Rey mentions the quicksand to BB-8 earlier.
Writer #1: “Hey, we need to disappear Poe’s TIE fighter after they crash.”
Writer #2: “Have Rey say something about quicksand in an earlier scene. Done.”
Writer #1: “Awesome! Lunchtime.”
Because nobody ever got sucked into the sand without much explanation in any other movie? Lawrence of Arabia and Max Max Beyond Thunderdome spring to mind.
Same deal with Finn and his saber skills.
Writer #1: “How can Finn possibly fight Ren in a saber battle and not get sliced to pieces?”
Writer #2: “Show him fighting a bit earlier with a Stormtrooper who has a saber-like weapon.”
Writer #1: “What value would sword fighting be to a Stormtrooper?”
Writer #2: “It’s Star Wars, man. Just shut off your brain and enjoy the ride.”
You never know when a pesky guy with a laser sword is going to turn up? 😉
The modern military in the real world trains with these…
A college buddy of mine who joined the National Guard could kick someone’s ass with them too. 😉