Most Rewatchable Scene
The trench run
In the discussion (13)
Approx. transcript time · 00:02:26Read transcript
- The opening firefight and first Darth Vader entrance begin the candidate list. — Bill Simmons
- Luke meeting his mentor and learning about his father and the Force is praised for its economical mythology. — Bill Simmons
- Vader's conference-room intimidation is nominated for establishing the Force as more powerful than the Death Star.
- The cantina sequence is called one of the best scenes of the 1970s for its creatures, droid exclusion, Han Solo negotiation, and Greedo shooting.
- Tarkin forcing Leia to watch Alderaan's destruction is praised for cruelty and for establishing the stakes.
- The Falcon sequence combines holochess, Luke training, Han doubting the Force, and the mentor teaching, running several character beats at once. — Bill Simmons
- The Death Star infiltration, rescue, trash compactor, and escape are praised as a long escalating run.
- The mentor and Vader duel is discussed as sacrifice rather than a modern athletic lightsaber fight.
- The Millennium Falcon's surprise return during the trench run is recalled as a theatrical cheer moment. — Bill Simmons
- The final medal ceremony is nominated, with the exclusion of Chewbacca and the droids criticized.
- The cantina receives one firm vote because it combines a first lightsaber use, a severed limb, Han and Greedo, music, creatures, and escape. — Sean Fennessey
- The trench run receives two final votes for its enduring aerial-action structure and signature place in Star Wars.
- The disguised rescue of Leia and the broader Death Star escape remain personal favorites without displacing the final trench-run majority.