On November 24, 1985, American TV audiences tuned into ABC expecting a cozy Sunday-night Star Wars adventure… and instead got one of the darkest openings in Star Wars history.

I have brought peace, freedom, justice and security to my new empire!” Anakin Skywalker shouts, his voice trembling with rage and conviction. To Obi-Wan Kenobi, standing amidst the lava flows and ash ...