I wonder how people would see these characters had they not died. For a character like Bohdi all he had was a good death scene so without that there’s nothing to really get emotionally invested in. The only exception is for “blank slate characters” like Eleven and none of the characters in Rogue One come close to being one.
I thought he had a good story (for one of the non-lead characters in the film) - an everyday average Joe has had his eye opened and wants to make amends for what he had done - and when he does the ‘right thing’ and defects he is overawed in something he doesn’t fully understand.
Yet he, the little guy, can still make a difference even when surrounded by more experienced or ‘talented’ people or ‘heroes’ - that he can step up and be just as brave, and important or effective, as them.
I hope we get more characters like this in the coming Star Wars films - yes, there’s always ‘the chosen one’ and larger than life characters - but it’s important to have that grounding - that realism of what it’s like for the everyday Joe in this vast galaxy…
I thought they nailed it with Bhodi Rook.
Fair play to Riz Ahmed for his performance too and the director/editor for keeping that balance between the ensemble Rogue One team. Sure, maybe we’d like to have seen a bit more from each (maybe we would have in pre-reshoots?) but overall each character comes through without weighing or slowing the flow of the film down.
Each to their own though.
I like the outline of his story just like I like Finn’s but Finn had more going on as a character so I was able to form a connection with him. Things like him feeling ashamed about being involved with The First Order (even though he didn’t have a choice) and lying to Rey along with the fact he had a friend while he was inlisted and is willing to do anything for his new friends despite his immature and cowardly nature adds a lot to his character in my opinion. Best part about this is that the new characters in TFA will be developed further whereas someone like Bodhi won’t receive further development. I’m glad Chirrut and Baze are because even though they didn’t interest me I was entertained enough by them that I would like to know more about them. If only to insert their more interesting versions into my mind while watching Rogue One.