Why was Poe Dameron on Jakku?
In "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," the essence of the galaxy's struggle against the rising First Order pivots around the location of the last known Jedi Master, Luke Skywalker. With both the Resistance and the First Order desperate to find him, General Leia Organa, leader of the Resistance and Luke's twin sister, assigns one of her most trusted pilots, Poe Dameron, a secret mission. Poe is dispatched to Tuanul, a village located on the desert planet of Jakku. The task at hand is to meet with Lor San Tekka, a village elder, who has obtained a map leading to Luke Skywalker's location.
The implications of Poe's mission to Jakku are profound. From the Resistance's standpoint, the mission is absolutely crucial. The triumphant return of Luke Skywalker would certainly bolster their fight against the First Order. As the last known surviving Jedi Master, his knowledge of the Force, strategic wisdom, and symbolic significance would serve as an immeasurable asset to the Resistance's struggle. Conversely, if the First Order were to find Luke first, it could mark the end of the Resistance and a fatal blow to hope in the galaxy.
Poe Dameron, an exceptional pilot and ardent member of the Resistance, is seen as the perfect fit for this sensitive task. The choice of Poe demonstrates the gravity of the mission; his flying prowess, tactical acumen, and unwavering commitment to the Resistance's cause are essential in the dangerous undertaking. Furthermore, Poe is shown to have a connection with General Organa, indicating a level of trust and respect between them that further reinforces his suitability for such a mission.
The mission becomes even more perilous when Tuanul is attacked by the First Order, led by the intimidating Kylo Ren and Captain Phasma. Caught off guard by the attack, Poe does everything he can to protect the map. With their T-70 X-wing starfighter disabled by stormtroopers, Poe makes a quick decision to entrust the map to his astromech droid BB-8, a move that goes on to significantly shape the events of the film.
The mission ultimately serves as a catalyst for the events of "The Force Awakens," setting the stage for the epic struggle between the First Order and the Resistance. It leads to the introduction of new characters, including Rey, Finn (FN-2187), and BB-8, all of whom play a vital role in the galaxy's fight against the rising dark force. Poe's decision to entrust the map to BB-8 not only ensured the map's survival but also led to the pivotal meeting between Rey and BB-8, setting them on a path to join the Resistance.
Moreover, Poe's mission exposes the ruthlessness of the First Order, their readiness to resort to violence, and the lengths they are willing to go to in order to gain power. Their attack on the peaceful village of Tuanul and the subsequent massacre paints a stark picture of the threat posed by the First Order, driving home the urgency of the Resistance's cause.
In summary, Poe Dameron's secret mission to the village of Tuanul on Jakku is a crucial narrative device in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." It kick-starts the events that lead to the awakening of the Force in new characters, reveals the threat posed by the First Order, and underscores the importance of finding Luke Skywalker, thus setting the tone for the entire film. The mission may not have gone as planned, but its ramifications echo throughout the sequel trilogy, underlining the theme of hope against overwhelming odds, a theme that lies at the heart of the Star Wars saga.
