No, the Galactic Empire's Stormtroopers may not have had the best aim, but as least they were organized and punctual. Under Palpatine, the Empire became the dominating force in the galaxy thanks to their ruthless pragmatism. One would think that these attributes would have been a priority for Supreme Leader Snoke and The First Order in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," but apparently this new evil organization is still searching for their groove.
Director J.J. Abrams and co-writer Lawrence Kasdan were on hand at a press conference in Los Angeles yesterday where they answered all sorts of question from the media. It was during this event that the duo revealed that The First Order still has a ways to go to follow in the Galactic Empire's footsteps. Moderator Mindy Kaling asked if the organization of the Sith-run Empire would be replicated in The First Order, to which Abrams said "one of [their] thoughts was to try and do something a little bit different." Kasdan expanded on that notion:
"That's why we were so excited about Adam [Driver] playing this part. There's never been a character like Kylo [Ren] in the saga. And no, he hasn't got all of his s--- together - I would say. And Adam acts it so beautifully, because when you're looking at him you expect, 'Oh, this is some evil genius, but what you're getting is all the contradictions and conflict that people feel - that anyone of us could feel at any moment. That's what's so amazing about him, and that's what unique about what Adam has done."
Kasdan's comments play into the rumors that Driver's Kylo Ren is a self-taught Dark Side Force user whose ancient cross-guard lightsaber design and fighting style is a bit rough around the edges. It's understandable that he and the rest of The First Order leadership would be lagging in comparison to Palpatine and Darth Vader.
However, this could impact the way audiences view The First Order. Perhaps they will not be seen as the same all-powerful intimidating force that the Empire was, despite the confirmed use of a Starkiller Base which can destroy entire star systems.
We'll know soon enough when "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" hits theaters on Dec. 18.
