Seven Years Later: The Star Wars Plot Twist That Still Leaves Fans Disappointed

Seven years have passed since the release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and I still find it hard to believe that the franchise overlooked a tremendous opportunity stemming from one of the film’s most significant plot twists. The Last Jedi diverged sharply from the narrative trajectory established in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, notably through Luke Skywalker’s unwillingness to train Rey and Finn’s desire to abandon the Resistance. While some of these narrative choices were polarizing, they undeniably ignited substantial discussion among fans, cementing The Last Jedi’s status as a highly controversial installment in the saga.

Among these unexpected plot developments, one stands out to me for its unfulfilled potential. This pivotal moment shocked me profoundly—even with earlier hints laid out in the movie—and I remember the astonishment felt in the theater when it unfolded. Unfortunately, the Star Wars franchise did not manage to capitalize on this moment’s drama; the twist had the potential to propel the sequel trilogy into new, exciting territory, leaving me to wonder why such an opportunity was squandered.

Kylo Ren’s Shocking Assassination of Snoke

An Unforeseen Turn of Events

Snoke with a lightsaber stabbed through him in Star Wars: The Last Jedi

The unbelievable moment when Kylo Ren turns against and kills Snoke using the Skywalker lightsaber ranks among the most remarkable plot twists in the franchise’s history. Despite some foreshadowing and the potential for Ren to align with Rey, his betrayal of his master was completely unexpected. The scene where he employs the Force to ignite the lightsaber into Snoke’s side was nothing short of a jaw-dropper, brimming with possibilities.

I can vividly recall the experience of witnessing this moment for the first time. Gasps echoed throughout the theater, including my own, as I remained in stunned silence during the remainder of the sequence, from confronting Snoke’s guards to contemplating what this meant for Ren’s character arc. I remember thinking: Could Kylo Ren actually embrace the light and return as Ben Solo to assist his mother and the Resistance? Sadly, that was not the direction the story ultimately took.

The Twist Would Have Gained Depth if Ben Solo Had Redeemed Himself

Heightened Stakes in the Narrative

Following the spectacular clash that follows Snoke’s death, it becomes clear that Ben Solo will remain in the role of Kylo Ren, seeking Snoke’s power while hoping to reign alongside Rey. This trajectory aligns with the dark descent that the sequel trilogy aimed to portray for Kylo Ren. However, Ben’s eventual redemption in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker undermined this earlier arc, making me wish that this transformation had occurred at this pivotal moment instead.

While the twist does succeed as an unexpected plot development, it would have achieved greater significance had Ren transformed back into Ben Solo in this critical scene. Such a redemption arc would have deviated from the patterns established by the original trilogy by occurring in the second film instead of the third, potentially opening avenues for intriguing and unique narratives within the remainder of the trilogy. Sadly, the missed opportunity remains a point of frustration.

Imagining Ben Solo as a Covert Agent for the Resistance

Infiltrating the Enemy

Ben Solo holding a blue lightsaber on Exegol in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

One intriguing narrative path that could have unfolded if Ben Solo had truly returned in The Last Jedi would be his clandestine role as a spy for the Resistance. Continuing to masquerade as “Kylo Ren,”he could have provided crucial intelligence and assistance to the Resistance, reminiscent of Palpatine’s manipulations in a morally positive light. This scenario would have dramatically raised the stakes heading into The Rise of Skywalker while serving as a fitting consequence for Ren’s actions in The Force Awakens.

While I respect the narrative choices made in The Last Jedi regarding Kylo Ren’s journey, I can’t help but wish the potential of this exhilarating plot twist was more fully realized. The moment had a profound impact on viewers, yet the excitement felt somewhat diminished when Kylo simply took over Snoke’s role. This lingering “what if” scenario is an enduring thought that resurfaces each time I revisit The Last Jedi, leaving me curious about the alternate paths the story could have taken.

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