5 Things About ‘Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi’ That Made Zero Sense and 5 Things That Made Perfect Sense
‘Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi’ (1983) wraps up the original trilogy with a blend of thrilling battles, emotional depth, and iconic moments that have stuck with fans for decades. The film delivers Luke Skywalker’s final steps toward becoming a Jedi, the Rebellion’s fight against the Empire, and a story of redemption that ties the saga together.
At the same time, not everything in the movie lands perfectly. Some plot points or choices raise eyebrows, while others feel like they were written in the stars. Below, I dive into five things that left me scratching my head and five that clicked like a lightsaber igniting, alternating between the two.
Made Zero Sense: Ewoks Defeating Stormtroopers
The Ewoks, those pint-sized, teddy-bear-like creatures from Endor, somehow take down elite Stormtrooper forces with sticks, stones, and makeshift traps. It’s hard to buy that a technologically advanced army, armed with blasters and armor, gets overwhelmed by a tribe using slingshots and logs.
Even with their knowledge of the forest, the Ewoks’ victory feels like a stretch. The Empire’s troops are trained for war, yet they’re outsmarted by creatures who seem more suited for a picnic than a battlefield. This underdog win leans heavily on charm over logic, making it one of the film’s weaker moments.
Made Perfect Sense: Luke’s Growth as a Jedi
Luke Skywalker’s journey from farm boy to confident Jedi shines in this film. His calm demeanor, new lightsaber, and ability to face Darth Vader and the Emperor show how far he’s come since ‘A New Hope’ (1977).
His belief in redeeming Vader, despite the odds, ties into the trilogy’s theme of hope. Luke’s blend of strength and compassion makes his arc satisfying and believable, grounding the story in a way that resonates with anyone rooting for personal growth.
Made Zero Sense: The Emperor’s Overconfidence
Emperor Palpatine, the galaxy’s master schemer, falls because he underestimates Luke and the Rebellion. His plan to lure the rebels into a trap with the second Death Star is clever, but his smugness about Luke turning to the dark side feels off.
For someone who’s manipulated events across decades, Palpatine’s failure to account for Luke’s loyalty or Vader’s change of heart seems like a rookie mistake. It’s a plot convenience that weakens his otherwise menacing presence.
Made Perfect Sense: Han and Leia’s Chemistry
The romance between Han Solo and Leia Organa hits all the right notes. Their banter, trust, and moments like Han’s “I know” response to Leia’s love confession feel authentic and earned after three films.
Their relationship grounds the galactic stakes in something human. Whether they’re fighting side by side or sharing a quiet moment, their dynamic adds heart to the story, making it easy to root for them as a team.
Made Zero Sense: The Second Death Star’s Construction
The Empire builds a second Death Star, somehow completing it faster than the first despite the Rebellion’s growing strength. It’s unclear how they gathered the resources or manpower after the first station’s destruction in ‘A New Hope’ (1977).
The timeline feels rushed, and the idea that the Empire would double down on a flawed concept—another planet-destroying weapon with a vulnerable weak point—strains belief. It’s a lazy rehash that doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.
Made Perfect Sense: Vader’s Redemption
Darth Vader’s turn back to the light, saving Luke from the Emperor, is a powerful payoff. His internal conflict, hinted at in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980), comes full circle as he chooses his son over his loyalty to Palpatine.
The moment is emotional and believable, showing that even the darkest figures can find redemption. Vader’s sacrifice ties the trilogy’s themes of family and hope together, making it a highlight of the film.
Made Zero Sense: Jabba’s Palace Plan
The plan to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt’s palace is a chaotic mess. Luke, Leia, Lando, and the droids all infiltrate separately, with no clear coordination, relying on luck and improvisation to succeed.
Why not work together from the start? The convoluted scheme, from Leia posing as a bounty hunter to Luke’s late arrival, feels unnecessarily risky and poorly thought out for a group of seasoned rebels.
Made Perfect Sense: The Rebellion’s Teamwork
The climactic battle over Endor showcases the Rebellion’s strength as a united front. Pilots like Lando Calrissian and Wedge Antilles, ground forces led by Han and Leia, and even the Ewoks all play crucial roles in taking down the Death Star’s shield.
This teamwork reflects the Rebellion’s core values of trust and cooperation. It’s a thrilling sequence that makes their victory feel earned, showing how every piece of the puzzle matters in their fight against the Empire.
Made Zero Sense: Yoda’s Vague Advice
Yoda’s final words to Luke are cryptic, warning him about the Emperor without clear guidance. After training him in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980), you’d expect Yoda to offer more direct wisdom for facing Palpatine.
His vagueness feels like a plot device to keep Luke in the dark, forcing him to figure things out alone. It’s frustrating when a mentor figure could have been more helpful in a galaxy-altering moment.
Made Perfect Sense: The Emotional Weight of the Finale
The final scenes, from Vader’s funeral pyre to the celebration on Endor, hit every emotional beat. Luke’s quiet farewell to his father and the galaxy-wide joy of the Empire’s defeat tie up the trilogy with a sense of closure.
These moments balance personal and galactic stakes, giving the story a heartfelt conclusion. The music, visuals, and character interactions make the ending unforgettable, leaving you hopeful for the future.
What’s your take on ‘Return of the Jedi’—which moments made you cheer or left you confused? Drop your thoughts in the comments!