Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker Review: Destroying Arcs, and Violating Fans Expectations

In this episode, Andrew, Sean, and Maverick discuss the 9th installment in the Star Wars franchise.

The hosts discuss the opening of the film and the introduction of the main character, Rey. They explore the confusion and lack of foreshadowing surrounding the return of Palpatine and the impact it has on the story. They also discuss Rey's character arc and the flaws in its execution. The hosts disagree on the existence and effectiveness of Rey's arc, with one arguing that it is weak and underdeveloped, while the other sees elements of conflict and struggle. They also touch on the contrast between the original trilogy and the sequel trilogy in terms of character arcs. The conversation in this part focuses on the character arcs of Kylo Ren and Rey, as well as the romantic relationship between them. The hosts discuss the lack of struggle and development for Rey's character throughout the trilogy, and how it undermines the tension and believability of her final confrontation with Palpatine. They also critique Kylo Ren's character arc, noting the lack of justification for his actions and the repetitive nature of his redemption. The hosts express their confusion and dissatisfaction with the romantic kiss between Rey and Kylo Ren, highlighting the lack of foreshadowing and development in their relationship. They also discuss the surprise reveal of Rey's lineage as Palpatine's granddaughter and the inconsistencies in the portrayal of Force abilities based on lineage. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the ending, including Rey's use of Force lightning, Ben Solo's sacrifice, and Rey's return to Tatooine. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the climax of the movie and the issues they had with it. They talk about the repetitive moments of hopelessness and comeback, the lack of stakes, and the underwhelming death of Kylo Ren. They also criticize the execution of Rey's confrontation with Palpatine and the use of two lightsabers. The hosts then move on to discuss the inconsistencies and plot holes in the movie, such as the ability to travel quickly between locations and the lack of explanation for certain events. They also express their dissatisfaction with the ending, particularly Rey's decision to call herself a Skywalker.

Finally, they briefly touch on the treatment of side characters, including Hux and Rose, and how they felt they were poorly handled. The conversation in this part focuses on the characters of Finn, Leia, and Poe in the sequel trilogy of Star Wars. The hosts discuss how these characters were poorly developed and their arcs were mishandled. They highlight the lack of payoff and the undoing of significant moments in the story. The hosts also discuss the impact of the sequel trilogy on the Star Wars franchise, noting that it has shown the potential for great storytelling but also the importance of cohesion and adherence to the established rules of the universe.

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Show Notes:
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