Robert Post 2

Night Watch tackles the ideas of good vs. evil in a way that is both more clear-cut but also  more vague than Star Wars. Unlike Star Wars, the “others” of Night Watch are forced to decide whether or not they want to be good or evil. In Star Wars, it is not so clear. Obviously we have the Jedis and the Siths and the good and dark side, but never is there a moment when a character must so blatantly assign themselves a label like the “others” do in NIght Watch.

At the same time, although Night Watch at first makes things more explicit, the Night Watch and Day Watch are never one dimensional stereotypes assigned by their position on the good and evil spectrum. Evil characters are capable of good, such as Anton’s neighbor lending Anton his mother's clothing, while good characters are capable of more evil tendencies, as apparent with Anton. While Star Wars does acknowledge that there is good and evil in everyone, with Anakin turning into Darth Vader and then ultimately saving Luke, as well as with non-Jedi characters, as apparent with the redemption of Lando Calrissian, it seems Star Wars offers less flexibility.

Star Wars is ultimately about good vs. evil, and the triumph of the good. Night Watch stresses idea of keeping a balance between good and evil. This balance is evident through the way Zavulon and Geser can casually meet and discuss issues regarding the truce. This truce, while under conflict, is still an official fortified presence that is nowhere to be seen in Star Wars. Since the Day Watch and Night Watch draw power from the bad and good in their counterparts, they truly need each other. Their Yin and Yang relationship lies in stark contrast with the overpowering Galactic Empire and the tiny Rebellion forces.

However, comparing Night Watch and Star Wars side by side can reveal striking similarities. In Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, the primary goal of the sith lord is to convert Anakin to the dark side, convincing him that the Jedis have betrayed him. In the final scenes of Night Watch, this is exactly what happens with Yegor. However, in Star Wars, the Jedis are not actually evil, and the sith lord has simply corrupted Anakin's mind. In Night Watch, Zavulon reveals to Yegor that Anton wished to have Yegor killed in the womb. Although Anton didn’t know it was his son that his ex-wife was carrying, it still shows that Anton, a Night Watch, was and is capable of evil actions.

Night Watch brings new ideas to the table in that it pushes away from the triumph of good, and tries to emphasize the necessity of both good and evil. Perhaps this idea stems from the setting being in Russia, a country which has been through immense political turmoil and is still very troubled today. Insert joke about “others” being good at winter olympic sports.