Thoughts on a legacy
Mild Star Wars Episode VIII spoilers, just a warning.
So, I finally saw Episode VIII, and something profound occurred to me. Something happened with little fanfare and few people pointing it out that speaks of a true hero of our times. The legacy of Carrie Fisher and Princess Leia.
When Carrie Fisher left us all, it left a hole in many of our hearts. With Episode VIII, however, something extraordinary happened. It started with Rogue One, and continued through this film. Leia and Carrie haven't left us afterall, and never will.
When Carrie Fisher left us, I'm sure many (myself included) expected a heroic ending for the character of Leia, a fitting send off to the character to send her off after Carrie into the sunset. Perhaps to be the one to make the heroic self-sacrifice on the cruiser while the rest escaped.
But they didn't. Leia lives on, and with her, Carrie Fisher. Leia and Carrie are so entwined into the hearts of Star Wars fans Leia cannot die, and Carrie cannot be replaced. They couldn't recast Leia with another actress with heavy makeup to 'play Carrie Fisher playing Leia'. They couldn't even recast young Leia with another actress in Rogue One. However far behind the technology is from looking 'totally convincing' Carrie Fisher and Princess Leia are one and the same. It's an immortality of a character I don't think we've ever seen before. It's inspiring, and fills me with a sense of joy and respect I can't remember feeling...
May Leia be with us. Always.
