Carrie Fisher, a Focus on Princess Leia Before SLO (Slave Leia Outfit)

There was a moment in time, before the unfortunate slave Leia outfit of Return of the Jedi (ROTJ), where we had a Princess Leia that wasn't part of a mind-boggling creative break that extended from two of the most arguably best pop sci fi films of all times -  not only in ROTJ does she [albeit unwillingly] don a metal bikini to satisfy the whims of Jabba the Hutt, but, after they free Han Solo, she takes a back seat of all the tactical machinations of the Rebels.  Instead, she tags along with General Solo, who doesn't seem to understand strategy in the Battle of Endor.  Only Ewoks should get statues here.

[I would have much rather seen ROTJ with a Commander Leia directing the Rebellion wings (and the Falcon), against Death Star II - perhaps even commanding control over the timing of forces on the ground of the Forest Moon of Endor.]

[I digress.]  So, before ROTJ, there was this heady period of time where we got a Princess that not only took command of situations, as she did with her escape from the Death Star, but also straight up commanded flight wings and ground troops in the Escape from Hoth.  This is the period that we should think on Princess Leia.  We luckily get a glimpse of her again in The Force Awakens, as she leads her forces as the fighting arm of the New Republic, called the Resistance.

It is within this character framework that we see Leia.  Vulnerable, but constantly thinking.  It's these images that I remember Leia, my Leia.  The one I had from 1977 until 1983.  I'll always carry a candle for Carrie Fisher, since she was definitely my first crush.  A strong, decisive woman of glimmering eyes and a perfect smile.
...