Star Wars timeline: how to watch Star Wars in chronological order

Is Kylo Ren a Sith?

JJ Abrahms asserts that, while acting under the command of Supreme Leader Snoke who is a Sith, Kylo Ren is not one.

What are the three lessons Luke teaches Rey?

Luke is still reeling from the time when Kylo Ren, his former apprentice, turned to the Dark Side, destroyed his temple and killed the other apprentices. While he initially refuses to train Rey, he eventually does offer her three valuable lessons:

1. Don’t forget the past, but don’t let it be your only drive forward.
2. Not every Jedi is a suitable master for every padawan.
3. Failure should not be feared.

Why is Episode IX called “The Rise of Skywalker”?

It’s not entirely clear, but the moniker can reference two things: Kylo Ren’s redemption arc and his connection to Leia, and Rey self-identifying as a Skywalker although she is born a Palpatine.

How was Palpatine still alive in Episode IX?

If you remember Palpatine’s dive down the elevator shaft in Episode VI, you are probably wondering how come he’s still alive and up to no good in Episode IX. The answer isn’t as satisfying as you might think: it’s clones. Considering his plans to rule the galaxy in perpetuity, the Emperor made provisions in the unpleasant event of his death.

Using the Kaminoans’ advanced cloning technology and his master’s (Darth Plagueis) forbidden knowledge of the Dark Side, he simply transferred his consciousness to another body. Unfortunately, as his abilities grew, the clone body was becoming increasingly unsustainable. This is why he needed either Rey, Kylo Ren or both: to rejuvenate himself or to possess a new body.