STAR WARS: A CHARACTER STUDY OF THE MILLENNIUM FALCON

A great deal of time in the Sequel Trilogy is spent with characters looking up the sky in times of crisis, because a ship is approaching in the distance. There are three kinds of ships that could appear to them: First Order/Imperial ships, Resistance/Rebellion ships, or neutral/freighter ship. Each ship has a different meaning. Each ship invokes a different emotion.

Which ship would the good people of a galaxy far, far away rather see on the horizon? What emotions do they feel at the sight of each ship?

The look of a ship determines the reaction from the people who see it coming. The First Order insights fear, because their ships bring nothing but destruction. Meanwhile, the Resistance inspires hope, because their ships defend the helpless against the First Order. As long as there are X-wings in the air, the galaxy has hope for salvation.

Where, then, does that leave the Millennium Falcon? She is built to be neutral. She belongs to neither side. She is a freighter. Simple, small, and old. Her unique round design sets her apart from any other ship in the Star Wars franchise.She is the most distinguished ship in the galaxy. The Falcon also has a strong reputation: “It’s the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs.” Her has superior speed and thanks to L3-37, her integrated partner, she has superior navigation.

People judge her for her small size and old age unaware that inside of her computer simmers the unquenchable thirst for liberation and justice. Those who do her understand her incredible capabilities and form an emotional bond with her, especially Lando, Han, and Chewie. They know the Falcon, because they know L3-37 (aka Elthree), a piloting droid with the extensive map of the galaxy and a passion for liberation.

In Solo: A Star Wars story, the Falcon and Elthree become integrated. More than Elthree’s superior navigation system become a part of the ship. Her sassy obsession for liberation also becomes part of the ship. The two computers become something entirely new. Thus, the Millennium Falcon becomes a one-of-a-kind vessel.

Solo: A Star Wars Story is not about Han Solo at all. Instead, the story revolves around the Millennium Falcon, and how she becomes the underrated hero that she is. Han just happens to be along for the ride. He is the body in the pilot's seat, but how much credit can he really take for the ship's incredible accomplishments?

Lando and Han are attentive and caring owners, while Unkar Plutt treats her like an inferior machine. This makes her reunions with Han, Chewie, and Lando so sweet. In the teaser trailer of IX, Lando returns to the pilot seat with absolute joy. He not only reuniting with his ship, but also with his copilot Elthree with whom he shares a strong, unconventional bond. This reunion may put Han's reunion in the Force Awakens to shame.

To Han Solo, she is more than his old ship. She is his home and his partner. He struggles in the seat of any other ship. The Falcom belongs to him as it previously belongs to Lando and eventually falls into the hands of Rey. Every proud owner shares a connection to the ship. Because she is more than a ship. She is sentient.

When people look up they would prefer to see X-wings than tie fighter. People learn to run from the sound of tie fighters, because destruction always follows. The Falcon is an independent ship with a rebellious droid simmering in the very controls. She takes orders from no one. She chooses her side: liberation and freedom. It inspires the Resistance and downtrodden. It threatens the First Order and Empire. Kylo Ren flies into an inconsolable rage at the mere sight of her. It inspires awe to all who sees it in action, whether the recipient is friend or foe.

The sight of x-wings and the Millennium Falcon insight celebration. People cheer at the sight of the Falcon, because they identify her with liberation. If a battle ensues for the good of the galaxy, she is there.

The Falcon parks front and center to Kessel in order for Han's team to steal hyperfuel. Instead, L3-37 complicates the mission by liberating every slave in the mine, both mechanical and biological. This is where the first rebellion against the Empire takes place. It is the moment she finds her true calling, and she continues to fight for that calling as the Falcon partner.

She arrives on the Death Star to save the rebellion’s most crucial member, Princess Leia, which is the first official mission for the three Original Trilogy heroes. The Falcon then smuggles the Luke, the princess, and the Death Star plans to its original destination. Once they arrive at the rebellion base, Han must make a choice. Stay and fight or take his money and run. He decides to abandon the rebellion without hesitation. Why, then, does he return at the eleventh hour to save Luke from Darth Vader’s blaster? Was it Han decision? Or Elthree’s?

Darth Vader relentlessly pursues the Millennium Falcon. He becomes obsessed. The Falcon is famous to the Empire as a serious enemy. Her reputation takes form as she provides safe passage for Han and Leia out of the Empire's ruthless clutches.

She leads the fleet into and out of the attack on the second Death Star before it is completed and provides the Empire with a new level of tyranny to the galaxy. Her canons deliver the fatal blow, and she emerges with barely a scratch. Her old friend Lando Calrissian is all too excited to be back behind the controls again. He flies her so naturally, it feels as if they never part ways in Solo.

She embarks on a similar mission as A New Hope with new young heroes and a lovable droid carrying vital information to the Resistance’s secret base. She provides Finn and Rey safe passage off Jakku and leads them to Han Solo, her beloved owner from whom she is stolen. Additionally, in a deleted scene, Han’s son and First Order commander boards the ship and becomes overcome with childhood memories of learning to fly. Will this experience contribute to Kylo’s inevitable redemption?

She intervenes in the battle of Crait (once again) in the eleventh hour before the remaining Resistance is wiped out by tie fighters. Kylo Ren is so overcome with rage that all fighters focus on her and she draws them away from her comrades. The shadow she casts on the ground is cause for celebration and hope in the resistance fighters before it is depleted entirely. In the end, she is the only vessel remaining to escort the remainder of the Resistance to safety. Without her waiting at the end of their escape route, the First Order would eventually catch up to them and wipe them out. Luke's effort's and sacrifice would be pointless.

According to the teaser trailer, she shares a joyful reunion with her original (rightful) owner Lando. Together they join the final battle in space against countless Star Destroyers. No doubt, she will play a crucial role in the Resistance’s victory.

The ultimate question is will she survive? Or will the legend of the Millennium Falcon end with this final battle? Will L3 find rest at last? Either way, she is a hero indeed. A true undeniable hero. Let us never forget what the Falcon stands for and her true calling. Look to the horizon. What inspiration and hope will appear?

SEE OTHER CHARACTER STUDIES HERE.