March of the Resistance

The Force Awakens

Our heroes have been disarmed. Maz Kanata’s castle is in ruins. The First Order has descended upon Takodana and cast a wave of destruction. Just as hope fades, John Williams’ score begins to stir once again. Looking to the horizon, Han Solo spots what we all hoped to see.

“It’s the Resistance.”

The shot of the X-Wings flying low across the water is as cool in the movie as it was in the trailers – and that’s quite the feat. I remember watching the teaser for The Force Awakens in my Sixth Form study room. Friends had gathered around to watch the two minute window into new Star Wars before our first lesson of the day, and the shot of the X-Wings flying towards an inevitable battle was the frame that inspired the most gasps.

Without context, it was just an awesome piece of Star Wars goodness. Now add the layers created in the movie. The moments marks our first glimpse of the Resistance – a new bunch of heroes to root for – piloting ships that helped take down the Empire over 30 years ago.

Leading the squad is Poe Dameron. Yes, that Poe Dameron who escaped the clutches of the First Order alongside Finn, only for their stolen Tie Fighter to be shot down. Poe was presumed to have been killed in the crash, and whether you bought that or not at the time, it built to this perfect reveal. Poe was back in action.

He soon gets a chance to prove why he’s the best pilot in the galaxy too, as he manages to successfully pick off eight Ties in quick succession – a fact that does not escape Finn’s attention, or indeed ours. “That’s one hell of a pilot!”

Style and substance, the Resistance’s arrival to the Battle of Takodana is Star Wars action at its best.