Did Luke Skywalker Live Up to Your Expectations in 'The Last Jedi'? An Analysis

Many fans were disappointed with Luke Skywalker’s arc in 'The Last Jedi', feeling that the character fell short of their expectations. In this review, we delve into the inconsistencies and character developments that led to this perception.

Disappointment and Upsetting Revelations

One of the most significant factors in this disappointment was the untimely and poorly handled death of Mark Hamill’s character. The iconic actor was not even informed of the death until he saw the finished movie, which raised questions about the respect for the cast and the storytelling integrity. This move by Kathleen Kennedy was seen as a transparent mistake, tarnishing the legacy of 'The Last Jedi'.

From a storytelling perspective, 'The Last Jedi' has often been compared to 'Empire Strikes Back', as both films seem to be parodies of their predecessors. However, rewatching 'The Empire Strikes Back' highlights the contradiction in how Luke and Yoda are portrayed. Yoda's pre-Empire Strikes Back unorthodox behavior provides a template for Luke's character in 'The Last Jedi', but the execution felt off and often goofy, rather than endearing.

Discrepancies in Character Development

Luke's character development in ‘The Last Jedi’ was riddled with inconsistencies. Casting Luke as a bitter old hermit who no longer wanted to train a protégé was intriguing, but it lacked depth. The jokes and lighthearted moments, like the lightsaber toss and tickling Rey's hand with the plant leaf, seemed out of place. Luke Skywalker’s cynicism and callousness towards the Resistance and his friends were particularly jarring. He seemed to be acting out of self-interest rather than a genuine concern for the fate of the Resistance.

The writing, particularly concerning the Force, was criticized for being incoherent. The Force is often described as a ubiquitous force that binds the universe, yet Luke’s isolation from it raised more questions than it answered. Additionally, the message that the Jedi Order should be dismantled later contradicted the earlier claims of its importance. Yoda’s statement about the books being dull and lifeless only for Rey to hide them in a strategic location made for an awkward narrative arc. The idea of failure as a teacher, especially in the context of mass casualties and enslavement, was seen as nonsensical and poorly executed.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity

Overall, 'The Last Jedi' was a significant disappointment for many fans, particularly in terms of how Luke Skywalker was portrayed. While the character's bitterness and isolation had potential, the execution fell short of meeting expectations. The character felt poorly crafted and the writing was muddled, leading to a disjointed and unconvincing arc. 'The Last Jedi' was a swing and a miss, failing to provide a coherent narrative and a compelling portrayal of one of the most iconic characters in the Star Wars universe.