# Star Wars: The Force Awakens - Seen It (Assume Spoilers Within) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 16, 2015, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645 "2015-12-16T23:16:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 52
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1021 "2015-12-30T15:59:43Z")
> [@Grsz11](#): > > Isn’t BB-8 just a droid Jar Jar? Very obviously meant for comedic effect and to sell a crapload of merchandise. BB-8 really doesn’t have a lot of screen-hogging time compared to Jar Jar, I think. He’s basically just a newer younger R2. Has some of the same baggage (entrusted with the MacGuffin, sassy) but is pretty good at just sort of blending into the background when he’s not actively doing anything. Did you notice that he’s not actually with the main heroes for the entire final act of the film? Once they linked up with Poe again, BB-8 was like “Been cool dudes, but my ride’s here!” and away he goes to take part in the big aerial battle because Bro Dameron needs his GIB. [Speaking of…](https://imgur.com/gallery/TSPsh4l) ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1022 "2015-12-30T16:58:41Z")
> [@StarvingButStrong](#): > > So what are we supposed to make of the scene where she’s doing the refurbishing? I read it as an older “auntie” figure, a fellow independent, chiding her with a bit of rough encouragement - kind of letting her know it wouldn’t sell well if she didn’t clean it up, or somesuch. It looked like they were all independents, what with the queuing and everything. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1023 "2015-12-30T17:05:34Z")
> [@Raguleader](#): > > BB-8 really doesn’t have a lot of screen-hogging time compared to Jar Jar, I think. He’s basically just a newer younger R2. Has some of the same baggage (entrusted with the MacGuffin, sassy) but is pretty good at just sort of blending into the background when he’s not actively doing anything. I’m now trying to re-imagine the original trilogy, only this time the characters decide to make R2-D2 a General in the first movie and a Senator in the second. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1024 "2015-12-30T17:28:02Z")
> [@StarvingButStrong](#): > > So what are we supposed to make of the scene where she’s doing the refurbishing? “He’s going to close before you’re done if you don’t get your ass in gear.” ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1025 "2015-12-30T17:37:11Z")
My biggest problem w/ BB8 was - how the heck was his head connected to his body? Supposed to assume some kind of forcefield/magnetism, etc.? Sure, I can accept that - just found myself wondering “How exactly does the body spin like that yet the head stays on?” Second issue - lots of people talk about BB8 and R2D2 communicating information and emotion very well. Am I the only one who considers most of it just bleeps and whistles? ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1026 "2015-12-30T17:48:36Z")
I could be satisfied with a movie that wasn’t a hit parade of everyone’s favorite star wars tropes. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1027 "2015-12-30T17:51:49Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > My biggest problem w/ BB8 was - how the heck was his head connected to his body? Supposed to assume some kind of forcefield/magnetism, etc.? Sure, I can accept that - just found myself wondering “How exactly does the body spin like that yet the head stays on?” Magnets and gyroscopes. For reals: BB8 wasn’t CGI, he was a practical effect. They really built a remote controlled robot made out of a spinning ball and a separate head. [You can buy one for yourself](http://www.apple.com/shop/product/HJ4R2VC/A/bb-8-app-enabled-droid-by-sphero?afid=p238%7CsGHBOAPKl-dt_mtid_1870765e38482_pcrid_52243347730_&cid=aos-us-kwg-pla-btb-slid-) that works just like the one in the film. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1028 "2015-12-30T17:52:58Z")
> [@Bonaventure](#): > > No, on the second viewing in the theater you need to go full George Costanza and yell out, “That’s gotta hurt!” right when the light saber goes through Han. Hilarity will ensue. Search your feelings, you know it’s true. I find your lack of restraint… disturbing. > [@Raguleader](#): > > …BB-8 was like “Been cool dudes, but my ride’s here!” and away he goes to take part in the big aerial battle because Bro Dameron needs his GIB… What’s a GIB? Couldn’t find it on Urban Dictionary. > [@Dinsdale](#): > > My biggest problem w/ BB8 was - how the heck was his head connected to his body? Supposed to assume some kind of forcefield/magnetism, etc.? Sure, I can accept that - just found myself wondering “How exactly does the body spin like that yet the head stays on?” > > Second issue - lots of people talk about BB8 and R2D2 communicating information and emotion very well. Am I the only one who considers most of it just bleeps and whistles? Some kind of magnetic link, I assume, with a gyroscope to always keep the domed “head” near or at the top. Luke could talk to Artoo and interpret his droidspeak - others obviously can, too. ---
**Author:** ![Raguleader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/258eb7/32.png) [@Raguleader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raguleader)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1029 "2015-12-30T18:08:20Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > What’s a GIB? Couldn’t find it on Urban Dictionary. Sorry, bit of technical jargon that I picked up from a retired Air Force pilot who was a high school teacher. It means “Guy In Back”. While the pilot is in charge of flying the plane, the GIB has important duties to include working the radar system, being an extra set of eyes during dogfights, and ensuring that only quality music comes on the stereo system (that last bit might not be true). ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1030 "2015-12-30T18:17:58Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > Luke could talk to Artoo and interpret his droidspeak - others obviously can, too. At that, Han Solo seemed to understand Chewbacca – even though he only ever replied in English. And he seemed to understand Greedo, but only ever replied in English. And he seemed to understand Jabba, but only ever replied in English. Han Solo is basically a typical American traveling overseas. ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1031 "2015-12-30T18:27:21Z")
> [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](#): > > Han Solo is basically a typical American traveling overseas. Um, no: a typical American wouldn’t understand any other language. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1032 "2015-12-30T18:31:45Z")
I said he always _seemed_ to understand them. All we really know is, Chewie growl-yodels something, and Han says “Boy, you said it, Chewie.” Heck, I can do that. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1033 "2015-12-30T18:36:13Z")
I just saw it again: C3P0 _does_ have his gold arm back in the final shot. He waves back to the Falcon with his golden arm. Weird. No explanation or comment in the movie about him getting it back. ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1034 "2015-12-30T19:05:01Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > I just saw it again: > > C3P0 _does_ have his gold arm back in the final shot. He waves back to the Falcon with his golden arm. > > Weird. No explanation or comment in the movie about him getting it back. I rewatched ANH last night. The red arm seems like a call back to C3PO losing his left arm in the fight against the sand people. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1035 "2015-12-30T19:19:49Z")
> [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](#): > > At that, Han Solo seemed to understand Chewbacca – even though he only ever replied in English. And he seemed to understand Greedo, but only ever replied in English. And he seemed to understand Jabba, but only ever replied in English. > > Han Solo is basically a typical American traveling overseas. Humans aren’t physically _capable_ of speaking Shyriiwook, but you’ve got a point on the other two, since humans can speak Huttese just fine. ---
**Author:** ![edwards\_beard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@edwards\_beard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwards_beard)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1036 "2015-12-30T19:28:59Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > Luke could talk to Artoo and interpret his droidspeak - others obviously can, too. I don’t remember them ever showing Luke being able to interpret what Artoo was saying. The only time he understood Artoo was when they were in the X Wing fighter, and they specifically showed the display in the ship telling Luke what Artoo was saying. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1037 "2015-12-30T19:31:25Z")
What’s the “in universe” reason for producing droids that only speak in beeps and whistles, anyway? We know droids CAN be produced with speakers that make “real” language sounds (C3PO among others) so why not that? ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1038 "2015-12-30T19:45:46Z")
> [@Jophiel](#): > > What’s the “in universe” reason for producing droids that only speak in beeps and whistles, anyway? We know droids CAN be produced with speakers that make “real” language sounds (C3PO among others) so why not that? In fact, you’ve just drawn my attention to the fact that, were it not for the audience, Threepio would of _course_ have replied in boop-beep-BOOP-whistle-beep. ---
**Author:** ![Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/intergalactic_gladiator/32/112_2.png) [@Intergalactic\_Gladiator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Intergalactic_Gladiator)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1039 "2015-12-30T19:59:18Z")
I do believe that the in-universe explanation is that the droids language is designed to communicate a lot of data very quickly. Movie-wise, in A New Hope it makes an interesting dynamic between R2-D2 and C-3PO. There doesn’t seem to be any reason why R2 couldn’t speak human language but it also seems to me that it makes a neat and definitive character trait. ---
**Author:** ![Tired\_and\_Cranky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a87d85/32.png) [@Tired\_and\_Cranky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tired_and_Cranky)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2015, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645/1040 "2015-12-30T20:30:53Z")
> [@D18](#): > > - Why did they raise Ben (at least to a certain point), but hide her away on Jakku? Because, as we can see, they did a terrible job raising Ben and didn’t want to repeat their mistakes. Ben turned to the darkside. Maybe hiding Rey, for some reason not yet explained, was intended to help prevent that. > [@D18](#): > > - Why wasn’t there a glimpse of recognition from Han when he met her? Even if he wanted to keep her parentage from her, there was nothing that implied he knew who she was (or suspected who she was) We don’t know how old Rey is, or, to put a fine point on it, we don’t know how much younger Rey is than Kylo Ren. It’s possible that the timeline was: Kylo Ren turns to the dark side, and then Han and Leia split because of the strain caused by their parenting failure. Han is traipsing across the galaxy with no contact with Leia. Only then does Leia learn that she is pregnant. She later delivers Rey and for (reasons) chooses to leave her on Jakku. Meanwhile, Han doesn’t even know she exists. This seems highly unlikely to me only because Rey remembers being abandoned. She would have recognized and acknowledged Leia if Leia were her mother. Unless Rey’s separation from Leia was during infancy. But then we would an explanation for the separation from Leia and another for the abandonment on Jakku. > [@D18](#): > > - When Han saw Leia, why didn’t he say something like “I saw our son, oh, and by the way, the daughter we stashed away on Jakku? He’s got her as well. Whew! It’s been quite the day!” Again, it’s at least possible that Han didn’t know that he had a daughter with Leia. And didn’t Han die right after seeing Kylo Ren? That kind of explains why he never said anything to Leia about seeing their son. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645.md?page=51) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/star-wars-the-force-awakens-seen-it-assume-spoilers-within/740645.md?page=53)