10 stories where the Jedi are heroic and the Order is good
As a long-time Star Wars fan with a deep appreciation for the Jedi Order and their values, I’ve had the pleasure of discovering some truly captivating stories that highlight the heroism and selflessness of these iconic characters. Some of my recent favorites include:
Growing up with the prequel trilogy, I have a deep affection for Star Wars tales that present the Jedi as complex characters with imperfections, shedding light on the issues leading to the demise of their order. Yet, I recognize not everyone shares this preference. Star Wars, being a contemporary mythology, is founded on themes of redemption, optimism, and love triumphing over immense adversity.
In simpler terms, shows like “Andor” and “Star Wars Resistance” in the current Star Wars series may not feature many or any characters who wield the Force. The upcoming series “The Acolyte” focuses on imperfect Jedi and the early signs of the Jedi Order’s demise as depicted in the prequels. But where can we find stories where the Jedi act as heroes? Where is the Jedi Order portrayed as a beneficial force?
As an avid Star Wars fan, I’d be happy to share with you ten extraordinary locations where the Jedi shine as heroes and their Order thrives. (1) The serene forests of Endor’s Ewok village: The Jedi-friendly Ewoks aided Luke Skywalker in his final battle against the Empire. (2) The iconic Mos Eisley spaceport on Tatooine: Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ben Solo fought valiantly here, upholding the Jedi Code. (3) The sacred Jedi Temple on Coruscant: This is where younglings receive their foundational training in the ways of the Force. (4) The hidden Jedi Academy on Dagobah: Yoda, a legendary Master, imparted wisdom to Luke Skywalker and other Padawans. (5) The Wookiee homeworld Kashyyyk: The Jedi bravely fought alongside the Wookies against the Separatist forces during the Clone Wars. (6) The mystical planet Ilum: Here, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi discovered young Anakin Skywalker and began his journey as a Jedi. (7) The swampy waters of Dagobah’s Dark Temple: The Jedi Masters fought to protect this sacred place from the Sith. (8) The ancient Jedi ruins on Lothal: Ezra Bridger and Kanan Jarrus led a new generation of Jedi in the fight against the Empire. (9) The peaceful planet Ahch-To: Rey discovered Luke Skywalker here, seeking to learn from him and restore balance to the Force. (10) The vibrant city of Theed on Naboo: Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi saved Queen Amidala from invasion by the Trade Federation, upholding their Jedi duties.
1. The Original Trilogy
In “A New Hope,” the term “Jedi” was introduced to Star Wars audiences for the first time as Obi-Wan Kenobi spoke to a young Luke Skywalker on their farm. The Jedi and their Order were portrayed as forces of good throughout the original trilogy. Although some of their methods, such as Yoda’s reluctance to let Luke leave, seemed unconventional, and Obi-Wan misled Luke about his father’s death, the focus was on Luke’s journey to becoming a Jedi and restoring hope to the galaxy. Despite the Empire’s efforts to extinguish the Order, its spirit lived on through Luke, who represented the belief that things could improve.
2. The Clone Wars
I know this one might seem like a more out there take, but hear me out.
In the later stages of The Clone Wars, the Jedi Order begins to crumble due to prolonged warfare and Palpatine’s manipulations taking effect. Characters such as Anakin Skywalker, Pong Krell, and Barriss Offee succumb to the dark side or grow disillusioned with the Jedi Order itself.
In my opinion, I’d like to stress that the majority of this series, particularly during its initial stages, portrays Jedi characters as selfless individuals striving to do what is right and uphold the galaxy’s peace. For instance, in episodes such as “Defenders of Peace,” where Jedi courageously shield pacifists unwilling to engage in battle, and in “Innocents of Ryloth,” where Obi-Wan imparts empathy upon his clone soldiers through an interaction with a young boy named Numa. The early seasons of The Clone Wars are richly filled with heroic acts from these wielders of the Force.
Later in Season 7, Ahsoka Tano departed from the Jedi Order but returned to defend Mandalore due to her sense of duty. Despite this, she made every effort not to harm the clones who were under the influence of Order 66. It’s important to remember that throughout the seven seasons of this show, there are instances where Jedi display good qualities.
3. Star Wars Rebels
Although the Jedi Order no longer exists, their philosophy and members continue to live on, as depicted in the TV series “Star Wars Rebels.”
As a devoted gamer, one aspect of Kanan Jarrus that truly resonates with me is his backstory as a former padawan whose journey began before the fall of the Jedi Order. Being spared from the rigid, dogmatic hierarchy of the Order allowed him to carry only the essentials – the fundamental teachings and the power of the Force. And now, he imparts these invaluable lessons to his own padawan, Ezra Bridger. In essence, a Jedi’s true power lies not in bureaucracy but in the Force itself.
Ezra and Kanan embody the virtues that defined the Jedi order. Devoted to the Rebellion, they dedicate their efforts to safeguarding the galaxy, promoting goodness, and thwarting darkness. Although they haven’t adopted the title “Jedi” yet, Ahsoka Tano and her companion Morai epitomize the Force’s benevolent side.
In this version of the Star Wars saga, the Jedi characters are free from the complications of being part of an organized Order as there isn’t one present. They get to shape their own interpretation of what it means to be a Jedi during this new era. Characters like Leia Organa and the emergence of Jacen Syndulla, as well as Ezra’s unique development as a Force user, pave the way for the next phase in the storyline that unfolds in the subsequent installment.
4. Ahsoka
Ahsoka Tano is the first character on this list whose storyline centers around an individual Jedi’s path to healing. Her journey with the show has been marked by upheaval, particularly following the heart-wrenching betrayal she experienced at the hands of the Jedi Order. Despite her anger towards the institution, the loss of the Jedi order members remained a profound sadness for her. She held dear the individuals within the Order and grieved their absence deeply.
In the World Between Worlds, Ahsoka comes across her former master Anakin Skywalker and trains the next generation of Jedi through Sabine Wren. During her journey, she rediscovers her identity as a Jedi and has the opportunity to shape her role in an era with very few Jedi left. Ahsoka’s story is about healing and becoming a guiding light for the galaxy once more, which desperately needs her.
5. The Force Awakens
In simpler terms, “The Force Awakens” portrays the Jedi as legendary figures from a past era. Rey is thrilled when Han Solo validates the stories about the Jedi. Luke Skywalker is referred to as a legendary being, while Leia, though not a Jedi, is treated with respect due to her Force abilities. The original trilogy’s heroes and Jedi are portrayed positively, inspiring Rey and pushing her story forward. Even in “The Last Jedi,” Rey’s belief in the old Jedi Order helps bring Luke out of isolation and restores his faith in being a hero.
6. Obi-Wan Kenobi
Similar to Ahsoka, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s narrative centers around a single Jedi character and his path to healing. This is a tale that depicts how Obi-Wan rediscovers his commitment to being a Jedi. Initially, he disregards the welfare of those around him, leading to unfortunate consequences for another Jedi in hiding. His unyielding focus on safeguarding Luke Skywalker comes at the expense of others’ needs, fueled by deep-seated grief.
Despite the small guiding light of Leia and the mission to save her, Obi-Wan wrestles with, confronts, and overcomes his anxieties about Anakin’s descent into the dark side. The battle between Obi-Wan and Vader is one of the most impactful scenes in Star Wars lore, not involving Anakin’s death but rather choosing the Jedi path to release him. Letting go of this agony enabled Obi-Wan to progress and play a role in Reva’s redemption. Her salvation was owed to Obi-Wan. In the end, he remains steadfast in his convictions as a Jedi, tapped into the Force, and even reconnects with his mentor, Qui-Gon Jinn.
7. The High Republic
During this period, depicted in “The High Republic” series, the Jedi, their Order, and the Republic experience their prime. The initial novel, “Light of the Jedi” by Charles Soule, initiates the storyline, while “Into the Dark” by Claudia Gray delves into the themes and concepts. Regardless of how bleak the situations become, these works portray the Jedi at their finest. Be prepared for a significant number of casualties in even the young adult and middle grade literature, as well as the all-ages comics. This collection lays the groundwork for the ominous “The Acolyte” and doesn’t shy away from sacrificing major characters. However, unlike the TV show, these books and comics consistently display their characters overcoming adversity, even if it’s in subsequent installments.
As a gamer, I’m utterly amazed by how the Jedi manage to bring hope and shine light even in the grimest situations. The challenges these characters face are beyond insane. But despite it all, individuals like Avar Kriss, Bell Zettifar, Elzar Mann, Orla Jareni, Loden Greatstorm, Stellan Gios, and Vernestra Rwoh embody the true spirit of the Jedi order. They rise above adversity, even if it means putting themselves at risk. Sure, we’re seeing the beginnings of turmoil within the Order as an institution. However, the exceptional Jedi characters from this era make me proud to be part of their journey.
8. Young Jedi Adventures
In simpler terms, it’s unlikely that a preschool Jedi show will tackle the complex problems within the Jedi Order due to its young audience. However, an episode on gentrification is available if you’d like to introduce the concept at an early age.
The “Young Jedi Adventures” series shouldn’t be dismissed simply because it caters to a younger audience. It has managed to amass a fanbase of adults through platforms like Nubs Nations, and for good reason – it has earned two Emmy Awards. This show shares similarities with the beloved children’s series “Bluey,” and its production values are commendable. The engaging characters, evolving storylines, and exploration of the morality of Jedi knights make it a must-watch.
As a longtime fan of quirky and unconventional TV shows, I can confidently say that this latest production will not be for everyone. But, having been pleasantly surprised by many an underdog series in the past, I wholeheartedly encourage giving it a chance with an open mind.
9. Star Wars: Visions
When considering two additional instances that deserve inclusion on this list, I strongly believe they merit mention. “Star Wars: Visions” stands out as it offers a wealth of instances showcasing the Jedi at their finest. What sets this apart for me is its departure from the predominantly American perspective in Star Wars. With Western filmmakers having shaped the majority of the franchise, “Visions” provides a platform for creators worldwide to present their unique interpretations of Star Wars and its revered Jedi Order. The result is an enriching collection of positive portrayals of the Jedi and their order.
In Season 1, we witness numerous illustrative scenarios. In “The Duel,” Ronin, whose blade could be red, bravely saves a village. Through peaceful means, Jay averts a confrontation with Jabba in “Tatooine Rhapsody,” sacrificing himself for his friend’s life. The relationship between master and apprentice is put to the test in “The Elder.” The bond of brotherly love and the significance of found family are showcased in “The Twins” and “Lop and Ocho.” In “T0-B1,” a Jedi creator imparts his affection and wisdom to his droid apprentice. Lastly, in “The Village Bride,” a Jedi named F confronts and overcomes her past traumas to reconnect with the Force.
In Season 2, although not as heavily centered on the Jedi, still explores the reasons for their virtues. Characters such as in “Sith,” “In the Stars,” and “Aau’s Song,” embark on their individual journeys towards the light side or the Force. A sibling assists his sister in reaching safety with a hidden Jedi in “The Bandits of Golak.” Meanwhile, a misguided padawan uncovers a path to healing and vanquishes the Sith who haunted him in “Journey to the Dark Head.”
In the Disney era of Star Wars storytelling, the non-canon series “Star Wars: Visions” boasts some exceptional Jedi tales.
10. The Freemaker Adventures
If you’ve yet to experience the charm of “LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures,” give it a go! Set in a quirky, non-canon corner of the Rebellion era, this show is a fun and engaging watch with plenty of familiar faces like Luke, Leia, Hera Syndulla, and more making appearances. At its heart are the Freemaker siblings: orphans of the war, youngest member Rowan unexpectedly discovers his Force-sensitivity. With guidance from his older brother Zander and sister Kordi, he embarks on a journey to understand what it means to be a Jedi in a time when few remain. Additionally, Matt Sloan and Trevor Devall brilliantly bring Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine to life with their hilarious portrayals and the best jokes of the series!
As a huge fan of LEGO specials myself, I’d highly recommend checking out the two seasons of The Freemaker Adventures. This underrated show is filled with warmth and emotion, not to mention some of the best scenes of Darth Vader geeking out over his beloved starships that Star Wars fans, especially those of us who adore Anakin Skywalker, simply can’t miss!
Honorable Mentions: Books, comics, and video games
In essence, the abundance of Jedi-themed books, comics, Star Wars Legends, video games like Cal Kestis, and even board games, card games, and tabletop RPGs, showcases the richness and diversity of the Jedi Order’s representation in the expansive Star Wars franchise. This wealth of material caters to various interests, ensuring that everyone can find something they enjoy in this captivating universe. Additionally, the freedom to explore different aspects allows for a personalized experience, making it easy to discover new favorites if existing choices don’t appeal.
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2024-07-25 21:22