Star Wars has always been quite strict about the divide between the Light and Dark sides of the Force. Aggressive and violent powers like tossing lightning and choking people are always seen as a path to corruption. Sure, you might fling some electricity at your opponent with the noblest of intentions, but it won’t be long until you’re wielding a red lightsaber, wearing a black hood, cackling evilly, and getting all wrinkly.
The vast Star Wars extended universe has regularly tried to showcase Force users who don’t quite fit into either category, often known as “Grey Jedi.” These are generally Jedi who disagree with the strict rules of the Order and strike out on their own, with perhaps the best-known being Ahsoka Tano, and possibly Qui-Gon Jinn.
Lucasfilm has traditionally opposed the term, with the story group’s Matt Martin saying on Twitter in 2017 that it’s “pretty much a fan thing,” and that the concept “sort of goes against what Star Wars is all about”. Now, said fans are getting stuck into this debate, and each side is certain they’re right:
The counterpoint:
We agree, the idea of Grey Jedi just causes arguments:
Force Lightning is an expression of inner rage, and you’re being a bad Jedi if you use it!
Perhaps The Acolyte will deliver on this?
Can’t put it better than this:
Han knows the score:
There should be space in the Star Wars canon to explore the borders between the Light and the Dark Side, but we agree with the consensus that the term “Grey Jedi” should be left in the dustbin of galactic history. All too often it’s an excuse to have a “badass” Jedi who breaks the rules and does his own thing, but based on everything else we’ve been told about the Force, it just seems like a one-way ticket to the Dark Side.
