Jar Jar Binks’ fate revealed in new Star Wars novel

Kids love him. Adults hate him. Whatever you feel about Jar Jar Binks, George Lucas’ bug-eyed comic relief has served as a punching bag ever since he was introduced in 1999’s “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.”

Ever wondered what happened to Jar Jar after he unwittingly delivered the entire galaxy into the hands of Palpatine in “Revenge of the Sith”? You’re not alone, for there have been many speculations. Some say he had always been a Sith Lord, that he was the mastermind behind the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Empire. There are even those who theorize the real identity of “The Force Awakens’ ” Supreme Leader Snoke is Jar Jar Binks.

But none of that is canon. What is canon, is a trilogy of “Star Wars” novels written by Chuck Wendig. These books detail what happened to the galaxy after the fall of the Galactic Empire in “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.”

The third book, entitled “Star Wars Aftermath: Empire’s End,” comes with “Interlude” chapters—segments that give us glimpses into the goings-on in other parts of the galaxy.

One such chapter, beginning on page 92, is called “Theed, Naboo” and it’s all about the fate that befell Jar Jar Binks.

Spoilers obviously to follow.

The chapter is set in Naboo, the homeworld of the Gungans and the deceased Senator Amidala.

Wendig writes:

“Since children started coming in by the shipload as refugees, the Gungan has served them, performing for the kids once or twice a day. He does tricks. He juggles. He falls over and shakes his head as his eyes roll around inside their fleshy stalks. He makes goofy sounds and does strange little dances. Sometimes it’s the same performance, repeated. Sometimes the Gungan does different things, things you’ve never seen, thing’s you’ll never see again. Just a few days ago, he splashed into the fountain’s center, then pretended to have the streams shoot him way up in the air. He leapt straight up, then back down with a splash. And he leapt from compass point to compass point, back and forth, before finally conking his head on the edge and plopping down on his butt. Shaking his head. Tongue wagging. All the kids laughed. Then the Gungan laughed, too.

“The clown, they called him ‘Bring the clown. We want to see the clown. We like it how he juggles glombo shells, or spits fish up in the air and catches them, or how he dances around and falls on his butt.’

“The adults, though. They don’t say much about him. Or to him. And no other Gungans come to see him, either. Nobody even says his name.”

We follow Mapo, a young refugee, who notices the clownish Gungan.

Mapo introduces himself to the clown, whereupon the latter says: “Meesa Jar Jar.”

Yes, Jar Jar Binks has become a street performer. He makes funny faces to cheer the unhappy orphan, but it’s obvious the Gungan is hiding some pain of his own.

When Mapo asks Jar Jar why no one talks to him, he replies:

“My no so sure. Mesa thinks it cause-o Jar Jar makin some uh-oh mistakens. Big mistakens. Der Gunga bosses banished me longo ago. Mesa no been to hom in for-ebbers. And desa hisen Naboo tink I help the uh-oh Empire.”

Well, that’s certainly depressing. Jar Jar, for the gravity of his mistakes, was banished by his own people, remains a pariah, and spends his days making a fool of himself.

But the chapter does end on a hopeful note. Jar Jar decides to help Mapo, who wants to become a clown. Perhaps we’re witnessing the start of a new friendship?

It’s doubtful Jar Jar will appear in the movies or other books again – meaning this could very well be the last we’ll ever see of the character that has brought so much joy to children, and grief to the children-at-heart.

“Star Wars Aftermath: Empire’s End” will be released this February 21. — AT/BM, GMA News