We said the “Flashback” reviews would be published in the afternoon, but this review was published in the morning.  There’s a reason for that.  The POTF2 line was a pretty lame line, right? But seriously you guys, this figure’s not that bad. The preceding portion of this review was brought to you by Boston area book reports.  The reason why this figure has merit is that it is purpose built for one specific scene.  It’s custom tailored to the scene that follows the Tusken Raider attack in the Jundland Wastes.  The figure has a detachable left arm to recreate the battle damage C-3PO suffered during that attack. Now I know what you’re going to say.  “But Peter, 3PO still had restraining bolt on his chest during that scene, and this figure does not.”  Granted that is correct.  For the beginning of the scene.  But post attack, the restraining bolt is missing.  Check it out:

(click for the full sized image)

Look, kids!  No restraining bolt!

Now, is that a continuity error?  Maybe.  Or maybe the bolt was knocked off during the battle. Who is to say?  But it really doesn’t matter.  The figure matches the scene above and does an admirable job of it.  I personally think this is an amazing looking figure.  The vac-metalized finish undulates between gold and a pewter appearance.  It gives the impression of tarnish and works wonderfully for a droid in desperate need of a good detailing.  On top of the uneven shine, there is tremendous build up of gook embedding the joints and recess of the figure.  Fletch’s aircraft mechanic alter ego, Gordon Liddy, would be outraged.  There’s so much gook that it’s probably causing 3PO’s seventh Fetzer valve to stick.  Good gracious.  My forced and indulgent Fletch reference aside, this build up of of grime adds another layer of “used universe” look to the figure.  The last layer of paint application realism is the sand covering goldenrod’s torso which is also screen accurate (see above).  Suffice it to say, I think this is an amazing looking figure. 

So we have an admittedly limited articulation figure that scores very high in the aesthetics department.  Furthermore, that aesthetic includes a vac-metalized finish which is likely a feature of a bygone age.  Barring a technological advancement, we’re not likely to see this again on a 3PO figure.  With the detachable arm, this figure is purpose-built to recreate one specific scene and does so admirably well and in a way that is not hindered by the limited articulation.  I think this figure very much still has a place in your collection, and can be secured for a pittance on Ebay.  Despite being 20 years old, I still give it a very solid 6 out of 10.