GRAPHIC: Banner for one of The Signal's newest blogs, "The Empire Writes Back", a Star Wars focused blog by Troylon Griffin II. The graphic says "The Empire Writes Back" with "A Star Wars Blog" underneath in a Star Wars-inspired style. Graphic by The Signal co-managing editor Troylon Griffin II. — Banner for one of The Signal's newest blogs, "The Empire Writes Back", a Star Wars focused blog by Troylon Griffin II. Graphic by The Signal co-managing editor Troylon Griffin II.

BLOG: Anticipating the end of an era and saga

By Troylon Griffin II, Editor-in-Chief Last updated Dec 18, 2019 139 0

Endings are never easy, and this year has certainly seen either the ending or beginning of the end for many series I enjoy. With only a few days away from seeing “The Rise of Skywalker,” so many thoughts are going through my mind. “The Rise of Skywalker” claims to bring to a close not just this trilogy but the entire Skywalker saga.

There is much wanted from this film, and my hope is that the film will be satisfying and maybe even turn out to be one of the best Star Wars films.

The more I hear and see of the film the more I have confidence I will leave the theater with mostly positive feelings. With this in mind, one must wonder what to expect from “The Rise of Skywalker,” and whether it will be a fulfilling one or disappointing one.

I have often looked towards the previous “Star Wars” films as a way to predict what the reception will be towards this one. The prequel Star Wars films, Episodes I through III were an instance in which they only got better, something that has certainly happened with this sequel trilogy. By 2002, after the release of “Episode II: Attack of the Clones,” many “Star Wars” fans were left unsure of where the prequels were going. But “Revenge of the Sith” proved to be the best one and one that gave the entire “Star Wars” saga the necessary ending and insight necessary for fans to be okay with no more “Star Wars” films.

Now, I am one of many who is hoping “The Rise of Skywalker” will be the “Revenge of the Sith” of this trilogy and there are reasons one can think this. It has been noted that the producers and writers for this film met and consulted with George Lucas for the film in order to better understand the mythology of “Star Wars” as a whole so that they can properly wrap up not just the sequel trilogy but the whole saga.

I have and always will be a defender of Lucas’ involvement in the “Star Wars” films. After all, he knows the series better than anyone, and I was worried and annoyed by Disney rejecting Lucas’ own treatments for Episodes VII through IX in favor of writing their own. It was even more annoying that fans were okay with this.

The screenwriter behind the film is also something to be excited for, as the film is written by Oscar-winning screenwriter Chris Terrio, who wrote “Argo,” “Justice League,” “Batman v. Superman” and other films. Now, I know some of you must be thinking this is not a good sign, but one must also consider that his original drafts for “Justice League” and “Batman v. Superman” were different from what was used, especially “Justice League,” which was utterly bastardized. But if there is one thing I have noticed about his screenplays, he is certainly a writer who is plot-driven.

Terrio won an Oscar for “Argo,” which adds to why he has the credibility to write for one of the biggest franchises in the world. Terrio is also not afraid to write screenplays that can become three-hour films. I have said for the longest that I very much want and need “The Rise of Skywalker” to be as long as possible.

And that is where my worries begin. Initially “The Rise of Skywalker” was going to be 2 hours and 35 minutes but has now been reduced to 2 hours and 22 minutes, making “The Last Jedi” still the longest “Star Wars” film.

I admit I do have my worries about whether “Rise of Skywalker” will be a good finale, but I am hoping the light side of the Force is with this film. Endings are never easy, and we have the man who created “Lost” being the one to helm the ending to this new era of trying to continue “Star Wars.” Thankfully I did not have a problem with “Lost’s” ending so hopefully, my worries are unrealized.

Either way, whether the film proves to disappoint or surpass expectations, I think this film will be a joy to watch, and I am and have enjoyed this experimental age of Disney continuing the legacy of the films Lucas conceived as one meant to give optimism during one of America’s most cynical ages. It certainly seems history is repeating itself. In a time where cynicism seems to be high, films like “Star Wars” can hopefully continue to provide an escape to a galaxy far far away.