A Padawan’s Analysis: Star Wars Through the Eyes of the Next Generation

Original Publication Date: November 25, 2012
Updated for Modern Context: February 3, 2026

Introduction: The “Machete Order” Experiment

In 2012, we conducted a unique experiment: introducing two young children (Kid A, age 7, and Creep, age 4) to the Star Wars saga using the “Machete Order.” This viewing sequence (IV, V, II, III, VI) was designed to preserve the saga’s biggest twists while minimizing the impact of the prequels. Today, as those “Padawans” have grown into adults, their initial, unfiltered reactions remain a fascinating study in how we perceive military power, heroism, and the “cool factor” of technology.

The Military Assessment: Armor vs. Helmets

One of the most striking insights from the original interview was the children’s immediate recognition of the asymmetry in equipment.

• The Stormtrooper Advantage: Kid A noted that the Stormtroopers looked like a “regular army” with “all kinds of armor.”
• The Rebel Vulnerability: In contrast, the Rebels were described as “scared old guys” with “silly helmets” that might only protect against a rock.
• Strategic Takeaway: Even a child can recognize that perceived military professionalism and superior gear create a psychological edge. The Empire’s strength wasn’t just in its numbers, but in its branding as an unstoppable force.

The “Cool Factor” and Heroism

The children’s view of Luke Skywalker was tied directly to his capability.

• Pre-Lightsaber Luke: “Not cool. Just like any dumb teenager.”
• Post-Lightsaber Luke: “Awesome.”
• The Obi-Wan Factor: Obi-Wan was viewed as the ultimate professional—someone who could make enemies “disappear” with a gesture.
• Modern Parallel: This mirrors how we view modern “heroes” in tech or defense. We value the “lightsaber” (the breakthrough technology) over the individual until they prove they can wield it.

The Ethics of Deception

When asked about Princess Leia lying to Grand Moff Tarkin about the location of the Rebel base, the 7-year-old’s response was pragmatically cold: “In a war I think you probably have to lie all the time.” This simple observation captures the essence of “Realpolitik”—the idea that survival often necessitates the abandonment of traditional morality.

Conclusion: The Legacy of the Padawans

Looking back, these “Padawan analyses” remind us that the core themes of Star Wars—power, fear, and the struggle for freedom—are universal and easily understood even by those with no prior knowledge of the lore. As we continue to build new “sandboxes” for geopolitics, we should remember the clarity of a child’s perspective: sometimes, the guy with the better armor and the “DVD player” (R2-D2) really does have the upper hand.

This article is a modernized rewrite of the original guest post by Jimmy Sky, preserving the unique insights of Kid A and Creep while framing them within a broader strategic context.