Has Star Wars: The Last Jedi Created Too Many Problems For Episode IX?

There Are Many Unresolved Mysteries

After the firing of Colin Trevorrow, J.J. Abrams is returning to helm and write Episode IX. Plus, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice scribe Christ Terrio is on board to help him meet that December 2019 release.

Some fans may be relieved by Abrams’ return. After all, he is a very talented filmmaker. Plus, he’s less likely to make the same controversial moves that Rian Johnson made with cherished characters. Yet, other enthusiasts are dubious about him returning to the trilogy that he started.

You see, Abrams always likes to tease audiences, creating enigmas and “mystery boxes” in his stories which may or may not be answered later on. As such, many Star Wars fans are now wondering whether Abrams’ sensibilities are suitable for a saga’s final outing. His enigmas may work to kickstart a trilogy. But for its finale? Not so much.

Indeed, we must also consider that many of the enigmas that Abrams introduced to the series have yet to be answered. First and foremost: how did Maz get hold of Luke’s lightsaber? And just what is the deal with the Knights of Ren?

You might argue that these don’t need to be answered. True, the way that Supreme Leader Snoke is treated does prove that a character’s function within the story is more important than their detailed background. However, these two cases aren’t throwaway lines about power converters at the Tosche Station. Both questions relate to important, continuing aspects in the saga’s narrative.

Are the Knights of Ren the students who left Luke’s order with Ben Solo? Where have they been since Kylo joined the First Order? And why did J.J. Abrams want to distinguish them so much from regular Sith or Dark Jedi? Again, not every aspect of them should be detailed. But if they aren’t important, why were they were given such a prominent position in Rey’s visions?

Filmmakers obviously owe their audience nothing but their best efforts. However, if Episode IX answers none of the questions that we had going in, then the sequel trilogy is going to feel quite woolly and unsatisfying for many moviegoers.