Poe Dameron
Warning: This will contain spoilers for The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. Though you probably already got that from the title, doesn't hurt to add the warning in.
Side Note: This will contain a lot of pictures (I am using it as an excuse to save as many Poe Dameron pictures onto my laptop as possible).
It's the two Star Wars Day's and my nerd heart is excited to write this post. This was one of my first ideas, after numerous conversations with friends and family over this character, I am so happy to finally write it.
Why Poe Dameron?
Aside from the fact I adore the character, Poe's (Oscar Isaac) arc is quite complex. In The Force Awakes (J.J Abrams, 2015), Poe is seen as a dynamic character. Whilst this is true in The Last Jedi (Rian Johnson, 2017), the presentation is completely different, and it really infuriates me more than it should.
I will admit, I find Poe good-looking. The above picture is what made me fall for Poe, although that's more how perfect they got the lighting in that scene. I digress, but it is his arc that makes me like Poe's character.
Ironically enough, when I first saw Poe's character on magazines, I was hesitant. I remember being adamant I wanted the cover that had Han or Leia on, with my loyalty to the original characters. However, I did want the Empire magazine, so I bought the Poe one (which sadly, I can't find any more). But this is the cover:
Did I know when I picked up this cover that I'd adore this character? Absolutely not. Am I glad I picked this cover? Absolutely.
Anyway, I'm rambling, onto my character analysis of Poe.
Poe in The Force Awakens
Poe is one of the first characters we meet in The Force Awakens and I don't think that it is by accident. Poe is supposed to be a significant character and he is clearly important, otherwise why would he be the one to retrieve a map to Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill)?
Whether it is to throw the spectators straight into the action, introduce BB-8, or to introduce one of the three main characters of the new trilogy, I don't mind. It really shows Poe's character.
Moving on from the inside of the hut, to the outside where they greet the company, it's clear Poe knows how to fight. Not only that, he knows how to think on his feet. After the storm troopers [conveniently] hit Poe's X Wing, Poe's quick actions lead to him being captured.
First and foremost, his self sacrifice to his mission such a great deal of strength. This, which I will go into later in my comparison of TFA and TLJ, is sacrificed in TLJ. Poe could have just fled with BB-8. Instead he stayed and fought, like a Commander should. At least, this is what we believe a Commander should do in this instance, especially since he is the only Resistance member we have seen so far.
This is just prior to Poe's capture by The First Order. In this moment, he could have shot Finn (John Boyega). In fact, I reckon Resistance training would have had him conditioned to fire. It's little nuances like these that Poe does, that show the more human side of Resistance members, something, I feel is a little lost in The Last Jedi.
Another of Poe's nuances, which I think Oscar gets right with Poe's character, is his facial expressions. Even in a scene which is serious and we know a possible outcome of before it happens, the disgust is written over Poe's face. There isn't an exaggeration in emotions, it's exactly how you would react to The First Order.
I have to admit, this is one of my favourite character interactions. I think the dialogue here adds humour to the scene.
Poe: ...Do I talk first or you talk first? I talk first?
And another Poe line from this scene:
Poe: It's kind of hard to understand with all that.
I think this is a good storytelling technique because it gives much more depth to the character. Furthermore, it already makes us hate Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), as the antagonist.
And we're only in the first ten minutes of the film!
This sequence as a whole is a testament to not only Poe's strength, but Oscar Isaac's ability as an actor. Seeing the latter part of this scene in the trailer made me go, "damn." Back then, I wanted to know who this character was and what information he had.
When I first saw it on screen, before I had such an attachment to this character, I was in awe. Not just of Poe's resilience and resolve for not breaking until Kylo forces (pun intended) the information out of him.
However, it's Kylo stating Poe's honour in this scene that is significant.
Kylo: I didn't know we had the best pilot in the Resistance on board. Comfortable?
Poe: Not really.
As a spectator, we already know Poe is a pilot, but it enforces his importance as a character. Furthermore, it explains (without using exposition) why Poe was sent to get the map to Skywalker.
This stating of Poe's rank represents a hierarchy within The Resistance, which is almost mirrored within the First Order as both films goes on.
What I mean by this, is Kylo and Rey (Daisy Ridley), are both the lost children who placed their trust in Luke. Poe is the good side of General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson), as the people under their command usually follow their orders without question. Much like General Organa (Carrie Fisher) is the good side of Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis).
I am in no means correct, however, I believe I need to do more research into that theory. It's just an observation I made whilst watching both films, and analysing Poe's character in detail for this scene.
This sequence! I think it's brilliant because it's Poe interacting with someone who wants to be good. It also shows Poe's confidence in his flying ability, despite the fact it's later revealed he has never flown a TIE fighter before.
Finn: Can you fly a TIE fighter?
Poe: I can fly anything.
The way Isaac gives Poe a natural progression of emotions in this scene, make him feel so much more real (even though he is in a galaxy far far away). The confusion from,
Poe: Wha- why? Why are you helping me?
Finn: Because it's the right thing to do.
to the realisation that Finn needs a pilot, all within the space of a few seconds, with just the widening of the eyes and the lip bite is so natural and fluid.
Poe: You need a pilot.
Finn: I need a pilot.
Poe: You've got yourself a pilot.
It's almost foreshadowing, as Finn rescues Poe and later on in the film, Poe saves Finn. I think it's a sweet moment, that solidifies a friendship. All before they know each other's names. All before they've even got an escape plan.
I think this scene is testament to Poe's training within the Resistance, and probably the complete obliviousness of the other storm troopers. However, just the stoic expression on his face and the calm manner he holds, even though he knows Finn won't use the blaster on him, is probably (though we don't really know about the training for the Resistance) a reaction he was taught, and perfected.
Also, I'd like to admire how much trust Poe places in Finn in this scene. We presume they have a plan, but even so, if any of the other members of The First Order had realised what they were doing, would Finn have given Poe to them? Or would he have still followed through with it? It shows Poe has placed a great deal of trust in a storm trooper that wants to be good, and be free of the First Order.
The TIE Fighter sequence... I'm not sure where to begin. There's so much I can talk about, and it really solidifies Poe as a character we are supposed to love.
Firstly, the way Poe keeps calm even when things go wrong, once again shows testament to his training.
Poe: I can fix that.
Which he does after coaching Finn through the principles of shooting. His knowledge as well of the TIE fighter, shows Poe has worked with the Resistance for a long time, once again, re-enforcing the significance of his character and the statement of best pilot in the Resistance.
Poe: I've always wanted to fly one of these things. Can you shoot?
Finn: Blasters only.
Poe: Okay, same principle. Use the toggle on the left to switch between missiles, cannons, and mag pulse. Use the sight on the right to aim, triggers to fire.
Finn: This is very complicated.
Secondly, Poe's ability to think quickly is clear here. As soon as they are out of the hanger, his attention turns straight to the blaster cannons.
It isn't just with their plan to escape that he thinks quick on his feet with. It's also naming Finn, which I think is another milestone in their friendship. Names have power and Poe essentially showed he's in charge, but open to change if Finn so desired with his name.
Poe: What's your name?
Finn: FN-2187.
Poe: FN-What?
Finn: That's the only name they ever gave me.
Poe: Well I'm not using it. FN...huh...I'm going to call you Finn. How about that?
Finn: Yeah, Finn, I like it.
Poe: I'm Poe, Poe Dameron.
Finn: Good to meet you Poe.
Poe: Good to meet you too Finn.
This is a turning point because it allows them to have the natural progression into their fight before the TIE fighter is disabled. It's a nice integration of bringing two characters together, something I think The Force Awakens does incredibly well.
Furthermore, it makes the little nuances between Poe and Finn so much more important and meaningful. I'll explain more of what I mean later, but it's a nice balance to Poe's character relationships.
So far, Poe has interacted with Lor San Tekka (Max Von Sydow), BB-8, Kylo Ren and Finn. Lor San Tekka was a very professional relationship, Kylo Ren was a very antagonistic one, whereby the audience get to see the flip side. Finn and BB-8 both have Poe's loyalty, which becomes clearer later on, back on D'Qar.
We near the end of Poe's "Hero's Journey" for this film, as attention then moves onto Finn and Rey. However, my favourite part of this scene, is where Poe and Finn start to argue as siblings would. Especially, as it demonstrates Poe's loyalty [and caring nature] to BB-8.
Finn: Where are we going?
Poe: We're going back to Jakku. That's where.
Finn: No, no, no. We can't go back to Jakku. We have to get out of this system.
Poe: I gotta get my droid before the First Order does.
Finn: What, a droid?
Poe: That's right. He's a BB unit, orange and white. One of a kind.
Finn: I don't care what colour he is! No droid can be that important.
Poe: This one is, pal!
Finn: We gotta get as far away from the First Order as we can. We go back to Jakku, we die.
Poe: That droid has a map that leads straight to Luke Skywalker.
Finn: Oh, you gotta be kidding me!
As a spectator, you can really tell that they have a good relationship already.
Another thing I've noticed, and it's only going through the dialogue, Poe refers to BB-8 as a he, rather than an it. I think it's quite significant, as some droids, especially ones in Attack of the Clones (George Lucas, 2002) are only mentioned by 'it'. The use of he really personifies BB-8, and makes Poe's loyalty [to] and relationship with BB-8 much more powerful. It is as if BB-8 is a human, rather than a droid (though Poe does refer to BB-8 as a droid in The Last Jedi).
The next time we see Poe, is the battle of Takodana. Poe fires at the First Order, and Finn yells:
Finn: Yeah. Woo! That's one heck of a pilot!
I have yet to mention it, but in all the battles, Poe's callsign is "Black Leader." All these references to Poe being a brilliant pilot throughout the film add up and the actual statement of Leader in battles, suggest that Poe really does know what he is doing.
Poe followed in the footsteps of his Mother, and I think it's safe to say, he's a better pilot than her. I'm not going to go too much into detail about Poe's family history today, but if flying is something that runs in his blood, as is being on the "good side" (first with the Rebels, than the Resistance), he must also be really well respected. If you want a post on Poe that involves his background outside of the films, let me know.
I just think the choice of Leader in his name in battle is significant, and really says a lot about his character without using any screen time on exposition. I think it could be cool to have an origin story on Poe (it won't happen, but I can dream) because I feel there's still so much to explore with his character.
This sequence really shows the importance of relationships that Poe has. Whilst the squadron are his friends, Finn and BB-8 are definitely shown higher up than them. I could be wrong, but I think this moment also shows when Poe "grows up".
BB-8 greeting Poe first, shows that he is just as loyal to the pilot as the pilot is to him. Poe greets Finn and BB-8 with "buddy", which symbolises he cares deeply for both of them. I always feel Poe's relationship with BB-8 is underrated because BB-8 spends so much time away from Poe in both films. It's moments like this, that tell the story of their friendship.
Finn completed the mission, and asked for Poe's help. Whether Poe feels like he owes Finn for saving his life, or completing the mission, or just wants to help out a friend, he's willing to just jump back in and help out.
Furthermore, and this is something I feel is overlooked, Poe letting Finn keep his jacket.
Poe: That's my jacket.
Finn: Oh...
Poe: No, no, no, no. Keep it. It suits you. You're a good man Finn.
It could just be me really looking into it, but the jacket was integral to Poe's aesthetic on Jakku, and even fleeing the First Order. It's something that, looking at previous pilots within the franchise, is a common theme to their character design.
I think the removal of it, and giving it to Finn, shows Poe isn't all about the material possessions (plus it gives the wardrobe designers the opportunity to put Poe in a leather jacket in TLJ). Furthermore, it's a sign of acceptance, that Poe accepts Finn as part of the Resistance.
The jacket itself, has been a sign of the Resistance since the start of the film, which is why I think the giving it to Finn is much more significant than just keep it.
We're back to Poe and the professional relationships. He goes straight into Commander mode, when speaking to General Organa, straight into talk about Starkiller Base. Poe's ability to switch from friend to colleague in the space of one scene is impressive and it really makes me adore his professionalism.
He thinks strategically as well, something that is really compromised in TLJ. If he didn't think strategically, I don't think he would have made it as a Commander, especially one so respected by everyone in the Resistance.
In the preparations for battle, Poe taps Finn's shoulder as he passes to his X-Wing.
I opted not to talk about the importance of the hug earlier, because I really wanted to talk about it here. Poe definitely acts like an older brother to Finn in this film, especially once he is at the Resistance. But it's this moment that it really stands out. It's only a couple of seconds on screen, but from the eye contact, to the pat on the shoulder, it's really comforting.
It shows Poe as caring, even in the rush for battle. Furthermore, it's another nuance within their relationship. It's so simple, but so powerful to show the develop of their relationship, without needing to devote more of the narrative to it.
The is the final battle we see Poe in TFA: the battle at Starkiller Base. He knows what he's doing, he has a plan.
Poe: Just give it everything you've got.
And he has one of my favourite lines in the film, which he says to boost morale.
Poe: As long as there is light, we've still got a chance.
I know that it is in the context of getting through the shields to blow up, but even out of context it's a really good line. It represents a similar sort of meaning to Albus Dumbledore's line, of "happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one remembers to turn on the light." It's just a line that makes me feel happy, and probably boosted the morale of the entire squadron.
The final time we see Poe, is him retrieving the section of the map to Luke. I think it's a good end to Poe's arc in this film, especially as this is the way we are first introduced to him. His trust in BB-8's idea, and the trust of everyone else in the room in Poe and BB-8 is apparent and powerful. It again, goes back to the importance of Poe. The Resistance see him as a potential leader, which is a good segue into TLJ and why Poe's arc isn't so great in it.
Poe's Hero's Journey
But before I do that, let me quickly overview Poe's journey in this film. The majority of it takes place in the first third, when focus is on Poe. This will just be short basics, as I already went into detail earlier in this post.
- Poe's call to adventure is the mission to retrieve the map.
- BB-8 is his helper and gets away with the map.
- Poe is captured and his transformation begins.
- The information is stolen by Kylo Ren.
- Finn rescues Poe.
- Poe teaches Finn how to shoot.
- Poe is presumed dead by Finn.
- Poe rescues Finn.
- Poe gives Finn the jacket.
- Poe helps Finn get approval from General Organa to rescue Rey.
- Poe takes charge with the controls to show the Death Star and Starkiller Base.
- Black Squadron go to bomb Starkiller Base.
- They return all of them alive, and with another successful mission.
- Poe lets BB-8 join the maps.
Overall, Poe has a decent arc and journey in TFA. Which is why TLJ really annoys me with his arc.
Poe in The Last Jedi
I'm not going to lie to you, I haven't watched TLJ enough to give my full opinion, with examples, like I did with TFA. I will probably repeat myself, because like I've said enough times already, I don't like Poe's arc in this film! Furthermore, this will in no way be as eloquent or formulated. I am sure I will revisit this at a later point in time and develop what I've said now.
Poe is one of the first Resistance members we see in TLJ, much like with TFA. It makes it glaringly obvious, that Poe has a subplot and we are going to have part of the narrative focus on it. That's the thing with TLJ, the first hour is exposition!
We know Poe is a confident, well respected pilot, but this is taken a step too far in TLJ. The humour of this scene very quickly wears off, prior to this screen grab. This is what we get prior to the bombers being blown up.
BB-8: [beeping] I got a bad feeling about this.
Poe: Happy beeps here, buddy, come on. We've pulled crazier stunts than this.
Leia: Just for the record Commander Dameron, I'm with the droid on this one.
Poe: Thank you for your support, General. Happy beeps.
This is almost foreshadowing the rest of Poe's arc. Though the implication that isn't the worst stunt they've pulled allows for us as spectators to imagine what was the worst stunt they've pulled, it implies Poe is also incredibly reckless.
We know from TFA that he is respected, and a little cocky at times, especially when he was interacting with Kylo Ren, but with the direct response from Leia about agreeing with BB-8's bad feeling, it implies he's a rule breaker. But with very little time between TFA and TLJ, why would Poe suddenly do against General Leia's orders? Furthermore, the foreshadowing of Poe then disagreeing and rebelling against Vice Admiral Holdo (Laura Dern) is so apparent. It's almost like the film needed Poe to do something incredibly reckless for later on, when he then becomes leader of the Resistance. But I'll get onto that in a little bit.
Then comes the actual plan. This is the only part of this first half where Poe is seen as the "good" guy of the Resistance. It shows a sense of humour we didn't get to see in TFA, and we don't really get to see much of it after this scene.
Poe: This is Commander Poe Dameron of the Republic fleet, I have an urgent communique for General Hugs.
Hux: This is General Hux of the First Order. The Republic is no more. Your fleet are Rebel scum and war criminals. Tell your precious princess there will be no terms, there will be no surrender...
Poe: Hi, I'm holding for General Hugs.
Hux: This is Hux. You and your friends are doomed. We will wipe your filth from the galaxy.
Poe: Okay. I'll hold.
Hux: Hello?
Poe: Hello? Yup, I'm still here.
Hux: Can he hear me?
Poe: Hugs?
Hux: [First Order monitor nods at Hux] He can?
Poe: With an 'H'? Skinny guy. Kinda pasty.
Hux: I can hear you. Can you hear me?
Poe: Look, I can't hold forever. If you reach him, tell him Leia has an urgent message for him...
Captain Peavey: I believe he's tooling with you, sir.
Poe: ...About his mother.
This whole sequence loses its humour as it goes on, before throwing us straight into battle. Poe can be perceived as a douchey character in this sequence. As I like to call it, Poe gets main character syndrome, by which he does things without thinking about the consequences.
Then there is this line, which infuriates me because it goes against everything self-sacrificing Poe did in TFA, and goes against everything his character stands for.
Poe: What are you doing? You are the only one left.
That is not the caring Poe we came to love in TFA. That is not how a well-respected Commander would act, especially when these members are his friends! Though this is the build up to, Poe has a big lesson to learn, so that when he becomes leader, he will be wise and kind, I hate it. I really hate it. It's such a Hero's journey trope that it's almost overdone.
It has been created at the expense of his character, to even make him out to be a Hero. Which, sorry Poe, in TLJ, you really aren't.
I must admit, even though I love Poe, I did enjoy seeing him get slapped. I have a thing where the more I like a character, the more I want them to suffer. Poe is no different, and actually, I think the slap works. It's a big hit to Poe's ego, and even though he doesn't really have a superiority complex, it definitely affects him.
Leia: You're demoted.
This was definitely a big hit to Poe's character. Even when he first meets Vice Admiral Holdo, he greets her with Commander. That title is part of his character, which we discover in TFA with the constant references to him being the best pilot in the Resistance. I do quite enjoy this blow, as I feel it really gives Poe's character a chance to develop.
This is a constant argument I have with myself. Had they not changed Poe's character, we wouldn't have had such a good development with his character. However, he could have learnt the lessons without the compromise to his character, especially one so big as making him come off a bit of a douche.
I did enjoy, that his next interaction with Leia was to ask if he could do the exact thing she had just demoted him for.
Poe: Permission to jump in a ship and blow things up?
Leia: Permission granted.
This seems to be Poe's last good interaction with Leia until they are on Crait. I think this is intentional, because of the conflict he has with Vice Admiral Holdo, especially since he holds Leia in such high regard. Also, he and Leia have good communication, something I will get onto when I discuss Poe and Admiral Holdo.
Poe runs straight towards the action, whilst other characters run away. That shows that he is ready to fight and protect the people he loves. Even when he has just seen Finn and had a very brotherly moment, of lets make sure you're okay, he is still ready to fight.
This is something that infuriates me with TLJ. For half of the film, Poe is unable to fulfil his character motivations and fight, because he's been put on "ship arrest." Any leader needs to be able to fulfil their motivations, so they don't rebel, or have an unnecessary conflict with a similar character type to themselves.
Poe is also one of the first Resistance members around when Leia is bought back into the "safety" of the ship. It does show the amount of respect Poe has for Leia, which has been clear right from the start of TFA. Which is why it is amusing when Leia stuns him later in the film. But, this loyalty he has to Leia, even after she has demoted him, is part of his charm and caring nature.
A lot of Poe's facial expressions in this film are the one from above. However, it is important to note than when he is talking to Leia, Finn, Rose (Kelly Marie Tran) and BB-8, this is not the facial expression. I'll start with his trust [in] and loyalty to Finn, before I explain why his character relationship with Vice Admiral Holdo is absolute rubbish.
Despite being demoted and in a position where Poe shouldn't be allowing missions, he does so, because of his faith in his friends. Then his trust in Maz (Lupita Nyong'o) and this code breaker, it does show a great deal of strength and determination to prove himself to Vice Admiral Holdo. Then, when he stands up to her for the idea his friends came up with, it really shows how fiercely loyal he is to them.
However, because of these actions, Poe comes across, for a while as an Anti-Hero. BUT, and this is the thing that makes his relationship with Holdo absolutely awful: THERE IS NO COMMUNICATION! They both want what is best for the survival of the Resistance, there is no doubt about that. Both of them lost Resistance members. But their ideas were completely different. I'm thinking of doing a Vice Admiral Holdo analysis in the future, because there is a lot I can say on her as well. But I digress.
Poe is very clearly thinking about how to limit the First Order from the inside, and disable the tracking that way. He wants to preserve the fuel before they make the jump to light speed. Holdo wants to get as many away as possible, by firing up the ships. But they don't make that clear to each other, and Leia has to stun Poe!
That isn't what Poe's character is about. He has a plan, a well thought out one. But because he has been banned from being a leader, doing what he quite clearly does best, he is forced to rebel and go further against the character set up for us in TFA. All in the space of a few hours within the canon.
And then, BAM, Poe understands everything! And is suddenly in charge again. Then everything is right with how it should be.
To be honest, I do like that when Poe greets Finn and Rose, he asks about BB-8 first, and gives him the biggest hug, giving the only smile he ever gives in this film.
Poe: Where's my droid?
It is also the only time Poe refers to BB-8 as a 'droid.' However, I think this lapse is a good reminder that Poe cares for BB-8, even when he uses the term 'droid.'
Poe then becomes major leader and this where his character develops. He goes from a strategic thinker, focused on what is in front of him, to a smart thinker. This is particularly clear when they are flying towards the First Order, and Poe tells everyone to pull back.
It is further clear that Poe has had the transitional part of the Hero's Journey, when he realises what Luke's plan is, and gathers everyone together to escape. It really shows he has grown up, but he needed the right environment to do it, because this film really hindered him for a while. I could do a whole other post on the psychology of why this was a good thing, and why it was a bad thing, but I'll save it for another time.
Poe gets a good arc towards the end, but he's sort of thrown aside and treated as an awful person, especially by fellow comrades that respected him in TFA. There are very few people that believe in Poe throughout the film, and it really shows, especially with how serious he gets when they are on Crait.
Poe Overall
Poe is becoming a complex character, one I find so much more interesting than Rey or Finn. And I think that is because of his pre-existing status and the "rough-around-the-edges," character type that I find so appealing. My favourite arc of his is definitely the one in TFA, but I must admit, I do like the last half of it in TLJ.
I'd like to do more research into Poe's background, and even psychology, just to see if I can make an even more detailed analysis, but I think I've rambled on for long enough about Poe and his character arc.
I will do a post soon on what I hope will happen with episode 9, because I think Poe's arc will develop more as a leader, especially with the transition that Leia (rest in peace Carrie) is no longer around. I have quite a few ideas on what will happen next and want to dedicate some time to it.
See you next week!
-Emmaberry-
