The fifth episode of the Return of the Jedi radio drama, titled "So Turns a Galaxy, So Turns a Wheel," was originally broadcast on National Public Radio on December 3, 1996. This episode adapts portions of Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi that occur on the Forest Moon of Endor and the adjacent Death Star.
Emperor Palpatine is informed by Darth Vader about a small Rebel group that has infiltrated the Moon of Endor. The Emperor responds that he already knows this; however, he was unaware that Luke Skywalker is among them. He authorizes Vader to descend to the planet's surface, allow Luke to approach him, and then present him before the Emperor.
The command crew on Endor continue their search for Leia Organa, using Artoo-Detoo's sensors and Chewbacca's olfactory tracking abilities. They successfully follow Leia's path until they discover her discarded helmet. At that point, Chewbacca detects an unfamiliar scent, but the trail leading away from that location has been skillfully concealed. The Wookiee is then drawn to the scent of a dead animal nearby. Thinking it is edible, he reaches for the carcass, inadvertently triggering a trap. The entire group is ensnared in a net and hoisted above the forest floor.
Artoo's circular saw cuts through the net, but the rebels are already surrounded by the creatures responsible for the trap. The Rebels are bound and carried back to the village of these creatures—with the exception of See-Threepio, who appears to be revered as a god. Threepio, who can communicate in their language, learns that these creatures are called Ewoks. He also discovers that the Ewoks believe the humans are allied with the imperial forces occupying their planet, and they plan to consume them in a feast dedicated to the divine droid. The Ewoks disregard Threepio's pleas to release his friends, and they similarly ignore Leia's requests once they are back in the village. Only when Luke uses telekinesis to make Threepio levitate, demonstrating his "magic," do they obey him. At Luke's request, Threepio then recounts the story of their rebellion against the Empire, convincing the tribe to join their cause.
Luke speaks privately with Leia, revealing the recent revelations he has learned: that they are twin siblings, the offspring of Darth Vader, and that Leia, like Luke, possesses strength in the Force. Furthermore, Vader is now on Endor, and Luke is destined to confront him. Luke departs and surrenders to imperial forces near the shield generator bunker. They escort him to Vader. Luke believes that Vader will not betray him to the Emperor, but his belief is unfounded. They board a ship to travel to the Death Star.
The following morning, the Ewoks guide Han Solo, Leia, and their comrades to a weakly guarded rear entrance of the bunker. There, they reunite with the other Rebel commandos. An Ewok named Paploo steals a speeder bike, drawing the majority of the guards away on a chase through the forest. The Rebels force the remaining trooper to surrender, leaving the bunker door accessible for a demolitions team. However, the mission remains in serious peril. In his throne room, Palpatine speaks with the captive Luke, revealing detailed knowledge of the Rebel mission, including the commando unit on Endor and the approaching Rebel Alliance Fleet. It becomes clear that the Emperor has orchestrated everything to lure the Alliance into a final, decisive battle that will result in their ultimate defeat.
"So Turns a Galaxy, So Turns a Wheel" is a faithful adaptation of the corresponding scenes from the Return of the Jedi film. The most notable addition is dialogue concerning Chewbacca's tracking abilities. He successfully tracks Leia's path and identifies the presence of the Ewoks, showcasing his skills and importance to the mission immediately before triggering the Ewok trap, leading to the team's capture.