Luke Skywalker Is Currently Running The Galaxy's Most Elite Cheerleading Academy
This post contains spoilers for the latest episode of "The Mandalorian."
Last week, the internet absolutely lost its mind trying to decide how much time Grogu spent training with Jedi master, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). Though nowhere near as controversial as the pro-Grogu vs anti-Grogu debate, it's definitely up there as one of the most hotly contested topics that "The Mandalorian" has sparked. It will no doubt rage on as the third season continues, especially as we get to see the former Jedi-in-training put his newly expanded skillset to use.
Once upon a time, Grogu's connection to the force was only used in dire circumstances... like force-choking potential enemies and stealing cookies! Now the little guy is capable of so much more: like stealing candy, spinning desk chairs, and escaping mortal danger in the depths of Mandalore. And as we continue to see Grogu in action, I'd like to propose a new conversation topic: instead of arguing about how long he may or may not have spent at the Luke Skywalker Academy, can we instead unpack the fact that Luke's teaching methods are eerily reminiscent of a toxic cheerleading coach?? However long Grogu spent connecting to the Force, he hasn't once wielded a lightsaber, but he flips with the flexibility of a trained gymnast. Based on what little we know about Luke's curriculum and methods, the guy is basically running a Jedi cheerleading academy.
A cheerleader's strength flows from the Force
Jedi training is all about finding balance. I used to think that referred to harmony within the Force, but now I see the error of my ways. In "The Book of Boba Fett," Grogu spends a solid chunk of his time literally learning about how to keep his balance — by trying to stand one-legged on a piece of wood. In a separate scene, Luke brings out a training remote so Grogu can hop, skip and somersault his way past some blaster fire, all while keeping steady on his feet. This almost Mister Miyagi-esque training method ends up having a profound impact on the Jedi dropout, who puts those mad skills to the test in the most recent episode of "The Mandalorian."
When the dangerous creatures of Madalore take Din (Pedro Pascal) out of commission, Grogu must save the day... by escaping to the ship as quickly as possible. Good thing he's equipped with somersaults! The toddler flips past danger and into his floating cradle so he can fly the hell out of dodge and seek Bo Katan's help. He also Force throws an enemy out of his way, but the all-important end note of the encounter is when Grogu makes it back to the ship and unnecessarily flips into the driver's seat. Being a Jedi is 90% looking cool and 10% making ominous proclamations. Since Gogu has only just uttered his first word, he's funneling all of his energy into that first part.
Luke's cheer-ocracy
As for the Cheerleading techniques employed by the wisened Skywalker, his methods should hardly come as a surprise: Luke himself was trained in the art of backflips by Cheer Master Yoda and since those sick flips have served him so well, he's passing them on to all of his students. Grogu might be our most recent example, but Kylo Ren is another former student who spends years building up his stamina to show off his flexibility to the tune of a really epic song.
Speaking of Yoda, "Do or do not, there is no try" sounds like the kind of harsh criticism that a cheer coach would dole out after a pyramid crumbles or a stunt falls apart. It's also exactly the kind of tough love that Luke took to heart when the time came to take on his own students. When the remote knocks Grogu to the ground, Luke doesn't halt the exercise. "Get back up," he instructs. "Always get back up." He's a little stern in the moment, but otherwise perfectly reasonable. Years of instructing young Jedi will change him though, causing Luke to perfect the art of hazing (which Rey gets a taste of while poor misguided Kylo gets straight-up tortured).
Which brings me to the most important point: the dark side of the sport. Every cheerleading movie/series worth its skirt takes the time to show that it's not all pom poms and somersaults, just like being a Jedi is a bit more complicated than flipping ad whipping out a lightsaber. Luke's Jedi Academy will one day end with a dark twist of events, when one student turns against him, forms an evil squad of his own, and kills everyone else who refuses to join. The dark side of cheerleading strikes again!