Compliments of Stover, whose typical over-analytical assessment and approach to writing often substitutes bullshit philosophy for a decent read; seriously, if you've read his SW novels, he attempts to find philosophy in everything to make it much more dramatic than it actually is.
The basic, intuitive ability to realise a critical moment approaching is not a rare and mysterious gift, and the fact that it has been coveted as one in the Star Wars universe is really testimony to the poor quality of writing.
I think it's a fair assumption to make that Mace was an attention seaker. First and foremost, the matter of his purple lightsaber. Way to stick out from the pack. Secondly, this cock and bull Shatterpoint theory and lastly, he sacrifices his colleagues in RotS to allow for a dramatic showdown between him and the charming Head of State.
It makes me laugh, browsing through the torrent of teenage angst that is the Versus forum, where people are utilising Shatterpoint in an argument. The ability for the human mind to prioritise events in order of significance is hardly going to tip the balance in an epic cgi-ninja duel now is it.
What? He sacrifices his colleges, right, because he wrote the script of ROTS. They were just surprised that Sidious was that powerful and he launched his attack so quick. And Tin Seasse and Agen Kolar underestimated him, thats why they went out so quick. Mace is one of the most noble Jedi first, who helps others first, then thinks about his safety.
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General G made this sig, but i am going to keep annoying him.
Well, granted I wasn't being serious and my accusations of Mace were genuinely there to amuse myself more than anyone, but yes your completely right.
Still, can you not appreciate how ridiculous this Shatterpoint concept is? It's almost (that's right, almost) as effective as the grand ol' power of hindsight. That's like remembering the day of 9/11 (touchy subject yes, but a good example), witnessing both planes hit the tower and, just before it collapses, saying "Oh my, this is going to be a slightly important event in history!".
The difference is, the event has to happen first(9/11) so the people can say it is going to be a important event in history, while Mace could possibly see that, before the incident even happens(maybe by touching the building, or just seeing it).
Heres another question, do you think that they invented this ability Shaterpoint, just to explain why Mace defeated Sidious, you know, he saw a weakness in his technique and explored it.
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General G made this sig, but i am going to keep annoying him.
Well, I have not read enough of the EU novels of the PT era to really give an answer to that question England, St.George and his drunken squire would be proud of.
But, I do understand the difference you speak of; a form of premonition, but to me it seems utterly generic and contrived, even for the Star Wars universe, where the whole narrative structure relies on the power of Chance.
I'm torn for an answer to your question really. I've never really held up to any factors really giving Mace an edge (being Vaapad and Shatterpoint) other than his overall prowless as a Jedi Master. To casual viewers of the PT, people like me, I guess there is no need for an explaination. I merely assume it happened because its damned well more dramatic that way!
But, lovely, quaint LA obviously decided they could make some money off of Mace's novelty, oops, I mean popularity and makes some money. I can't insult your intelligence, everyone knows the rest of that sentence etc etc. It probably was concieved in fore thought, thinking fans would inevitably come to the conclusion that Sidious must be able to beat mace.
Why would I be offended by that?
The only thing I am midly frustrated about is that you choose to ignore the topic of Shatterpoint, or even give an opinion on it's ridiculous nature.
As a rule I try to keep an open mind, but it seems my response to the PT generally is not positive. If this "Shatterpoint" theory was brought about by anything else, I'd generally be laughing my head off tat that too.
Registered: Jan 2006
Location: The epitome of my evolution.
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The reason I choose not to give my opinion is because, really, it's not needed and will only lead to bickering. Shatterpoint happens to be my favourite Star Wars EU novel written so far, but your feelings seem to be the exact opposites. I could sit here and argue with you on why exactly I think it's s great, and why exactly you think it sucks, but why bother?
I was not on about the novel, but the ridiulous philosphy behind its concept. In fact, the novel was enjoyable enough. Well, I say enjoyable, but only for what it was: a poorly written Star Wars EU novel.
Registered: Jan 2006
Location: The epitome of my evolution.
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Nah, I've seen Count Dooku get his ass whooped enough in the movie, his getting his ass whooped by a green elf who at the same time was busy levitating a fat old women in the air just doesn't make it a good book.
Oh trust me, all Star Wars books are at the bottom of the heap compared to other literature. I'm a Sci-Fi guy, though, so it doesn't really matter how well the book is written as opposed to what it's all about.
All that aside, my favourite book ever written was the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and I'm enjoying the Silmarallion currently.
I'm sorry, but the majority of science fiction writing is thematically shallow. It can be superficial and generic, with little going on beneath the surface which demands a second or even third read.
If you enjoy science fiction novels, good for you, but the majority of them simply aren't for me.
Shatterpoint
Jun 12th, 2007 11:58 PM
