Why did Poe Dameron give the map to his droid?
In "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", the stakes are higher than ever. Thirty years after the fall of the Galactic Empire, a new threat has emerged - the First Order. On a mission to find Luke Skywalker, the last known Jedi Master, we meet Resistance pilot Poe Dameron, trusted with a map that reveals Luke's location. Poe's journey on Jakku, however, leads to a seemingly impromptive decision - to hand this crucial piece of information over to his droid companion, BB-8. This crucial moment not only marks a significant plot point but also illuminates much about the character's decision-making abilities and trust in his mechanized counterpart.
Poe's decision to entrust the map to BB-8 was born of necessity and strategy. The First Order, led by the fearsome Kylo Ren and Captain Phasma, attacks the village of Tuanul where Poe had obtained the map from the village elder, Lor San Tekka. As he attempts to flee in his T-70 X-wing starfighter, Poe is shot down, with a pair of stormtroopers disabling the starfighter's engines with their blasters. This sudden turn of events leaves him in a desperate situation - the map must be safeguarded and kept out of the First Order's reach.
Poe understands that his capture is inevitable. As a result, he entrusts the map to BB-8, effectively making the droid the keeper of a secret that holds the balance of the galaxy. It is a calculated risk. Droids, especially astromech droids like BB-8, are often underestimated, seen as mere tools or companions rather than strategic players. Poe exploits this misconception, knowing that BB-8 has a higher likelihood of escaping unnoticed. The choice also reveals Poe's deep-seated trust in BB-8, demonstrating the bond that has formed between them.
But Poe's decision isn't simply a matter of trust. The Star Wars universe has consistently demonstrated the utility and resourcefulness of droids. From R2-D2's role in the original trilogy to the various droids seen throughout the prequel trilogy and beyond, these machines are often responsible for saving the day. They are capable of traversing difficult terrains, eluding detection, and maintaining their programming against all odds. In giving the map to BB-8, Poe acknowledges the capabilities of the droid and plays to its strengths, a strategic decision that emphasizes his astute understanding of the resources available to him.
Furthermore, entrusting the map to BB-8 reflects Poe's dedication to the Resistance. Despite the immediate danger, he prioritizes the mission over his personal safety, staying behind to cover BB-8's escape. This act reveals Poe's courage and selflessness, traits characteristic of the Resistance fighters.
This decision to pass the map to BB-8 sets in motion a significant part of the narrative of "The Force Awakens." BB-8's journey across Jakku, his meeting with Rey, and their eventual encounter with other key characters of the Resistance like Finn, all result from Poe's pivotal decision. It is a decision that, while made in a moment of crisis, shapes the direction of the Resistance's fight against the First Order and ultimately their quest to find Luke Skywalker.
In conclusion, Poe Dameron's decision to entrust BB-8 with the map to Luke Skywalker's location is far from a random act of desperation. It's a strategic move, reflecting his understanding of the situation, trust in his droid companion, and unwavering commitment to the Resistance. His decision illuminates his character's astuteness and bravery, offering a deeper understanding of the dynamics within the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and setting the stage for the thrilling events that follow.
