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The leadership of Leia
Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back
Writers: Lawrence Kasdan & Leigh Brackett
Director: Irvin Kershner
We all have our favorite Leia.
She’s one character, of course, but, for her entire existence, Leia has often been viewed by way of her outfits and situations. Yes, that phenomenon covers Han, Luke, and others as well, but it’s even more defined for Leia Organa. This can be attributed to the classic Kenner line of Star Wars figures. Sadly, Leia was the only humanoid woman character in the original line. This gave us five different versions of Leia. Classic Leia, Bespin Leia, Hoth Leia, Bounty Hunter Disguise Leia, and Combat Poncho Leia. Later lines, including the modern releases, cover Ewok Village Leia, General Leia, and, of course, the iconic beyond comprehension, Steel Bikini Leia (now more of a testament to the Huttslayer she is than the fetishized Slave Girl she was). One character, many Leias.
Each figure represented a different corner of the overall character we loved. Classic Leia was the royal, self-rescuing princess. Bespin Leia was the ethereal beauty insightfully sensing something was amiss. Bounty Hunter Leia was bravely rescuing the man she loved. Combat Poncho Leia was fighting a war on the frontlines in—well—one hell of a cool poncho. Different looks that inspired and enthralled us. Separate chapters of a wonderful story. We all have our favorite Leia and mine is the strong-willed, defiant leader without the glamour of a gown or the protection of a mask. It’s the one standing strong in the harsh cold and refusing to leave. Make mine Hoth Leia.
The legacy of Leia is built on her many powerful words and actions, but her leadership is best displayed on Hoth. It’s not from an impassioned speech or grand lesson. The Leia we see there in a crumbling command center is one with the weight of the Rebel Alliance on her shoulders and she knows it. The ground rumbled with every step of the massive assault walkers as the enemy closed in. Walls began to collapse as the screams got closer. A dark menace in a flowing cape black as night cut through the ranks of the Rebellion. The end was near. But she did not waver nor run.
Princess Leia stayed.
This is in stark contrast to the Battle of Yavin in A New Hope where she seems only to be standing around for moral support. Not so much this time around. The tone is entirely different. Here now, she’s in charge and has sent away others to safety while risking her own. She is still throwing out orders and moving the chess pieces of war around the battlefield. This is a leader doing everything possible to keep hope alive.
Which is why she has no time for Han Solo when he bursts into the command center. When Leia barks out, “Why are you still here?” it’s not just indicative of their classic Bogey and Bacall romance, which, to be clear, is absolutely on display here, especially as she evades Han while he reaches for her. It’s a warrior with no time for someone who didn’t want to stick around. She’s been making the choice to fight, rebel, and help others for a long time now and this scoundrel still can’t quite make up his mind? She has no need for that.
Han’s not wrong, though. She needs to go as the situation turns even more dire. So, even this is a sign of a good leader. You have to heed the advice of others, but in the end make your own call. Han is the one telling her it’s time to go, but the look on her face is all about her making the choice. She has more value to the Rebellion alive. This battle is lost and they all must fight another day, so it is time to go. As Han leads her out, Leia’s final order is to make sure that those fighting with her go as well.
“And get to your transports.”
It’s everything you need to know about the kind of leader Leia is in the span of a few seconds. Princes Leia stayed because the battle was not over. She stayed because her people needed her. She stayed so that others could get safe. She is the soul of the Rebellion and the leader in the line of fire. When all seems bleak and hope is fading, in the darkest hour, she burns the brightest.
Princess Leia stayed then and she’s still there at the center of it all.
Yeah, Hoth Leia is my favorite Leia.