War is inherently ugly, bleak, brutal, and costly, yet it's a fundamental aspect of the Star Wars universe. But is it time for the franchise to reexamine its portrayal of conflict?
Whether it's the Death Star, the Empire's use of torture, or the countless worlds they depleted of resources and glassed until they became uninhabitable, Star Wars has shown us everything happening in our world. Still, sometimes it feels like the constant conflict and violence are the only thing that makes the franchise cool now.
Have we, as fans, become too immune to what's being shown on screen? Does a planet need to be blasted out of existence for us to enjoy Star Wars? The newest episode of Skeleton Crew was slightly uncomfortable to watch in this day and age, where social media gives us direct access to vicious brutality and the mass destruction of people in places I prefer not to name. In the process, the show raises an important question: Is death and destruction all there is to Star Wars?
From the beginning, Star Wars has focused on tragedy, and the Skywalker Saga at the heart of the franchise is crushing. There's been little focus on happiness and happy endings, and fans have come to expect death for their favorite characters. A Star Wars isn't counted among successful ones unless the main characters' lives are tragically cut short. Perhaps this needs to change, but the only way we'll get a happy ending is if there's lasting peace.
"Can't Say I Remember No At Attin" shows us what's left of a planet once peace becomes unattainable. Generations are lost, and no one can see their future beyond the struggle to survive. We saw this during the Rebellion, and it's an important aspect of shows such as Andor. Recently, The Mandalorian showed us Nevarro's progress under Greef Karga, which needs to be the direction the franchise takes for a while. We need to see what peace looks like in Star Wars, and the franchise needs more stories that show how worlds destroyed during the Clone Wars and under the reign of the Empire recovered.
Mandalore might be the first planet we'll see rebuilt, and it will be refreshing to see it return to its former glory, but for that glory to continue, Mandalorians will have to find a way to stay out of war. But are fans ready to watch shows about regular people in the Star Wars galaxy and how they lead their lives during a relatively conflict-free period in Star Wars, or will such shows and stories be rejected?
I believe fans have to sit through some "boring" stories about everyday people in Star Wars or about the glory of Mandalore and how planets like Naboo and Coruscant recovered from multiple galactic conflicts and the resulting destruction. Star Wars has so much to offer apart from conflict and tragedy, and we can't truly get a feel for the galaxy's full potential if peace isn't given a chance.
The Star Wars franchise will always be tied to conflict, but that doesn't mean it can't be handled thoughtfully. Gradual buildup to these wars through multiple storylines can create a more nuanced and impactful narrative. The Mandalorian era, which focuses on rebuilding and recovery, offers a unique chance to explore the possibilities of peace and prosperity in the Star Wars universe. Through an age of peace and restoration, this era can provide a refreshing change of pace and set the stage for a more satisfying and well-developed conflict.
Skeleton Crew is streaming on Disney+.