When the chips are down for Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and company after the rebel base is destroyed at the beginning of The Empire Strikes Back, he looks to his old buddy Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) for help. Lando, a former smuggler and scoundrel himself, welcomes his old friend to Cloud City, a gas mining operation he oversees on the planet of Bespin. Throughout their stay, Lando proves himself an attentive and gracious host, and even though he was strong-armed by the Empire into betraying everyone, it’s nice to think that he would’ve been just as welcoming regardless. It’s also worth remembering that he did work to redeem himself.
Given that the holidays are right around the corner (both Christmas and the opening of The Force Awakens, which is still something worth celebrating even sans Lando), here are some tips from Cloud City’s Baron Administrator on how to be the perfect host — some Imperial occupation notwithstanding.
“Why you slimy, double-crossing, no-good swindler. You’ve got a lot of guts coming here, after what you pulled.”
When Lando and his entourage head out to greet the passengers of the Millennium Falcon out on the landing platform, he begins by giving Han quite an earful. It wasn’t necessarily unexpected, as Chewbacca had even reminded Han of some past unpleasantness — the specifics of which are spoken in Wookiee. As expected, Han simply shrugs it off while hoping that Lando had managed to forgive and forget (or at least forgive) whatever had transpired. Ultimately, it all turned out to be a little ribbing on Lando’s part, but this approach is a dynamite way to get your guests’ stay started. It helps to keep everyone on their toes.
“Hello, what have we here?”
Among the passengers on board the Falcon, there was the protocol droid C-3PO (Anthony Daniels), and, of course, Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), one of the leaders of The Rebellion. Lando jumps at the chance to introduce himself to Leia as the facilities administrator, taking special care to try and make her feel welcome. It’s important to make your guests feel at home. Although, apparently, it’s considered okay to ignore the droid — proving that the Star Wars universe wasn’t always as progressive as it appeared.
“Having trouble with your droid?”
A good host will show concern if your guests look to be having trouble with anything. A great host won’t pry when they tell you everything’s fine. Even if their protocol droid is in a half-dozen pieces after taking a hit from a blaster, you respect their space.
“You look absolutely beautiful. You truly belong here with us among the clouds.”
It’s probably his best-known line, and for good reason. It’s peak Lando suaveness, but it falls flat. Despite Leia’s decidedly lukewarm response to him from the get-go, however, Lando remains both pleasant and agreeable. Two traits to keep in mind if anyone happens to throw you any shade during the holidays.
“You know, seeing you sure brings back a few things.”
Running a gas mining facility certainly has its headaches, as Lando laments to Han, who gets a real kick out of hearing his old buddy sound so much like a “responsible leader.” The two even get a little moment to sit back and reminisce about their good old days. Should you find this opportunity amidst the chaos of the season, make sure to take it. After all, you never know when the deal is going to start getting worse, so take advantage of these moments when you can.
“Someone must have told them all about my little maneuver at the battle of Taanab.”
Once you start in on a ‘remember when…’ conversation, you’re bound to be able to work in a little bit of a humblebrag, fondly recalling your glory days while you and your guests pass the time. You can even go back and do a little bit of ribbing while you’re at it. It is the holidays, and you may as well celebrate it like you’re living up there in the clouds.
