The X-Wing Starfighter of the fabled Star Wars movies was the aircraft flown by the fighter pilots in the Rebel Alliance.Versatile, equipped with deflector shields and hyperdrive, it was exceptional in combat. The X-Wing Starfighter was flown by Luke Skywalker in the climatic scene where he destroys the Death Star.
That's about the most you'll get from me on the description of this fictional starfighter, and I only mention it, because I am desperate for an "X" post for my aviator series, and discovered something curious about the Star Wars pilots in my search.
The X-Wing fighter pilots were all male, at least in the original Star Wars trilogy, but did you know that the third film, Return of the Jedi, had cast three female rebel pilots in the attack against the Death Star? George Lucas cut their scenes at the last minute.
So if I may jest, pardon my corny attempt at a poem. Kenda at Words and Such has been instructing me on the basics of haiku. I have the 5 - 7 - 5 syllable rule down, but the rest is a bit of a stretch. I've combined two sets.
Hello George Lucas
I hope you'll forgive my fuss
Females you chose not
Not one girl aboard
Those X-Wing fighters that soared
In your lofty corps
--Sharon Himsl
source:
http://io9.gizmodo.com/5968305/george-lucas-cut-female-x-wing-pilots-out-of-return-of-the-jedi-at-the-last-minute
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Revealed-Star-Wars-Originally-Had-Female-X-Wing-Pilots-34581.html
I just sat, I didn't notice the female pilots in Return of the Jedi, but there were plenty of them in the latest Star Wars movie. Times have changed!
ReplyDeleteThat's "I must say" NOT just sat! Stupid prediction software!
ReplyDeleteHonestly..I never would have known either!
DeleteTypical men...
ReplyDeleteYes..but love them even so :)
DeleteThat's the girl. Hit him hard with that Haiku! Jerk. I thought you handled this tricky letter very nicely today. You've even stirred me to write a letter to Lucas and give him a bit of my own Haiku What For.
ReplyDeleteHa-ha-ha. Did my best and got to try some poetry too. X was hard but possibly the most fun!
DeleteI think you verse at the end says much. Well done Sharon.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Now coming from you Yvonne, that's a real complement. Thank you!
DeleteOr you might send a complimentary haiku to J.J Abrams for the large number of women on both sides of the conflict in his movie. ;-) Women pilots on the rebel side, female techs on the other side and at least one female storm trooper officer(under that armour, who knows?)
ReplyDeleteHa-ha. And who knows, I might even get a visit to my blog. Okay...now that's a piece of fiction. But good to know that the movie industry is listening.
DeleteI remember playing some kind of Star Wars game in school where you drew the X-Wings on paper and tried to shoot the other player's aircraft? It's just a vague memory now...
ReplyDeleteMy son has a box full of Star War figures, x-wings, etc. He doesn't let his boys touch the collection. Says they are valuable now. This movie has touched the lives of at least four generations. Pretty remarkable.
DeleteX is also tough -- this is a good one. :)
ReplyDeleteYvonne V
Yes,it certainly is, but I got lucky and discovered X early on. My Hardest was U. Thanks Yvonne!
DeleteI love what you did with your X post. I think you did an excellent job in the poem and shame on Lucas
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm sure that Lucas has heard this before. It felt good to do a less intense, lighter post. Thanks!
DeleteYou did great with X. Such a tough letter!
ReplyDeleteAnd that sucks that Lucas left the women pilots on the cutting room floor! Shame on him.
Love the haiku. Haiku is hard!!
Michele at Angels Bark
Thank you! Well, I guess he rectified everything and we now have female Starfighters. But what strikes me funny is I never noticed it back then. Times sure have changed.
DeleteIf Lucas won't listen, let's try Spielberg for a new angle!
ReplyDeleteGreat AtoZ Challenge, Sharon!
Well, I guess we'll let them figure that one out. I'm still a fan, no matter what! Thanks Inge!
DeleteTotally in awe of your achievements! I need sedatives or alcohol before approaching a plane :)
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone. It is a problem for many. Thanks for visiting!
ReplyDeleteSharon--such fun! Taking a tough assignment and turning it into a great take on trivia (movies), perception (no women pilots and then, when casting them, cutting them out), and haiku. I love it. The X-wheels were really spinning. And your haiku tells a great story. Glad you gave haiku a try, bet you could get hooked on it!
ReplyDeleteI think I could. It was fun playing with words and syllables.
Delete