Attack of a different clone: Return of the Plot Devices
In many ways, Return of the Jedi was an unimaginative, unapologetic rehash of the previous films.  Here are a few obvious similarities.
Star Wars vs. Return of the Jedi
 
SW RotJ
  • First act takes place primarily on Tatooine.
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  • First act takes place primarily on Tatooine.
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  • Leia is captured by Vader in the first act.
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  • Leia is captured by Jabba in the first act.
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  • Luke enters a cantina full of drunk aliens.
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  • Luke enters a palace full of drunk aliens.
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  • Heroes infiltrate the Death Star on foot and attack in ships.
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  • Heroes infiltrate and attack the Death Star in ships.
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  • The plan is to target a critical weakness in the Death Star's defenses: the exhaust port.
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  • The plan is to target a critical weakness in the Death Star's defenses: the shield generator.
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  • The film ends with a space battle where the heroes' space ships have to fly in the confined space of the Death Star's trenches.
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  • The film ends with a space battle where the heroes' space ships have to fly in the confined space of the Death Star's utility tunnels.
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  • Vader confronts his old nemesis Obi-wan for the last time.
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  • Vader confronts his old nemesis Luke Skywalker for the last time.
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  • Third act concludes with a celebration on the forest world of Yavin.
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  • Third act concludes with a celebration on the forest world of Endor.
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    Empire Strikes Back vs. Return of the Jedi
     
    ESB RotJ
  • Luke visits Yoda at his home.
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  • Luke visits Yoda at his home again.
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  • Ben makes an unnecessary appearance.
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  • Ben makes another unnecessary appearance.
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  • Luke battles Vader.
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  • Luke battles Vader again.
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    (None of the above scenes were necessary!  A better story structure would have eliminated all of these!)
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