This incredibleStar Warsstory envisions Asajj Ventress as Luke Skywalker’s Padawan.Star Warshas always been a generational saga; and yet, for all that’s the case, the true tragedy of theSkywalker familylies in the fact the generations seldom interact. Padmé died in childbirth, Anakin was redeemed only moments before his death, and even Luke only got to spend a little time with his protégé, Rey. Given this context, it’s perhaps no surprise some of themost-read AO3Star Warsfanfictionsinvolve time travel.
“Old Man Luke,” by Scarlet Jedi, is perhaps one of the best examples. It features Luke and Leia transported back into the Clone Wars, where they naturally soon earn the attention of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. What is most fascinating, though, is that the changes they make to the timeline result in a massive change for Sith assassin Asajj Ventress -who soon becomes Luke’s unlikely Padawan.
What Asajj Ventress' Redemption Means For Star Wars
TheSith assassin Asajj Ventressis no stranger to redemption stories, of course; she was redeemed in canon, even seen wielding unusualyellow lightsabersinStar Wars: The Bad Batch. But the redemption in this story is subtly different, in that it flows not from an intimate relationship but just from Luke Skywalker’s belief shecouldbe redeemed.Star Warscanon has forgotten how remarkable a faith in redemption really is, becauseone who believes the best in others can bring about that best in the most unlikely people.
10 Most Read Star Wars Fanfictions On AO3 (SFW)
The Star Wars fandom is one of the most prolific when it comes to fanfiction. Here are their most read stories on the site Archive of Our Own (AO3).
In the oldStar WarsExpanded Universe, Luke Skywalker was essentially the great redeemer - the one who saw hope where others saw despair. “Old Man Luke” feels like some of those best Legends stories, with a vision of Luke as one who can redirect the course of a person’s life with just a few well-chosen, optimistic words. It’s wonderful to see Luke Skywalker through that light once again.
Our Take On Luke Skywalker’s Destiny
Star Warscanon took Luke in a very different direction, of course, with the Jedi Master’s optimism shattered when he sensed darkness within his nephew, Ben. This scene has inspired a firestorm of debate in the fandom, with many insisting it’s completely out-of-character for Luke. I don’t entirely agree; it’s in-character, in my view, because such redemptive hope is a rare thing, and even Luke’s light can fail.The true tragedy, though, lies in Luke falling to defeat and despair for years.
“Old Man Luke” doesn’t read like a critique of theStar Warssequel trilogy. Rather, it’s simply a love letter to the various characters ofStar Wars, a celebration of them at their best.Star Warswill never embrace true time travel - theWorld Between Worldsis the closest it will go - but tremendous fictions are the next best thing. This is truly a story that should not be missed.
