'Return of the Jedi' had some of the most spectacularly written scenes ever on film. In addition to that, the symbols that surface throughout the film are clearly reflective as well. Take for instance, in the beginning, we see Luke's cybernetic hand shot by one of Jabba's henchmen. (This was the same hand that Vader cut off in film before.) This was a precursor to what would later happen when Luke faces Vader. I think Lucas has a thing with people and creatures losing limbs.
We come to the scene where Luke keeps his promise to Yoda and Obi-Wan, as he returns to Dagobah to find Yoda stricken with sickness. It's obvious from the viewer's standpoint, that Luke has grown in maturity. He's more calm and understanding. Yoda notices this as well by telling Luke, "No more training do you require. Already know that which you need." But Luke knows he still has to face Vader, again. Yoda's choice of words is very interesting, especially if you take under account all of their conversations, including the ones with Obi-Wan. Yoda tells Luke that needs to confront Vader, not kill him. "When gone am I, the last of the Jedi you will be. Pass on what you have learned...There is another Skywalker." Yoda says. Revealing the suspected truth of Luke having another relative, in addition to Vader. Then Yoda dies and passes into the nether-world of the Force.
Soon afterwards, Luke ventures outside the hut and has a very interesting conversation with ghost Obi-Wan. Luke quickly tells Obi-Wan that he knows the truth and asks why Obi-Wan lied to him. Obi-Wan declares what he said was true, from a certain point of view. Luke's father ceased to exist as Anakin Skywalker, and became Darth Vader. He also says that many of the truths we cling to greatly depend on our own point of view. Luke stammers at this, and tells Obi-Wan that he can't kill his own father, while it seems that this is the only conclusion Obi-Wan has come to. Remember, Yoda said confront, not kill. It would seem that both Luke and Yoda believe that there is still good in Vader. Afterwards, Luke does figure out that Princess Leia is actually his twin sister.
Then we come to the last showdown between father and son. Luke essentially dominates this duel, as expected and in the final moments, cuts off Vader's hand. Luke notices the mechanical aspects of Vader's limbs, and looks down at his own hand realizing the similarity between him and his father.
Presumably, if you watch all 6 films in a row, you would know that Anakin Skywalker early on was described as being the 'prophecy', or 'the chosen one.' Anakin was believed to be the Jedi who would destroy the Sith, and bring balance to the good-side of the Force. The prophecy was true. When Anakin (Darth Vader) through the Emperor down the reactor shaft to protect Luke from the Emperor's relentless Force-lightning, he fulfilled the prophecy. He had destroyed what was left of the Sith. It took him a lifetime to do so, but it happened, nonetheless. I liked how when Luke removes Vader's mask, he reveals a sort of humble man...Not this crude, evil individual we all thought Vader was.
So, will George Lucas continue on with Star Wars and make Episodes 7, 8 and 9? The answer is...yes. He's stated he'll only have minimal involvement in the production of these films, but they will go forward with production to begin sometime in the next decade.
Next: How it all began, starting with Episode 1.
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