psc@lzwi.UUCP (Paul S. R. Chisholm) (09/16/85)
There have be numerous comments on lousy blaster aim in the STAR WARS
movies. Though it's not mentioned anywhere, there seems to be a
pattern - blasters are affected by the Force.
First, note that non-living targets are dog meat for blasters.
Examples: the sand crawler and the cell block cameras in STAR WARS
[a.k.a. A NEW HOPE], the Rebel's power station in TESB. Second, note
that, with one exception, *nobody* can squeeze off a single shot and hit
a person.
Third, consider the exception: when Obi-Wan Kenobi dies in the first
movie. (Dear oh dear, I hope I haven't spoiled the movie for anyone.-)
In four shots, Luke takes out the controls to the door and three
stormtroopers. I submit that in his rage, he's unconsciously using the
Force to guide his aim.
Fourth and finally, consider how unlikely it is that even a Jedi knight
could react to blaster fire fast enough to deflect it. Far more
reasonable that he (or she?) can "pull" the bolt towards his (her?)
sword.
(Boy, does all this seem silly.)
--
-Paul S. R. Chisholm The above opinions are my own,
{pegasus,vax135}!lzwi!psc not necessarily those of any
{mtgzz,ihnp4}!lznv!psc telecommunications company.
(*sigh* ihnp4!lzwi!psc does *NOT* work!!! Use above paths.)
"Of *course* it's the murder weapon. Who would frame someone with a fake?"draughn@iitcs.UUCP (Mark Draughn) (09/16/85)
In article <275@lzwi.UUCP> psc@lzwi.UUCP (Paul S. R. Chisholm) writes: >There have be numerous comments on lousy blaster aim in the STAR WARS >movies. Though it's not mentioned anywhere, there seems to be a >pattern - blasters are affected by the Force. I'll buy this. It even seems to extend to the guns on the fighters. Luke's fighter consistently takes hit after hit without major damage (i.e. it still flies and still has life support) nearly all other fighters blow up when hit. >First, note that non-living targets are dog meat for blasters. >Examples: the sand crawler and the cell block cameras in STAR WARS >[a.k.a. A NEW HOPE], the Rebel's power station in TESB. Second, note >that, with one exception, *nobody* can squeeze off a single shot and hit >a person. This is nothing new. Police reports of gun battles show that most bullets miss their intended targets. There are two basic reasons for this. First, stress interferes with performance and even someone with years of training can't hit a damned thing. Second, self preservation. If there are thirty-five cops around, no single cop is likely to risk getting shot by exposing himself long enough to get in a careful shot. (This is worse in wars, where soldiers often stay in fox holes, firing blindly by holding the rifle above their heads. The bullets-per-kill ratios can run into the thousands.) The same effect probably occurs with blasters. (Although, the stormtroopers seem to just stand and fire, and they get mowed down accordingly.) >Third, consider the exception: when Obi-Wan Kenobi dies in the first >movie. (Dear oh dear, I hope I haven't spoiled the movie for anyone.-) >In four shots, Luke takes out the controls to the door and three >stormtroopers. I submit that in his rage, he's unconsciously using the >Force to guide his aim. Could be. Also, luke knows that his shots will make a big difference in his escape. He therefore takes the time to shoot properly. The stormtroopers are, of course, still shooting wildly. >Fourth and finally, consider how unlikely it is that even a Jedi knight >could react to blaster fire fast enough to deflect it. Far more >reasonable that he (or she?) can "pull" the bolt towards his (her?) >sword. Note that not only is Vader protected from Han's blaster fire, but his glove isn't singed either. This implies that a Jedi can extend the Force easily into objects that he is touching. This explains the Jedi's preference for light sabers. Blaster fire is easily deflected, even if fired by a Jedi, it cannot be controlled reliably when aimed at another Jedi. But a Light Saber is an intimate, personal weapon. A Jedi carries it always and becomes one with it. It is one thing to deflect an opponent's oncoming blaster bolts. It is quite another to deflect a Light Saber infused with your opponent's Force. Except with one's own Light Saber. Mark T. Draughn
franka@mmintl.UUCP (Frank Adams) (09/19/85)
In article <275@lzwi.UUCP> psc@lzwi.UUCP (Paul S. R. Chisholm) writes: >Fourth and finally, consider how unlikely it is that even a Jedi knight >could react to blaster fire fast enough to deflect it. Far more >reasonable that he (or she?) can "pull" the bolt towards his (her?) >sword. This one I don't buy. The Jedi react to where the firer is aiming, not to the blaster bolt itself. (Yes, where they are really aiming, not where they are trying to aim.) Frank Adams ihpn4!philabs!pwa-b!mmintl!franka Multimate International 52 Oakland Ave North E. Hartford, CT 06108