5 Things About ‘Star Wars Episode IV: The Rise of Skywalker’ That Made Zero Sense and 5 Things That Made Perfect Sense
‘Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker’ (2019) closed out the sequel trilogy with a whirlwind of action, emotion, and divisive choices. Directed by J.J. Abrams, it aimed to tie up loose ends while honoring the saga’s legacy, but not every decision landed smoothly.
Some moments felt like a perfect fit for the Star Wars universe, while others left me confused. I’m breaking down five things that didn’t add up and five that clicked, alternating between the two for a balanced look.
Palpatine’s Return – Made Zero Sense
Emperor Palpatine’s comeback as the mastermind behind the First Order felt like it came out of nowhere. After his death in ‘Return of the Jedi’ (1983), there’s no clear explanation for how he survived or orchestrated everything from the shadows.
The film throws in vague hints about cloning and Sith rituals, but it’s too rushed to make sense. His sudden reappearance seems like a convenient way to raise stakes, leaving me wishing for more groundwork to justify such a major twist.
Rey and Kylo’s Connection – Made Perfect Sense
The Force bond between Rey and Kylo Ren, carried over from ‘The Last Jedi’ (2017), deepens in a way that feels natural. Their telepathic link, allowing them to communicate and fight across vast distances, adds emotional weight to their dynamic.
This connection drives the story, highlighting their struggle between light and dark. It’s a fresh take on the Force, making their interactions compelling and keeping me invested in their fates.
The Sith Fleet’s Scale – Made Zero Sense
The Final Order’s massive fleet of Star Destroyers, each armed with planet-killing weapons, pops up on Exegol with little explanation. How Palpatine built and staffed this armada in secret defies belief.
The logistics of hiding thousands of ships and crews, even in a remote Sith stronghold, stretch logic too far. It feels like an over-the-top plot device to create a climactic battle, leaving me questioning its practicality.
Poe’s Leadership Arc – Made Perfect Sense
Poe Dameron’s growth into a true Resistance leader shines through. After his reckless choices in ‘The Last Jedi’, he learns to temper his hotheadedness, stepping up as a commander who inspires hope.
His arc feels earned, especially in scenes where he rallies the fleet against impossible odds. Oscar Isaac’s charisma makes Poe’s journey from pilot to leader a highlight that fits the saga’s spirit.
Rey’s Lineage Reveal – Made Zero Sense
Revealing Rey as Palpatine’s granddaughter undoes the grounded message of ‘The Last Jedi’ that her power came from herself, not a famous bloodline. This twist feels like a forced attempt to tie her to the saga’s past.
There’s little buildup to her heritage, and it clashes with her established story of self-reliance. It left me wondering why the film didn’t stick with her being a nobody, which felt more inspiring.
Lando’s Return – Made Perfect Sense
Lando Calrissian’s reappearance, played by Billy Dee Williams, brings a nostalgic spark that works perfectly. His role in rallying allies for the final battle feels like a natural extension of his charm and resourcefulness from ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980).
Lando’s presence adds warmth and ties the sequel trilogy to the original films. His upbeat energy lifts the story, making his return a joyful nod to longtime fans like me.
The Force Healing Overuse – Made Zero Sense
Force healing, introduced as a rare and powerful ability, gets used repeatedly by Rey and even Ben Solo. It feels like a convenient fix for plot holes, like saving characters from certain death without much cost.
The ability lacks clear rules or limits, making dramatic moments feel less weighty. It’s a cool idea, but its overuse cheapens the stakes, leaving me skeptical about its sudden prominence.
Finn’s Force Sensitivity – Made Perfect Sense
Finn’s subtle hints of Force sensitivity add depth to his character. Moments like sensing Rey’s distress or feeling the Sith fleet’s destruction show he’s more than a former stormtrooper.
This arc builds on John Boyega’s performance, giving Finn a unique role in the Resistance. It’s a smart way to expand his story, hinting at potential for future adventures that I’d love to see.
The Dagger’s Convenient Map – Made Zero Sense
The Sith dagger, a random artifact Rey finds, conveniently points to the exact location of a Sith wayfinder in the Death Star ruins. Its precise alignment with wreckage from decades ago feels absurdly contrived.
The dagger’s existence raises questions about who made it and why it matches a specific spot so perfectly. It’s a lazy plot device that left me rolling my eyes at its implausibility.
The Galaxy’s United Stand – Made Perfect Sense
The final battle’s massive civilian fleet arriving to aid the Resistance is a heartwarming payoff. Ordinary people from across the galaxy answering Lando’s call show the power of hope and unity.
This moment echoes the saga’s theme of collective strength against tyranny. It’s visually epic and emotionally satisfying, making me cheer as the underdog Resistance gets its moment of triumph.
What’s your take on ‘The Rise of Skywalker’—which moments worked for you, or did I miss a head-scratcher? Drop your thoughts in the comments!