What are Some Plot Holes in the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy?
The Star Wars sequel trilogy received many criticisms, especially as it came out at a pivotal time as those fans had grown accustomed to those initial trilogies. In a sense, these newer Movies have had to battle those expectations - in addition to dealing with the pressure that is placed on a series with a dedicated, long-standing fan base - Star Wars is among those. It was even considered a key milestone. Even with all this added attention, those who are most critical of these productions have stated there are flaws - with those imperfections ranging from the introduction of new, unfamiliar characters and how the narrative's direction shifted into an unusual space, seemingly abandoning prior story arc elements.
There were also several aspects of the production - the Star Wars sequels were also burdened by issues in terms of character development (such as the disappearance of Rose Tico). It also left audiences with several key plot holes - with some of the most egregious ones - how Supreme Leader Snoke is seemingly a powerful leader, but is easily defeated by Kylo Ren. The return of Emperor Palpatine was an element of shock and surprise, however, his reintroduction to the story had few connections to the prior narratives of the original trilogies - it had many of the sequels' fans questioning just how his presence could be possible.
Why Is The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy So Controversial?
Those following Star Wars for a number of years, know it's a universe with immense history and a powerful legacy as Star Wars, a cinematic phenomenon has taken audiences into a wide array of epic events: from a story-driven, cinematic universe filled with heroes and villains - all in a setting where the Force can bring individuals great powers. However, the sequel trilogy, was introduced in 2015 and those Movies are still regarded with great criticism. There are several reasons that these three movies received a mixture of both love and hate - specifically, it might have come from how those involved were struggling to find a new way to move forward with the overarching Star Wars story, those who followed the original and the prequels - and establish how those storylines could come to fruition as a new chapter unfolded for the universe.
Those involved in production, were attempting to make some fresh steps and there was a series of new developments, with several iconic characters, including Rey - a Force user - who even received training from Luke Skywalker. Her training had the potential to become a crucial part of The Last Jedi storyline. Yet, the main narrative took a drastic shift and in a sense, rewrote the events of those previous movies - specifically the return of the villain: Emperor Palpatine. As the creator of the Force, many believe he is among the most powerful beings within the Star Wars universe.
What Are the Biggest Criticisms for The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy?
One of the biggest criticisms that came out in the wake of The Last Jedi - in the sequel trilogy was the introduction of Rey - and how fans might think of her as a Mary Sue (a type of character in media who's described as having ideal qualities: a character with great, seemingly unlimited powers that never struggle or face a sense of failure.) The use of this character was perceived as a deviation - one that would go against the established traditions, especially since there was an emphasis on the idea that this Star Wars universe - and its Star Wars characters such as Luke Skywalker and Han Solo - would often face difficulties. A major part of the story would also revolve around a continuous need for training in order to learn about their powers.
This could also lead to the conclusion that those who followed The Last Jedi found themselves questioning the use of new characters and even those who played a small part. As in the sequel trilogy, this also included the narrative that surrounded Rose Tico.
How Is Rey Different from Luke Skywalker in Star Wars?
Both Rey and Luke Skywalker have similar story arcs but with some notable differences. For fans of Star Wars who might make connections between the original trilogy and those newer films in the sequel trilogy - both are seen as those who are connected to the Force, giving them vast powers - while they were also considered to be those who could challenge a formidable villain. There are several differences to point to. Rey was born in a very difficult time for the Star Wars galaxy.
Her story started when she was raised as a "nobody." There was no sign of a grand history that might give her special connections to past heroes. In this regard, it is significantly different from the story of Luke Skywalker who was also able to make use of the Force to battle evil. Luke was also brought up as a farmer. It didn't seem as if he would become a hero.
Was Rey’s Training with Luke Skywalker Effective?
Although Rey did meet Luke Skywalker, a Jedi Master in the sequel trilogy, those following the series will realize that he had great reluctance to train her - and for a good reason. Rey had to make several crucial choices as she continued to evolve in her quest for training - specifically she went into exile with Luke Skywalker. While training, she learned several key skills, her talents gave her the ability to move quickly to use the Force - yet, her connection to the Dark Side - specifically the powers she gained from Emperor Palpatine, who had an incredible, almost unbreakable bond to the Force.
The journey for Rey and Luke Skywalker, did prove to be challenging as she did discover those abilities and powers, however, she did struggle with how to overcome her inner demons.
How Was The Emperor Involved With Rey in Star Wars?
As fans know, the Star Wars sequel trilogy created several unexpected events - such as Supreme Leader Snoke and a sudden shift in the storyline to include the return of the evil villain from the original trilogy. Emperor Palpatine.
While those who had followed those previous movies knew the power he had as an antagonist. Fans were stunned when they realized Rey, in the sequel trilogy, was destined to have a connection to him, even making her a relative, or perhaps a descendant - in this world of Star Wars, she was seen to be part of this universe, and one which is deeply connected to Palpatine himself.
Why Does the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy Not Get Good Reviews?
While the Star Wars sequel trilogy was a box office hit, there has also been a wave of discontent and disappointment as it has become a controversial subject in the Star Wars fanbase. The films had a difficult path as they struggled to overcome a legacy - a collection of movies with a passionate fan base. They also took on those major moments such as Force lightning as those key, essential elements of the saga, showing how these powers were often at play, which led to several critical conversations as fans grappled with those new events - making them wonder how the universe would move forward.
One key point is how fans felt about the production. The sequels were filled with new characters - including those who were meant to serve as the lead heroes and those that might play an integral part in the sequel trilogy. Those characters like Rey had some of the most polarizing views - she often appeared to have an unmerited level of power - it was almost a "destiny" that was meant to be fulfilled.
Did Han Solo Appear In the Sequel Trilogy?
Fans of the original trilogy were surprised at how those original characters (from the classic films) played such a small part in the sequel trilogy. Those who watched the events that led up to The Last Jedi will notice that it featured one of the original Star Wars heroes, Han Solo - and how he went on to make a pivotal sacrifice - as he played an important part as a guide for Rey. However, he did not return.
Those familiar with those early films - as well as those following the latest events in Star Wars TV shows such as "The Mandalorian", which featured some original actors reprising their roles, and that of those new characters - will see how those early moments helped pave the way for the sequel trilogy , showing how those characters became more defined through the series of events - and even the more tragic ones, including Han Solo 's disappearance - which marked a key moment for those who follow the story and are often captivated by how those events came about.
