The droid companion of Cal Kestis in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, BD-1, already has much in common with another Jedi companion droid from Star Wars: The Old Republic, and there are ways BD-1 can explore their story in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Respawn Entertainment’s sequel to Jedi: Fallen Order is expected to release sometime in 2023, and as yet no narrative details, aside from a “darker” story, have been provided or leaked beyond what the teaser trailer revealed.
Star Wars: The Old Republic tentatively explores the idea of Force-sensitivity in droids through its companion characters and story NPCs, but it is important to note that the MMO falls into the category of Legends and not canon in the Star Wars universe, whereas Star Wars Jedi: Survivor will follow the canonical adventures of Cal Kestis. The subject of Force-sensitivity in droids is further complicated by the fact that midi-chlorians are canon and are only attributed to biological life. Self-awareness in droids, however, is a recurring theme in Star Wars, both canon and Legends, as are droid independence and droid rights. In The Old Republic, a Jedi Knight named Leeha Narez postulates that droids are capable of being self-aware and possibly even becoming Force-sensitive. She taught her own droids, the Meedees, Jedi history and philosophy, and characterizes them as having emotions of pleasure and excitement.
Both BD-1 from Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and T7-01 from Star Wars: The Old Republic have backstories in which they served Jedi Masters, who disappeared and left behind secrets, and both droids developed personalities and apparent emotional attachments to their respective companion Jedi. In The Old Republic, T7-01, the Jedi Knight companion astromech droid, never had their memory wiped. T7 was built 150 years prior to the events of The Old Republic and was a Jedi Master’s droid, has autonomy and thoughts, and often reminisces about their old Jedi Master. T7 refers to “masters” as “partners” and often self-ascribes emotions, such as happiness and friendship: “T7 = happy working with Jedi / / T7 + Jedi = unstoppable team.”
BD-1 in Jedi: Fallen Order was built as an exploration droid and research assistant and presumably spent his “formative” years with Eno Cordova, the Jedi Master who created and hid away the Holocron database of Force-sensitive children across the galaxy. Cordova locked BD-1’s memory of the Holocron’s location, and keyed it to be unlocked only when BD-1 experienced the emotion of trust. When BD-1 chooses to trust Cal and the memory block is lifted, this is a sign of self-awareness, both in choice and emotion. In a scene where BD-1 plays back a holorecording of Eno Cordova saying goodbye, BD-1 reacts emotionally in small ways. Most importantly, Cal Kestis feels and reciprocates BD-1’s friendship.
BD-1 Has Potential For Autonomy & Force-sensitivity In Jedi: Survivor
Because BD-1 is like T7-01, then the Force-sensitivity story could be explored in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. BD-1’s autonomy has already been established, at least in part – while operating under Master Cordova’s instructions, BD-1 still made an individual choice in trusting Cal Kestis. Like T7-01, BD-1 has been closely exposed to Force-users, developed close friendships and personalities, displays emotions and preferences, and makes personal choices. In Jedi: Survivor, BD-1’s relationship with Cal can further evolve BD-1’s autonomy, and presents an opportunity for BD-1 to become Force-sensitive through constant exposure and a close friendship with a Force-user. Moreover, the ways that BD-1’s Jedi companions have influenced BD-1’s development and autonomy through their actions and words is another lens through which droids in Star Wars should be examined.
Rather than avoid the matter as usual, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is an excellent opportunity for Star Wars canon to directly answer the lingering questions around self-awareness and Force-sensitivity in droids. Whether or not droids are capable of wielding, influencing, or perceiving the Force, BD-1, T7-01, and R2-D2 and C-3PO before them all deserve an acknowledgement of their personhood.
