Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Honors Its Two Most Profound Casualties

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Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Honors Its Two Most Profound Casualties

As a seasoned gamer who’s witnessed the rise and fall of countless galaxies, I can confidently say that few games have tugged at my heartstrings like the Star Wars Jedi series. The emotional weight these games carry is a testament to their storytelling prowess, and none more so than the poignant tale of Cal Kestis in Fallen Order and Survivor.

Not every piece of Star Wars content is lighthearted or humorous; on the contrary, its central themes of war can be heart-wrenchingly grim for characters whose lives are impacted by these conflicts across multiple generations. The Star Wars Jedi series developed by Respawn and EA, including the game Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, follows this trend, focusing on a single character, Cal Kestis, as he grapples with grief and loss in the aftermath of the fall of the Jedi Order and the rise of the Galactic Empire. In this story, Cal is pursued by the Emperor’s Inquisitorius, an elite group of Force-users who have been corrupted through brutal and oppressive means.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor doesn’t delve deeper into the narrative thread involving the Ninth Sister, but it subtly echoes Cal’s journey as a fugitive Jedi and the hardships faced by everyone in the galaxy amidst the Galactic Empire’s oppression. The game references some of the losses suffered by Cal and his crew, the Stinger Mantis, at the hands of the Inquisitors five years earlier. Notably, it emphasizes the impact of two significant deaths from Fallen Order: Prauf and Trilla Suduri.

Prauf’s Death is Fallen Order’s Inciting Incident and Catalyzes Everything Thereafter

It’s possible to consider Jedi Master Jaro Tapal’s death in the late-game prologue of “Fallen Order” as the main event that sets the story in motion. Yet, it isn’t until Prauf, Cal’s closest friend from Bracca’s junkyard, is killed while bravely shielding Cal and resisting the Empire, that Cal picks up his lightsaber and decides to take a stand for a definite purpose.

Interestingly enough, one of the two Inquisitorius members who suffered a fatal blow, Prauf, was killed by none other than his former comrade, now known as the Second Sister – previously called Trilla Suduri.

In other words, Prauf’s predicament was what initially stirred Cal into action, even though it was Prauf’s near-fatal fall that made Cal use the Force and attracted the wrath of the Inquisitorius to Bracca. Had there been peace on Bracca and if Cal could have continued his life undisturbed in the scrapper’s guild, it is unlikely he would have ever stepped out from anonymity.

In the television series Survivor, Prauf is subtly mentioned by Cal when he recalls various objects on the Stinger Mantis. However, without explicit mentions of Abednedo, Prauf’s presence can be felt in every instance where Cal demonstrates selflessness, loyalty, and nobility, especially when defending those who are endangered or defenseless. This is also applicable to Turgle from the game Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Turgle, a simple yet endearing stranger, prompts Cal to reveal his identity as a Jedi and risk being targeted by the Bedlam Raiders, showing Prauf’s spirit of protection and valor.

It’s plausible that Prauf’s kind-heartedness stems from being trained as a Jedi Padawan, instilling in him the values of the Order. However, for the storyline, it might be more fitting to attribute his selfless actions to Cal’s way of honoring him for his sacrifice. This way, Cal can still be seen as a good character, regardless of his ties to the Jedi. Given that he has shown himself to be quite unique and complex compared to typical Jedi characters, this interpretation seems more in line with his character development anyway.

Trilla’s Dying Plea is a Tall Order and Cere Junda’s Goal in Survivor May Have to Suffice

Just as Darth Vader is about to take her life, Trilla shouts, “Take revenge for us!” This heart-wrenching utterance underscores the success of Cal and Cere’s efforts to restore Trilla from her poisoned mental state, yet it also highlights the bitter irony that their timely intervention came too late.

In simpler terms, it’s clear that asking Trilla’s wish of anyone is unachievable, especially given that fans understand Cal and Cere haven’t made a significant mark on the broader “Star Wars” universe outside of the “Jedi” games so far. However, the show “Survivor” does give us hope, as it shows that even though they didn’t search for Force-sensitive children like Trilla had asked, Cal and Cere never stopped fighting for her cause, each in their own private ways.

Cal’s persistent attacks on the Empire’s supply lines and bases appear to have little impact on their military strength, but they serve as a clear indication of his determination to honor those who lost their lives under the Empire’s rule in the galaxy. Similarly, Cere’s focus on mastering the Force, preserving ancient knowledge, and following the Hidden Path was aimed at ensuring a future for Force-sensitive individuals and Jedi (with Cal, Cere, Eno Cordova, and perhaps Bode Akuna being part of this group without realizing it). This endeavor is a testament to Trilla’s legacy, as Cere utters her Padawan’s name in her final moments.

Furthermore, should Cere’s intense battle with Darth Vader in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor result in his defeat, even if it costs him his life, this outcome would be worthy of Trilla’s admiration.

Cal’s chat with Greez Dritus in Pyloon’s Saloon’s private rooms hints at the possibility that Cal might one day put away his lightsaber and cease fighting against Imperial domination. If he successfully smuggles the Hidden Path to Tanalorr, it could be argued that he has done enough to avenge Trilla. However, in a future game, both Prauf and Trilla should not be overlooked, implying that Cal still has significant tasks ahead of him, as the development of a third installment indicates.

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2024-09-13 18:35