Star Wars Episode 7: How It Could've Been Better

Hey guys, let's have a real talk about Star Wars: The Force Awakens, or as we often call it, Episode 7. When this movie first hit the big screen back in 2015, the excitement was absolutely palpable. It was the first Star Wars film from Disney, a direct sequel to the original trilogy, and it brought back some of our most beloved characters like Harrison Ford's Han Solo, Carrie Fisher's Leia Organa, and Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker. For many, it felt like a glorious homecoming, a return to the magic that defined a generation. It broke box office records, earned rave reviews from critics initially, and introduced us to a whole new generation of heroes and villains. The Force Awakens was, in many ways, a massive success story, reigniting the fandom and proving that Star Wars was far from over. But here's my hot take: while I absolutely enjoyed it in the cinema, and it certainly delivered on the nostalgia front, I can't shake the feeling that it could’ve been so much more. Seriously, guys, we’re talking about a universe as rich and expansive as Star Wars; playing it safe felt like a missed opportunity to truly innovate and push the boundaries of storytelling within this iconic galaxy far, far away. This isn't about hating on the film; it's about passionate discussion, constructive criticism, and imagining the immense potential that wasn't fully unleashed. We're going to dive deep into some key areas, from its plot choices to character development and world-building, to explore how Episode 7, despite its undeniable charm, perhaps leaned a little too heavily on familiar territory, and what might have made it an even more unforgettable and groundbreaking entry into the saga. So grab your blue milk, settle in, and let's dissect The Force Awakens with the love and scrutiny it deserves.

The Legacy Problem: Too Familiar, Not Fresh Enough

When we talk about Star Wars: The Force Awakens, one of the most persistent critiques centers around its striking familiarity with A New Hope. Look, guys, it's pretty hard to deny; the film feels, in many respects, like a spiritual remake of Episode IV. We've got a desert planet scavenger (Rey on Jakku, much like Luke on Tatooine) with a mysterious past, finding an important droid containing vital information (BB-8 with the map, R2-D2 with the Death Star plans). This character then gets swept into an adventure, encountering a wise, older mentor figure (Han Solo stepping into Obi-Wan Kenobi's shoes) who guides them. There's a powerful, dark-side user (Kylo Ren, a clear Vader analogue, even down to the voice modifier and family ties) who's got a mysterious master. And let's not forget the big, planet-destroying superweapon, Starkiller Base, which is essentially a scaled-up Death Star – again! Even the climax involves a desperate Rebel (sorry, Resistance) assault on said superweapon's thermal oscillator, a mirror image of the trench run. This wasn't just a nod; it felt like the filmmakers were playing it incredibly safe, perhaps fearing backlash if they strayed too far from the beloved original formula. While this nostalgia factor was a huge draw and definitely contributed to the film's initial success, it ultimately limited its originality and long-term impact. The constant echoing of previous plot points made the new elements feel less impactful and the galaxy feel smaller, as if history was merely repeating itself rather than evolving. Imagine the excitement if the primary threat wasn't another superweapon, but something entirely new, forcing our heroes to confront challenges unseen before. What if the First Order's power wasn't concentrated in a planet-sized laser, but in a vast, oppressive ideological network that required different forms of resistance? A more original narrative could have established new stakes and truly bold creative choices that would have thrilled fans without alienating them. The goal should have been to build upon the legacy, not simply replicate it, allowing The Force Awakens to stand proudly on its own two feet as a truly innovative new chapter, rather than a beautifully shot, high-budget cover version of a classic. This reliance on familiar tropes ultimately made the film, despite its high production value and engaging new cast, feel less like a groundbreaking new adventure and more like a carefully orchestrated reunion tour designed to appeal directly to our deep-seated love for the originals, rather than forging new, unforgettable paths in the vast Star Wars galaxy. It left many of us, myself included, wondering what truly fresh ideas were left on the cutting room floor in favor of what was considered a safe bet for rebooting the franchise. The immense potential for a truly unique story was sacrificed at the altar of nostalgia, which, while comforting, didn't push the saga forward in the profound ways it could have. The film’s critical reception has, over time, shifted, with many now agreeing that its most significant flaw was its inability to fully escape the shadow of A New Hope, making it good, but perhaps not great in the pantheon of Star Wars storytelling. It feels like the creative team held back, opting for comfort over daring, and in doing so, prevented The Force Awakens from achieving true narrative brilliance. This isn't to say it wasn't an enjoyable experience, but merely to highlight the missed opportunity for truly groundbreaking storytelling within a universe ripe for it.

Character Development: Missed Opportunities

Let's dive into the characters, guys, because they are truly the heart of any Star Wars story, and while The Force Awakens introduced some fantastic new faces, there were definitely some missed opportunities in their development. These characters had such potential, but sometimes their arcs felt a little too rushed or, in Rey's case, perhaps a bit too easy. We absolutely loved seeing them, but a deeper exploration of their journeys could have elevated the entire film.

Rey's Journey: A Little Too Easy?

Rey's incredible power and rapid mastery of the Force and combat skills became a significant point of discussion and, for many, a major contention. Within hours, this desert scavenger, who had never touched a lightsaber or supposedly even known about the Force, was besting experienced stormtroopers, piloting the Millennium Falcon like a pro, and ultimately defeating Kylo Ren in a lightsaber duel – a highly trained Force user who had been apprenticed to Supreme Leader Snoke for years! Seriously, guys, where was the struggle? Where was the trial and error, the moments of frustration and failure that make a hero's journey feel earned and relatable? Luke Skywalker, bless his heart, spent an entire movie just learning to trust the Force and barely deflect blaster bolts, and then years more to become a Jedi Master. Rey, on the other hand, seems to pick it up like it's second nature. While it's cool to see a powerful female protagonist, her instantaneous proficiency, from her first flight in the Falcon to her Force mind trick and lightsaber prowess, felt unearned and, frankly, diminished the dramatic stakes. A more challenging ascent would have made her character far more compelling and her eventual triumphs more impactful. Imagine if her powers manifested slowly, with moments of doubt and immense training, showing the true weight and demanding nature of the Force. This wouldn't have made her less powerful; it would have made her journey resonate so much more deeply with the audience, allowing us to truly connect with her struggles and celebrate her eventual mastery.

Finn's Unfulfilled Potential

Ah, Finn, the stormtrooper who broke ranks! His concept was absolutely brilliant: a soldier from birth, raised to be an instrument of tyranny, who suddenly develops a conscience and chooses humanity over brutality. This defection offered such rich storytelling possibilities. We see glimpses of his inner conflict, his fear, and his newfound loyalty to Rey and the Resistance. He starts with a strong personal motivation to escape and protect Rey, which evolves into a desire to fight for something bigger. However, as the film progresses, his role seems to shift from a potential Force-sensitive hero (remember that lightsaber moment?!) to more of a comedic sidekick, and eventually, just Rey's supportive friend. His arc felt incomplete and his potential unfulfilled. Imagine if the film had delved deeper into his past, showing us more of his conditioning, his first doubts, and the horrors he witnessed as a stormtrooper. What if his journey focused more intensely on his struggle to shed his identity as FN-2187 and truly become Finn, a hero in his own right, perhaps even discovering his own connection to the Force? There was a massive opportunity to explore the human cost of the First Order's regime through his eyes, showcasing the moral complexities of war from a truly unique perspective. Instead, he often felt sidelined, especially in the later acts, when he could have been a powerful, independent force within the Resistance.

Kylo Ren: The Evolving Villain

Kylo Ren – now there's a character with fantastic depth and internal conflict! Ben Solo, the son of Han and Leia, fallen to the dark side. This lineage alone made him compelling. His struggle between light and dark, his reverence for Darth Vader, and his insecurity were all fascinating elements. However, his initial portrayal, particularly with the temper tantrums and smashing things, felt a bit… immature for such a powerful villain. While it showcased his instability, it sometimes undermined his menace. The big emotional climax, his confrontation and killing of his father, Han Solo, was incredibly powerful, one of the best scenes in the film. But what if we had seen more of his internal struggle leading up to this point? More nuanced flashbacks to his training with Snoke, his relationship with Luke, or even just more quiet moments of conflicted thought, rather than just angry outbursts. Showing his vulnerability and the immense pressure he was under to be