Hey there, Rebelscum fans! This week on the site we’re looking at Bespin, the home of Cloud City where the climactic ending of The Empire Strikes Back takes place. Make sure to check out our “Expand Your Mind” article first for some insights into the planet’s importance. Stay tuned throughout the week for more articles, insights, videos, and information on the best merchandising content that collectors should keep their eyes peeled for.


The Empire Strikes Back is often cited as one of the greatest movie sequels of all-time. Similar to classics like The Godfather: Part II, Aliens, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, or The Dark Knight, it's a darker and more complex story. The conflict is not just black and white, and there are compelling characters who don’t fit the typical mold of “hero” or “villain.” Among them is Lando Calrissian, Han’s former friend who ends up betraying him to the Empire.


Lando is presented with a challenging moral quandary in the film. He’s managed to put his shady past behind him with his role at Cloud City. However, the planet’s relatively peaceful existence is threatened by the arrival of Darth Vader and the Imperial forces. Lando is more or less forced to give in to the Empire’s demands in order to save the city, even if that means betraying his former friend. Although he and Han shared some tense moments in the past, Lando still is compassionate for his old buddy.


Of course, Lando learns the consequences of trusting the Empire and quickly learns that “this deal is getting worse all the time.” Despite an initial promise, Vader has no intention of removing the Imperial presence from Bespin. Lando was also promised that no harm would come to Han, and he’s not sure if he’ll even survive the carbonite freezing process. After that, Han will be left at the mercy of Boba Fett.


Lando’s change of heart is expectedly met with skepticism by Chewie and Leia, who are still recovering from Han’s touching (and in their eyes, perhaps final) words in the carbonite freezing chamber. Leia realizes that at this moment, Lando is genuinely regretful of what he did, and he’s trying to make amends. While their attempt to rescue Han fails, Lando quickly finds a place within the Rebellion as they begin their galactic search.


Lando develops significantly as a character ahead of Return of the Jedi. We see that he’s shed his luxurious robes for a disguise in Jabba’s palace as one of the guards, and he’s nearly gobbled up by the Sarlaac pit during the climactic escape. It’s clear that he and Han are back to their old friendship, and once again start sharing quips with each other. Han is once again amused that Lando has managed to make himself “respectable” when he becomes a general in the Battle of Endor.


One of the more heartfelt moments is when Han decides to let Lando once again take ownership of the Millenium Falcon so he can lead the assault on Death Star II. Decades later when Lando returns for the Battle of Exegol in The Rise of Skywalker, he and Chewie get back in the cockpit of his old ship.

What do you think, Rebelscum fans? Are you a big Lando fan? Where would you like to see his journey go next after The Rise of Skywalker? Let us know in the forums, and as always, may the Force be with you!

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