THIS POST CONTAINS SPOILERS.
Padmé Amidala is a senator for Naboo in the Galactic Senate. When she was fourteen she was elected queen and led her people through the Naboo Crisis. She has been on many missions of diplomacy for the Republic in the Clone Wars and is respected as a great supporter of democracy.
I would have written this sooner but lately I have been tied up in special sessions of Congress. We are considering a motion to defer more powers to the Chancellor. However, I was able to snag some time this weekend to view the latest episode. As is clear, this one was more personal for me than the previous episodes of season four. There are many things that could be said on the episode, but here are a few things I would like to mention.
While the Mon Calamari arc portrayed Jar Jar and the Gungans as warriors, this showed a bit more of the light side of their nature. I must admit that I was laughing a bit as Jar Jar, disguised as Boss Lyonie, tried to keep Grievous from finding out what was going on--and from killing him. Perhaps more seriousness would have been called for in the situation, but Jar Jar must have been very frightened.
This was my first time seeing how the Gungan army managed to capture Grievous. To be honest, I found it slightly unrealistic that they were be able to overcome him, his two lightsabers, and advanced training. It seems we have all underestimated the Gungans. I am thankful to have them not only as allies, but as friends.
Their capture was not without cost. During the struggle, Grievous killed General Tarpals. He was instrumental in the Battle of Naboo and his loss was a great one. After a few days of recovery, we held a traditional Gungan funeral for him, honoring his sacrifice for Naboo and the Republic, and mourning him as our friend.
As I'm sure you can imagine, the choice between holding Grievous or exchanging him for Master Skywalker broke my heart. In war, we are too often forced to choose between duty and personal feelings. If the Republic had Grievous in custody, we might have been able to end the war. But in the end, Jar Jar and Boss Lyonie convinced me. They were right--I don't think I could have ever forgiven if Anakin died because of me.
Something that I found unsettling as I watched the episode were the words the Sith spoke to Count Dooku. It seemed he knew that in this case I would put duty aside. How? What does he know about me?
On a lighter note, for all of you wondering where Boss Nass was, do not worry--he is alive and in good health. He attended General Tarpals' funeral and afterward had some time to catch up with Anakin and me. I will always be grateful for his help in defeating the Trade Federation all those years ago.
I suppose that's all for now. Wish us luck in the Senate--I pray that we will be able to come to a resolution on the additional powers within the next couple of days. Hopefully then I will be able to watch Friday's episode and see how C3P0 and R2D2 fared on their relief mission. May the Force be with you all!
