KMC Forums - Vader's Redemption in ROTS (had he became emperor)

So based on 1) Anakin Defeats ObiWan and 2) Sidius and Yoda both survive- Anakin would find Padme back at the ship still alive and take her to Imperial doctors to save her life first of all. People seem to forget that Anakin only joined the Dark Side, only followed Sidius, only killed younglings to help SAVE his wife and baby. All of the political goals were secondary. So once he saved his babies and Padme (or Padme still dies at childbirth or from a broken heart or whatever), I believe his political hunger dies. He would want to raise his babies and love his wife or just raise and protect the babies with a strong sense of duty to his dead wife. Anakin might then slay Palpatine if he threatens Anakin's family, but would then, again, leave the politcal spotlight to be with his family.

Only after he learns Luke is alive in ESB does he see a window of opportunity to achieve a political goal, which he then throws away (down a shaft) when it threatens his family. Anakin, being raised as a slave with only his Mother to love him is actually the ultimate family man. Anakin's true "redemption" occurs when he disgards his political ideals and decides his son's life is more important than everything else in the galaxy.