If there are two versions of the same scene in a fiction series, how do I know which is the actual version?
Let’s say there are two versions of the same scene in a fiction series. Neither version has been revealed to be false in the story, and sometimes, the only reason for the difference is that one is the original and the other is a “special edition” or “compilation” of the original. We are not even told that there has been a retcon, so the later version could just be a different interpretation by another director/compiler.
In such a case, which version is usually deemed the “official” version?
One argument for the original is that it was what the first audiences saw/read/heard and so it would be weird to suddenly change what happened.
An argument for the newer version is that it should be assumed to be a retcon even we do not know if it really is one.
examples:
Star Wars Episode 6:
(Funeral scene at the end of the movie)
In the original movie, the ghost of Darth Vader appears as he had been just moments before he died.
In a later “special edition,” the ghost of Darth Vader appears as Anakin before he ever became Darth Vader.
Gundam Z
(Ending scene)
Originally, the young protagonist becomes mentally disabled after a grueling fight with a villain.
In a later compilation version, the young protagonist is shown to be perfectly fine after the fight with the same villain.
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George Lucas = retcon, always. The latest version is always the true version. Expect a couple of goons to appear on your doorstep to gently remind you that Darth Vader’s ghost always looked like Anakin, the Emperor always looked like Ian McDiarmid, and that Greedo always took the first shot.
I think the reason why, in the first version, Vader appeared as he had been as Anakin because that gives us the idea that he “repented” or at least redeemed himself before he died.
Lucas stuck Hayden Christiansen in there later to reinforce this idea; as an audience, we’re much more likely to “like” the younger Anakin because we can remember when he was honourable.
Sorry I can’t offer any insight on Gundam.
@Seelix I think you’re over thinking it. I think the changes were made just to fit the continuity. The same reason why the robed old woman was replaced by the guy who played Palpatine in the last three movies.
If you’re right, though, about the second paragraph, then I have to say it didn’t work. 50% of the reason why I don’t like the last three movies is because I believe Christiansen proved himself to be the absolute worst actor in the history of movie making (but at least it was consistent with the kid who played younger Anakin because he was horrible, too) and I cringe in embarrassment whenever I see him.
That may just be me, though :)
How about when Optimus prime was killed in the past by Megaton and the Optimus Primal merged his spark with him in Beasties…they never quite explained how the time line was restored… even in Star Trek they changed everything by destroying Vulcan and re-setting the series?
I fucking HATE how lucas stuck young anakin in the new end of ep 6. Pissed me off to no end. in part since he was such a horrible actor and anakin was a fucking cry baby instead of a bad ass Like I dont get it in the slightest, vadar was old when he died so he should look like that. kenobi is still old in the end of ep 6 LIKE HE WAS WHEN HE DIED. instead of replacing it with young kenobi
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