They call it the High Tower Surprise
that point in the third act
when you think the heroes will win
but
Surprise!
here is the villain gaining ground
and making us
the much-maligned audience

Gasp and wonder
is this a tragedy after all?
It’s when Vader shows up behind Luke’s Xwing
It’s when the Nazgul kill the king
and any other time you think
there is no hope and
the villain will win after all.
Just like 2022 America.