Part 8/11:
He emphasizes the hypocrisy of those who cry "Star Wars hates women" when scenes they dislike occur but fail to acknowledge moments that portray women as powerful, resilient, or influential within the narrative. Ryan suggests that these accusations are not grounded in genuine concern but in fandom tribalism and identity politics.
The Franchise’s Departure from Its Roots
Ryan criticizes Disney’s use of the expanded universe lore and characters, such as Valence the bounty hunter, arguing that the franchise increasingly leans on nostalgia and recycled elements rather than original storytelling. He also condemns the trend of resurrecting or reviving characters, like Leia’s post-mortem appearances, to fulfill certain narrative goals—actions that critics see as disingenuous or pandering.