Supreme Leader Snoke: Unraveling the Mystery of Star Wars’ Fallen Villain
The Hologram’s Arrival: Introducing Supreme Leader Snoke
The Star Wars sequel trilogy, a subject of much debate and fascination, introduced many new characters, but few generated as much initial intrigue and ultimate frustration as Supreme Leader Snoke. This imposing figure, shrouded in shadow and wielding immense power, emerged as the leader of the First Order and the dark side mentor to Kylo Ren. His sudden and arguably premature demise in The Last Jedi left many fans feeling cheated, with a sense of untapped potential lingering in the air. Was Snoke merely a plot device, a necessary sacrifice on the altar of narrative subversion? Or was his inclusion and subsequent treatment a missed opportunity to explore a truly compelling villain? While Snoke’s exit from the story may have been swift and unexpected, examining his role reveals him to be a necessary, if underdeveloped, catalyst for Kylo Ren’s transformation, the exploration of the dark side, and the complex themes of the sequels.
The Hologram’s Arrival: Introducing Supreme Leader Snoke
Supreme Leader Snoke made his debut in The Force Awakens not as a physical presence, but as an imposing holographic projection. This immediately established him as a figure of immense power and authority, a dark shadow looming large over the nascent First Order. His scarred and weathered features, combined with his deep, resonant voice, hinted at a long and tumultuous history. The sheer size of his holographic image further amplified his ominous presence, suggesting a being of almost godlike stature.
This initial glimpse sparked a flurry of speculation among fans. Who was this mysterious figure? Where did he come from? What was the source of his power? How did he manage to turn Ben Solo, the son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, to the dark side? The possibilities seemed endless, with theories ranging from the plausible to the wildly imaginative. The mystery surrounding Snoke became a major talking point, fueling anticipation for the subsequent installments of the sequel trilogy. The internet was flooded with theories, connecting him to characters from the past, or suggesting a brand new being, unlike anything fans had seen before. This mystery quickly surrounded him, and with each trailer release fans would analyze and debate even the smallest glimpse of him.
Power and Manipulation: The Reign of Supreme Leader Snoke
Beyond his imposing appearance, Snoke’s power manifested in his control over the First Order, a formidable military force dedicated to crushing the New Republic and restoring the dark side to galactic dominance. He wielded the Force with considerable skill, as demonstrated in The Last Jedi when he effortlessly subdued Rey and telekinetically tortured her. His control extended beyond mere physical power; he was a master manipulator, skillfully playing Kylo Ren and General Hux against each other, fueling their ambitions and exploiting their weaknesses.
Snoke positioned himself as a dark side mentor to Kylo Ren, preying on the young man’s insecurities and fueling his inner conflict. He presented himself as a guide, offering Ren the power and purpose he craved, but in reality, he was merely exploiting him for his own ends. Snoke’s power resided not only in his mastery of the Force, but also in his ability to manipulate and control others, turning them into pawns in his grand scheme. He was a master of psychological warfare, exploiting the fears and desires of those around him to achieve his own goals. It quickly became evident to viewers, that his abuse of Kylo Ren was one of the greatest driving factors to Kylo’s descent.
A Shocking Turn: The Death of Supreme Leader Snoke
The climax of The Last Jedi saw the shocking demise of Supreme Leader Snoke at the hands of his apprentice, Kylo Ren. In a move that stunned audiences worldwide, Ren turned on his master, using the Force to ignite Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber and slice Snoke in half. This unexpected twist immediately ignited a firestorm of controversy.
Many fans felt cheated. They believed that Snoke’s potential had been squandered, that his story had been cut short before it could truly begin. The mystery surrounding his origins and motivations remained largely unresolved, leaving a sense of incompleteness. The suddenness of his death felt like a narrative shortcut, a way to quickly elevate Kylo Ren to the position of Supreme Leader without fully exploring Snoke’s character.
However, Snoke’s death also served a crucial narrative purpose. It marked a turning point for Kylo Ren, forcing him to confront his own inner demons and to forge his own path. By killing his master, Ren symbolically severed his ties to the past and embraced his own dark destiny. Snoke’s death also subverted the typical Star Wars formula, defying expectations and paving the way for a more unpredictable and morally ambiguous narrative. It was a bold move that challenged the traditional notions of good and evil, blurring the lines between hero and villain.
Disproven Theories: Snoke’s Identity and Origins
Theorizing became a popular pastime for Star Wars fans. Snoke was heavily speculated to be Darth Plagueis, the master of Darth Sidious. This theory was fueled by Snoke’s knowledge of Force powers and his manipulation of life force energy. Others believed Snoke to be an entirely new entity, a being of pure dark side energy, or even a corrupted version of an ancient Jedi.
However, The Rise of Skywalker and supplementary material revealed a far more mundane explanation: Snoke was a strand-cast, a genetically engineered being created by Emperor Palpatine on the hidden Sith world of Exegol. This revelation was met with further disappointment by some fans, who felt that it diminished Snoke’s significance and reduced him to a mere puppet of Palpatine. The explanation felt rushed and uninspired, failing to live up to the years of speculation and anticipation. It also seemed to contradict some of the earlier hints and clues about Snoke’s identity, making him feel like a retcon rather than a fully realized character.
A Stepping Stone to Darkness: Snoke’s Role in Kylo Ren’s Journey
Despite the controversies surrounding his character, Snoke played a crucial role in the development of Kylo Ren. He served as a catalyst for Ren’s descent into darkness, exploiting his insecurities and fueling his desire for power. Snoke’s influence shaped Ren’s moral conflict, ultimately leading to his redemption in The Rise of Skywalker.
Snoke’s death forced Ren to confront his own identity and to make a choice between the light and the dark. By killing his master, Ren freed himself from Snoke’s control and took control of his own destiny. This act of defiance paved the way for his eventual return to the light side and his ultimate sacrifice to save Rey. Therefore, Snoke’s role can be argued, as a necessary evil, whose presence guided Kylo through the story, whether fans enjoyed his short time, or not.
Untapped Potential: Missed Opportunities with Supreme Leader Snoke
One of the biggest criticisms leveled against the sequel trilogy is the perceived underdevelopment of Snoke’s character. Many fans believe that his backstory and motivations should have been explored in greater detail, giving him more depth and complexity. A deeper understanding of Snoke’s history, his motivations, and his connection to the dark side could have made him a far more compelling and memorable villain.
Perhaps a flashback sequence, revealing his rise to power or his encounters with other Force users, could have added layers to his character and made his ultimate demise more meaningful. The filmmakers may have intentionally kept him mysterious, hoping to create an aura of intrigue and fear. However, the lack of explanation ultimately left him feeling like a hollow shell, a menacing figure without substance.
A Lasting Shadow: Snoke’s Impact on the Galaxy Far, Far Away
Despite his relatively short screen time, Snoke left a lasting impact on the Star Wars universe. His reign as Supreme Leader of the First Order plunged the galaxy into chaos, leading to widespread destruction and suffering. He created the reign of terror for the resistance and the rebel alliance to battle. The story of the sequel trilogy couldn’t happen without Snoke. His manipulation of Kylo Ren had far-reaching consequences, shaping the fate of the Skywalker family and the future of the Jedi Order.
Snoke represents the seductive allure of power, the corrupting influence of the dark side, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. While his character may have been flawed and underdeveloped, his presence served as a reminder of the eternal struggle between good and evil that lies at the heart of the Star Wars saga. It has to be accounted, that his death led to Kylo’s arc, making both characters an important part of the Star Wars Universe.
Conclusion: The Fallen Villain’s Legacy
Supreme Leader Snoke remains a controversial figure in Star Wars lore. His introduction generated immense excitement and speculation, but his abrupt demise and somewhat underwhelming backstory left many fans feeling disappointed. Nevertheless, Snoke played a crucial role in the sequel trilogy, serving as a catalyst for Kylo Ren’s transformation and highlighting the dangers of the dark side. He served as a mentor and a force of evil throughout the story, which has to be accounted for when talking about Snoke.
Ultimately, Snoke’s legacy is one of untapped potential. While his character may not have lived up to the initial hype, his presence served a vital purpose in the overall narrative. He remains a testament to the complexities of the Star Wars universe, where even the most powerful villains can be brought down by their own hubris and the choices of those they seek to control. While Supreme Leader Snoke’s time in the Star Wars universe may have been brief, his impact continues to be felt among fans and within the saga itself. His controversial demise, the mysteries surrounding his past, and his role in shaping the fate of Kylo Ren ensures that he will remain a subject of debate and discussion for years to come. Snoke will remain the supreme leader, even if he did fall short of expectations.
