Star Wars’ New TV Show Just Gave Us the Most Twisted Stormtrooper Story in Its 48-Year History (& It’s Great)

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The classic Star Wars conflict between the Jedi and Sith often takes center stage, and their influence is felt throughout the galaxy. However, it’s easy to overlook the fact that much of the real work is done by the everyday soldiers who fight the battles. While the lightsaber duels are memorable, they wouldn’t happen without those who risk everything. Fortunately, the stories of these soldiers, like the clone troopers, are finally being told, as seen in the series exploring their experiences before the tragic events of Order 66.

The Imperial Army, which replaced the Republic’s Grand Army, isn’t viewed as favorably by those in power. It’s difficult to feel sympathy for soldiers of a cruel government, but that doesn’t mean their stories aren’t worth telling. The newest Star Wars series is actively working to develop stormtroopers as characters, showing they’re more than just the nameless, ruthless soldiers seen in the original movies.

Star Wars Is Done Leaving the Stormtroopers Out to Dry

Lucasfilm has been approving many new projects since realizing how effective streaming can be. Most of these fit into the official Star Wars storyline, but a few don’t quite follow the rules. The LEGO shows are an exception – they’re lighthearted and celebrate the imaginative stories kids create with their toys. However, Star Wars: Visions is different. Each episode presents a unique story inspired by the Star Wars universe, and some are more abstract than others. The third season includes “BLACK,” which is arguably the most unusual episode yet, delving into the psychological struggles of a stormtrooper.

It’s unclear if “BLACK” focuses on two separate stormtroopers or the internal conflict of one, but its central message is clear: war is devastating for all involved. The story depicts the chaos of the Rebel attack on the Death Star, and the stormtroopers fighting to defend it are shown as lost and struggling. The main soldier desperately seeks inner peace throughout the battle, but ultimately succumbs to his fate without finding resolution. “BLACK” concludes on a deeply sad note, raising more questions than it answers. However, it maintains a consistent theme, which is something not all Star Wars stories that explore the lives of stormtroopers manage to do.

The Sequels Wish They Had as Much to Say as “BLACK”

Besides the comic “BLACK,” the Star Wars film The Force Awakens is unique in showing a stormtrooper express their feelings. At the beginning of the film, Kylo Ren is ruthlessly searching for Luke Skywalker’s location and killing anyone who opposes him. One of the stormtroopers forced to carry out these orders is FN-2187, who struggles with the idea of harming innocent people. He ultimately helps Poe Dameron escape, defects from the First Order, and becomes known as Finn. He’s quickly accepted by the Resistance and, by the end of the sequel trilogy, rises to the level of a hero like Han Solo and Chewbacca.

The recent Star Wars sequel trilogy missed an opportunity to explore Finn’s internal conflict over leaving behind his former comrades. While The Force Awakens briefly touched on this struggle, it was largely absent from the following films. In contrast, the animated short “BLACK” powerfully portrays its protagonist grappling with the weight of his past actions and his role in a destructive system. It’s remarkable that Star Wars: Visions accomplishes this emotional depth in just over ten minutes, surpassing what the entire sequel trilogy achieved.

Star Wars: Visions is streaming on Disney+.

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2025-11-06 00:13