Introduction

The use of the Force by high-ranking Dark Siders, such as Darth Sidious, through holograms in the Star Wars universe is a complex and nuanced concept. In Star Wars: Rebels, one intriguing moment showcases Sidious's reluctance to force choke his young ally, Ezra Bridger, through a hologram. This article delves into the reasoning behind this decision, examining the underlying factors that shaped Sidious's strategic approach.

Connection and Focus

Connection and Focus: When using the Force over long distances, especially through holograms, a strong connection to the target is essential. Sidious may have felt that his connection to Ezra through the hologram was not as strong as his connection to Dooku in person. This could have limited the effectiveness of his force choke. The personal connection and directness of the force link between Sidious and Dooku might have allowed him to successfully execute the force choke, whereas the indirect hologram connection was insufficient for such an action.

Narrative Purpose

Narrative Purpose: From a storytelling perspective, Sidious's interaction with Ezra serves a specific purpose. His manipulation of Ezra aims to lead him to the dark side rather than killing him immediately. The force choke through a hologram would diminish the dramatic impact and the psychological impact of Sidious's actions. Instead, Sidious opts for a more subtle and prolonged approach, reflecting his manipulative nature and strategic thinking.

Character Development

Character Development: Sidious's decision not to use lethal force against Ezra aligns with his overall strategy. He often prefers to corrupt and manipulate potential threats rather than eliminating them outright. Ezra, though unskilled, has potential for growth and possible future use as an apprentice or ally. By not immediately killing Ezra, Sidious plays a long game, viewing him as a future asset rather than a simple obstacle.

Alternative Explanations

Several out-of-universe and in-universe explanations can also shed light on why Sidious did not force choke Ezra through the hologram:

Out-of-Universe Explanation

Out-of-Universe Explanation: In the broader context of the storytelling, Ezra needs to survive to have future significance in the narrative. Writers might have chosen to keep him alive to serve a greater purpose. This plot armor ensures that Ezra remains a pivotal character, contributing to the overall story arc and making key choices that impact the future.

In-Universe Explanation

In-Universe Explanation: Additionally, it is worth considering the specific circumstances at that time. Serenno and Lothal are relatively close to Coruscant, and Sidious can successfully use the Force to his advantage. If he could successfully choke Dooku remotely, he should also be capable of the same feat with Ezra. The only plausible reasons for not force choking Elijah would be:

Proximity: Sidious might have been off Coruscant, traveling to Exegol, which would have increased the distance and complexity of using the Force through a hologram. Strategic Calculation: Sidious might have assessed that the force choke through a hologram was unnecessary, given the potential risks and the manageable threat Ezra posed at that moment. Outright Threat: Alternatively, he might have believed that the security on Lothal would ensure Ezra's safety until he could make a more significant and direct impact.

Conclusion

Understanding Darth Sidious's decision to not use force choking on Ezra through the hologram reveals much about his character and strategic thinking. Whether it is due to the limitations of the hologram connection, narrative purpose, or in-universe strategic considerations, Sidious's approach highlights the complexity of his character and the intricate nature of his tactics in the Star Wars universe.