Part 9/12:
Despite the optimistic tone around female empowerment, some critics have pointed out that criticisms of characters like Rey were rooted in storytelling issues rather than gender. Rey's portrayal was often accused of being a "Mary Sue"—a character who is overly powerful and underdeveloped—largely because of her sudden mastery of the Force and perceived lack of proper narrative buildup. Simultaneously, some fans dismiss concerns about female representation as unfounded or rooted in misogyny, arguing that the portrayal of strong women is a natural evolution of the franchise.