This is incredible Star Wars History envisions Asajj Ventress as Luke Skywalker’s Padawan. Star Wars has always been a generational saga; And yet, for all that is the case, the true tragedy of the Skywalker family lies in the fact that the generations rarely interact. Padmé died in childbirth, Anakin was redeemed just moments before his death, and even Luke only got to spend a little time with his protégé, Rey. Given this context, it is perhaps no surprise that some of the most read AO3 Star Wars Fanfictions involve time travel.
“Old Man Luke,” by Scarlet Jediis perhaps one of the best examples. It features Luke and Leia transported back to the Clone Wars, where naturally they soon earn the attention of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. What’s most fascinating, however, is that the changes they make to the timeline result in a massive change for Sith assassin Asajj Ventress – who soon becomes Luke’s unlikely Padawan.
What the redemption of Asajj Ventress means for Star Wars
Sith assassin Asajj Ventress is no stranger to redemption stories, of course; She was redeemed in canon, even seen wielding unusual yellow lightsabers in it Star Wars: The Bad Batch. But the redemption in this story is much different, in that it does not come from an intimate relationship but from Luke Skywalker’s belief. Can be redeemed. Star Wars Canon has forgotten how remarkable a faith in redemption really is, because Someone who believes the best in others can bring out the best in the most unlikely people.
Related
In the old Star Wars Expanded Universe, Luke Skywalker was essentially the great redeemer – the one who saw hope where others saw despair. “Old Man Luke” feels like some of the best Legends stories, with a vision of Luke as someone who can redirect the course of a person’s life with just a few well-chosen, optimistic words. It’s wonderful to see Luke Skywalker through the light again.
Our take on Luke Skywalker’s destiny
Star Wars Kanon took Luke in a very different direction, of course, with the Jedi Master’s optimism shattered when he sensed darkness in his nephew, Ben. The scene inspired a firestorm of debate in the fandom, with many insisting it was completely out of character for Luke. I do not completely agree; In my opinion it is in character, because such redemptive hope is a rare thing, and even Luke’s light can fail. The real tragedy, however, lies in Luke falling to defeat and despair for years.
“Old Luke” doesn’t read like a criticism of that Star Wars Sequel trilogy. Rather, it is simply a love letter to the various characters of Star WarsA celebration of them at their best. Star Wars Will never embrace true time travel – The World Between Worlds is the closest it will go – but colossal fictions are the next best thing. This is truly a story that should not be missed.
Source: AO3