senate , manipulating those who served within it to ultimately create an authoritarian, highly oppressive regime as the Galactic Empire took hold - effectively removing those powers from the Jedi Order , the Jedi's presence became nonexistent as he also eradicated them in a short amount of time - further securing his position. It showed his abilities as a Master Planner on a galactic scale as he consolidated power.

How Did The Grim Rose Nearly Destroy The Sith?

3 versions of Star Wars' Emperor Palpatine, the live-action version and two comic book versions. Image

Those familiar with the Sith are aware of their desire for dominance over the galaxy. In Star Wars comics - they were often viewed as one of the greatest threats, but in Star Wars #50, there was a moment that would nearly bring an end to Darth Sidious - but more significantly, it could have resulted in the end of Sith history in the Star Wars Galaxy, ultimately erasing those Sith Lords who sought to manipulate and conquer the galaxy.

That Grim Rose - a powerful, mysterious artifact that appeared to be wielded through dark magic, could take the lives of any character within the Star Wars universe by using a blood sample, which would ultimately wipe out any character or their connections - especially anyone that the main character has met and, in particular, anyone that the Sith have touched during their respective careers, something which ultimately served as an effective weapon against the Sith to the extent that it would have nearly wiped out their power in Star Wars - especially as those loyal to the Sith had grown significantly.

What is Emperor Palpatine’s Reputation In Star Wars?

Ian McDiarmid as Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars Return of the Jedi Image

Emperor Palpatine's reputation was forged as the ultimate leader. He had an immense understanding of politics, power dynamics - especially in those early stages where he was elected as a Senator for Naboo - ultimately making his way to control both the Galactic Republic and, in particular, the Jedi Order - the main defenders of justice.

It appears that he was so infamous and feared by even those who he was close to, it showed that his leadership brought about both fear and admiration. His political skills - were incredibly nuanced - allowing him to manipulate the galaxy on an incredible scale. Emperor Palpatine's rise to power through deceptive plans is shown throughout the Skywalker Saga , and often underscored his political talents.

Does Emperor Palpatine’s Reputation Survive in Star Wars #50?

Although he had made several impressive, and powerful decisions as a leader, it would appear that Emperor Palpatine's reputation as the ultimate super-planner may have been tarnished in Star Wars #50. As it turns out, the story showed Palpatine making an uncharacteristically Emperor biggest mistake as he failed to notice that he left an open vulnerability to those who are looking to bring him down. As the Rebels were prepared to take his life through a deadly, but rare dark spell, that ultimately would have wiped out the Sith , those actions could have been fatal.

As Star Wars #50 showed a "blind spot," in terms of how Emperor Palpatine operated. His plans - including those with Machiavellian cunning - have always been viewed as the perfect scheme - but the story for Star Wars #50 shows how those who appear to lack influence can easily cause the biggest damage.

Who is the Schism Imperial?

Even those who have watched the Skywalker Saga know of the Galactic Empire and, more specifically, Emperor Palpatine and those individuals in power that stood as a force behind his campaign - which sought to reestablish a government based on an oppressive rule, bringing in several of the galaxy’s most infamous characters (Darth Vader is an obvious and highly-recognizable example), but that empire also featured numerous factions.

It's critical to understand that Palpatine was a master puppeteer, not just within his power but also with those who surrounded him - and, ultimately, those that were trying to bring down the Emperor himself - specifically, those who sought to overturn the Galactic Empire. This also extended into groups like "Schism Imperial." Those rebels - an assortment of bureaucrats - worked behind the scenes to cause trouble for those serving within the Galactic Empire. Their ultimate goal is to replace the Emperor with a leader that might bring a new, hopeful direction to a galactic regime that was known for its strict adherence to control.

Is There Another Sith That Are a Part of Emperor Palpatine's Empire?

The story behind Emperor Palpatine, Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire is an often-repeated and familiar narrative. In many of the stories within the Star Wars universe - fans recognize these primary figures that play crucial roles.

However, a great element that has become known throughout those stories are the Sith, the group that the Emperor is affiliated with. The show has revealed a plethora of Sith groups that have also sought to control the Star Wars universe, such as "The Sith Eternal." This group - was instrumental in ensuring the Emperor was resurrected and served as a main faction in The Rise of Skywalker - the latest chapter for the Skywalker Saga. Fans might also recognize how Emperor Palpatine was saved in a battle by a group known as "The Knights of Ren". Those fighters aided Emperor Palpatine, but not only as warriors but as an additional force to support and expand the Dark Side and bring even more influence.

How does the Star Wars story expand with new comic books?

Those fans of Star Wars Comics will enjoy the addition of "Star Wars #50" - which continued to push those storylines forward. This production showcases a great, powerful tale for Luke Skywalker as he teams up with Lando Calrissian and Leia Organa to stop the Emperor's reign over the Galactic Empire - showcasing the importance of Marvel Comics contributions to Star Wars lore. There are other ongoing and future projects as the comics provide opportunities to expand on Star Wars and showcase those influential, fascinating characters.

This is one area for those who love Star Wars - that shows how powerful comics are - as those who enjoy this form have been exposed to many different characters who continue to make a mark - giving a new depth and scope, often bringing to the table a whole other layer to Star Wars, one that relies on those complex and dynamic characters - such as "The Knights of Ren", which gave new perspectives on their history. It also introduced those individuals who fought on behalf of the Emperor. As a great storytelling outlet, the Star Wars universe also takes into account these efforts from the creative minds at Marvel.