Top 8 Complaints About Luke Skywalker in the Sequel Trilogy: Valid Concerns and Their Logic

Luke Skywalker’s journey in the sequel trilogy ignited one of the franchise’s most contentious debates. While the films undeniably faced numerous challenges—largely due to a shifting creative direction—many fans have expressed their dissatisfaction with Luke’s character portrayal. This sentiment particularly escalated between Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, where the latter seemed to disregard, and at times undermine, the developments from its predecessor. Notably, the characterization shifts in The Last Jedi often negated elements established in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Overall, viewers found Luke’s narrative arc across the sequels disappointing, regardless of the film. Even Mark Hamill, the actor behind Luke, has voiced his grievances, humorously mentioning his foresight of the dialogue in The Force Awakens before even the initial read-through. Other Star Wars-related media, like LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, have also humorously critiqued Luke’s arc. However, amidst the noise, it’s crucial to discern which criticisms hold merit and which are misguided.

Was Luke Right to Discard His Lightsaber?

Controversy Surrounding Luke’s Lightsaber Toss

Luke Skywalker at the end of The Force Awakens

Rey in the final scene of The Force Awakens

Fans were deeply frustrated with Luke’s absence in The Force Awakens, particularly with the narrative suggesting he had given up hope and retreated into obscurity. The discontent reached a peak when Luke disdainfully tossed away his lightsaber in The Last Jedi. This moment followed Rey’s climactic arrival on Ahch-To, where she offered him his former weapon.

While some might label this action as contradictory to Luke’s character, a deeper analysis suggests otherwise. Although Luke had lost faith in the Jedi Order, his skepticism about their methods presented a valid point. Luke’s belief that the Jedi should prioritize peace over violence aligns with themes seen in Return of the Jedi.

The Significance of Luke Calling it a “Laser Sword”

Luke’s Sarcastic Use of “Laser Sword”

The term “laser sword,”used by Luke in The Last Jedi, sparked significant debate. His sarcastic retort to Rey, suggesting she expected him to confront the First Order alone with just a “laser sword,”raised eyebrows. Although this term was originally coined by George Lucas, the intent behind Luke’s wording was more about mocking the naive perception of the Jedi rather than a genuine dismissal of their legacy.

Many arguments asserting that Luke would never use that phrase overlook the sarcasm emanating from the scene. While it’s understandable to feel disappointed by Luke’s darker viewpoint, the choice of words did not inherently alter his character.

Impact of Luke’s Despair on His Original Trilogy Journey

Audience Reactions: A Striking Contrast to Return of the Jedi

Viewers lamented Luke’s stark transformation in the sequels, feeling his loss of faith contradicted the heroic legacy established in Return of the Jedi. Many perceived his bleak outlook as a betrayal of the optimism that characterized his role in A New Hope. Although the sequels attempted to account for this shift through Ben Solo’s fall and the destruction of Luke’s Jedi Temple, the justification fell flat for many.

This narrative choice stands out as a critical failure of the sequels. While adding complexity to Luke could have been compelling, the premise that he would so easily succumb to despair is hard to reconcile, particularly for the hero who redeemed Darth Vader.

The Missed Chance for a Reunion of the Original Trio

Absence of a Final Gathering

One of the greatest disappointments of the sequels was their failure to unite the original trio of heroes—Luke, Han, and Leia—on screen for one last poignant moment. With the beloved actors returning to the franchise, audiences were left bewildered by the lack of a true reunion scene. While there were moments shared between Leia and Han in The Force Awakens, and a brief farewell between Luke and Leia in The Last Jedi, these encounters felt rushed and unsatisfactory.

Each subsequent film marked the demise of one of these cherished characters—Han in The Force Awakens, Luke in The Last Jedi, and Leia in The Rise of Skywalker. The missed opportunity to see them together was not just a narrative oversight; it diminished the emotional weight of the finale, especially with Carrie Fisher’s passing before the conclusion of the trilogy.

Examining Luke’s Crisis of Faith Regarding Ben Solo

Luke’s Dark Moment: Considering the Unthinkable

Luke’s inner turmoil escalated to the shocking moment where he contemplated killing Ben Solo after glimpsing a darkness within him. This brief but intense moment raised alarm bells among audiences, as it seemed starkly at odds with the character who once saw good in Darth Vader.

This crisis of faith was challenging for fans to accept. The same Luke who stood firmly against the dark side in Return of the Jedi couldn’t possibly consider harming his own nephew. Although The Last Jedi defended his actions as instinctual, many felt it was an uncharacteristic lapse that tarnished his legacy.

Should Luke’s Jedi Order Have Been Showcased?

The Subdued Depiction of Luke’s Jedi Legacy

Another missed opportunity in the sequels was the lack of depiction of Luke Skywalker as a Jedi Master. Many fans had hoped to witness him in the full glory of a Jedi Order he had established. Instead, audiences were presented with an image of a hermit, evoking feelings of nostalgia and disappointment.

Luke’s Jedi Temple never received a full portrayal, and its height remained merely a concept within fan discussions. Apart from brief glimpses in The Book of Boba Fett, the franchise largely sidestepped the chance to show his legacy in action.

Some argue that the new direction of Disney Star Wars could benefit from inspirations taken from the franchise’s Legends material, showcasing a vibrant Jedi Academy led by Luke, which many feel would have honored the Skywalker legacy.

The Absence of Luke in Action

Luke’s Lack of Combat in the Sequels

Echoing the decision not to show Luke as a Jedi Master was the evident omission of significant lightsaber combat in the sequels. The closest moment came during his confrontation with Kylo Ren in The Last Jedi, where he ultimately used the technique of Astral Projection rather than engaging in direct battle.

Compared to other concerns, this particular issue may appear less egregious. It would have indeed been thrilling to witness Mark Hamill engage in a lightsaber duel, but from a narrative perspective, it parallels Luke’s character evolution toward a Master Yoda-like figure, who rarely resorts to brute force.

The Nature of Luke’s Death: A Disappointment or a Fitting Conclusion?

Reactions to Luke’s Final Departure

The use of Astral Projection as a Force ability, which placed an immense strain on Luke, ultimately culminated in his demise. While this technique showcased a majestic moment, it garnered a mixed reception among fans.

Though some find solace in the parallel to Obi-Wan Kenobi’s fate in A New Hope, many felt disappointed by Luke’s death, viewing it as an unceremonious end for such an iconic character. While some elements of this conclusion resonate, the overarching sentiment remains that it could have been handled differently.

In summary, the grievances surrounding Luke Skywalker’s journey in the sequel trilogy present a nuanced dialogue between fan expectations and character evolution. While many criticisms are substantiated, others may overlook the complexities at play.

Source & Images