"Let the Past Die?" Nah, Just Let Your Star Wars Expectations Chill Out, Dad
What can "The Last Jedi" teach us about seeing "Star Wars" through the eyes of our children?
"Dad, is that good cheese pizza?” Sam asked while watching Season 2, Episode 7 of Andor. I knew exactly what he was asking and why, and it had nothing to do with pizza. I’ve argued since Season 1 of Andor that even though the series is absolutely amazing in every way, it doesn’t really have that “thing” that makes it Star Wars. But in that episode of the series, we got a taste of mysticism and conversation about the Force, and in that moment, it felt a little more like a galaxy far, far away.
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the gritty, grown-up feel, but at times Andor just doesn’t feel like Star Wars in my heart. Where are the lightsabers? The epic space dogfights? It feels more like a spy thriller that just happens to be set in a galaxy far, far away.
This whole internal debate reminds me of Kylo Ren's line in The Last Jedi: "Let the past die, kill it if you have to." And honestly, as a Star Wars dad, that line hits differently when I think about the Star Wars we are getting now vs the Star Wars we had when I was growing up.
When I was a kid, Star Wars wasn't just movies; it was a full-blown cultural phenomenon. It shaped my entire childhood! Now, I'm seeing this galaxy through my sons' eyes, and it's a whole new adventure.
And I've realized, if I want to actually enjoy sharing Star Wars with my sons, I need to loosen my grip on my own expectations. It's about being open to their interpretations and understanding that their Star Wars journey is going to look different than mine.
That's actually a big part of what I believe has been what makes our podcast special. And over the past eight years we’ve become known for being fans of The Last Jedi and all the awesome (and sometimes heated!) conversations it sparked. We like to challenge the way people think about being a Star Wars fan. And I can’t help but think that part of the reason The Last Jedi is my favorite of all the Star Wars films, is because of the way the idea of “Let the past die” finds itself all throughout the narrative.
Kylo Ren and the Weight of Star Wars Baggage
Kylo Ren, or Ben Solo, is the poster child for legacy in the Sequel Trilogy. The dude's haunted by Darth Vader's ghost, trying to be just as powerful while also pushing away his parents, Han and Leia. That Vader helmet obsession? It's all about the past he feels like he has to live up to.
Kylo tries to destroy the past to make his own way, thinking it's his destiny. But let's be real, that's not healthy. All that anger and insecurity just keeps him from figuring out who he really is. It's only at the very end that he finds redemption by ditching the dark side.
And that's kind of like what happens when we, as dads, put pressure on our kids to love Star Wars our way. We want them to have the same awesome experiences we did, but what happens when they don't? What if they like Rey more than Luke? Or The Clone Wars more than A New Hope? We have to understand that they need to forge their own path.
When the finale of Season 2 of The Mandalorian premiered, I sat next to Nate on the couch and cheered as a cloaked figure with a green lightsaber appeared on screen to come to the aid of Mando and Baby Yoda. I knew it had to be Luke Skywalker, and I was thrilled. But I was surprised that Nate was convinced it had to be the return of a different Jedi. He thought it was Ezra Bridger.
Luke's Low Point: When Your Heroes Aren't Perfect
Okay, now let’s look at Luke Skywalker in The Last Jedi... that was a choice, right? The farm boy we all loved became a grumpy hermit, blaming himself for everything that went wrong with Ben Solo. It shook up the whole "hero" thing we were used to in Star Wars, and a lot of fans had strong feelings about it.
But for us dads, Luke's story can feel a bit like the disappointment you feel when your kids don't follow the path you imagined for them, especially when it comes to fandom. It's key to get that their take on things will be unique. Just like Luke had to learn, we need to let go of our expectations.
The Challenge: Letting Your Kids Lead the Way in the Galaxy
Trying to force your nostalgia on your kids? That can totally backfire. If you get too intense or start gatekeeping, they might just tune out. Instead, try to be open to what they think. Sam and Nate have shown me parts of Star Wars I never would have checked out on my own, like Rebels (which I now love!).
Support what they're into, even if it's not your thing. If they're obsessed with Grogu or the Sequel Trilogy, embrace it!
Finding the Balance: Sharing the Force, Not Forcing It
Talk to your kids! Have real conversations about Star Wars, listen to what they have to say, and be genuinely curious about their experiences. Find ways to enjoy Star Wars together without pushing your own preferences – watch the movies, play the games, or even make your own fan stuff.
Learn from each other. My sons have totally changed how I see the whole franchise through our podcast and they've helped me appreciate the Sequel Trilogy way more.
Luke's Comeback: Acceptance is a Superpower
In the end, Luke steps up and becomes the hero we always knew he could be. He accepts the Force and projects himself across the galaxy to face Kylo Ren, giving everyone hope and showing them what a Jedi Master is all about.
That's a good reminder that accepting your kids' Star Wars journeys is super important. When you let go of your expectations, you give them the freedom to become their own heroes.
Final Thoughts: The Force Connects Us, No Matter What
Letting go of your own Star Wars expectations is the key to enjoying the franchise with your kids. Star Wars is something that can connect us across generations. It's a shared language and a never-ending source of imagination.
Embrace what your kids bring to the table and make some awesome memories together. Let them be your guide, and you might just be surprised by what you discover.
The Force binds us, even across generations. And that’s a pretty awesome thing.
MTFBWY,
David