5 Things About ‘Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi’ That Made Zero Sense and 5 Things That Made Perfect Sense

Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017) hit theaters with high expectations, continuing the saga’s legacy with new characters and bold choices. As the middle chapter of the sequel trilogy, it aimed to deepen the story of Rey, Luke Skywalker, and the Resistance while shaking up the franchise’s formula.

I found myself torn watching it. Some moments felt like pure Star Wars magic, while others left me scratching my head, wondering how they fit into the galaxy far, far away. Below, I dive into five things that made no sense and five that clicked perfectly, alternating between the two.

Made Zero Sense: Leia’s Space Survival

Leia Organa’s sudden display of Force powers in space baffled me. After an attack sends her floating into the vacuum, she uses the Force to pull herself back to the ship, surviving with no clear explanation.

This moment felt jarring. Leia’s Force sensitivity was hinted at before, but never on this scale. Why hadn’t she used such power earlier, especially in dire situations? It seemed like a convenient way to keep her alive without grounding it in her character’s history.

Made Perfect Sense: Rey and Kylo’s Connection

The Force bond between Rey and Kylo Ren was a highlight. Their mental link, allowing them to communicate across vast distances, added depth to their relationship and the story.

This dynamic worked because it explored their shared struggles. Both characters grapple with their identities, and their conversations reveal vulnerabilities, making their conflict more personal. It’s a fresh take on the Force, showing its power to connect rather than just destroy.

Made Zero Sense: The Canto Bight Side Quest

Finn and Rose’s trip to Canto Bight to find a codebreaker felt like a detour that went nowhere. The mission to disable the First Order’s tracker was intriguing but ended up having little impact on the plot.

The sequence dragged on with minimal payoff. They meet DJ, who betrays them, and the entire adventure feels disconnected from the main story. It’s hard to see why this arc was necessary when it didn’t advance the Resistance’s fight meaningfully.

Made Perfect Sense: Luke’s Character Arc

Luke Skywalker’s journey from a broken hermit to a hero embracing his legend was compelling. His guilt over failing Ben Solo and his reluctance to fight made his growth feel earned.

Mark Hamill’s performance carried this arc. Luke’s doubts mirrored real human struggles, and his final act—projecting himself across the galaxy to save the Resistance—was a powerful, selfless moment. It tied his story to the saga’s themes of hope and redemption.

Made Zero Sense: Snoke’s Sudden Exit

Supreme Leader Snoke’s abrupt death caught me off guard, and not in a good way. Built up as a major villain, he’s killed by Kylo Ren with little buildup or explanation of his origins.

This choice felt like a missed opportunity. Snoke’s power and influence were teased in The Force Awakens (2015), but we learn nothing about his backstory or motives. His exit left a gap in the story that made the First Order’s threat feel less cohesive.

Made Perfect Sense: The Throne Room Battle

The lightsaber fight in Snoke’s throne room was a visual and emotional peak. Rey and Kylo teaming up against the Praetorian Guards delivered intense action and high stakes.

This scene worked because it blended stunning choreography with character development. The temporary alliance showed their complex relationship, and the fight’s outcome shifted the story’s direction. It’s the kind of thrilling moment Star Wars fans crave.

Made Zero Sense: Holdo’s Secret Plan

Vice-Admiral Holdo’s refusal to share her escape plan with Poe Dameron or the Resistance crew created unnecessary tension. Her secrecy led to a mutiny that could have been avoided.

This plot point felt forced. Holdo’s leadership seemed competent, but her lack of communication with her own team made little sense in a desperate situation. It turned a potentially strong character into a source of frustration.

Made Perfect Sense: Yoda’s Force Ghost Lesson

Yoda’s appearance as a Force ghost to guide Luke was a standout moment. His wisdom about failure being a teacher helped Luke move past his guilt and act decisively.

This scene resonated because it tied back to Yoda’s role in The Empire Strikes Back (1980). His playful yet profound advice felt true to his character, and the visual of him summoning lightning added a mystical touch that fit the saga perfectly.

Made Zero Sense: The Resistance’s Slow Chase

The First Order’s pursuit of the Resistance fleet in a slow space chase felt oddly flat. The idea that the Resistance couldn’t escape or fight back effectively dragged out the tension without clear logic.

Why couldn’t the First Order jump ahead with lightspeed, as some ships did earlier? The chase lacked urgency and made the First Order seem incompetent, undermining their threat as a galactic power.

Made Perfect Sense: Rey’s Parentage Reveal

The revelation that Rey’s parents were nobodies was a bold and refreshing choice. It broke from the saga’s obsession with bloodlines, emphasizing that anyone can be a hero.

This twist made Rey’s journey more relatable. Her strength coming from within, not a famous lineage, echoed the original Star Wars (1977) themes of ordinary people rising to greatness. It gave her character a unique place in the saga.

What’s your take on The Last Jedi—any moments that left you confused or felt spot-on? Drop your thoughts in the comments!