The Plot Holes Debate: Why Critics of The Last Jedi Ignore A New Hope's Flaws

Many viewers misinterpret the term “plot hole” to describe any narrative discrepancy they find disagreeable. A plot hole refers to a logical inconsistency, such as a scenario where a character disables a bomb by cutting a wire that the plot has already established as inappropriate. However, some fans use “plot hole” to blithely dismiss directions or choices made by the film writers.

This article explores why critics tend to focus on perceived plot holes in The Last Jedi while overlooking those in the beloved and groundbreaking original film, A New Hope. It delves into the context and challenges faced by the creators and the audience reactions to both films.

Plot Holes in Star Wars: A Critical Perspective

The concept of a “plot hole” is often misunderstood. It typically refers to a logical inconsistency in a film’s storyline, not merely a narrative choice one would order differently. A prime example would be a film that has clearly stated that the only way to disable a bomb is by cutting its blue wire, but later shows the main character disabling it by cutting the red wire. This kind of inconsistency is what constitutes a plot hole.

The Last Jedi and Audience Expectations

The Last Jedi faced particular challenges, as it had to live up to fan expectations set by the Expanded Universe novels and online speculation surrounding the mysteries introduced in The Force Awakens. It did not have the same expectation baggage as A New Hope. Consequently, when certain fan expectations were not met, some fans felt let down, leading them to criticize the film for supposed plot holes and other perceived weaknesses.

A New Hope: A Practioner's Perspective on Known Flaws

While The Last Jedi faced scrutiny over perceived plot holes, it is important to acknowledge the well-known flaws in A New Hope. The film is peppered with inconsistencies and logic errors that were pointed out and laughed at by critics even before The Last Jedi was released. Some examples include:

Why didn't the Empire fire at R2 and 3PO’s escape pod?

How could the Empire not track the escape pod?

The "diplomatic mission" justification is unsatisfactory.

How immature was Luke Skywalker about Princess Leia's station?

The Death Star schematics do not resemble the final Death Star.

The superweapon is in an inappropriate location.

Leia's actions led the Empire to the Rebellion's base, which seems risky.

Due to these perceived plot holes, the creators of A New Hope felt the need to address and explain certain aspects in the newer films and even in a separate movie, Rogue One. This underscores the historical context and the evolution of the Star Wars franchise over time.

The fans' critique of The Last Jedi, while valid, does not account for the 40 years of criticism that A New Hope has faced. Both films have their share of questionable narrative choices, but The Last Jedi was not created in a vacuum and had to navigate the expectations set by its predecessors as well as speculation from fans and the Expanded Universe.

In conclusion, when we discuss the concept of plot holes in Star Wars films, we should consider both the context of the creation and the historical context of the reception. Both The Last Jedi and A New Hope have enduring flaws that have been part of the fan discussion for decades, and it is important to understand and contextualize these criticisms.

Conclusion

The debate over plot holes in The Last Jedi and A New Hope highlights the complexities of storytelling and fan expectations. While The Last Jedi faced significant scrutiny, it is equally important to acknowledge and address the known flaws in A New Hope. Both films are part of a long-standing saga that has evolved and adapted over time, and it is crucial to understand the context in which they were created and received.

Keywords: plot hole, Star Wars, A New Hope, The Last Jedi