Persistent pessimism seems the mood of our time.

We seem to be living in a downcast age.

I too wasn’t a big Star Wars fan but, appreciated Lucas’ work, and after seeing “The Force Awakens” I shared your feelings. I was disappointed in some of the cast, in some of the plot and, in the overall mood.

First, I agree, Finn’s entire life has revolved around being a storm trooper so, why is he so roly-poly out of shape? If I’m directing, John Boyega’s on a crash course at the gym until he looks the part.

Second, why does Poe not immediately suspect Finn is a double agent? Poe’s got the fate of the galaxy in his hands and he takes a stranger on face value? Next time they meet they’re best buddies. Really?

Third, how does Poe get off a planet dominated by the bad guys?

Fourth, how does Finn go from near dead after trudging through the desert to being capable of sprinting to the aid of a complete stranger?

Etc. The little issues went on and on and then we got to the big issues.

I believe Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher beat the “our son” thing into us a total of six times. Could they have been any more apparent, any more on the nose, any more insultingly obvious? We shouldn’t have known until the scene on the bridge that they had a son and that this monster, Kylo Ren was he.

The scene on the bridge, instead of being used to kill Han Solo, should have been used to reveal Kylo Ren was their son, after which they should both have escaped by clambering in different directions as whatever they’re standing on crumbles beneath their feet, left to stare at each other across an impassable chasm.

Now, that would have been emotionally fulfilling, even poetic.

Killing Han Solo wasn’t necessary to refocus the story. Rey and Finn were already the focus of the film. Killing Han Solo simply left less on the table for old fans to anticipate about the next film. Too bad and too unnecessary.

Daisy Ridley was very good. Rey was very well written. John Boyega and Finn, not so much. We can only hope they do better next time.