It is important to remember the origins of The First Order as we digest the events of The Force Awakens and prepare for Episode VIII. Its history has always, and will always, dictate its future. It is a totalitarian organisation, whose senior figures demand absolute loyalty and obedience, while engaging in manipulative and coercive behaviours. Meanwhile, they wield a self-made army of soldiers – Stormtroopers – who have been effectively programmed to avoid independent thought.
The difference with the latest incarnation depicted in this film, however, is that this is the first time we get a real glimpse of the inner machinations of this dark force to be reckoned with. We learn that Stormtroopers are trained from infancy, having been taken from their families as children. They begin, in effect, as child soldiers, and grow into the role of Stormtrooper in adulthood. We see more of the chain of command, between the Emperor and his apprentices – all of whom are commanders of various aspects of The First Order.
This more in-depth take on the villains of the Star Wars universe gives something of a new perspective on the battle between The Dark Side and The Light – one which marries up with the narrative thrust of the Prequel trilogy. While the original three films – in 1977, 1980 and 1983 – focused on the activities of the Rebel Alliance, the prequels – in 1999, 2002 and 2005 – were essentially an origin story for the dastardly Darth Vader. Of course, as Vader is the father of Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa, his origin story is essentially theirs, too, but this trilogy really served to make Vader a more sympathetic character.
For this reason, a film that gives equal focus to the heroes (Rey and Finn) and the villains is refreshing in a franchise that is now almost forty years old. Also refreshing is the level of characterization given to the villains, who are all new to the screen, and new to us – the audience. So, as we revel in the successful resurrection of the Star Wars film franchise, let us also revel in the successful resurrection of the ancient galactic evil that has thwarted those that fight for freedom for generation after generation. There may well have been fireworks and celebrations throughout the star systems at the end of Return Of The Jedi, but now, The Dark Side is most definitely back – and these are the new villainous figures of note.
