Star Wars, a ranking different from all the others

According to some, the result was a series of “tributes” to Lucas, affectionate reconstructions that made known the archetypal narrative of Star Wars to a new generation. Nothing further from reality. Abrams’ films are clearly first-rate plagiarisma copy-paste made even more deplorable by the implication that having a female protagonist, the Rey by Daisy Ridley, was all that was needed to legitimize the making of three more chapters. For this reason his films, in any ranking and certainly in this one, can only end up in the last places. The characters and narrative twists were so similar to their counterparts in the original story, Abrams’ creative poverty so utter, that the trilogy threatens to destroy, even today, the legacy of the entire franchise.

The dangers of the status quo

Here, once again, why this ranking stands in stark contrast to the rankings. Because as much as Abrams is to blame for the general uselessness of Rey’s parable, the rankings, especially those that serve only to slavishly reconfirm the common opinion, are equally – and perhaps to an even greater extent – guilty. Lazy, silly, lacking in luster and analysis, without a real elaboration of a personal and independent opinion. In continually upholding the glory of the old, they miserably convey their aversion to risk, poisoning the public with a conservatism in blatant opposition to the emancipatory spirit of the narrative. As a result, fandoms, far from welcoming radical changes, ask for loyalty, loyalty to tradition.

During the years, some fringes of the fandom of Star Wars turned out to be exactly like this: reactionary and hostile to change. Far from being wise, noble or authentic, but imperfect and polluted. While it’s unclear how many fans are actually like that, it’s undeniable that they exist and are holding us back.

Most of them, in all likelihood, are among you: readers of articles like these. Ask yourself, as Yoda asked Luke: “Why are you here?”. Because if it’s to argue, show off, scold and hate, then you have gone to the dark side.

This article originally appeared on Wired US.