Just like Han Solo, Luke Skywalker is one of the most popular movie heroes of all time. The Star Wars protagonist has been portrayed by Mark Hamill in all the franchise installments he has been featured in. Hamill is also best known for voicing The Joker in the DC Animated Universe.
Despite being Darth Vader's son, Luke is always focused on doing good. Most of his actions are a reflection of his morality. But there are a couple of things about him that have left viewers scratching their heads. The following things about his character are still puzzling, to say the least.
Initially Didn't Know About The Jedi
Obi-Wan tried to enlighten Luke about the Jedi and Luke was somehow dumbfounded. He had no idea what Obi was talking about. This is strange given that Luke was old enough and Order 66 had been executed just 19 years earlier.
His lack of knowledge could have made sense if Clone Wars didn't occur, but that event touched the entire galaxy. Every single being that's old enough ought to have known about the Jedi. Sadly, Luke wasn't even aware of what a lightsaber was at first.
The Rescue Plan
While Han Solo is being held captive at Jabba’s, Luke comes up with a plan to rescue him. However, the plan is highly flawed. The first part of the plan involves Lando Calrissian pretending to be a palace guard. The second part involves trading the droids C-3PO and R2 for Han.
The exchange doesn't take place, but what if it had? Luke would have condemned two mechanical friends to a lengthy period of slavery. There was also a lightsaber inside R2’s compartment that would have been lost in the process.
Isn't Affected By Force Lightning
Given that Emperor Palpatine became disfigured after being hit by the Force lightning as he was battling Mace Windu, it is surprising that Luke didn't get a scratch on him when Palpatine hit him with the same lightning. Is there something special about Luke's DNA?
It could be argued that Emperor Palpatine can choose the type of power to be projected, but why couldn't he save himself then? Perhaps the screenwriters ought to have chosen another way to explain Emperor Palpatine's transformation into a monster.
Hiding In Planet Ahch-To
In The Last Jedi, Luke opened up about losing his Force connection. He also didn't respect the Jedi Order anymore. That's understandable, but then he chose to hide in the planet Ahch-To, which is basically the origin of Jedi philosophy. Shouldn't he have gone somewhere else?
Since he was trying to escape his past, it would have made more sense for him to go far away from a planet that's full of Jedi monuments. Everything in Ahch-To screams Jedi. And it wasn't even safe. If the Rebels could find him there, then the First Order might have done so as well.
Lack Of Attachment To His Adoptive Parents
One of the most emotional moments in the franchise involved Luke Skywalker heading back home, only to find the remains of his adoptive parents. Clues suggested that they had been killed by the Stormtroopers for refusing to reveal Luke's whereabouts.
Surprisingly, Luke doesn't even grieve for them as he should. He just moves on to other adventures. He doesn't even consider vengeance. It would have made more sense if this tragic event ended up motivating him to be part of the Rebellion, given that most members had been wronged by the Empire.
Wanting To Kill Kylo Ren
Luke considered killing Kylo once, but why? In The Last Jedi Luke goes to Kylo's bed, ready to send his nephew to the afterlife. He changes his mind, but the fact that he even considered it made him unworthy of being on the light side. This seemed like something only Kylo himself would do.
Luke felt that his reasons for wanting to kill Kylo were good. He believed Kylo would bring much pain and suffering. And he was right. But why did he not have the same thoughts about Darth Vader? Why did he believe he could be redeemed?
Recognizing His Father
The Return of the Jedi's final moments saw Luke coming face to face with three Force ghosts. One was Obi-Wan, the other was Yoda, while the third one was a younger Anakin/Vader. Luke smiled, implying that he had recognized his father. But how? He only saw his father once when he was older and his face was badly damaged.
Perhaps people from other planets are able to sense their kin even without knowing them well enough. But if that was the case, Luke could have realized that Darth Vader was his family too the very first time he met him. But he didn't. He had to be told.
Being A Quitter
The Luke Skywalker portrayed in A New Hope was extremely loyal and brave. But after the events of the first trilogy, he somehow becomes a quitter and goes into exile. Part of his reason for going to exile stems from Kylo, but giving up after one failure seems unlike Luke.
Luke is disappointed for having failed as Kylo’s mentor. However, this doesn't justify his decision to abandon the Rebels and leave his friends in danger.
The Force Choke
In the earlier films, it was implied that certain Force powers could only be used by certain people. For example, only Sith had the ability to generate Force Lightning, while only the Jedi could block and channel it elsewhere. As for the Force Choke, it was reserved for the Sith, hence Darth Vader had it as his signature move.
Surprisingly, Luke used it while breaking into Jabba’s compound. The scene was impressive, as the Force incapacitated the security guards. This seemed so unlike him. Luke was never so vicious in earlier films to the point of hurting guards.
The Age Issues
During the events of A New Hope, Luke Skywalker was assumed to be a teenager. He was constantly called ‘kid’ too. But his biological twin Leia was always treated like an adult. Even Han Solo goes on to flirt with her, meaning she should be an adult.
So, why is Leia portrayed as older while Luke is portrayed as younger? Given Han's morality, he wouldn't really flirt with a teenager. Or perhaps Leia is treated as an adult due to her stature as a princess. It's just not as clear as it should be.