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star wars - Why Did Sidious Tell Vader Who Luke Was?


In the ret-con version of Episode V (The Empire Strikes Back), the scene between Darth Vader and Darth Sidious (at the time of the changes, still only known as the Emperor) was changed so Sidious specifically tells Vader that Luke Skywalker is the child of Anakin Skywalker.


At the end of Episode III (Revenge of the Sith) Sidious tells Vader that Vader killed Padme in his rage (as I brought up in another question). Telling Vader that Luke was his son is admitting that Padme survived long enough to give birth and that he, Sidious, originally lied to Vader.


We know at the beginning of Episode V that Vader is already stuck on finding "Young Skywalker," which means he likely knows Luke is his son, but Sidious is now telling him, as if Vader didn't know and, at the same time, admitting he lied to Vader and that Vader didn't kill Padme.


What does Sidious have to gain by coming clean at that point? Considering they're both Sith, once he admits this to Vader, he would know that would only give Vader even more incentive to kill him (Sidious).


So what's the point in telling Vader (since the only other two that Sidious would believe would have any reason to know would be Obi-Wan or Yoda)?



Answer



It's because Sidious was not aware of the existence of any Skywalker child shortly before this conversation with Vader. Yoda and Obi-Wan made it clear that Vader and Sidious must be unaware of theirs existence. If they were aware of that before, they would had done everything to get those fabulous prospects by theirs side.




YODA: Pregnant, she must still appear. Hidden, safe, the children must be kept.
OBI-WAN: We must take them somewhere the Sith will not sense their presence.
YODA: Split up, they should be.



Before the first death star was destroyed, it was just unthinkable. The rise of this new republic hero that is both strong in the force and has the Skywalker family name (if he was ever aware of his name) may have weaken Sidious's certitude. But even after that, it was so unexpected that it took him time to see the elephant in the room.


Also note that the Emperor's call only occurs once Luke began his training with Yoda. Thats only at this point that the emperor feels the "great disturbance in the Force". When he realized who was the causes of this disturbance, the only feeling he had was fear. If Sidious tell Vader who Luke was, it's to warn him that the danger for them is real, has Luke would be enough powerful to destroy both of them if he ever happen to become a Jedi. It's Vader's idea to turn him to the Dark side.



Darth Vader: [kneeling before Emperor Palpatine's hologram] What is thy bidding, my master?
The Emperor: There is a great disturbance in the Force.

Darth Vader: I have felt it.
The Emperor: We have a new enemy. The young rebel who destroyed the Death Star. I have no doubt this boy is the offspring of Anakin Skywalker.
Darth Vader: How is that possible?
The Emperor: Search your feelings, Lord Vader. You will know it to be true. He could destroy us.
Darth Vader: He's just a boy. Obi-Wan can no longer help him.
The Emperor: The Force is strong with him. The son of Skywalker must not become a Jedi.
Darth Vader: If he could be turned, he would become a powerful ally.
The Emperor: [intrigued] Yes... He would be a great asset. Can it be done?
Darth Vader: He will join us or die, master.





Also note that Sidious didn't lie to Vader


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