Did Palpatine Ever Consider Letting Anakin Become a Sith Lord?

Often discussed in the Star Wars universe, the relationship between Anakin Skywalker and Palpatine is complex. While Anakin did indeed become a Sith Lord and eventually Darth Vader, the question of whether Palpatine ever considered letting Anakin replace him as the Master underscores the true motives and manipulation at play.

Anakin Skywalker: The Origins of a Sith Lord

During the climactic events of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, Anakin Skywalker, now a fully realized Sith Lord, is referred to as 'Lord Vader.' This transformation, once completed, marked Anakin's ultimate fall to the dark side, setting the stage for one of the most iconic character arcs in cinematic history. The question arises: why did Palpatine not initially consider Anakin's transition to Master?

Palpatine: The Manipulator and Motive

Palpatine's approach to maintaining power was through manipulation and control. He did not see the need to let Anakin replace him as the Supreme Chancellor. In Episode 3, we witness Palpatine instructing Anakin to 'Rise, Lord Vader,' emphasizing Anakin's new status as a Sith Lord and his loyalty to Palpatine.

Palpatine's motivations were rooted in his ambition to control the galaxy. He leveraged Anakin's immense power to achieve this, utilizing him to eliminate threats and expand his influence. Anakin's rise to power made him a formidable weapon in Palpatine's arsenal, ensuring that no other potential apprentice could match his abilities.

Absence of Altruism

It's important to note that Palpatine operated without any semblance of altruism. His actions were always driven by the desire to gain and maintain ultimate power. Anakin's transformation into Darth Vader was a means to this end, not an altruistic decision to pass on his legacy.

The portrayal of Palpatine's perspective in the Sequel Trilogy further reinforces his disdain for the traditional Sith succession. In the final episodes, it becomes clear that Palpatine intended to remain immortal, thereby eliminating the need for a potentially rebellious apprentice who might attempt to overthrow him. The Empire, structured as it was upon his departure, would crumble due to its instability and lack of a clear successor.

The Lack of Succession Planning

The failure to plan for a stable succession is a significant factor in the collapse of the Empire. The Canon and Saga Edition Universe (EU) both support this narrative. Without a structured plan for leadership after Palpatine's disappearance, the Empire fragmented into warring factions, hastening its downfall.

Legacy and Final Motivation

Had Palpatine gotten his way, the Sith would have remained solely his domain. An apprentice who sought to usurp him would be eliminated, ensuring his reign as the ultimate Sith Lord would continue. This underscores Palpatine's single-minded focus on power and eliminations any notion of care for his protégé's future.

The journey of Anakin Skywalker from hero to villain reflects the broader theme of the series: the corrupting influence of power and the lengths to which one will go to maintain it. Palpatine's manipulation of Anakin serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of absolute power and the importance of maintaining one's values even in the face of overwhelming temptation.