TV Show review
October 7, 2018 · 22 min · TV-Y7 · Ended · Action · Sci-Fi · Animation · Fantasy · Adventure
Based on 2 seasons, 38 episodes · through January 26, 2020
This animated show follows a young pilot named Kaz who spies on the evil First Order for the Resistance while working on a giant refueling station. The series features a highly diverse cast with multiple competent female leaders and mechanics. Producers also confirmed that two male alien characters are the first official gay couple in on-screen franchise history. However, this relationship is kept in the background and is only subtly hinted at in the actual episodes.
Why 56%? See the score breakdownBreakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Star Wars Resistance.
Woke representation / casting
The show features a highly diverse cast of characters, including several highly competent female racers and mechanics. Most notably, the series includes the franchise's first confirmed gay couple, Orka and Flix. Because this is a confirmed LGBTQ+ element, it receives a much higher score. However, these characters are supporting aliens rather than the main human leads.
60%
Woke political dialogue
The dialogue does not contain modern activist talking points or social justice lectures. The characters focus entirely on the fictional story, espionage, and the conflict with the First Order.
0%
Identity-driven story themes
The main plot centers on a standard sci-fi rebellion story. However, the show features the franchise's first on-screen gay couple. Their relationship is explored gently in episodes like the one where they visit Flix's mother and family. The inclusion of these LGBTQ+ themes raises this score.
25%
Western institutional / cultural critique
The series does not critique Western cultural values or traditional family structures. The main male character is written as clumsy and goofy while the female characters are more competent, but this is used as a standard cartoon comedy trope rather than a critique of masculinity.
20%
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant
0%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
The public confirmation of the show's gay couple created significant online debate. Anti-woke commentators and parents criticized the decision to introduce sexuality and LGBTQ+ representation into a children's cartoon.
55%
Creator track record context
The creative team is a mix of traditional Star Wars veterans with low scores and modern writers with higher scores. Executive producers Justin Ridge and Brandon Auman actively pushed for diversity and proudly announced the show's gay characters to the media.
30%
Production
