STAR WARS

Robotic Hypnotism And Lies

Once he gets into an oil bath, Threepio exclaims "Thank the maker!"
He's ended up back at the Lars farm with Anakin's family - He is literally referring to Anakin here.
As if to dispell any doubt about that, Lucas has him addressing Anakin as 'The Maker' in Attack of the Clones.
Threepio also addresses Luke as Sir, and then Sir Luke when Luke tries to correct him.
This is no social faux pas.
Threepio knows exactly who Luke is - Luke is the Prince, the son of Anakin Skywalker, Lord Darth Vader, his own creator.

Threepio introduces himself as "C-3PO - human cyborg relations".
Cyborg?
Threepio's not referring to mechanicals, right?
Cuz that would be 'droids' not 'cyborgs', right?
I think he is directly reffereing again to Darth Vader, the only cyborg I know about, except Lobot and later Luke.
As royal emmisary droid he does in fact act as the intermediary between Darth Vader (or his family) and others.

It's an eerie scene once Luke is alone with thes two espionage droids.
Worlds hang in the balance - they must be as diplomatic and persuasive as possible.
Can robots lie?
If you've ever dealt with robots you know damn well they CAN.
But can they lie in the Star Wars universe?
Later in this movie, aboard the Death Star, Threepio eludes stormtroopers with misdirection first;

Threepio: They're madmen! They're heading for the prison level. If you hurry, you might catch them.

and then with this utter fabrication;

Threepio: Oh! All this excitement has overrun the circuits in my counterpart here. If you don't mind, I'd like to take him down to maintenance.

So, yes, Threepio at least can lie.
He has no problem getting by the trooper (this may by his Force skills or just Imperial disregard for droids).
But that's to a known enemy or percieved threat.
I have yet to see any instance of Threepio lying to known allies.
Threepio's a worried kind of guy; he doesn't know Luke to be an ally so he views him as a possible threat to the 'mission'.
First off he tries to feel Luke out;

Threepio: With all we've been through, sometimes I'm amazed we're in as good condition as we are, what with the Rebellion and all.
Luke: You know of the Rebellion against the Empire?
Threepio: That's how we came to be in your service, if you take my meaning, sir.

Luke is a little too eager and R2 beeps frantically (probably telling Threepio to SHUT. THE. FUCK. UP.)
Threepio quickly back-peddles, playing down the very thing he was just hinting about;

Luke: Have you been in many battles?
Threepio: Several, I think. Actually, there's not much tell. I'm not much more than an interpreter, and not very good at telling stories. Well, not at making them interesting, anyway.

Really? He didn't seem to have any trouble telling stories and making them interesting to Ewoks in Return of the Jedi.
Nearly everything out of this droid's noise-hole is a lie.

Obviously frustrated with Threepio's bumbling attempts at subterfuge, R2 plays part of the message he is carrying.
The loop he chooses is perfect - it contains a plea for help and the name 'Obi-Wan Kenobi'.

When asked directly who the pretty girl is, Threepio says he doesn't know who she is.
So, there'll be no escape for the Princess this time, whoever the hell she is?
Another droid lie

These two bots are brilliant!
This ploy works on several levels.
First, it creates a diversion away from direct conversation about the Rebellion, keeping Threepio from inadvertantly spilling any more of the beans.
Second, it brings out of Luke a confirmation of Kenobi's presence.
Lastly it sets an enticing lure for Threepio to once again "influence" Luke.

We are constantly presented with the situation of Threepio acting as interpreter for R2.
Who knows what that little freak is saying at any given moment?
This is a good example.
We get to see the second little Laurel and Hardy schtick in Luke's presence.
Is R2 coaching Threepio?

Take your pick - at least one of these droids is lying.

Threepio manages to give away some critical info about Kenobi, but tries to leave the escape clause of a malfunctioning robot open.
Protocol droid indeed.

Luke takes the bait, revealing he know's of Ben (score another point for the droids), and he's supposed to be a hermit.
I dare say that shifty old man manuevers well in Mos Eisley for a hermit...

And here's where R2 and Theepio out-match Luke in this little game of wits;
When Luke tries to play the entire message, Artoo beeps at Threepio, perhaps saying, "Hey, see if you can get him to take off this restaining bolt..."
R2 suggests this, right C-3P0?
I honestly have no idea which droid is in charge of this little ploy - it's fun to consider that R2 is telling 3PO what to say.
At any rate, Luke is again "influenced" by Threepio to do exactly as Threepio bids - sisters, this droid is GOOD!
Wake up Luke!
Wow, I think he is actually hypnotized at this point.
With Threepio babbling to him while he's watching a repetitive message, he actually sounds a bit groggy.
He actually ends up giving R2's restraing bolt to 3PO!

As soon as the bolt is off, R2 stops playing the message and we're treated to another robot Punch and Judy act.
The real show is over, however.
R2 is now free to split as soon as Luke's back is turned.
It's probably lucky Luke gets called away - without that restraining bolt, Artoo is a dangerous little droid.