Snoke's Power Struggle: A Comparative Analysis with Palpatine and Other Force Users in Star Wars

The strength and capabilities of Snoke in the Star Wars saga have often been controversial, with some arguing that his power is inconsistent, while others believe his abilities set him apart as a new primeval Force user. This article delves into the comparative analysis of Snoke's power against Palpatine's and other notable Force users seen in the franchise.

The Rise and Fall of Snoke's Power

During the seventh installment of the sequel trilogy, we are led to believe that Snoke has been a constant presence since the beginning of the Skywalker saga, monitoring events from the fringes of the galaxy. His debut was initially anticipated to be a grand display of Force power, with his ability to use the Force over a monitor and to manipulate the reality between Rey and Kylo Ren showcasing an unprecedented level of control. However, the execution of this storyline was marred by subpar writing, ultimately leading to an underwhelming and short-lived villain appearance.

Rian Johnson and the Decline of Star Wars Franchise

The reign of Rian Johnson as a director not only brought inconsistencies to Snoke's narrative but also marked the decline of the Star Wars franchise. The impact of his directorial approach, as well as his co-director, Kathleen Kennedy, on the franchise's trajectory cannot be overstated. WhileEpisode 7 (The Last Jedi) laid the groundwork for a return to form, Episode 8 (The Rise of Skywalker) crumbled much of the established narrative, akin to tissues, and sought to re-assert the focus on a different villain narrative, thereby diminishing the appeal and complexity of Snoke's character.

Palpatine as the Ultimate Force User

Despite the initial hype and potential, Snoke ultimately falls short in comparison to Palpatine, solidifying his position as the strongest and most influential villain in the Star Wars saga. Palpatine's manipulative and strategic prowess, which has been a hallmark of his character, continues to dominate and overshadow Snoke's limited and inconsistent display of Force abilities.

The Impact of the Sequel Trilogy on the Star Wars Franchise

By the time of Episode 9, much of the potential set up in the previous installments was lost due to rushed pacing and a disregard for the established storylines. The narrative was forced to bring back a previously de-aged Palpatine, resulting in a less exciting and more tedious storyline. The relentless onslaught of "girl power" in Episode 9 further diluted the coherent storyline and the grandeur of the Force's power as demonstrated by Snoke.

One could argue that the difference in power between Snoke and Palpatine lies in the capabilities of two different directors. This perspective highlights the inconsistencies and shortcomings introduced by the creative choices in the filmmaker's approach to the franchise, with J.J. Abrams (director of Episode 7) providing a more solid foundation, contrasting with the direction of Rian Johnson and Kathleen Kennedy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Snoke was initially intended to be a formidable and compelling Force user, the final execution of his character in the Star Wars sequel trilogy falls short, ultimately aligning him with the weakest characters in the saga. In contrast, Palpatine remains the ultimate embodiment of the Force's power and manipulation, setting the standard for all other Force users within the franchise.