The Evolution of Finn

by RetroZap Staff

The Evolution of Finn takes us from Stormtrooper FN-2187 to friend of Han Solo and Resistance fighter. What is next for the galaxy’s newest “Big Deal?”

The Evolution of Finn

Individualism is a social theory favoring freedom of action for individuals over collective or state control.

By Steve Titcomb //  The First Order rose from the ashes of the Empire and with it the indoctrination of thousands of young men and women. When the remnants of the Empire moved out to the unknown regions it was the die-hard imperialist that helped rebuild. Bitter in defeat, the remaining imperials told a different story of what transpired in the Galactic Civil War. Children were told tales of great imperial leaders and how the Empire was responsible for saving the galaxy from the destruction of the Clone Wars.

Those were the stories that men and women like General Hux grew up listening to. If the newly risen First Order was willing to brainwash their own children to once again regain power over the galaxy, then their next step isn’t too hard to believe. Reminiscent of the old Jedi Order, the First Order started the process of taking children from their families at a young age and raising them in their new training and educational system preparing them for war with the New Republic and the Resistance.

The Evolution of Finn

Individuality is the quality or character of a particular person of thing that distinguishes them from others of the same kind, especially when strongly marked.

FN-2187 was not an individual; he was a cog in the machine. He was taken from a family he doesn’t remember and only given an identity through a serial number like the rest of his stormtrooper brothers and fed First Order propaganda on top of their simulated training–training that the novel Before the Awakening mentions he excels at. It is all a cover though, as he is forced to keep his true feelings buried deep, wondering if he is the only one to have doubts and feel the way he does. FN-2187 is part of a squad of four that has yet to see true combat, yet General Hux and Captain Phasma notice the potential he has–potential that could enable him to join the officer corps. His one glaring weakness that is noted is his empathy for squad mate FN-2003, who is considered the weak link of the team. Captain Phasma even calls him out on this, noting that his allegiance is first to the First Order and everything comes second after that–even if it means the death of his squad. This is the hardest thing FN-2187 has dealing with and Before the Awakening covers this crisis of conscious well–even going so far as to mention how his inaction in helping made him feel sick inside.

The attack on Jakku isn’t his first mission. Just prior to that they are sent to a mining colony where their “help” was required in settling a dispute. Settling the dispute required the stormtroopers to kill the miners, and while his squad mates had no problem doing so, FN-2187 is unable to fire his weapon. In The Force Awakens this action repeats itself. When returning to the ship Captain Phasma orders him to undergo “renewal therapy” to help him fix his problem. The problem being thinking for himself and not having unquestionable loyalty. Finn goes on to make his fateful decision that leads to the switching of balance in the galaxy. He saves Poe, receives the name of Finn and ends up meeting Rey and BB-8. It is an amazing few days that Finn has, and it has to weigh heavily on his mind. Going from the rank-and-file life of a stormtrooper and being unwilling to kill–or rather, slaughter–the innocent to blasting stormtroopers in a TIE fighter and helping a Resistance fighter escape the First Order’s clutches has to leave an impact on a person. Finn’s character is solid. He is a man that wants to help those in need, and it is a large part of why the First Order indoctrination didn’t take.

the-tragic-back-story-behind-that-stormtrooper-in-star-wars-episode-vii-the-force-awakens-776755

Finn, it appears, is quick to trust. He, BB-8 and Rey make their escape where he is again forced to kill in their defense. It is too early to tell how this will affect him in the long run, but Finn’s character from the books and film strongly suggest that he is a man that is going to do what is right. Yes, there was a point in The Force Awakens where Maz Kanata calls him out on his wanting to flee, and he even goes so far as to make the acquaintance of two beings that will give him a lift to the outer rim. The bonds of friendship aren’t easily broken though, and when the First Order strikes and Kylo Ren takes Rey, he chooses to join up with the Resistance so that he can help his friends. Finn bravely volunteers to lead Han and Chewbacca into Starkiller Base all so that he can rescue Rey first and sabotage the weapon second. What follows is the death of a friend and then a duel with the man that did it. The last time that Finn is on screen, he is still in a coma after having been defeated by Kylo Ren before Rey ultimately saves him. What does this leave Finn for the future?

The Evolution of Finn

While the First Order is weakened, he is still going to be seen as a deserter and a traitor. Before the Awakening made it clear that Captain Phasma had high hopes for Finn, and his part in her capture and then leaving her in a garbage compactor isn’t likely to be forgotten–or forgiven. It is highly possible when Finn finally awakens from his coma, Phasma will be dogging his footsteps once he steps out into the galaxy. He also made an enemy of Kylo Ren, and like Han, Leia and Chewie in The Empire Strikes Back with Luke, he could be used as bait to lure out Rey and Luke in Episode VIII.

That also brings up the fact that when he wakes up, the galaxy is likely to be at war again and in complete chaos, and his newest and dearest friend will be gone. Will Rey’s absence affect him in some way? Or, will Finn be quickly brought back into the fold by Leia and Poe as the Resistance does what it can to restore peace to a galaxy long at war? Finn is a man of humor and honor and is a man of high moral fiber that not even indoctrination could erase from his being. He is likely to be an impactful player in the ever changing galaxy, making a difference in whatever role he ends up in.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Accept Privacy Policy