I know that the fandom hated The Last Jedi, but I do not care: I love it, for all of its faults. This Screen Crush article by sums up my feelings perfectly: we need to let go of the past and forge into territory that is frightening and unfamiliar. It’s what helps us grow.

As a writer, that is what resonated with me about this movie. We all get embittered by experiencing the same shit, over and over again – much like the grouchy Luke Skywalker, so beautifully acted by Mark Hamill that it made me realize how underrated a performer he is – and it’s in that stagnancy that we feel comfortable. It’s easy, familiar … but it becomes stale and cheap, hoping to catch that feeling of the glory days that, let’s be honest, doesn’t challenge us any longer.

There is nothing wrong with wanting familiarity. My dad and I often talk about why he likes Have Gun Will Travel. It has the familiar beats of good guy wins and rides out of town, the end. And hell, I watch Parks and Recreation any time I need a pick-me-up.

But how long can that continue before it is no longer relevant? Both of those shows have since come to an end, having served their purpose. Why would I just want that repeated over and over again, when I can just go back and watch the original? What are we adding to the conversation by simply making an old story shinier, with no other alterations?

I just know that I need more from my media, and The Last Jedi did make me think more than any other Star Wars movie has.

Alrighty, that’s all I have in me today. I’m going to go ahead and watch Rogue One and head to bed.

Art Credit: 99 Designs