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The STAR WARS FORCES OF DESTINY Shorts Ranked

We live in a time where there’s no shortage of new Star Wars. Books, comics, films, TV series—it’s all being regularly released. A different kind of format for fresh content was added to the list recently with the launch of Forces of Destiny. The initiative that will eventually include toys and books started with eight animated shorts starring the likes of Leia, Rey, Ahsoka Tano, and more.

The idea of Forces of Destiny, animated in a 2D style reminiscent of Genndy Tartakovsky‘s Clone Wars micro-series, is to focus on everyday moments of heroism in the current storytelling universe. The stories play out over a few minutes, so they need to be to the point. With familiar faces, team-ups, and cute creatures, the shorts manage to be fun and full of important messages despite their, well, shortness. Here’s how I’d rank them from bottom to top—though, for the record, I quite enjoyed all of them.

8. “BB-8 Bandits”

It’s fortunate for BB-8 that he crossed Rey’s path in the desert. She saved him from the clutches of Teedo and a variety of others looking to sell the droids for rations or credits. Jakku is all about survival. “BB-8 Bandits” demonstrates the devotion Rey shows to the rolling astromech.

7. “Bounty of Trouble”

In the days before Rogue One, Leia was considered a political figure from Alderaan. She was treated with respect by the Empire–well, respect might be going too far, but they weren’t trying to arrest her. In “Bounty of Trouble,” she works with Sabine Wren from Star Wars Rebels to escape the bounty hunter IG-88 and Leia’s Imperial escorts. It has an adventurous vibe and makes me want more missions where Leia and Sabine are paired.

6. “The Padawan Path”

When you have an important event on your calendar, it can be tempting to put your laser focus on said event and not pay attention to the world around you. I’m guilty of doing this around Comic-Con every year. But, keep your eyes open, because someone might need your help. That happens with Ahsoka Tano in “The Padawan Path.” Bonus: the short features Yoda and Anakin Skywalker.

5. “Sands of Jakku”

If a giant beast chased you and tried to devour you in order to fulfill its nutritional needs for the day, would you show it kindness? Rey does in “Sands of Jakku.” She knows life on the barren planet is hard, so after she keeps her new pal BB-8 out of the stomach of a nightwatcher worm, she helps the creature. It’s a sweet reminder that even those who act out might need our help.

4. “Ewok Escape”

You know how Leia inexplicably gets a dress from the Ewoks in Return of the Jedi? This short gives a little insight into how she helped them and how they rewarded her. The mystery of how and why they have the dress is left on the table to explore at another time. My guess is they have a closet full of dresses just like Jabba the Hutt must have a wardrobe full of revealing attire.

3. “The Imposter Inside”

You might think I have “The Imposter Inside” so high on my ranking because of Ahsoka Tano, and you’d be partially right. But the aspect about this episode that truly stands out is the presence of Padmé Amidala, and the way she and Ahsoka team-up to take out a potential assassin.

2. “Beasts of Echo Base”

Have you ever seen the deleted scene from The Empire Strikes Back with the wampa in Echo Base? If not, it’s fantastic and you should watch it. If so, then you’ll especially appreciate “Beasts of Echo Base” with Leia lending Chewbacca a helping hand by facing a wampa.

1. “The Stranger”

Imperials have a code called 310, and it’s apparently about feral animals or stopping citizens from having pets. Whatever the details, I’m not a fan. If I didn’t already dislike the Empire… Anyway! The code is relevant to “The Stranger” because stormtroopers try to use the rule to take a tooka away from a young girl. Luckily, Jyn Erso–who has reddish hair for some reason–steps in to help. Jyn Erso saving a cat isn’t the Star Wars I knew I needed, and now I’m overjoyed it exists.

Which Forces of Destiny short do you like the most? Which characters do you hope they feature in future installments? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Featured Image: Disney/Lucasfilm

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