The recent release of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes has sparked discussions about its approach to resolving timeline inconsistencies within the franchise. One significant retcon involves the character “Nova,” initially introduced in War for the Planet of the Apes.
By explaining that all human girls are referred to as “Nova” by members of the Order of Caesar, the film aims to fix a perceived continuity issue. However, this simplistic solution misses an opportunity for more profound and engaging storytelling that could have enriched the franchise’s narrative.
The Legacy of Nova
In War for the Planet of the Apes, the character Nova, a mute girl with striking connections to the original 1968 film, was thought to be a young version of the iconic character played by Linda Harrison. This connection created excitement and speculation among fans but also raised timeline issues, as the events of War occur in the early 2020s, while the original Planet of the Apes is set in 3978.
Rather than exploring this intriguing paradox, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes opts for an easy fix by generalizing the name “Nova” to all human girls within the Order of Caesar.
Missed Narrative Opportunities
This decision, while resolving the immediate continuity problem, undermines the potential for a richer, more layered narrative. The introduction of a character with a legacy name like Nova could have been used to delve deeper into the mythology and culture of the post-apocalyptic world the apes inhabit.
Instead of a blanket explanation, the filmmakers could have crafted a storyline that explores the significance of names and identity within the evolving ape society, perhaps linking it to broader themes of memory, heritage, and the transmission of knowledge across generations.
Cultural Continuity and Memory
By choosing a more thoughtful approach, the series could have highlighted the complexity of maintaining cultural continuity in a fractured world. For instance, the character of Maurice naming the girl Nova in War could have been portrayed as an act of remembrance, a way to honor the past and keep the memory of significant individuals alive.
This tradition could then be depicted as evolving over centuries, with each generation of apes adding their own layers of meaning to the name “Nova.”
Emotional Impact and Narrative Weight
Furthermore, the decision to explain away the name as a generic term diminishes the potential emotional impact and narrative weight of future characters named Nova. Instead of a single, significant character who embodies the legacy and memories of past interactions between humans and apes, the name becomes a mere placeholder.
This robs the story of the opportunity to create a new Nova who could stand as a symbol of hope, continuity, and the evolving relationship between species.
Themes of Historical Interpretation
A more nuanced approach could also address broader themes of historical interpretation and the construction of collective memory. The apes’ understanding of their history is likely to be fragmented and mythologized over time.
By exploring how different characters interpret and use the name “Nova,” the series could offer a commentary on how societies remember and misremember their pasts, and how these memories shape their identities and futures.
Enhancing Emotional Stakes
Moreover, integrating a deeper exploration of the Nova character could enhance the emotional stakes of the narrative. Audiences are more likely to connect with characters who have rich backstories and symbolic significance. A new Nova, aware of her name’s legacy and striving to understand her place within it, could provide a compelling focal point for the story, driving both character development and plot progression.
Embracing Complexity
In conclusion, while Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes‘ decision to generalize the name “Nova” offers a quick fix to a continuity issue, it misses a significant opportunity to enrich the franchise’s storytelling.
By opting for a more complex and thoughtful narrative approach, the series could have delved deeper into themes of memory, identity, and cultural continuity, creating a more engaging and emotionally resonant story.
Embracing these complexities would not only honor the rich legacy of the Planet of the Apes franchise but also enhance its relevance and appeal to contemporary audiences.
