Going back and watchingReturn of the Jedinow, I cannot believe it forgot a big part of Luke Skywalker’s character.Return of the Jedihas never been too high in myranking of theStar Warsmovies, but that is not to say I do not like it. I think it is weaker than the other two installments of the original trilogy, but I would still hold it in higher regard than two of George Lucas' prequels and one of Disney’s sequels. The fleshing out ofStar Wars’New Republic timelineof late has also made me appreciate it more.
UpcomingStar WarsTV showswill only continue to provide more context to the galaxy afterReturn of the Jedi,too. This will only benefit the sixthchronologicalStar Warsmovie, at least where the episodic titles are concerned, and increase its cruciality to the overarching Skywalker Saga era of the franchise. Despite all of this, though,Return of the Jedi’s treatment of Luke seemed to leave out a major part of his character from its predecessors.
Luke Skywalker Was A Pilot Before He Was A Jedi
Luke’s Flying Skills Were No Joke
The key part of Luke’s character in question was his abilities as a pilot.A New Hopekickstarted Luke’s training as a Jedi, but it was his skills in the cockpit of a starfighter that allowed him to triumph at the Battle of Yavin and destroy the Death Star.The Empire Strikes Backthen focused further on Luke’s efforts as a pilot by showing him at the Battle of Hoth flying a snowspeeder.Before he ever became a Jedi and awakened his dormant Force abilities, Luke’s primary skillset came was utilized as a pilot, like his father, Anakin.
We Deserved To See Luke Pilot In Battle With His New Jedi Abilities
Return Of The Jedi Was Perfect For This
InReturn of the Jedi, Luke’s aptitude for flying was never highlighted. The only time Luke is seen behind the wheel of an X-Wing in the third original trilogy movie is at the end of the first act when he travels back to Dagobah to complete his training under Yoda. AlthoughReturn of the Jedifeatures one ofStar Wars’best space battles, Luke was never seen in full action, now with his increased Jedi abilities.
After spending years training with Yoda, surely Luke’s piloting skills would have increased too. InReturn of the Jedi, we deserved to see this and really witness just how strong Luke had become, not only as a Jedi but as one of the best starfighter pilots inStar Wars’Rebel Alliance. Sadly,Return of the Jediforgot about this part of Luke’s character in favor of showing him as a Jedi Master.
Star Wars Never Really Did Justice To Luke’s Piloting Skills Again
The Legend Of The Jedi Overtook The Skills Of A Pilot
From this point onwards,Luke Skywalker became defined as a Jedi more than a pilot. Of course, I am not saying this made no sense, as Luke is one of thegreatestStar Warscharactersbecause of his transition from a farm boy to a knight of the Jedi Order. Nonetheless, I think there was room for both Luke’s Jedi techniques and piloting skills to be showcased inStar Wars,as was the case in bothA New HopeandThe Empire Strikes Back.
AfterReturn of the Jedi, though, the focus of Luke’s character became the Jedi. He was briefly seen inThe Mandalorianseason 2 flying an X-Wing, but the main cause of excitement during this cameo was his lightsaber and Force skills as he cut through legions of Dark Troopers. InThe Rise of Skywalker, Luke raises his X-Wing from the depths of Ahch-To, yet for Rey to fly. All of this just proves that the depiction of Luke Skywalker shifted afterReturn of the Jedi, moving him away from X-Wings and ushering him more towards the Force.
