: Unlike many sequels, The Empire Strikes Back subverted expectations by moving the major battle to the beginning and ending on a desperate loss for the heroes.
: Return of the Jedi successfully pivoted the story's focus toward "Learning"—specifically, Luke learning there was still good in Darth Vader—completing a profound character arc of inaction and eventual rejection of the Dark Side. Expanding the Myth: Prequels and Sequels Star Wars Trilogy
As George Lucas expanded his "noble, logical diagram" for the galaxy, the franchise took bolder, sometimes more divisive risks. Star Wars - A Berg's Eye View : Unlike many sequels, The Empire Strikes Back