The Shocking Parallels Between The Empire & The Jedi Revealing Why They Could Not Survive

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I’ve noticed a comparison between the Empire and the Jedi Order in Star Wars that explains why the latter ultimately collapsed. Throughout the movies, we see the constant struggle between forces of light and dark, with the Jedi and the Empire often symbolizing this battle. Although much attention is given to Star Wars’ formidable Sith Lords or organizations similar to the First Order, Emperor Palpatine has been the main antagonist in the Skywalker saga, with various generations of Jedi standing against him.

For generations within the Star Wars universe, organizations such as the Empire and the Jedi have been bound by a persistent conflict. Whether it’s the highly-acclaimed films of the original trilogy or the prequels that delved into the rise of the Empire, this ongoing struggle has remained a central theme. Although the Jedi and the Empire stood on opposite sides during this war, Star Wars has subtly drawn parallels between them throughout its history. A recent observation I’ve made connects the best Star Wars TV series to the franchise’s most contentious movie, underscoring why the Jedi Order was inevitably doomed.

Luke Skywalker Revealed The Jedi Order’s Greatest Weakness In Star Wars: The Last Jedi

The Jedi Fell Because Of One Fatal Flaw

Without a doubt, one of the most debated films within the Star Wars series is “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” Numerous viewers found issue with how Luke Skywalker was depicted in this movie, as they felt his arrogance, seeing himself as an all-mighty, legendary Jedi, led to Ben Solo’s transformation into Kylo Ren and the rise of the First Order. Essentially, Luke linked his personal faults to those of the Jedi Order at large, asserting that the Order’s hubris allowed Emperor Palpatine to emerge unchecked and establish the Empire.

In Luke’s opinion, the greatest flaw of the Jedi Order lay in their overconfidence due to centuries of power and perceived safety from the Sith. This complacency led some to assume the Sith were no more, even when the danger resurfaced. Despite sensing a shift in the Force, the Jedi felt invincible and underestimated the resurgence of the Sith. However, unbeknownst to them, Palpatine skillfully manipulated events that led to the brink of the Jedi Order’s destruction, an event that transpired due to the overconfidence Luke Skywalker criticizes in “The Last Jedi.

Cassian Andor Knew The Empire Had The Same Weakness

The Empire Grew Too Comfortable, Just Like The Jedi

Luke Skywalker’s words about the Jedi being captivating, because they hint at a similarity between the Order and the Empire, as demonstrated in Andor season 1. In the third episode of this series, Cassian Andor is asked by Luthen Rael how he managed to acquire an Imperial Starpath Unit from a heavily guarded facility. Cassian replies that it was relatively easy because the Empire shares the same weakness as the Jedi did, which ultimately led to the rise of the oppressive regime.

Cassian’s statement to Luthen can be rephrased as:

“They think so highly of themselves that they don’t care about anything else. They are content and overindulged, so much so that they cannot fathom someone like me ever entering their home. Tread on their floors, contaminate their food, steal their possessions.”

In essence, Cassian is suggesting that the pride and arrogance of these individuals (likely the Jedi Order) have blinded them to potential threats, allowing others (such as Palpatine or the Empire) to infiltrate their ranks and ultimately bring about their downfall. This parallel is drawn between the Jedi and the Empire, implying that both sides were ultimately undone by the same destructive trait: excessive arrogance.

This Parallel Between The Jedi & The Empire Proved Why The Order Had To Fall

The Jedi Had Become Flawed Beyond Fixing

It’s evident from comparing the Jedi and the Empire that their downfall was inevitable, and it makes sense why they eventually had to fall. The Jedi were not meant to rule over the galaxy with arrogance and self-confidence. The Star Wars High Republic era illustrates this by depicting the Jedi Order collaborating with the Republic instead of dominating it. However, during the prequel era, the Jedi started playing a significant role in galactic politics, which was not part of their original duties.

Initially, the Jedi were peacekeepers serving across the galaxy, but as time passed, they transitioned into military leaders and effectively took control. Although their intentions remained noble, the Emperor and subsequent Empire leadership were malevolent. The prequel period revealed that the Jedi had strayed from their path, succumbing to pride and arrogance. This self-indulgence contributed significantly to the turmoil of the Clone Wars and made Palpatine’s scheme more feasible than it would have been otherwise. In many ways, the Jedi Order resembled a dictatorship, which ultimately led to their downfall and the need for a fresh start.

The Jedi Are Flawed… But They’ll Always Be Better Than The Empire

Star Wars Makes Sure The Jedi Are Still The Heroes

It’s worth noting that while there may be similarities between the Jedi Order and the Empire in Star Wars, it is consistently portrayed that the Jedi are superior. This is because the Jedi are often depicted as the champions or heroes of the franchise, with many powerful Jedi characters being well-known and beloved across generations. The reason for this is that the franchise emphasizes the exceptional goodness of the Jedi, despite their having flaws. These Jedi always strive to combat the darkness in a galaxy filled with it.

As a devoted Star Wars fan, I can’t help but point out the stark contrast between the Jedi Order and the Empire. Sure, both may have their flaws, but it’s the Empire that lacks any semblance of virtue. Even in grayer shows like Andor, which delves into the complexities of Imperials in ways no other Star Wars tale has, it’s evident that the Empire is capable of unspeakable atrocities. The Jedi might not be perfect, but they strive for justice and redemption. Their errors are human, while the Empire revels in arrogant wickedness. In essence, the hubris of the Empire stands in stark contrast to the heroism of the Jedi Order, a contrast that will forever mark the former as the embodiment of galactic wrongdoing, while the latter remains the beacon of hope and justice in the Star Wars universe.

Star Wars’ Future Can Fix Some Of The Jedi Order’s Flaws

The Future Of The Jedi Looks Promising

Considering all we’ve discussed, it’s noteworthy to mention that future Star Wars films could potentially surmount the shortcomings of the Jedi Order. In the upcoming Star Wars movie, “The New Jedi Order,” Rey Skywalker is depicted as rebuilding the Jedi after The Rise of Skywalker. Having been tutored by Luke and being aware of his concerns regarding the Order’s past arrogance, and given her familial ties to the Empire through her grandfather, Palpatine, Rey is uniquely positioned to lead the Jedi into a new chapter.

Although it’s essential for the Jedi to retain their flaws as they contribute to their rich character development, Star Wars now has an opportunity to rectify its most significant weakness.

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2025-06-06 17:09