The Last Order: A Glimpse into Star Wars' Uncharted Territories

Six years following the cinematic conclusion of The Rise of Skywalker, fans have eagerly awaited further exploration of the characters and events that shaped the galaxy. While a new film, Starfighter, is slated for 2027 to continue the overarching narrative, a recent literary offering, Star Wars: The Last Order by Kwame Mbalia, endeavors to shed light on the post-Episode IX journey of two notable figures: Finn and Jannah. Mbalia, having previously contributed a short story to the Star Wars universe, now turns his focus to these compelling personalities, promising a continuation of their stories directly after the events of the sequel trilogy's finale.

However, the novel's approach to this continuation proves to be a nuanced one. Although it initially picks up just days after the climactic battle of Exegol, depicting Finn and Jannah embroiled in a supernatural conspiracy to abduct children for a rogue army targeting the New Republic, the narrative swiftly pivots. A significant portion of the book, approximately 80%, is dedicated to flashbacks, offering a comprehensive look into their pasts within the oppressive First Order. These retrospective segments provide valuable insights into their distinct perspectives and experiences, particularly highlighting Jannah's more seasoned understanding of the regime's brutality compared to Finn's initial naivety. While Mbalia successfully enriches Jannah's character, expanding on her backstory and motivations, the same depth of advancement isn't consistently applied to Finn, leaving some of his character arc feeling less developed than anticipated.

Ultimately, The Last Order serves as a testament to the potential of expanded Star Wars material to flesh out peripheral characters and offer new dimensions to the saga. While it excels in providing a deeper understanding of Jannah's journey and her unique relationship with the First Order, the novel's heavy reliance on flashbacks means it offers limited progression for Finn and the broader post-Rise of Skywalker timeline. This narrative choice underscores a recurring challenge within the franchise's sequel era: a tendency to revisit the past rather than forge boldly into new futures. As the Star Wars universe moves forward, fans continue to hope for narratives that not only honor its rich history but also bravely chart unexplored territories, allowing beloved characters to evolve and discover their true destinies in a galaxy far, far away.