Summary
Luke Skywalker's presence in The Mandalorian was a powerful testament to his growth and mastery as a Jedi, acquired through years of dedicated study and relentless training in the art of the Force.Luke's proficiency with his lightsaber was particularly remarkable, echoing his stature as a seasoned warrior, as he effortlessly overcame adversaries of lesser strength in The Mandalorian, surpassing his achievements in the original trilogy.
The Mandalorian's increased budget and advancements in CGI and special effects allowed for a more impressive portrayal of Luke's power, surpassing what was achievable in the original trilogy. This made his return as a beloved Star Wars character even more impactful.
In The Mandalorian, Luke Skywalker appeared significantly more formidable, and for good reason. His unexpected appearance in season 2 of the show surprised viewers, but it seamlessly fit into the overall Star Wars narrative. Taking place approximately five years after the events of Return of the Jedi, The Mandalorian showcased a time when Luke was the dominant Jedi and actively scouting for potential recruits for his new Jedi Academy.
Luke Skywalker IS A More Powerful, More Advanced Jedi In The Mandalorian
Luke's display of power and skill in confronting Moff Gideon's Dark Troopers was truly unexpected. He effortlessly tore through the formidable droids, reminiscent of Darth Vader's iconic hallway fight in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. It became evident that Luke had grown significantly stronger in The Mandalorian season 2 compared to his portrayal in the Star Wars original trilogy. This discrepancy, however, is not a plot hole; there exist compelling reasons behind the heightened power level of Luke.
It's worth mentioning that this particular incarnation of Luke Skywalker possesses significantly greater power. During the original trilogy, Luke's training in the Jedi ways lasted only a few years, with his time on Dagobah being limited to a maximum of several months. However, in the intervening period of roughly five years, he extensively traveled the galaxy, delving into the secrets of the Jedi by studying holocrons and seeking knowledge from survivors of Order 66, such as Ahsoka Tano. Being the son of the Chosen One, Luke inherited his father's immense potential, which he adamantly utilizes to confront the dark troopers in The Mandalorian season 2.
Luke's expertise with the lightsaber was significantly more remarkable, which aligns with logic within the Star Wars universe. Initially, Luke inherited his father's lightsaber, thus he never formed a deep connection with the kyber crystal encased within it. However, prior to the events of Return of the Jedi (as detailed in ongoing Star Wars comics), he constructed his own lightsaber. Unfortunately, due to limited time for training, his mastery remained sparse. Nevertheless, in The Mandalorian season 2, Luke has evolved into a seasoned warrior.
Luke Skywalker Faces Weaker Opponents In The Mandalorian Than The Original Trilogy
Luke Skywalker has a clear advantage in The Mandalorian season 2's finale, as he faces much weaker adversaries compared to the Star Wars original trilogy. While the Dark Troopers pose a formidable challenge for Mandalorians, they are no match for a Jedi. Unlike the advanced anti-Jedi systems employed by Clone Wars droidekas and similar droids, the Dark Troopers lack any defensive measures. Moff Gideon's assumption of avoiding a confrontation with a Jedi was a grave miscalculation.
In contrast, in the Star Wars original trilogy, Luke engages in a fierce duel with Darth Vader, the Sith Lord responsible for the demise of many Jedi. Notably, Luke emerges victorious in his rematch with Vader in Return of the Jedi, but his life is spared only because his father intervenes to protect him from Palpatine. Consequently, Return of the Jedi fails to fully demonstrate Luke's true potential and power.
The Mandalorian Had Major Advantages Over Star Wars' OT To Make Luke Look Stronger
Not only did the dark troopers pale in comparison to the might of Darth Vader or Emperor Palpatine, but The Mandalorian provided ample opportunities for Luke to showcase his strength. The original Star Wars trilogy was known for its limited budget, which meant that there were constraints on special effects and extravagant Jedi abilities, as seen in the prequel and sequel trilogies. However, The Mandalorian reportedly has a budget of around $15 million per episode, allowing for investment in cutting-edge CGI and the impressive de-aging technology used to depict Mark Hamill's character.
Furthermore, the release of The Mandalorian season 2 occurred over three decades after Return of the Jedi, thus showcasing significant advancements in CGI and special effects. These technological leaps enable the creators to digitally fabricate mind-blowing effects that were unimaginable during the filming of the original trilogy. For instance, the astounding act of Luke effortlessly annihilating a dark trooper using the Force would have been inconceivable back then. Although Luke Skywalker portrays heightened power in The Mandalorian, there are various factors contributing to this portrayal, culminating in the triumphant return of one of the most beloved and iconic Star Wars characters.