What Happened to Jar Jar Binks After Order 66?
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The question of Jar Jar Binks’s fate after Order 66 has plagued Star Wars fans for years. While not explicitly detailed in canon material, the prevailing narrative, largely confirmed through supplemental materials and inferred from character evolution in Star Wars: Aftermath by Chuck Wendig, indicates a stark decline. Jar Jar, once a representative in the Galactic Senate, became a pariah on his homeworld of Naboo, shunned by his people for his perceived role in enabling Palpatine’s rise to power. He was relegated to a street performer, entertaining children and living in relative obscurity, a stark contrast to his earlier prominence.
The Fall From Grace: From Senator to Street Performer
Jar Jar Binks’s story took a tragic turn. His unintended, yet pivotal, role in granting Emergency Powers to then-Chancellor Palpatine paved the way for the establishment of the Galactic Empire. While Jar Jar acted with good intentions, believing he was helping to resolve the trade disputes, his naiveté had catastrophic consequences.
The Aftermath of Palpatine’s Power Grab
The Gungans and the people of Naboo, horrified by the rise of the Empire and connecting it directly to Jar Jar’s proposal, ostracized him. He became a scapegoat for Palpatine’s machinations. This ostracization effectively ended his political career and forced him into exile within his own society.
The Humblest of Exiles: Entertaining Children
Living as a pariah, Jar Jar took on the role of a clown, “the bozo,” as he was referred to in Aftermath, entertaining children in the streets of Naboo’s cities. He performed for the very individuals whose future he inadvertently jeopardized. This existence was a far cry from the political arena, a constant reminder of his mistakes and the devastating impact they had on the galaxy. This detail emphasizes the tragedy of his story, portraying him not as a villain, but as a victim of circumstance.
Understanding the Canon: Where to Find Clues
While the fate of many Star Wars characters is explicitly laid out in films and television series, Jar Jar’s is more subtly revealed.
Star Wars: Aftermath – The Definitive Source
The book Star Wars: Aftermath by Chuck Wendig provides the most direct confirmation of Jar Jar’s post-Order 66 existence. It portrays him as a sad figure, largely forgotten by the galaxy but still attempting to bring joy to children despite the weight of his past. This appearance is brief but incredibly impactful.
The Absence in Other Materials
The lack of appearances in other canon materials, such as Rebels, The Clone Wars (later seasons), or even Solo, further cements his isolation. He was effectively written out of the galactic narrative, reflecting the shame associated with his actions. The absence speaks volumes.
Why This Matters: The Significance of Jar Jar’s Story
Jar Jar Binks’s story is more than just a footnote in the Star Wars saga. It highlights important themes about the nature of politics, the consequences of unintended actions, and the possibility of redemption.
Unintended Consequences and Political Blunders
Jar Jar’s naiveté serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of political decision-making. His good intentions were not enough to prevent devastating consequences, highlighting the complexities of governance and the importance of foresight.
The Potential for Redemption (or Lack Thereof)
While Jar Jar’s story is undoubtedly tragic, it also raises questions about the possibility of redemption. Though ostracized and relegated to a life of obscurity, he still strives to bring joy to others. Whether this constitutes redemption is left for the audience to interpret, adding a layer of complexity to his character.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Did George Lucas ever comment on what happened to Jar Jar after Order 66?
While George Lucas hasn’t directly addressed Jar Jar’s fate post-Order 66 in great detail, comments made around the release of The Phantom Menace suggest Lucas always intended the character to have a more complex and arguably tragic trajectory. The details outlined in Aftermath align with this potential arc.
Q2: Was Jar Jar Binks a Sith Lord?
This is a persistent fan theory, often referred to as “Darth Jar Jar.” There is absolutely no evidence to support this theory within canon. The idea stems from the character’s clumsiness and alleged hidden abilities, but it remains purely speculative.
Q3: Could Jar Jar have been Force-sensitive?
Again, there’s no explicit evidence of this. While some fans suggest his clumsiness could be a form of Force influence guiding him, this is purely conjecture. The official canon does not portray him as Force-sensitive.
Q4: Is Jar Jar Binks responsible for the creation of the Empire?
Indirectly, yes. His proposal to grant emergency powers to Palpatine was a crucial step in Palpatine’s plan to consolidate power and transform the Republic into the Empire. However, he was manipulated and acted with good intentions.
Q5: Did any of the other Gungans support Jar Jar after his political downfall?
The extent of Gungan support for Jar Jar after his fall is unknown. Aftermath focuses on the Nabooian perspective, which was overwhelmingly negative. It’s likely that he received some support from individuals within the Gungan society, but the overall sentiment seems to have been one of disappointment.
Q6: Why didn’t the Jedi intervene to protect Jar Jar from the backlash?
The Jedi Order was itself facing its own internal struggles and, ultimately, its destruction. They were likely preoccupied with the Separatist threat and the growing influence of Palpatine. Furthermore, Jar Jar’s situation was more of a political and social issue, not a threat requiring Jedi intervention.
Q7: Did Jar Jar ever realize the role he played in Palpatine’s rise?
It is heavily implied that Jar Jar understood the consequences of his actions and carried the burden of his mistake. His demeanor in Aftermath suggests a deep sense of regret and remorse.
Q8: What did the people of Naboo think of Jar Jar after the Empire rose to power?
The people of Naboo largely held Jar Jar responsible for enabling Palpatine. They saw him as a symbol of the Republic’s failings and a contributing factor to the Empire’s rise. This sentiment contributed to his ostracization.
Q9: Is there a chance Jar Jar could appear in future Star Wars projects?
While not impossible, it’s highly unlikely. Given the character’s reception and the direction of the Star Wars narrative, bringing him back would be a significant risk. However, a cameo appearance or a brief mention in a book or comic cannot be ruled out entirely.
Q10: Was Jar Jar Binks’s role in The Phantom Menace originally intended to be different?
It is rumored that Jar Jar’s role was initially more significant, possibly even intended to be a comedic sidekick akin to C-3PO. However, the negative reception to the character led to a reduction in his role in subsequent films.
Q11: What happened to Jar Jar during the Galactic Civil War?
The Galactic Civil War took place while Jar Jar was living in self-imposed exile, performing for children on Naboo. His involvement in the conflict, if any, is unknown. He likely remained a peripheral figure, focused on his personal struggles and trying to bring joy to the children of Naboo.
Q12: Was Jar Jar aware of the Rebel Alliance?
It’s plausible that Jar Jar was aware of the Rebel Alliance’s existence, given their widespread activities and the general discontent with the Empire. However, there’s no indication that he actively supported or participated in the rebellion.
Q13: Did Jar Jar ever try to apologize for his role in Palpatine’s rise to power?
While not explicitly stated, his actions in Aftermath can be interpreted as a form of atonement. By bringing joy to children, he was attempting to repair some of the damage caused by his earlier actions.
Q14: What is the overall message of Jar Jar Binks’s story?
The overall message of Jar Jar’s story is complex and multifaceted. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of political naiveté and the unintended consequences of one’s actions. It also highlights the importance of forgiveness, redemption, and the ability to find purpose even in the face of adversity.
Q15: Is Jar Jar Binks a tragic figure?
Yes, Jar Jar Binks can certainly be viewed as a tragic figure. Despite his initial comedic portrayal, his story is one of political naiveté, social ostracization, and the burden of unintended consequences. He serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned actions can have devastating results.
In conclusion, Jar Jar Binks’s story after Order 66 is one of decline and redemption. He became a scapegoat for the Empire’s rise and lived in obscurity, entertaining children and carrying the weight of his past actions. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities of politics and the potential for unintended consequences.