There's nothing more pointless than having a character in a movie "just for the sake of it," and it's something you tend to get in film franchises because directors think that audiences "expect" to see their old favourites and will be peeved if they don't turn up. Not true, though, is it? What's worse than a character not turning up in a movie, after all? How about one standing around the whole time with no real purpose, other than: "Oh, look, it's !" The Force Awakens is guilty of this trope to a degree. That's not to deride the appearances of old, iconic characters who briefly show their faces - Admiral Ackbar and Nien Nunb, to name but two - but aren't integral to the narrative. You can understand why they've been included; they're part of the Resistance and - in all likelihood - would be present. But what about Artoo? R2-D2 is, for much of the movie, left standing around with nothing to do. "Low power mode" has to be one of the worst explanations in recent memory for a lazy reappearance, and resulted in an outright waste of his character. Quite simply, J.J. Abrams had nothing for R2-D2 to do, but needed him in the movie regardless, and thus opted for this inane excuse for having him around (General Leia doesn't really do all that much, either). Rian Johnson needs to ensure that, when it comes time for Episode VIII, the only characters in the movie are the ones who have a real purpose; if the droids don't have anything to do, then he doesn't need to be in the story. It's as simple as that. Take note, Mr. Johnson. Like this article? Agree or disagree? What hopes do you hold for Episode VIII? Let us know all your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below.
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
