Does Disliking 'The Last Jedi' Make Someone Less of a Star Wars Fan?

What is this about someone's fandom gatekeeping? No one gets to decide who is a 'fan' of something, especially not arbitrary or self-appointed gatekeepers.

True Fans and Wardens of a Genre

Another amusingly childish AI-generated question! The idea that 'no one liked The Last Jedi' is a peculiar notion. It's more accurate to say that different people have different tastes and opinions, which is the essence of why we enjoy these franchises.

Let me provide a bit of context. In any fandom, including Star Wars, you often encounter individuals who are passionate but perhaps a tad overzealous in their defense of the older material. These are the ones who claim to be the truest of fans, sometimes to an extent that they become intolerant of changes or new editions.

Hubris and Fandom

Some 'true fans' display a level of hubris that borders on authority. They assert their opinions as if they have a divine right to be welcomed into the inner sanctum of the fandom. However, this attitude often leads to missed opportunities for growth and appreciation of new content.

For instance, many 'true fans' of Star Trek have accused newer series of straying from the original vision or quality of the franchise. Yet, when you delve into these so-called 'true fans', you often find a surprisingly poor understanding of the original series' portrayal of character and narrative development.

Popular Misconceptions

Kirk was never arrogant. This misinterpretation arose from certain fan theories and character developments, but it is far from the truth, disproven even in the first season of Star Trek: The Original Series. Spock has no emotions. Another misconception, as Spock's emotional state and growth arc were always a central theme of the series. Star Trek was not about revenge. The concept of revenge was explored, but never as a defining narrative element in the series. One notable 'true fan' went as far as to revise the original Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan (1982) with their own interpretation, creating a far less Star Trek-like experience than the original.

'The Last Jedi' Decoded

Let's address another popular topic: The Last Jedi. Some fans, including myself, had issues with certain plot elements. However, it's important to identify the genuine concerns and those that seem superficial or ill-informed.

`The Last Jedi` introduced some changes to the original trilogy, notably Han Solo's death scene and the role of Rey's connection to the Force. Critics often point to these as inconsistencies, but it's crucial to look beyond surface-level changes and explore the underlying themes and narrative arcs. The code breaker plot, for example, was seen as an opportunity to develop a different kind of movie, perhaps more like the espionage-based Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991), rather than a poorly executed Bond film.

For me, the issue was the poor fit of the code breaker subplot, which seemed to contradict the overall narrative and character development. It's a case of a well-intentioned plot idea that didn't deliver the desired impact.

Comparative Analysis

It's important to note that 'issues' with newer installments of franchise films often arise from a lack of critical engagement. Simply because not everyone enjoyed The Last Jedi doesn't make it a bad movie. It's a valid piece of storytelling, albeit one with its own set of issues and successes.

Similarly, the perception that certain changes to the original trilogy detract from the narrative and character arcs is subjective. While some may see these changes negatively, others view them as an evolution of the story and the characters.

In conclusion, while 'true fans' often claim authority over a genre, it's more productive to approach each installment of a franchise with a critical eye and an open mind. Enjoyment and appreciation are, ultimately, deeply personal experiences.