From the moment their characters met in the first installment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Finn and Poe had an incredible dynamic that was hard to miss. As the films progressed, the relationship between the characters only got stronger with each new fight they endured.
While there were a lot of divisive opinions around the sequel trilogy and the narrative arcs of the new characters, there was no denying that Poe and Finn's friendship was a true highlight, enhanced only by the amazing chemistry shared between Oscar Isaac and John Boyega. Despite the controversy of the direction Poe and Finn's relationship was taken in, the moments they shared were unforgettable.
First Order Escape
Finn's rescue attempt at the beginning of The Force Awakens may have had selfish intentions, but that didn't mean that his actions weren't courageous. In need of a pilot to enable his own escape, Finn released Poe from his restraints and filled him in on his plan. Initially confused, Poe quickly realized that Finn needed help too, and the two made to steal a TIE Fighter.
With much needed levity in the form of Finn trying to keep his cool alongside the unaffected Poe, the two found a ship. Breaking free of the tether that was holding them back was one of the coolest things Poe did, and allowed them both to escape at last. Although chaotic, Finn and Poe were immediately introduced as unlikely companions who worked well together.
Renaming FN-2187
After escaping the First Order, Finn and Poe continued on the path to safety while still being attacked by enemy ships. Yet, even when surrounded by danger, Finn and Poe shared a meaningful conversation that irrevocably changed Finn, who was still going by the name of FN-2187 at the time.
As the two went through rushed introductions, Poe faltered in addressing his new found companion by an anonymous number, and defiantly suggested his name be "Finn." Finn was all too happy to leave behind the brutal regimes of his life as a Stormtrooper and readily accepted his new name, cementing this moment as one of the best between the two.
"One Hell Of A Pilot!"
Unbeknownst to Finn at the time that he was complimenting Poe, he watched on in awe as a squadron of X-Wings came to his, Han and Chewie's aid on Takodana. As Poe took out enemy ships with careful precision, Finn cheered him on, shouting to the sky "that's one hell of a pilot!"
Despite the fact that Finn was unaware that it was Poe he was cheering on, the relief and enthusiasm he showed at the Resistance's arrival, and the expert flying skills of the squadrons, was a great moment. As the First Order were forced to retreat too, the moment was pretty epic even if subtle in its reference to Finn and Poe.
Reunion At The Resistance Base
Poe's insistence that Finn keep his jacket in The Force Awakens was one of the main things that generated the debate that a relationship between Finn and Poe would (and should) be canon. As they both realized that the other had survived their fateful escape from the First Order, Finn and Poe were overjoyed to see each other.
As they embraced one another, Poe noticed that Finn was wearing his jacket, but didn't seem to mind. In a manner that could very much be construed as flirtatious, Poe suggested that Finn keep the jacket as it looked "good" on him. Subtle, yet sweet, this moment was a highlight in the early formation of their relationship.
Jacket Exchange
One of the best moments between Finn and Poe actually appeared in a deleted scene from The Last Jedi, whereby Poe presented Finn with his old jacket, which he had stitched back together for him. As Poe answered all of Finn's questions about what had been happening while he had been unconscious, Poe handed him the item.
The fact that Poe went through the trouble of mending his jacket, just to give it to Finn is more than a little heartwarming, and holds many implications. The scene did well to show how much Poe cared for Finn, and hinted at the potential of romance with the sentiment behind his actions, with the jacket a sweet callback to their reunion in the The Force Awakens.
Finn Entrusts Poe With The Tracker
One of the more subtle moments between Finn and Poe came in The Last Jedi, where they worked together behind iral Holdo's back. As they tried to form a plan that would save the Resistance from the First Order's incoming fire, it was decided that Finn would leave with Rose, and Poe would stay behind on the ship.
Finn realized that the tracking beacon he had, that connected with Rey and worked to alert her of the location of the Resistance, wouldn't necessarily be safe in his hands as didn't know the danger he was getting himself into. Thus, he handed the device to Poe, essentially him entrusting him with Rey's return. It was an understated yet important moment as it showed the mutual trust shared between the two men.
Discovering Poe's Past
One of the more light-hearted scenes in The Rise of Skywalker happened on the planet Kijimi, just before Poe, Finn, Rey and C-3PO encountered further danger after the seeming loss of Chewie prior. After enlisting the help of an old friend, Zorii, it was revealed that Poe used to be in a "spicerunner."
At the revelation, Poe was annoyed at Finn and Rey's evident shock, and playfully reminded them that they all had colorful pasts, with Finn having been a Stormtrooper, and Rey a scavenger. Despite Poe's annoyance at his friends teasing of him, the interaction gave an insight into the easy and almost normal relationship shared between the three friends, even when tensions were high.
Hux's Reveal
A much needed injection of comedic relief came after Poe, Finn and Chewie had been captured by the First Order in the last installment of the trilogy. As they were about to be executed, Hux revealed that he was the spy that had been leaking information to the Resistance.
In true Poe fashion, he excitedly insisted that he had know all along that Hux was the spy who had been helping them, before Finn quickly interjected to tell him that he definitely didn't. Even when behind enemy lines and confronted with a man they despised, Finn and Poe still had time to bicker and joke like old friends, and it was a testament to the easy dynamic they shared.
Becoming Co-Generals
His ittance that he needed help was one of Poe's best quotes, with good reason. With the loss of Leia hanging heavy over the Resistance's heads, Poe took on the role of leader, but knew that he couldn't it alone. Although they had spent a lot of The Rise of Skywalker at odds with each other, they quickly put their differences to rest.
Poe then asked Finn to be his "co-general," and Finn happily accepted the role, glad that Poe trusted him enough with the responsibility. Even though the exchange was quite rushed considering the immediacy of their situation, it was still a defining moment in their friendship that showed how far they had come since the first film in the sequel trilogy.
Celebrating The Resistance's Victory
While The Rise of Skywalker's ending may have been controversial, seeing the Resistance celebrating their victory over Palaptine's Final Order was a heartwarming and emotional moment. It was also the concluding scene of Finn and Poe's narrative arcs, and saw them reunite with Rey.
As the three heroes realized that the war was finally behind them, they all shared a tearful hug filled with meaning. Through all of the pain and defeat endured by Finn, Poe and Rey, seeing them all together again was a moving moment, and their relief at seeing each other safe was a touching conclusion for the trio.
