Thanks to everyone who has written to me asking about my review of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. No, I haven’t written one. There are just too many hastily written considerations online right now, and I would rather wait, watch the movie a few times, read a lot, write a lot, and then share whatever rises to the top, whatever seems worthwhile and, as yet, unsaid. For what it’s worth: I haven’t enjoyed a Star Wars film so much since The Empire Strikes Back. But I’ll leave my review for later.
I will mention one thing because I haven’t seen it discussed elsewhere… yet.
Caution: This might be considered vaguely spoiler-ish when it comes to Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
So, if you haven’t seen the movie, steer clear.
Got it?
Okay.
One thing I haven’t yet found anybody talking about: the character of the Stable Boy at the end of the movie.
His name is Temiri Blagg (apparently).
And while he plays only a small part in the movie, he makes a powerful impression. And if you remember why, then you’ll appreciate what I’m going to suggest.
Sure, people are mentioning the stable boy and talking about what he represents. The Last Jedi makes some powerful moves when it comes to our understanding of the Force. And this moment reminds me of those world-expanding moments in the Scriptures when Christ’s apostles began to realize that God’s grace extends not only to the Jews but the Gentiles. It’s a bold affirmation that a person’s value in the cosmic drama of good and evil has nothing to do with his bloodline. As the Pixar classic Ratatouille demonstrated, powerful gifts can be found in anybody, anywhere. You never know where the next cook, or the next hero, will come from.
I’ve found others talking about all of this.
But has anyone been talking about how Temiri Blagg’s big moment is also a not-so-subtle celebration of Disney’s takeover of the Star Wars universe at the end of The Last Jedi?
Think about it. This is the picture that filled my mind as that final image filled the screen:
