Finn Deserved Better - How The Sequels Could Have Improved Finn's Story
Something about the Star Wars sequel trilogy does not work. Most of the Star Wars fandom - apart from casual newcomers - agree on this basic point. The unity ends there.
Some fans loathe Star Wars: The Last Jedi for its cynical tone and portrayal of Luke Skywalker as a cranky old man. Others dislike Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker for clinging to nostalgia instead of bringing fresh ideas.
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Did the sequels need to use the original trilogy heroes - Luke, Han, and Leia - more or less? Should these films have returned to classic Star Wars roots or broken new ground? Would a fun, lighthearted, adventurous, or dark, moody vibe be preferable? What did not click, and what specific changes could fix the problem?
These questions merit consideration. On a fundamental level, though, the sequel trilogy failed its cast. One of the most promising new characters, Finn, deserved a better arc.
A New Way To View Stormtroopers
Star Wars: The Force Awakens delivers a compelling opening. While pursuing a star map, stormtroopers massacre a small village on Jakku. In the middle of the battle, an unnamed stormtrooper kneels to examine his fallen comrade. A bloody palm print stains the stormtrooper's helmet, rattling the stormtrooper.
This moment shows how violence can bring lasting physical and emotional consequences. The stormtrooper, who assumes the name Finn, should have grappled with his trauma.
Instead, the film does little to address Finn's initial struggle with the ethics of war. Once Finn joins the Resistance, he shows no hesitation fighting his former allies. He should feel torn between the Resistance and his respect for the stormtroopers.
On a broader scale, Finn could show the humanity of the stormtroopers. Finn could have returned to the stormtroopers with an offer to join the Resistance. Not only would Finn face his fear of his past, but he would also give the stormtroopers the ability to choose. Even if the stormtroopers refused this offer, they would gain moral complexity and stop being mere cannon fodder.
Overcoming Abuse
Finn's defection from the First Order deserves far more attention than it receives. People who grow up with ideological brainwashing and abuse do not often escape their circumstances, and choosing to leave that environment takes bravery.
Finn's return to cowardice at the beginning of Star Wars: The Last Jedi regresses his growth. After escaping from the First Order, he should not enter the second film looking to run away again.
Instead, Finn could deepen his courage by challenging his former leader, Phasma. The electron-baton-wielding foe does get a brief fight scene with Finn in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Unfortunately, this encounter plays out like a minor video game boss battle when it should shake Finn to his core.
Phasma could try to break Finn's resolve by telling him he will never amount to anything. Finn would have to overcome his abuser, feelings of insecurity, and painful memories. On the other hand, earning his bravery and the loyalty of the stormtroopers would be a great payoff.
Build Something Better
Rey and Poe, who round out the Star Wars sequel trilogy's leading trio, lead a charmed life compared to Finn. Rey joins the Resistance because she lacks anything to hang on to in the desert, while Poe only wants to be a pilot. Yet Rey and Poe control the narrative in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, leaving Finn out of the spotlight.
The Star Wars sequel trilogy brings up themes of generational reinvention. Yet Finn, who brings a unique perspective, never becomes a critical leader in the Resistance. He could have transformed the Resistance into a superior movement to its predecessors.
Imagine Finn returning to the Resistance with an army of former stormtroopers. He could convince the Resistance to work with their enemies on a critical mission to defeat the First Order. The new alliance could learn to solve its problems with diplomacy and cooperation instead of violence. It would be fascinating to see Finn create a better society than the Republic or the Rebellion while drawing upon wisdom gained during his difficult upbringing and adventures.
Not Everyone Needs A Lightsaber
Notice that the changes discussed above do not suggest turning Finn into a Jedi. At one point, Finn considers telling Rey a secret before dropping the matter. Viewers often interpret this moment as a hint that Finn might want to reveal his force sensitivity.
By creating this scene, the filmmakers missed what was right in front of them. Finn does not need to wield a lightsaber or lift things with his mind to be unique. He only needs to bring his sense of humor and commitment to his friends and ideals.
If anything, Finn could have embodied the Jedi's belief in peace and harmony better than the Jedi. Finn could leave his comfort zone and overcome his demons to bring about a better world. Finn represents a missed opportunity. Future Star Wars films could learn from Finn's example and give new characters a chance to shine.
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Source(s): Wookieepedia, starwars.com