by Wrath Mania » February 15th 2005 1:19 am
It aint Palpatine keeping Vader alive. I think that was shot down by a source anyways, but it wouldn't make sense story-wise or cinematically either.
Sidious knows how to cheat death, he's been doing it himself for a while, but obviously he isn't interested in giving that practice to Vader. He's smart, he knows if he does, the apprentice will accelerate any thoughts to overthrow him. After all, that's what he apparently did to Plagueis.
Having Sidious "keep" Vader alive just seems to contradict that and anything about the darkside in general. Not to mention it just wouldn't make any sense to explain.
Now, is Vader's own devotion to the darkside keeping him going? Probably. That and the suit itself.