The Star Wars saga is filled with tales of rebellion and the battle between light and darkness. One of the most intriguing dynamics in the sequel trilogy is the contrast between Finn, played by John Boyega, and Supreme Leader Snoke, brought to life through motion capture by Andy Serkis. Their stories, though vastly different, intertwine in significant ways. Finn’s journey from a conditioned stormtrooper to a symbol of hope clashes with Snoke’s sinister pursuit of control and domination.
Finn’s Escape from the First Order
Finn was introduced as FN-2187, a stormtrooper under the First Order’s command. Raised from childhood to serve as a faceless soldier, Finn lived a life devoid of individuality. The First Order’s brainwashing tactics and brutal training created loyal followers. However, during the assault on the village of Tuanul on Jakku, the violence and destruction triggered something within Finn. The instinct to resist cruelty began to override the programming.
A pivotal moment came during the massacre. FN-2187 refused to fire on innocent villagers, breaking the First Order’s control. This act of defiance set Finn on a path toward freedom. The decision to escape with Resistance pilot Poe Dameron marked the first step in rejecting tyranny. Poe, captured by the First Order, nicknamed FN-2187 “Finn” during their escape aboard a stolen TIE fighter. From that moment, Finn began to forge his own identity.
Supreme Leader Snoke’s Reign of Tyranny
Supreme Leader Snoke, the enigmatic ruler of the First Order, embodied pure darkness. Using the remnants of the Galactic Empire, Snoke rebuilt the First Order into a military powerhouse. The secretive leader manipulated Kylo Ren, seduced him to the dark side, and weaponized his pain and anger. Snoke’s mastery of the Force allowed him to dominate his followers, ensuring absolute loyalty through fear.
The origins of Snoke remain mysterious. His immense power in the Force, combined with his strategic genius, made him a formidable foe. Snoke sought to crush the Resistance and establish totalitarian rule over the galaxy. Every move was calculated, every command given with the intention of spreading fear and chaos. Snoke also displayed an obsession with crushing the legacy of the Jedi, seeing Luke Skywalker as a direct threat to his plans.
Finn and Snoke: The Unseen Collision
Finn and Supreme Leader Snoke never directly crossed paths in the films, but their actions impacted one another. Finn’s rebellion and eventual role in the Resistance directly undermined Snoke’s vision of domination. As a former stormtrooper, Finn represented the cracks in the First Order’s control. The defection sent a ripple effect through the ranks, planting seeds of doubt among other soldiers.
Snoke’s plans relied heavily on unwavering loyalty within the First Order. Finn’s defiance symbolized a challenge to this loyalty. The Resistance’s survival depended on individuals like Finn—those brave enough to fight back. While Finn’s struggle was personal, it had galaxy-wide implications.
During the events of The Force Awakens, Finn played a vital role in the destruction of Starkiller Base, the First Order’s most powerful weapon. Starkiller Base, Snoke’s ultimate tool of terror, was meant to crush all hope. Finn’s knowledge of the base’s layout allowed the Resistance to infiltrate and destroy it. This victory dealt a massive blow to Snoke’s plans and forced the First Order to regroup.
Snoke’s Manipulation of Kylo Ren
Supreme Leader Snoke remained fixated on Kylo Ren as his key to dominance. The former Ben Solo, tormented by his inner conflict, became Snoke’s apprentice. Snoke exploited Kylo’s vulnerabilities, using them to tighten his grip on the First Order.
In The Last Jedi, Snoke orchestrated a trap for the Resistance fleet. Snoke’s throne room became the setting for one of the most intense moments in the saga. Snoke demonstrated his immense Force abilities, tormenting Rey and forcing Kylo to confront his loyalty. However, Snoke’s overconfidence led to his downfall. Kylo Ren, tired of Snoke’s control, seized an opportunity to strike. Using the Force, Kylo turned Snoke’s own lightsaber against him, cutting the Supreme Leader in half.
Though Finn was not present during this confrontation, Snoke’s death had a profound effect on the galaxy. Kylo Ren assumed control of the First Order, intensifying the conflict with the Resistance. Finn’s continued efforts to dismantle the First Order gained even greater urgency.
Finn’s Role in the Battle of Crait
Finn’s bravery shone during the Resistance’s stand on Crait in The Last Jedi. Piloting a ski speeder, Finn attempted to sacrifice himself by flying directly into the First Order’s battering ram cannon. This act of selflessness was a culmination of Finn’s transformation. Once a stormtrooper who fled from battle, Finn became someone willing to die for the Resistance.
Although Finn’s charge was stopped by Rose Tico, the moment demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the cause. Finn understood the stakes and recognized that the Resistance represented hope for the galaxy.
Legacy
Finn and Supreme Leader Snoke represent two sides of a larger struggle. Finn’s journey symbolizes the triumph of free will over oppression. Supreme Leader Snoke’s reign represents the dangers of unchecked power and fear. Their stories, though never directly intertwined, showcase the broader themes of resistance and tyranny in Star Wars.
Finn’s legacy as a stormtrooper-turned-hero inspired others to join the fight against the First Order. Snoke’s downfall paved the way for a new era of conflict and eventual redemption. Finn’s actions, alongside the Resistance, continue to ripple throughout the galaxy as a beacon of hope.
Snoke’s death left lingering questions about his origins and his role in the return of Emperor Palpatine. Despite his demise, the shadow of his tyranny influenced the final battle for the galaxy. The clash between Finn and Supreme Leader Snoke remains a key narrative in the sequel trilogy, highlighting the power of choice in the face of darkness.
