Volume 2 of the animated Star Wars: Visions has been released, and some great stories have been shared by each of the global studios. However, there is one new Sith story in particular that is such a good idea that a narrative with a similar character arc could be perfect for future Star Wars movies or TV shows.
The very first episode of Visions’ second season is aptly named “Sith” and it was centered around Lola and her droid companion, E2. We find this character living peacefully, and painting in a remote area that she has transformed into a mix between an outpost and a giant art studio.
To create her art, Lola makes use of the force in a unique way, allowing it to flow and creating some incredible patterns on this large canvas. But, she ultimately has problems with darkness creeping its way into her art and ruining her work, which nicely sets up the theme of this short animated story from El Guiri Studios in Spain.
Will we see more former Sith stories?
In Visions Volume 2, Episode 1, it is revealed that Lola is actually a former Sith, who had abandoned their ways to live in complete solitude. She is eventually tracked down by other dark-side users, trying to recruit her back to their cause and aid them in their destructive path. But through this confrontation with her past and her biggest fears, she is able to overcome the emotions that haunt her, and finally embrace the darkness without being corrupted.
We’ve seen a wide variety of force users in Star Wars canon, with everything from Magical Nightsisters to Jedi struggling with the dark side. However, seeing a Sith transition back to the light has only been done in a handful of cases and it is usually only in a narrative’s climax or plot resolution. This idea could be one to see in the future, perhaps during the likes of the new Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy movie with Rey, as a former Sith’s point of view could help guide her new Jedi Order’s students away from the dark side.
If we were to see a story starting from a former Sith’s perspective it could be extremely interesting. As they could either try to earn the trust of the Jedi or we could just see how they choose to evade the Dark side’s evil clutches. Most of the protagonist characters in Star Wars canon either start out completely innocent or on the side of the Jedi. While The Acolyte, the upcoming High Republic show, promises a tale about Sith characters, it is unlikely that any Jedi would be former dark-side users in this time period.
Hunted by the Dark Side
The idea of former Sith lords being tracked and hunted down by their accomplices or previous masters would make for an excellent plot in itself. As we see in the first Visions episode of Season 2, the tension of the storyline is easily built in. Knowing the ruthlessness that the Sith are capable of and Lola’s choice to flee from her Master, after making the commitment to training under him, immediately sets the climax up to have immense stakes, which is impressive in this short story format.
Usually see a very clear distinction between the knowledge of the force and the different powers of a Jedi against a Sith. But the Sith vs Sith battles are often much more intriguing, as they are both accustomed to the powers of the dark side. The distinction then lies in the different levels of control they have over their emotions. which always makes for an interesting duel.
Another aspect that could be interesting to see is how a former Sith might struggle with toning down their aggressiveness and selfishness in order to ingratiate themselves back into a community of good people. Whether that would be the Jedi order or just a regular crew trying to find a place in the galaxy, seeing the challenges of a Sith attempt to fit in could also be a good watch in Star Wars canon projects.
A Sith’s Path to Redemption
Every major Sith who has shifted from the dark side to the light has died shortly after, in Star Wars canon. Anakin Skywalker, Kylo Ren, and Asajj Ventress are a few examples of this, and it feels like we’re yet to get an extended redemption arc of a character trying to do good after abandoning the Sith.
We have seen Inquisitors like Trilla and Reva also make the switch from Jedi to Sith and back again, but they were much less powerful than other dark-side lords. For these inquisitors, there was also little chance for an extended redemption arc, as both were dealt what appeared to ultimately be fatal blows from Darth Vader.
As we have yet to see Sith lords have an extended path to redemption or see them rejoining the Jedi order in any time period, should this be one of the next Star Wars arcs that we see? There is a chance that we might see side characters, in The Acolyte or Ahsoka, fall into a similar role. But, the new episode of Visions makes a great case for eventually introducing a former Sith as the protagonist in a movie or TV show series.