Character Spotlight – Jar Jar Binks

Hello, friends! I apologize for not posting in a week or two. I have been enjoying some much needed time off of School, as well as enjoying some lovely Turkey and family time. I have also been working on a trailer for my fan fiction that I will be posting sometime soon along with the first chapter of my fan fiction as a tease. 😉

Today, I would like to write about one of my favorite characters in the Prequel Trilogy, Jar Jar Binks. I have decided that due to its high theological content, I need to give myself some more time to write my post on C.S. Lewis’s – Till We Have Faces, but don’t worry, friends, I will still be posting on it. It is just going to take longer than I expected.

Now, you might be asking yourself right now, “Why Jar Jar Binks?” In truth, he is labeled the most annoying character in all of Star Wars, yet I find him a very fascinating character that is given an excellent character arc and plenty of development throughout the first three Star Wars films and in the Clone Wars show.

However, I invite you to ask yourself: what makes him annoying? Is it the funny way he talks or walks, or is it his clumsy theatrics that actually got him banished from his home before the Phantom Menace takes place.

In this post I would like to take a deeper look into this Gungan and show that even though he is “different” he is one of the most underrated characters in Star Wars. By the end of this post, I hope that the next time you watch Jar Jar on the screen you will see him in a whole new light!

Before we get started, I need to give my disclaimer. This post will have spoilers for Star Wars Episode I, II, and III, as well as the Clone Wars show and the fate of Jar Jar.

Okie day, with out further ado, let’s get right into it! Allons-y!

Jar Jar’s Timeline:

Jar Jar Binks’s first introduction into the Star Wars Universe was in Episode I: The Phantom Menace, which I wrote a post on a couple of weeks ago. He is saved by the Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi, and for the rest of the movie he is along for the ride.

He appears again in Episode II: Attack of the Clones as Representative Binks. It is in this position that he gives his famed (or perhaps more laughed at) senate speech that puts in motion the Clone Wars and in essence saves Obi-Wan, Anakin, Padmé, and the rest of the Jedi from begin killed during the first battle of Geonosis.

During the Clone Wars Jar Jar continues to serve the people of the galaxy in efforts for peace alongside Padmé and eventually Master Mace Windu.

The last appearance of Jar Jar in the films is in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith where we see him in Padmé funeral procession.

Earlier in the films we see him with the Chancellor often, but Padmé’s funeral is where he is shown visually the most.

After the Battle of Endor and the fall of the Empire, he was once again exiled by his people. They believed that he had aided in the Empire’s rise, so he was therefore reviling to his people and the Naboo. He spent the rest of his days on Naboo an outcast once more, performing as a clown in the streets of Theed for children.

“Desa hisen Naboo tink I help the un-oh Empire. My no know.”

Jar Jar Binks to Mapo on Naboo in 5 ABY

Jar Jar’s Character Arc:

The character arc of Jar Jar Binks if looked at closely, is truly remarkable and is a picture of extraordinary character develop. Don’t believe me? Well, let’s take a closer look, and perhaps you will see why I think the Gungan Jar Jar Binks has a better character arc and development than Rey from the sequel trilogy…

First off, let’s look at the Jar Jar from the very beginning of the Phantom Menace: clumsy and barely understandable when he spoke. Seriously, even I had a hard time understanding him and had to strain in order to know what was being said.

Okie day, now let’s look at Jar Jar at the end of the Phantom Menace. The Naboo and the Gungans had a long history of disagreeing and not getting along. While helping the Jedi and Queen Amidala remove the Trade Federation from their planet, Jar Jar’s actions unknowingly unites the Naboo and the Gungans. For this act he is made a general of the Gungan army.

See any character development yet? If not, let’s move on to Attack of the Clones. 😁

Sometime before Episode II takes place, Jar Jar is elected by the Naboo to represent the Gungans on the Galactic Senate, and he is henceforth known as Representative Binks! I love that!

He is deeply trusted by Padmé, so much so that she even trusts Jar Jar to represent Naboo in the Senate while she secretly returns to Naboo with Anakin to escape the assassination attempts on her life. It is while Padmé goes on her adventure with Anakin that the Republic’s Clone Army is discovered and needed to aid the Jedi, who are dangerously outnumbered on Geonosis. It is therefore up to Jar Jar to urge the Senate to grant the Chancellor emergency powers, so that the clone army may be used to fight against the separatist threat on Geonosis. This is when he gives his Senate Speech.

Emergency powers are granted to the Chancellor, and the Clone Wars begin. Unfortunately, these powers furthered Palpatine’s power over the Republic and contributed to the smooth transfer from the Republic into the Empire when the time came, yet I don’t blame Jar Jar. His actions were true-hearted and were not meant for evil. In fact if Jar Jar had not done this than Obi-Wan, Anakin, Padmé, and the rest of the Jedi on Geonosis that day may have died.

It is also interesting to note that during his speech it is a lot easier to understand him than it was when we had first met him. Character development indeed…

During the Clone Wars he does not do anything “monumental,” but he does have a great influence on all who he touches, literally. One of my favorite episodes with him is actually a two-parter in season six. He is paired up with Mace Windu in these episodes, in which he has to save the Queen of Bardotta, Julia, who is actually in love with Jar Jar! It is super adorable, and it makes my heart smile so hard! 😄

Once again in these episodes, Jar Jar’s kind actions unknowingly unite two people groups that had been at odds with each other, in this case, the Bardotta and the Jedi.

This concludes Jar Jar’s character arc. I said earlier that I believe that Jar Jar Binks has a better character arc than Rey in the sequel trilogy, and no, this is not being harsh. It simply is true.

Let’s look at Rey for a moment, and ask yourself: what do we know about Rey from the beginning of The Force Awakens to the end of The Rise of Skywalker? Nearly nothing with the exception of her parentage, she is the daughter of Emperor Palpatine (I have serious objections to this by the way *tries to contain anger*). I really do hate to say it, but Rey is a very flat character, and by flat I mean that she has close to no character arc or development. Yes, she has a lot of emotions (What is with the screaming while she fights that never seems to go away? You would think that the more she trained the more composed she would become, but we don’t see that. In fact it seems she just becomes more and more angrier and uncontrolled as the trilogy goes on), but that does not make a character who he or she is. Do you follow me?

Alright, now let’s go back to Jar Jar Binks. In the beginning of the Phantom Menace he is a clumsy outcast with no sense of direction. At the end of the Phantom Menace he is a General, leading an army to victory, and unites two stubborn people groups through his humble actions. In Attack of the Clones, he is a representative that is trusted by one of the most well-regarded senators in the Republic, Padmé Amidala, and he gives his senate speech in front of the entirety of the Galactic Senate, and through his seemingly “annoying” actions he begins one of the most monumental wars in the galaxy’s history all while saving Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Padmé on Geonosis. At the end of Revenge of the Sith we see him, a respected Senator, in the front rows of people, solemnly walking in the funeral procession of Padmé Amidala. This swamp-rat, outcast, annoying Gungan certainly has come far, hasn’t he?

But, he is still Jar Jar Binks, and no one can ever change that. He still walks like a dude bro, talks in his slang, and drops plates every now and then, but his heart is humble, kind, and loyal, always loyal, to Padmé, Anakin, and Obi-Wan to the very end.

This is what makes his fate the final grace note to his character arc. Him performing in the streets of Theed as a clown for the littlest of children is Jar Jar, humble, good-natured, always happy to see you, Jar Jar, but he is also always ready to do his job, and do it to the best of his abilities.

He really is quite the character…literally…😉

Conclusion:

This concludes my defense…I mean character spotlight post on Jar Jar Binks, who in my opinion has one of the best character arcs in Star Wars. I hope that after reading my post you will not just see him as a bumbling Gungan, which he is and always will be, this is apart of his character too, but a Gungan that is always ready to complete his task, bring people together, and best of all, bring a smile to the faces of those around him with his good-natured attitude.

Oh, and I could literally listen to him say “Obi!” all day! Seriously, if you haven’t seen Attack of the Clones go and watch it right now. I always enjoy it!

Well, that is all for now, friends! I hope that you enjoyed this post, and I apologize once again for not posting in some time. I promise that I will not keep you waiting too long for my next post! 😁

Until next time,

Time Lady of Coruscant 😉

Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

Hello Friends! This will be my first post on the Star Wars saga, and I am super excited, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, Queen Amidala, Little Anakin and una of mesa favorite character Jar Jar Binks; me will explainen myself more late (yes that was in Gungan 😉). Things couldn’t be better!

However, the amazing storylines and rich character arcs in the prequel era can sometimes can be shrouded by politics, politics, and more politics, and an occasional segment of unrealistic dialogue (I’m looking at you Anakin), but what can I say? I love them all the same! My aim is to unveil the treasure that is the prequel trilogy before jumping to the historic landmark that is the original trilogy.

However, before we jump right in, I must give my disclaimer that this post will contain spoilers for Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, so if you want general review information, kid caution, foul language count, and my rating, just skip down to the end.

Therefore, without further ado, let’s get right into it! Allons-y!

Long ago, in a galaxy far far away, there were, politics, tax regulations, and senators. The Phantom Menace begins in the era long before the First Order and the Empire but in the days of the Galactic Republic.

The movie centers around the small planet of Naboo where the evil Trade Federation has cut off all supplies to the planet with a blockade. Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi are sent there by the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic to negotiate terms. Nevertheless, things do not go as planned, and they both end up on the planet in the middle of the Federation’s invasion.

This is when they meet Jar Jar Binks: a young Gungan, who helps them both sneak into Naboo’s capital city, Theed, where Queen Amidala is now being held captive by Viceroy Gunray, head of the Trade Federation.

Jar Jar was actually banished from his home, Otoh Gunga, for being…well…clumsy. In actuality he is considered one of the most annoying characters in Star Wars, and yet Jar Jar is one of my favorite characters in the prequel era, but I will have to save the explanation for a later post, perhaps a character spotlight… 😁

Ahem…as I was saying. The Jedi sneak into the Theed Royal Palace, rescue the Queen, and attempt to safely transport her to the Republic’s headquarters, the planet city of Coruscant. However, when trying to pass the federation’s blockade, their ship is damaged, and they are forced to land on a planet in the outer rim, the planet of Tatooine.

It is on this planet that about half of the movie takes place, and it is where we meet the main protagonist and future antagonist of the prequel and original Star Wars trilogy, Anakin Skywalker. Surprisingly, both Anakin and his mother, Shmi Skywalker, are slaves to the junk dealer Watto. It is to this very trader that Qui-Gon, Jar Jar, and Queen Amidala’s handmaid, Padmé, go to find the part they need to fix their ship.

Anakin (he is a little boy right now) works in Watto’s shop and meets Qui-Gon; thus, Anakin’s path with the Jedi begins…

At Watto’s shop is also where Anakin first meets Padmé, to whom he asks if she is an angel, like the ones he’s has heard about in stories. This sets up some things for their relationship in Attack of the Clones, but that is getting ahead…

Immediately following this, Jar Jar gets into a scuffle with a creature called, Sebulba. It is now that we learn of Anakin’s pod racing skills.

“Careful, Sebulba…he’s [Jar Jar] a big time outlander. I’d hate to see you diced before we race again.”

“Next time we race, boy, it will be the end of you.”

Anakin Skywalker and Sebulba – Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

Pod racing is a dangerous sport that no human can participate because of its lethality, yet somehow Anakin is able to race a pod and is an excellent racer…

*strokes chin suspiciously*

As a sandstorm rolls into Mos Eisley, Qui-Gon and the others begin to head for the ship, but Anakin claims that they will never make it there before the storm; thus, he offers them shelter for the night. This is when we meet Anakin’s mother, Shmi, whom welcomes them into her home graciously.

Over dinner, the five of them devise a plan to win the money needed to buy the parts needed to fix their ship. This is when Qui-Gon first learns of Anakin’s pod racing skills, which piques his interest tremendously.

They all agree to the plan to enter Anakin into the pod race and use the prize money to buy the parts they need to fix their ship. By the end of this scene, we can sense that Qui-Gon senses something about Anakin.

The next day Qui-Gon proposes his plan to Watto in the form of a risky deal, but Watto agrees and the deal is made: Anakin will race.

Anakin begins to prepare his pod racer, and this is when we get one of the most important scenes in the movie. I can’t even begin to summarize it so here is the dialogue between Shmi and Qui-Gon below, but let me just say how much they look good together…😄

Anyway, sorry, friends…back to the task at hand:

“You should very proud of your son. He gives without any thought of reward.”

“Well, he knows nothing of greed. He has a…”

“He has special powers.”

“Yes”

“He can see things before they happen. That’s why he appears to have such quick reflexes…It’s a Jedi trait.”

“He deserves better than a slave’s life.”

“Why, certainly…Had he been born in the Republic, we would have identified him early. The Force is strong with him that much is clear. Who was his father?”

“There was no father…I carried him. I gave birth. I raised him. I can’t explain what happened…Can you help him?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t actually come here to free slaves…”

Qui-Gon Jinn and Shmi Skywalker – Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

Ahem…I’m sorry…what? 😳

Now, those of you who are hearing Christmas bells ringing in their ears please silence them, for as far as I can tell, this is not an allegory for Jesus.

Yes, I know that this is a virgin (Force) birth, but Anakin is in no way Jesus or ever comes close to being Jesus. Yes, he brings balance to the Force as the Chosen One, but that does not make him anymore than a regular human being, and because of his humanity and his calling of “The Chosen One”, it makes his fall (spoilers…) all the more tragic, which I think is something that the Prequel trilogy portrays masterfully.

However, that is just a touch on a much larger subject that I can not fully discuss until The Revenge of the Sith, which is personally my second-favorite (Empire Strikes Back is still number 1) Star Wars movie and is, in fact, the only Star Wars film that I have cried for. Why? Well, that is getting way too far ahead, back to Episode 1.

That night Qui-Gon takes a blood sample from Anakin and sends it to Obi-Wan for analysis and finds his “midi-chlorian” count to be extremely high.

“I need a midi-chlorian count.”

“The reading is off the chart…over 20,000.”

“Even Master Yoda doesn’t have a midi-chlorian count that high. No Jedi has”

“What does that mean?”

“I not sure…”

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn – Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

A midi-chlorian count higher than Master Yoda the Jedi Grandmaster…Yikes! What are midi-chlorians you ask? Well, don’t worry that will be explained later.

Of course, we now get another glance of the phantom or Sith apprentice, Darth Maul, who did appear earlier in the movie, but this is when he first arrives on Tatooine in pursuit of the Jedi. What we don’t know at this time that he is the apprentice to the Sith Lord, Darth Sidious, who stays hidden to the Jedi until the end of The Attack of the Clones.

After hearing of Anakin’s parentage and seeing his midi-chlorian count, right before the pod race starts the following day Qui-Gon proposes to Watto that if Anakin wins the race then both him and his mother can be set free. They play a quick game of chance, and it is decided that Anakin will be released if he wins but not Shmi (poor Qui-Gon 😉).

Anakin prepares his pod, and I can not begin to say how much I love his bravery. It is clear that he can see into the future, but he is nine years old, and yet his bravery is phenomenal. I love this kid!

Any who…to make a long scene short, Anakin wins the pod race, and Watto reluctantly gives them their parts and Anakin his freedom.

Qui-Gon tells Shmi of her son’s freedom to Anakin’s great delight. He comforts her that Anakin will be very well taken care of with the Jedi.

Nonetheless, when the realization hits Anakin that he will be separated from Shmi for who knows how long, they share in a sorrowful goodbye. However, when his bags are packed and he turns for one last tearful farewell, she almost commands him not to come back to Tatooine.

“Will I ever see you again?”

“What does your heart tell you?”

“I hope so…yes…I guess.”

“Then we will see each other again.”

“I will come back and free you, Mom. I promise.”

“Now be brave…and don’t look back. Don’t look back…

Anakin and Shmi Skywalker – Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

Once again we are shown the humanity and emotion in Anakin. One of the key components that intrigues me about him, is his struggle between the Force, himself as the Chosen one, and himself, his humanity and emotions, which defines him as a human being. However, once again, I cannot fully divulge this topic until Episode III.

As Qui-Gon and Anakin head back to the, now repaired, ship, Darth Maul attacks and a short epic lightsaber battle between him and Qui-Gon ensues. Even so, they managed to escape off world, and after a sweet scene between Padmé and Anakin, they safely arrive on Coruscant.

Waiting for them, is Senator Palpatine…hmm…most interesting and strangely familiar name…sounds like Emperor Palpatine from the original trilogy (hint hint 😊).

*Suspiciously glances at George Lucas*

Well, this is when matters become very political, and to be honest, even coming from a die hard prequel fan, it is a bit much. Basically, to sum it up, Senator Palps (yes, that is my nickname for him) doesn’t think that the senate will do anything about the invasion, but instead he proposes that they elect a new Supreme Chancellor.

Meanwhile, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan inform the Jedi High Council about their encounter with Darth Maul and with Anakin. After a bit of negotiation, Qui-Gon is requested to bring Anakin to the council to be tested. Here we are also shown Qui-Gon’s faith in the Force.

Then we get more politics, which are simply to show us that a new Chancellor is to be elected, and conveniently Palps is nominated to succeed as Chancellor.

In the meantime, Anakin is taken to the Jedi Council to be tested and is seen to be strong in the Force; however, his emotions for his mother show through to the haughty suspicion of the council.

“Afraid to lose her [Shmi], I think, hmm?”

“What does that got to do with anything?”

“Everything…fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering…I sense much fear in you.”

Jedi Grandmaster Yoda and Anakin Skywalker – Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

Wise words, Master Yoda…I will visit this again in Episode III when these words come into fruition.

It is now that the Queen Amidala decides, to the great protestation of Palps, to return to her people where she feels her place is.

However, the movie once again cuts back to the Jedi council where they have decided not to train Anakin, to now the great protestation of Qui-Gon.

However, when Qui-Gon claims that Obi-Wan is ready to become a Knight and that he will take on Anakin as his new apprentice, Master Windu, the most annoying Jedi in history, states that this is not the time, for they are once again needed by Queen Amidala as she returns to Naboo. The Jedi hope that Darth Maul will show his horns once again, and the mystery of the Sith will be revealed.

I have much to say on the Jedi Council, but we only get a glimpse into it in Episode I, so I will have to save my attacks for a different post.

As they prepare to leave, we see Obi-Wan side with the council and disagree heartily with his Master about the training of Anakin. I love Obi-Wan to pieces, but sometime he seriously needs to consider ditching the council. Qui-Gon reprimands him, but then turns to Anakin, who insists to “Qui-Gon, sir” that he does not want to be a problem. Qui-Gon assures him that he is no problem, and then proceeds to answer Anakin’s question about the midi-chlorians.

“Midi-chlorians are microscopic life form that resides within all living cells.”

“They live inside me?”

“Inside your cells, yes…without the midi-chlorians, life could not exist, and we would have no knowledge of the Force. They continually speak to us, telling us the will of the Force.”

Qui-Gon Jinn and Anakin Skywalker – Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace

Oh, and let me say how much I love when Qui-Gon is in “dad mode” with Anakin. Excellent, such a soft boy! 😉

I digress, back to episode one. They all set off back to Naboo while on the planet Gunray assures Darth Sidious that the planet is completely under their control. Sidious is pleased, and states that as he controls the senate, his apprentice Darth Maul will join them on Naboo.

Now on Naboo, Queen Amidala decides to try and employ the help of the Gungans and sends Jar Jar to go and find them. Obi-Wan reports this to Qui-Gon and apologizes for his behavior (such a good boy! 😁). Qui-Gon assures him that all is forgiven, and that he foresees that Obi-Wan will become a great Jedi Knight.

It is now that we get some more Jar Jar Binks character development. He leads them all to where the Gungans are hiding in the “sacred place.” Here they find Boss Nass, and with a little negotiation from Queen Padmé Amidala (Yes, Padmé the handmaid was the queen all along…surprise!), they agree, and an alliance is formed between the Naboo and the Gungans.

Because he helped unite the Gungans and the Naboo, Jar Jar is made a general to led the Gungan army to victory against the Trade Federation.

Padmé, Captain Panaka, and the Jedi lead an assault on the palace and successful infiltrate while Jar Jar and the Gungans make a distraction in the Naboo plains to lead the droid army out of the main city.

After freeing the pilots, whose goal is to destroy the main droid control ship in the blockade, they are met by Darth Maul, and Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon jump into action into what I think is one of the best lightsaber battles in Star Wars.

As Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon engage with Maul, Anakin and R2-D2 decided to activate a star fighter and help with the destruction of the droid control ship while Padmé and her forces successful capture the Viceroy with a cunning plan.

The Gungans are still holding off the droids, and I am purposefully not talking too much about Jar Jar because I will be writing a character spotlight on him very soon, thus, I want to save all content on him till that post.

In space, Anakin manages to learn how to pilot a starfighter with great accuracy with help from R2 and blows up the droid ship, deactivating all the battle droids on Naboo.

Here we cut back to Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon’s duel, and I am sorry to say it, but Qui-Gon does not survive this fight. Maul cleverly parries an attack and runs him through with his lightsaber, much to the horror of poor Obi-Wan, who avenges his master with a vengeance.

In the end, Obi-Wan prevails and slices Maul in half, who then proceeds to fall down a trash shaft, and should have stayed dead! How?! In any case, please watch this scene if you haven’t already because it will keep you on the edge of your seat.

As Qui-Gon dies in Obi-Wan’s arms, he makes him promise that he will train Anakin “the chosen one.” Obi-Wan is grief stricken, and he takes Anakin as his padawan despite the skepticism of the council, mainly Yoda and Master Windu.

As the film closes, we see the new Chancellor Palps return to Naboo and take interest in young Anakin, the council strokes their chins at the prospect that the Sith may have returned, and the whole city of Theed is in celebration at their liberation from the Trade Federation. Happy ever after…for now…😉

*Star Wars credits music playing*

Phew…that was a long movie!

Conclusion:

The Phantom Menace is really a set up for the next two films. We are introduced to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Padmé Amidala, and Yoda, who are all the main characters of the next two films. We are also introduced to some new planets, such as Coruscant and Naboo, as well as, new enemies, such as Darth Maul and the Trade Federation.

However, we also are shown a glimpse of Anakin’s humanity and emotion for those who he cares about, which greatly progresses as the films continue. As Darth Vader in the original trilogy, we really do not see Anakin at all but simply a sinister, evil overlord, who just happens to be related to the main character (Luke Skywalker).

An another aspect about this movie that I love is how both Anakin and Padmé in this film are children, and yet, the things they accomplish are extraordinary. At this point, Anakin is nine years old and Padmé is fourteen years old and is the Queen of Naboo. Never underestimate the youth, friends!

One last point, I love how Qui-Gon is such a father figure in this movie and his immense faith in the Force. Throughout the duration of the film, he never wavers in his dedication to the task at hand and always trusts that the Force will guide even when people oppose him on all sides, even his own Padawan. It is because of him that Anakin was found on Tatooine and that he was trained. I think a lot can be learned from Qui-Gon and his dedication against all odds.

Thus, friends, after reading this post, I hope that the next time you watch the Phantom Menace you will view it in a new light. Not as a movie that is overly political or slow-paced and boring, but as the perfect setup and opening to a whole new era of Star Wars: the prequel era. Here’s my rating of this movie:

6.5 out of 10.0

Kid Caution: Medium/10+ Parental Guidance for Darth Maul’s face

Foul Language: None

Well, that is all of now, friends. I hope that you enjoyed reading this post and will now go and watch Episode 1 with new eyes. Please stay tuned, for I will be posting on Episode 2, the Attack of the Clones sometime in the near future.

Until next time,

Time Lady of Coruscant 😉