The Illogical Elements in The Rise of Skywalker: A Critique of Plot Vulnerabilities and Technical Inconsistencies
The Rise of Skywalker, as the final installment in the Star Wars franchise, has been met with a mixed reception. While some appreciate the visual spectacle and the emotional resolution, others find it riddled with logical inconsistencies and plot holes. This critique aims to highlight some of the most prominent examples that undermine the narrative coherence and fan satisfaction.
1. Hyperspace Contradictions
One of the most notable inconsistencies in The Rise of Skywalker is the use of hyperspace in the opening chase scene. Poe Dameron evades First Order TIE Fighters by 'lightsuming', which involves repeatedly jumping out of and back into hyperspace to avoid detection and remain in the planet’s atmosphere. This sequence is problematic on several levels.
J.J. Abrams himself, in the Original Trilogy, established the dangers of exiting hyperspace in a planet's atmosphere, as seen in The Empire Strikes Back when he explains, 'We’re making our landing approach at lightspeed.' However, in The Rise of Skywalker, Poe manages to navigate the risks multiple times, randomly landing in planets with overlapping obstacles and artificial structures. This serves to create cinematic tension but lacks logical validity in the established physics of the Star Wars universe.
The ease with which Poe avoids these risks is further emphasized by the speed of travel compared to in-universe travel. In-universe, it takes Poe days to travel from Tatooine to Alderaan, yet in the film, the journey through hyperspace seems almost instantaneous. This inconsistency between the visual spectacle and the narrative logic undermines the immersion of the audience.
2. Sith Wayfinder Placement
Following the destruction of the Second Death Star, one of the Sith Wayfinders is discovered amidst the debris. This discovery is another instance of questionable logic within the film. The Second Death Star, before its obliteration, was a massive, high-energy construct with defenses designed to fend off even larger ships. The notion that a Sith Wayfinder, a miniature device, could somehow remain undamaged and functional amidst the carnage is far-fetched and strains the suspension of disbelief.
The practical existence of such a pristine and serviceable Wayfinder challenges the plausibility of its location. Logically, it should have burned up or been damaged beyond recognition. Additionally, the placement of this artifact in a location that can be precisely located by Kylo Ren’s masterful use of a ruler further undermines the realism of the scene. The careful alignment required to find the Wayfinder allows for an overly convenient plot device rather than an organic discovery that would fit within the established narrative framework.
3. Inconsistent Sith Lightning Abilities
The third major inconsistency lies in the depiction of Darth Sidious' (Palpatine) Sith lightning. Rey, an untrained lightsaber user, is able to block Palpatine's powerful lightning with ease, a feat that seems at odds with the established lore of Star Wars. Typically, deflecting the lightning of an experienced Force user is a significant challenge, requiring years of training. The ease with which Rey accomplishes this feat introduces a layer of absurdity that steepens the slope of the film's logical inconsistencies.
Furthermore, the climactic confrontation between Palpatine and Rey raises additional questions. Palpatine exclaims that he is 'all the Sith,' yet this assertion seems to be undermined by the ease with which Rey counters his attacks. Moreover, the final resolution, where Rey uses two lightsabers to deflect Palpatine's lightning, again challenges the established dynamics of Sith power within the Star Wars universe. The subsequent death of Palpatine lacks the dramatic tension and closure that one might expect, as it feels almost unearned due to the film's inconsistent portrayal of the Force and the Sith abilities.
Conclusion
The Rise of Skywalker attempts to provide a satisfying conclusion to the Star Wars saga, but it falls short due to its numerous plot and technical inconsistencies. These issues range from the absurdity of Poe's lightsuming maneuvers to the implausibility of the Sith Wayfinder's survival, and the dramatic overreach in the final confrontation with Palpatine. By addressing these inconsistencies, future installments can foster a more cohesive and immersive narrative experience for fans and critics alike.