This Character is Truly the Unsung Hero of Star Wars
Sorry, Luke and Obi-Wan, it's time to make way for someone else.
We're not just talking about the main characters in Star Wars, because there's certainly a droid who has saved the galaxy many times over - all without getting the credit he deserves.
We're talking about the unsung hero of the franchise, R2-D2. Honestly, there would be no Star Wars without this little guy. How many times has this wisecracking droid repaired vehicles, picked up distress signals, and saved the lives of the main characters so they could continue their mission to save the world?
Just about every Star Wars movie has a moment where R2-D2 saves the day. In Episode I, he completes the repair of the Royal Starship's shield generator after the other astromechanics have been blown away, basically saving the entire movie series. In Episode II, he was the one who saved Padme from the lava bucket. Episode III was definitely R2-D2's big moment, with him zapping the buzz droid on Anakin's ship and also destroying battle droids with oil and fire.
In Episode IV, it is R2-D2 who locates Leia and delivers the Death Star plans to Luke, Han and Chewie. Oh, and once again he saves everyone's lives by disabling the trash compactor.
Episode V? Our heroes' escape would never have been possible without R2-D2's help with smokescreens and his quick repair of the Millennium Falcon's hyperdrive. Finally, in Episode VI, R2-D2 returns Luke's lightsaber, rescues C3PO, and frees Leia - basically a rescue routine from now on.
No matter how much you root for Obi-Wan Kenobi or Luke Skywalker, you have to appreciate the contributions of the galaxy's bravest and most helpful droid. The Jedi may be powerful and "chosen," but would they still be there to save the day without R2?