Many fans cherish the Jedi and Sith as the foundation of Star Wars. Yet, we may also take issue with how they are portrayed in canon. Although we may think boring Jedi is the main problem, boring Sith is a greater challenge. The Jedi ultimately reflect multi-dimensional characters, but the Sith struggle to do the same.
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Jedi Issues
The Jedi may come off as dull because they live by a set of rules or code that has them control their feelings. The Jedi were also taught to be disciplined, practice self-control, and pursue an introspective life. As such, they may appear less than exciting.
We may think of Obi-Wan with his reserved way about him or Luke with his mostly serious outlook. Both tend to focus on meditation, especially Luke in the sequel movies.
However, since they are usually the protagonists in the story, they make up for these attributes with daring adventures, as with Obi-Wan and Anakin’s rescue of Palpatine. They also display their lightsaber fighting skills and Force powers. This compilation of Yoda moments helps illustrate how the Jedi overcome a sense of dullness.
It certainly helps that they are the “good” guys in the movies. We learn more about them and see them prevail against great odds. The same cannot be said for the Sith.
Sith Problems
In Star Wars, the Sith are supposed to be the penultimate adversaries. They are defined by their “pursuit of power” and proving that “one’s power [is] superior.” They may use cunning or brute force to accomplish their goals and instill a sense of awe in those in their wake.
The classic Darth Vader may be the best example of these traits. This memorable scene reveals the power of the dark side and Vader as a force to be reckoned with. Yet, even here, we don’t know much about Vader and his motivations. Later, we find out more, but from Yoda.
The problem with the Sith is that they often are portrayed as one-dimensional characters. We could say that the Sith seem like cardboard cutouts of real villains. As one article asks, “why can’t the Dark Side user have a little swagger, an interior life with interesting motivations…their selfish schemes enhanced by the Force?” Good question, to which we don’t readily have an answer.
The Sith appear as dark mirror images of the Jedi who redeem themselves or as dull, empty antagonists who end up losing. Kylo Ren quickly comes to mind in the first instance, while Supreme Leader Snoke arises for the latter. In the case of Snoke, he did not even live to fully earn credit as “a major antagonist” in the sequels.
Darth Maul is original in some ways but also falls short in the movies. His stunning appearance and fighting skills are emphasized without any interior meaning provided. Luckily, the Clone Wars and Rebels go into this terrain and help resurrect this villain. But on the big screen, he tends to be lacking.
So too, Palpatine is largely depicted as an empty evilness with little explanation for his motivations beyond an obsession with control. The root of the problem may lie with not drawing on Legends enough.
As this article explores, the Dark Empire comics reveal how Palpatine is “secretly deeply tortured, angry, and fearful.” That is, he actually has inner emotions that help explain his Sith darkness. These are the interior emotions that can help bolster the Sith in canon.
Some fans would like to see a “Pure Sith” fully committed to “hatred and the dark side” to improve how the Sith are portrayed. Yet, this strategy runs the risks of becoming hollow.
How the Sith Can Be More Captivating
Drawing on Legends comics, books, and games is a strategy that seems more promising. It’s also one that has started to be deployed in The Acolyte.
This series had several unique elements that brought new life to the franchise. The Stranger or Qimir is a prominent one from this list that shows a way forward for the Sith in canon. Qimir struggles to find a way through the possibility of being a Sith. His character resides in a gray area that reflects inner emotion, past trauma, and humor.
We also witness the return of Darth Plagueis at the end of this series. Plagueis is a deep-rooted, mysterious Sith that not only projects power but also a depth of character that could aid the Sith in canon.
The franchise could also draw out Darth Bane and Revan to reveal the complex motivations of the Sith. These characters show a way forward for captivating villains.
Sith Problem and Solution
The Sith have a problem of character depth that can be alleviated by expanding on their backgrounds and motivations. This is not an easy task since we usually focus on the Jedi protagonists. Yet, if we shift more attention to the antagonist, we may have a solution to the problem of the Sith.