Why Star Wars Needs a Jedi Problem Fix

When it comes to the Star Wars franchise, some opinions are more controversial than others. One such unpopular opinion is the dissatisfaction with the excessive focus on lightsaber battles and the Jedi/Sith conflict. It's a perspective that many fans hold, and it's a sentiment that has been echoed by long-time SW aficionados including myself. Here are my thoughts on why this focus has not always enhanced the storytelling and what could be done to improve it.

Dissatisfaction with the Current Fan Respect

One aspect of Star Wars that I find troubling is the aforementioned respect for fans. While it's valid to listen to fan feedback, I believe that disregarding the depth of the Star Wars universe's lore has been a bigger issue. For Uber-SW-fans like myself, the franchise's rich backstory and intricate lore are paramount. Inconsistencies in the lore or storylines created for cameos or plot conveniences are often met with harsh criticism.

The Weaknesses of Expanded Universe Content

Another unpopular opinion I hold is that while a significant portion of the Expanded Universe (now known as Legends) is enjoyable, a substantial amount of it is simply not good. It's akin to fanfiction, lacking the consistency and depth that make the original Star Wars movies so beloved. Even fans who enjoyed the EU/Legends content will admit that not everything hits the mark.

The Jedi Problem: A Deeper Dive

The Jedi problem in Star Wars is multifaceted. The prequels, despite their technical shortcomings and uninspired direction, showcase a Jedi-Sith conflict that, in my opinion, is dull and overdone. This narrative has been carried over into subsequent installments, leading to a devaluation of the franchise's creativity.

The Jedi and the Force: The invention of the Force and the Jedi Order are intriguing elements, but the Sith, with their 'reverse Jedi'-like concept, have always been implausible to me. The 'rule of two' concept falls short when inconsistencies arise, making the Sith's presence in various stories an issue. Additionally, the Jedi/Sith conflict, while once fresh and interesting, has become formulaic and unengaging.

Context and World-Building: The Star Wars films are celebrated for their world-building, with entire galaxies coming to life through meticulous attention to detail. However, the focus on Jedi and Sith conflicts often detracts from other valuable elements, such as the Clone Wars, spice mining, and the Kessel Run. Stories centered around these unique aspects of the universe are more compelling than the endless lightsaber duels.

The Suite of Star Wars Content

Content beyond the main movies, such as "Andor," has gained a significant following, indicating that it's not just me who is dissatisfied with the Jedi-heavy narratives. While I was thoroughly impressed with the original trilogy and to some extent with "Solo" and "Rogue One," the sequels have fallen short in terms of creativity and depth. The recent successes like the first two "Mandalorian" seasons and "Andor" show that when the focus shifts away from the Jedi, Star Wars can truly come alive.

The Mandalorian and Andor: These shows offer self-contained sci-fi adventures filled with intrigue and action. While they naturally reference the larger Star Wars universe, they excel in telling their own stories without relying on Jedi characters. This approach fosters a sense of mystery and invites the audience to explore different elements of the galaxy far, far away.

Conclusion

Star Wars has the potential to be even more than what it has become. By cutting down on the Jedi-centric narratives, the franchise can focus on a broader range of storylines that engage the audience in ways that go beyond the familiar laser sword choreography. I believe that devoting more attention to stories like those in "Andor" and "The Mandalorian" could reignite the creativity and excitement that made the original trilogy so iconic.

Until then, let's enjoy the nuanced and complex content that Star Wars has to offer while continuously hoping for narrative renewal that moves beyond the Jedi problem.