8 things that nobody wants to admit about Star Wars

6. Repeating and remixing story arcs

Imagine getting your favorite band’s new album and, when you listen to it, your excitement diminishes because it’s just your favorite old tunes. That’s what the newer trilogy feels like. Don’t get me wrong; I am all here for a nostalgic nod, a familiar setting, or a character that mirrors a past hero. But when everyone needs to go to Tatooine, everyone is a Skywalker or is attached to the hip of one, or you know, the entire story of The Force Awakens is basically a remixed version of A New Hope, it’s really hard not to feel a tad disappointed.

Desert planets again? The underdog hero from a sandy planet who doesn’t have parents anymore is rising against an oppressive regime again? The echoes of the older and beloved plot points were so loud, they nearly drowned out the new elements trying to make themselves heard. If I wanted to watch A New Hope, I’d just play my original cut DVD (not the absolute monstrosity that is the new digital remake), thank you.

Were the writers and producers afraid to stray from the very worn-out path of the original trilogy Judging by the way they turned the sequel trilogy into something of a “greatest hits” reel rather than an an original composition, it’s safe to assume they didn’t have enough faith in their own stories to draw long-time and newly found fans to the theaters. Everyone couldn’t help but notice the recycled stories and plot points, the oh-so-familiar character arcs, and, let’s be honest, the obvious deja vu moments.

Nowadays, franchises are pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and subverting expectations – Disney’s decision to play it safe with the sequel trilogy felt not just awkward, but somewhat out of step with the risks audiences have come to expect. Sure, the comfort of the familiar has its appeal, but this is Star Wars. There are so many different plots in the legendary Extended Universe that were just simply tossed aside instead of invested in.