The key heroes from the Original Trilogy (Episodes IV-VI) of Star Wars were obvious. You couldn't mistake Luke, Han, Leia, Obi-Wan, Chewbacca, Lando, Yoda or even the two droids, C-3PO an R2-D2, as anything but the key protagonists. But what about a few slightly less prominent characters who made their mark as heroes in their own right?
This guy survived two direct assaults on two separate Death Stars, and played a major part in destroying both of them. He was one of the very few surviving fighter pilots from the Battle of Yavin, and was Red Group leader at the Battle of Endor. Yet, apart from the party in the Ewok village at the end of 'Return of the Jedi' we don't see Wedge appear anywhere else in the Trilogy except inside a cockpit or a briefing room.
The commander of the Rebel assault fleet against the second Death Star and the source of a classic meme. A shrewd tactician, he (granted, with a little bit of help from Lando) knew when and how to change the plan of attack when he recognized the Imperial ruse during the Battle of Endor and coined the famous line, "It's a trap!"
In 'A New Hope', Gold Five was part of the first attack run on the first Death Star. An old, experienced hand at the starfighter gig, he did his best to keep his panicky squad leader focused on the target during the ill-fated trench run. When his two wing-mates were eliminated by Darth Vader and his flight of TIE fighters, Gold Five knew his number was up too. But did he panic and blub for help? Nope, he just calmly sends out a warning to his comrades that the TIE fighters had attacked them from behind and braces for that proverbial laser bolt with his name on it. That's true grit.
He was Lando's co-pilot on board the Millennium Falcon when it blew up the second Death Star, but his name isn't even mentioned at any point in 'Return of the Jedi'. He's got no lines of translated dialogue, and he doesn't even get his name mentioned in the movie. And they gave him a dumb name to boot. What a gyp.
According to Wookieepedia, his name was Arvel Crynyd but let's not get into the whole backstory behind this intergalactic kamikaze who pilots his stricken A-Wing fighter into the bridge of the Super Star Destroyer in 'Return of the Jedi'. His selfless act of sacrifice takes out the Imperial flagship which then spirals out of control and crashes into the Death Star in a massive fireball, and pretty much turns the tide of the battle.
Jedi knights, royalty, space smugglers and little green men were not the only heroes from the Original Trilogy of Star Wars. These five characters played some very key roles in the Rebels' ultimate victory over the Empire. Lest we forget.
I just clicked again to see if I could give you another h5 and it worked! Happy day~
Congrats on the front page honors! BTW, off topic I know, but has anyone seen their December payment yet? Or any updates to January's stats?
Oh the memories this list brings back to mind!
Great list. Wedge is the MAN! haha :) There are so many characters in the Star Wars universe (that have major impacts on the story line) that people never really think about too much (unless they are die-hard fans) so thanks for pointing some of those characters out. Like I said before, great list.
Well done list and congrats on the front page
Good list, I was more of a Star Trek Fan myself. I prefered the universe that did not revolve around good vs evil
Star Wars fan here too, congrats!
Love this list. It's amazing all the things in Star Wars that we overlook and take for granted. True fans of Star Wars will appreciate this thoughtful list for sure.
Great list. H5
Great list!
All greek to me! Good list for Star Wars fans! H5!
Great list. Congrats on your featured article. H5.
My son was such a star wars fan he named his cat Yoda. You have a great list and nice detail too.
Absolutely love Star Wars! H5
Great list. H5
select one here...