Recommended music: Gary Portnoy – Cheers Theme
Tonight, we’re still in Echo Base with another #StarWarsSaturday from The Empire Strikes Back. From The Saga Collection, it’s Bren Derlin!
Do you recognize that mustachioed Major who commands that the shield doors be closed for the night while Han was still out in the frigid conditions of Hoth searching for Luke? Well, it’s none other than John Ratzenberger, who you likely recognize as Cliff Clavin, the Boston barfly and postal worker from the long-running TV series, Cheers.
Ratzenberger never traveled to Finse, Norway, along with many other Rebel Troopers to shoot his scenes as they all took place inside Echo Base and were filmed on sets in London.
The Major Derlin figure was first released in 2006 during the Saga Collection, then was given a slight repaint the following year (pictured) for an ultimate battle pack in The 30th Anniversary Collection. For this Battle of Hoth set, he was no longer named, just labeled as “Rebel Officer.” The figure is a pretty good likeness of the character, and the hat is molded onto the head, as he never needs to set it down to order a drink from Sam, Coach, or Woody. 😛 The swivel elbow articulation feels a bit dated now, but he can successfully put his hands behind his back when breaking the news to Leia.
“Your Highness, there’s nothing more we can do tonight. The shield doors must be closed.” – Bren Derlin
[Leia nods]
“Close the doors.” – Derlin
#EmpireStrikesBack45
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