A droid apart

ONE OF THE constants of the resurrected Star Wars films has been the new droids. Throughout the original trilogy and the prequels, C-3PO and R2-D2 were our ever-present companions, but now, every movie has a brand-new mechanoid, each with its own quirks. The Force Awakens started it with BB-8, The Last Jedi introduces his evil counterpart BB-9E, Solo has Lando love-interest L3-37, and K-2SO — a master of the biting putdown — is the droid of Rogue One. And while BB-8’S rolling, cutesy schtick has stolen the headlines (and sold the most merchandise), it’s K-2 who’s the choice of the connoisseur. Originally an Imperial security guard, he was captured by the Rebellion and re-programmed. Poorly. So while he’s compelled to serve his new masters, it’s not something he’s especially pleased about, telling Jyn Erso: “I’ll be there for you. The captain said I had to,” as they head off on a mission. We’ll take that attitude over C-3PO’S fussing or BB-8’S puppy-like enthusiasm any day. Especially as, with stormtroopers bearing down on Jyn and Cassian Andor, he gave his life so they could escape with theirs. And while he was ultimately only postponing their demise, he did give them the time to find a way to transmit the Death Star plans that would ultimately lead to the Rebels’ victory at Yavin IV, which is certainly something to celebrate. Although he’d hate that. But you can’t blame him — it’s just his programming.