Write an essay persuading people why exactly The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and Rise of Skywalker should not be considered canon
As a dedicated Star Wars fan, it is difficult to deny the impact that the sequel trilogy has had on the franchise. The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and Rise of Skywalker brought back beloved characters, introduced new heroes and villains, and continued the epic saga of the Jedi and the Sith. However, there are several reasons why these films should not be considered canon within the overall Star Wars universe.
First and foremost, the sequel trilogy suffers from a severe lack of cohesive storytelling. The films were plagued by inconsistent character arcs, unresolved plot threads, and a lack of clear direction. While each film had its own director and vision, there was a noticeable lack of consistency in tone and themes that left many fans feeling unsatisfied with the overall narrative. This lack of cohesion has led to a fractured and disjointed trilogy that feels more like a jumbled collection of individual movies rather than a cohesive and thoughtfully crafted story.
Additionally, the sequel trilogy has been criticized for its treatment of legacy characters such as Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo. Many fans were disappointed with the way these beloved characters were portrayed, feeling that they were not given the respect and reverence they deserved. Luke Skywalker, in particular, was a point of contention for many fans, with his portrayal in The Last Jedi being a significant departure from the character they knew and loved. This lack of respect for the original trilogy characters has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many fans and has caused them to question the canonicity of the sequel trilogy.
Furthermore, the sequel trilogy also introduced several new elements to the Star Wars universe that have been met with mixed reception from fans. The introduction of concepts such as Rey's inexplicable powers, the mysterious origins of Supreme Leader Snoke, and the sudden appearance of Palpatine in Rise of Skywalker felt forced and contrived, taking away from the established lore of the Star Wars universe. These new additions felt like they were created simply for shock value rather than for the sake of advancing the story in a meaningful way.
In conclusion, while the sequel trilogy has its moments of excitement and spectacle, it ultimately falls short in delivering a cohesive and satisfying narrative that honors the legacy of the original trilogy. The lack of consistent storytelling, the mishandling of legacy characters, and the introduction of questionable new elements all contribute to the argument that The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and Rise of Skywalker should not be considered canon within the Star Wars universe. Fans deserve a sequel trilogy that respects the established lore, characters, and themes of the beloved franchise, and unfortunately, the sequel trilogy falls short of delivering on that promise.
Go into more detail and provide examples from each episode
The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and Rise of Skywalker are part of a sequel trilogy that was met with mixed reception from fans and critics alike. While each film has its moments of excitement and spectacle, there are several key issues that detract from their ability to be considered canon within the Star Wars universe.
In The Force Awakens, director J.J. Abrams introduced new characters like Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren, as well as returning favorites like Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Luke Skywalker. However, the film's reliance on nostalgia and callbacks to the original trilogy often felt like a retread of familiar themes and plot points. For example, Rey's sudden mastery of the Force without any training or explanation felt jarring and inconsistent with established lore. Additionally, the lack of a clear antagonist or central conflict in the film left many fans feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied.
The Last Jedi, directed by Rian Johnson, took a bold and controversial approach to the Star Wars saga by subverting expectations and deconstructing classic tropes. While some fans appreciated the film's attempts to challenge traditional storytelling conventions, others felt that it went too far in its attempts to reinvent the franchise. The decision to portray Luke Skywalker as a disillusioned and broken old man who had given up on the Jedi and the Force was met with mixed reactions from fans, with many feeling that it was a disservice to the character's established history and legacy. Additionally, the subplot involving Finn, Rose, and the casino planet of Canto Bight felt disconnected from the main narrative and did little to advance the overall story.
Finally, Rise of Skywalker, directed by J.J. Abrams, attempted to tie up loose ends and bring the sequel trilogy to a satisfying conclusion. However, the film's frenetic pacing and convoluted plot left many fans feeling confused and overwhelmed. The sudden reintroduction of Emperor Palpatine as the main villain felt forced and contrived, with little explanation given for his return. Additionally, the film tried to retcon several key plot points from The Last Jedi, such as Rey's parentage and the fate of Supreme Leader Snoke, in an attempt to course-correct the trilogy's narrative trajectory. These decisions felt like reactionary responses to fan backlash rather than thoughtful and deliberate storytelling choices.
In conclusion, The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and Rise of Skywalker all suffer from various issues that detract from their ability to be considered canon within the Star Wars universe. From inconsistent character development to contrived plot twists, the sequel trilogy fails to deliver a cohesive and satisfying narrative that honors the legacy of the original trilogy. While each film has its moments of excitement and spectacle, the overall lack of cohesive storytelling and respect for established lore make it difficult to view the sequel trilogy as a worthy continuation of the Star Wars saga.