Luminara Unduli in TCW

Hey, I think she's had more screentime than Boba Fett at this point and is a major player this season, so I figure she's earned her own thread.

I really like her characterization-- she seems the most complex and subtle of the "background" Jedi developed thus far. Initially we was set up as a kind of "by the books" Jedi, but there's more to it than that. Yes, she gets impatient with her fellow Jedi goofing around, but as shown in LOT she'll go her own way if she feels it's essential. Obi-Wan and Ki-Adi talk about this... "Luminara is not one to take risks lightly." (Thank god they didn't say "unduly!!!)

She has a stubborn streak of her own, and yet nobody would ever classify her as "wreckless", as Yularen did with Aayla (and everyone does with Anakin). And she seems a bit of a strategy addict: the catacomb plan in WF was hers, and she jokes with Obi-Wan about not cutting her out of strategy meetings as she takes off on her speeder bike in LOT (which my kids took as actual flirting between the two of them). I'm quite taken by these little contrasts and nuances, and she's become the breakout Jedi character for me.

Love the voicework, too.

So what do you expect or want to see from Luminara (and Barriss) in future episodes? I think a mission pairing her and another senior but non-principle Jedi would be great... Kit or Plo get my vote.

 

I think Luminara is fantastic and she's right up there with Plo Koon as my favorite non Kenobi/Anakin/Yoda Jedi.

She really seems to be an exemplary Prequel-era Jedi.

This is both a compliment and a critique. She is very by-the-book Jedi; wise, compassionate, graceful, and yet aloof, overconfident and almost arrogant.

In some ways, she gives off the same air that an elite athlete does in terms of her attitude, particularly with respect to her abilities.

 

It's possible, although I'd would like to see her work with Ki-Adi in an episode just to see how that dynamic would work. And it's nice to see other Jedi get some spotlight time besides the big Three(Obi-Wan, Anakin and Ahsoka...even though more Obi-Wan would be great for me! ).

 

hers is one of the few female voices on the show that doesn't cause me to grate my teeth together. I give her props for that.
And she has sick biker chick goggles.

 

She's always been a very interesting character in terms of design and they've really brought her to life well in the series.

I think we'll be seeing quite a bit of her, given they want to show another master/apprentice combo to contrast Anakin/Ahsoka.

I'm really hoping that TCW crosses over into the ROTS timeframe, so that we can see her in action on Kashyyk with the clones there as well as the wookies. Hopefully they'll also show her death scene on Kashyyk. For the series, they could make it more exciting than it was originally supposed to be with her shot in the back - same with Barriss. I'd personally like to see her reaction upon finding out it was on direct orders of the Chancellor for her to be exterminated.

 

Yeah, I agree, Luminara has somehow shaped up to be more distinct (or rather, better defined with more visible traits) than the other Jedi, and is amazing for that.
Which is ironic considering that, as Garth said, she is best described as an exemplary Prequel-era Jedi.

She's the first supporting Jedi I've found with a sort of duality/complexity we can see on-screen, seeing as others like Plo Koon and Aayla, while doubtlessly awesome, have only shown us one or two distinct personality traits. (Kit Fisto arguably switches between jovial laid back guy and awesomely badass wisdom guy, but he appears one episode later )

There's not much I can say that people haven't already figured out, but I'll mention stuff to appreciate the character. XD
-Like a paradigm Jedi, she's wise, calm, and composed a lot of the time
-She places a great deal of faith in her abilities, walking the line between an accurate assessment and outright arrogance. Still...taking on Ventress when your vision is temporarily clouded is pretty impressive.
-Well, granted, most Jedi would be hands-on in their field work, but it's interesting that she'll leap into action before others if she thinks it's important enough and she can manage, rather than waiting for backup
-Olivia D'Abo does great voice work. She's had a lot of prominent credits even before Luminara.

I think that while in 'neutral gear' she always brings about an air of good taste, grace and compassion, when going 'active', she's distinctly no-nonsense (barring the odd witty commentary). She doesn't want others to take unnecessary risks...but if they're definitely involved, I believe that she expects nothing but the best from them.

I WOULD be very interested in seeing how she interacts with other Jedi...Kit and Plo get my vote.
Kit looks like he has the most obvious personality clash, despite his wisdom.
And Plo...well, I wonder whether we'll see someone disagree with how he values his troopers so much...Luminara certainly seems like the prime candidate to test it out.

 

Luminara is really my favourite character. And I haven't even seen the last episode yet.

"I love your simple logic, Skywalker".

 

I think she is the hottest character in the series. She has been desgined very nicely to appear very beautiful and the voice is perfect.

I would like to see more Luminara episodes with her in peril.

 

Hotter than Aayla?

Hotter than Teeny Bopper Ahsoka?(sarcasm intended)

I want to see where this series goes before I make any assumptions about my personal Jedi preference.

We should see some more non film Jedi. So far, I think we've had two. Nhadar and Ord Ennisence.

 

Luminara's design lends itself very well to animation because of the wide face and big eyes. I can only imagine how good the characters will look in future seasons.

I'm also glad that they showed Luminara to be excellent in terms of hand-to-hand combat - it suits her well as she is agile and quite strong.


I too hope to see other Jedi introduced in the series....but unlike Nahdarr and Ord, last the distance of the show, well, some of them.

I also hope they introduce some Jedi who were killed in the clone wars, ie, prior to ROTS like Pablo-Jill, Adi Gallia, perhaps Oppo, although he may be too hard to animate.

 

Yeah, but everybody wants to see Oppo in action, and TCW does take on big challenges, so I bet it'll happen. It's TCWs equivalent of finally getting to see Yoda fight in AOTC.

One more non film-Jedi from TCW, equally as dead as the others: Bolla Ropal. It's true-- they should both have some new Jedi who don't get killed, and kill off some Jedi who don't make it to ROTS.

I actually like all of the film Jedi as portrayed in TCS (although I will always be a little shaky on Kit "Rastamon" Fisto's voice), it's just that Luminara seems the most nuanced. Maybe that's because she's had the most screen time, though, after Anakin, Ahsoka, Obi-Wan, Yoda and Mace (all of whom have character traits defined by the films). Maybe Plo's up there, too. Basically, the more time devoted to developing each of the "background" Jedi, the more I like it.

Borrowed from Hondo, per Filoni's commentary-- I think they even show them side by side!

 

Yes, hotter than Aayla and Ahsoka and Padme. "Legacy of Terror" is excellent because Luminara is the focus.

 

Y'know, I was going to ask you in the Legacy Of Terror thread whether or not you had a thing for her...consider my question answered.

 

I liked her being in the banter last episode, but overall.. I don't care much for Luminara. Or Barriss for that matter, though it's cool to have them around. Luminara's design is different, and her dress is like a witch/nun's, so I like that about her. Her line "I love your simple logic, Skywalker" was great.

But, I didn't like the choice for her voice (although it is growing on me), and.. this is something that's bugged me for a while, but I don't like her big purple-blue lips. I know, dumb detail, but it's just something I don't like, all the big colored lips on female characters.

Plus, that goutee-like tattoo on her chin.

 

One of the things I really like about Luminara in the series is when you see her face side-on and she gently blinks her eyes. It's something so subtle and yet it is a thing of beauty.

 

Wow... that is true love right there, man.

 

For a CGI image...

 

I think the reason Luminara is able to rise to such prominence in the show (and no doubt will continue to do so) is because she, unlike other fan favourites like Ki-Adi, Plo and Fisto, is not a Jedi Council member. As such, there's a lot more manouverability when it comes to characterisation; her subtle rebellious streak is hinted at in Legacy of Terror, she shares a joke with Anakin in Weapons Factory, she is humbled in Cloak of Darkness etc. A prominent Council member such as Plo or Ki-Adi are limited to a certain number of traits; Ki-Adi is duty-centred and therefore stringent, Plo is compassionate yet too willing to sacrifice his own life, etc.

 

Hey, Kualan. Been awhile since I've seen you!

Yeah, you've got some good points there. I guess you need to have certain qualities to be on the council, even if it has a mix of thinkers and fighters.

I'd also think it might have something to do with writing and exposure, though I'll have to wait and see where they take other Jedi.

In any case, I think we can all agree that Luminara certainly is a valuable addition to the cast. She's certainly won a place in my list of Jedi I'd love to see in a good role. XD

 

Had the events of ROTS played out differently and Anakin had let Mace kill Palpatine, Fisto, Tiin and Kolar would still need to be replaced on the Council - I'm guessing Luminara would've been very high on the list of candidates, definately in the top 3, and Anakin's position would have solidified.

 

"Legacy of Terror" greatly tops 'Cloak of Darkness" as the definitive Luminara-episode. I don't think they could do another episode for her that would top this one. Unless:

Luminara is sent to meet someone who has information on a top secret facility. She must not tell anyone else, she has to keep it secret. But when the Separatists kill her contact, she is the only one with the knowledge. They capture her and take her to Count Dooku, and oevrseen by Darth Sidious, they try to probe it out of her.

 

I really like her characterization, voice, and the fact theat so many will get to appreciate such a strong Jedi character. I think it will make her death that much more powerful. After three years at war, she is surrounded by her troops while speaking to them and slain before even drawing her weapon. Very powerful after seeing her in action. I hope they continue to develop her and others without deviating too much more from what is already written.

 

Dude NO OTHER FEMALE JEDI is hotter than Aayla :F

 

I believe Luminara is the hottest.

 

I've been lurking for awhile, not even realising I wasn't signed in. Huzzah for glorious returns!

As for the topic discussion, I do hope we get to see an episode where Luminara and Bariss are the focus, as a sort of breakaway episode from the usual Anakin-Ahsoka dynamic.