Was Admiral Ackbar's Death in 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' Intended as a Shock Value or a Necessity?

The death of Admiral Ackbar during the climactic Battle of Crait in Star Wars: The Last Jedi has been a contentious topic among fans, sparking debates over artistry, narrative choices, and emotional impact. While the decision to end the character's life in a brief and somewhat unceremonious manner has been criticized, it can be attributed to several factors within the context of the film's narrative strategy. This article delves into the possible reasons behind Ackbar's abrupt departure and its significance.

Narrative Focus

The primary goal of The Last Jedi was to shift the focus from established characters to new ones. Director Rian Johnson aimed to explore themes of legacy sacrifice and the future of the Resistance. By introducing new characters and storylines, older characters such as Admiral Ackbar had to make way for fresh narratives to ensure the narrative didn't become overly nostalgic and did not dwell too much on individual character arcs.

Subversion of Expectations

The Last Jedi was designed to subvert traditional storytelling tropes. By killing off a beloved character in a quick and unexpected way, the film reinforced the idea that no character was safe and that the story could take unpredictable turns. This approach aligns with the film's broader theme of disrupting audience expectations and challenging the viewer to stay engaged.

Pacing and Structure

The film has a complex narrative with multiple storylines, and Ackbar's death, while significant to fans, was part of a broader effort to maintain pacing and focus on the main plot. The filmmakers made a conscious decision to prioritize the larger narrative over the individual stories of various characters, including Admiral Ackbar.

Shock Value and Rejection of Anticipation

Another viewpoint suggests that the decision to kill off Admiral Ackbar served a specific narrative purpose: shock value. The film aimed to shock viewers by rejecting their anticipation at every turn. Ackbar is a prominent character with a long military career, known for his memorable lines and recognizable face, making his death a particularly impactful moment.

Despite considerable fan outrage, the film's inconsistent messaging about war complicates the idea that Ackbar's death was meant to showcase the horrors of war. The presence of parties and celebrations among the Resistance in the aftermath of Ackbar's death, for instance, suggests that the film may not have fully committed to presenting the devastating effects of war. Instead, the emphasis seems to lie in subverting expectations and disrupting the audience's sense of what should happen next.

Creator's Intent and Audience Reception

While the creative team may have wanted to surprise viewers, the execution left many fans feeling that the character's death was underplayed and perhaps even lazy. The decision to handle Ackbar's death so unceremoniously, leading to the actor who played the character in the original trilogy, Tim Rose, expressing disappointment, indicates that the film did not fully capitalize on the emotional weight of a long-beloved character.

The inconsistency in how war is portrayed in the film further undercuts the potential impact of Ackbar's death. While moments like Holdo's sacrifice and Kylo's hesitation to deliver the fatal shot illustrate the grim realities of war, the film's ending does not conform to this theme. Therefore, Ackbar's death serves as a throwaway line, intended to provoke a reaction without significantly impacting the overall narrative.

Conclusion

Although The Last Jedi may have aimed to provide a shock to the audience and subvert expectations, the death of Admiral Ackbar lacked the narrative cohesion to justify its execution. The film toyed with themes of legacy and war but failed to fully commit to these ideas, leading to a perceived lack of emotional depth in Ackbar's death. Nevertheless, the impact of this moment cannot be denied, as it remains a defining feature of the controversial film.

References:

Star Wars: Admiral Ackbar Actor Not Happy How Character Was Killed Off In The Last Jedi - LRM

Timothy D. Rose - Wikipedia

Blue Milk Special

Admiral Ackbar – Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Reddit: Admiral Ackbar, Other Than Being TreatedKindof?