[Max Cow Disease]

It was certainly “fun” at times, but from a Star Wars canon perspective I’m not just looking for an entertaining, one-shot popcorn film. Last Jedi leaves me somewhat doubtful about what Abrams is going to do with IX now, given the killing off of what seemed to be the trilogy’s overarching, puppet string-wielding antagonist. With the benefit of the backstory created by the prequel movies, we get to see a six film development and build-up of Palpatine’s character (despite no real appearance in IV), ultimately lending some real weight to his rise as emperor and eventual death.

The bottom line with the First Order now is that...these guys just don’t seem that intimidating. The Snoke character had some real promise in this regard (regardless of his history or where he came from) and I’m extremely surprised that he’s been ousted.