Lightsabers Are Cool, But Star Wars Just Proved They're Not What Defines A Jedi

Though Star Wars’ lightsabers are undoubtedly iconic, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew has recently reiterated that they do not define what it truly means to be a Jedi. Lightsabers have been a part of Star Wars’ iconography since the beginning. The first time we see Darth Vader wield his blood-red lightsaber or see Luke Skywalker turn on his father’s blue lightsaber is intrinsically tied to our love for Star Wars.

Since then, the importance of lightsabers to the Jedi has become a focal point for the franchise. Lightsabers are an extension of a Jedi. Building them is an almost spiritual ritual, a milestone to be achieved. Losing one is like losing a limb. We’ve witnessed Jedi fight countless duels and battles with their lightsabers, acting as beacons in the metaphorical and literal darkness. There’s more to the Jedi than lightsabers, though, and Star Wars: Skeleton Crew has recently reminded us of this in the best way.

Wim Completely Flunked His "Lightsaber Moment"

Wim holding a lightsaber upside in Skeleton Crew episode 5

In Skeleton Crew, young Wim is the most obsessed with the Jedi. He reads stories about them before he goes to sleep, pretends to have duels with his friend Neel, and desperately wants to believe that Jod is a Jedi, too. Wim’s excitement when he found a lightsaber in a pirate’s lair in Skeleton Crew episode 5, “You Have a Lot to Learn About Pirates,” was palpable.

Unfortunately for Wim, turning that lightsaber on for the first time wasn’t a magical or heroic moment. It wasn’t like Rey’s (or Finn’s) first time turning on a lightsaber in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He was holding it the wrong way round, scorched the ground beneath him, and frightened himself in the process – exactly what I would expect a non-Jedi child’s first experience with a lightsaber to be. And yet, Wim’s mishap doesn’t mean he can’t still embody what it truly means to be a Jedi.

Skeleton Crew Just Confirmed What It Really Means To Be A Jedi

Wim may not have been able to rescue his friends with a lightsaber, but in Skeleton Crew episode 6, “Zero Friends Again,” he proved that he has what it takes to be a Jedi anyway. After an argument splits up the group, Wim needs to help KB fix her augments before she loses all muscle function and the ability to breathe. It’s a tense scene, but Wim is focused and compassionate throughout, entirely in tune with KB’s needs and worries. He comforts her, tells her he’ll always be her friend, and, in the end, saves her life.

KB thanks Wim for his help by lovingly calling him a Jedi. To Wim, of course, this was the greatest compliment he could have received, and he didn’t even need to wield a lightsaber to be granted this new “title”. Wim is now KB’s hero, and that’s all he really needs to be. Compassion, friendship, and love are more important than anything.

Lightsabers, The Force... These Are Just The "Trimmings"

Of course, Jedi are trained to be Jedi as they can commune with and access the Force. It’s why they’re discovered when they’re so young, and it’s what helps them wield their lightsabers so efficiently. Unless Wim suddenly discovers his connection to the Force – anything is possible, especially after the Mandalorian Sabine Wren’s revelation in Ahsoka – he’ll never be able to become an actual Jedi.

The Force and lightsabers are just an extension of a Jedi’s powers. What truly makes a Jedi, a Jedi is their connection and devotion to the light, helping and saving people, and offering a compassionate ear and unconditional support to those who need it. Somewhere along the way, with the threat of the Sith and multiple wars looming in the background, the Jedi forgot that they were more than just soldiers and fighters. All they needed to do to pass on their wisdom was to be as kind as possible.

Somewhere along the way, with the threat of the Sith and multiple wars looming in the background, the Jedi forgot that they were more than just soldiers and fighters.

No, not everyone can be an actual Jedi, but those who cannot access the Force can carry on the Jedi’s legacy. The Jedi’s most important role in the galaxy was and will always be protecting and spreading the light. Acts of compassion and kindness, as Wim displayed in Skeleton Crew episode 6 when he helped KB, and Neel displayed earlier in Skeleton Crew episode 4, “Can’t Say I Remember No At Attin,” when he gave his food to some hungry kids, are perfect examples of this.

The Jedi may not be fully gone during the New Republic era. A few are still running around in the galaxy, after all, including Luke Skywalker, Ezra Bridger, Ahsoka Tano, and now Sabine Wren, but they could certainly use all the help they can get. Why not the kids from Star Wars: Skeleton Crew?

New episodes of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew premiere Tuesdays exclusively on Disney+.