Abrams’ task to open and close the sequel trilogy is unique, especially with a film as jam-packed and unconventional (at least for a Star Wars film) as The Last Jedi in the middle.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi director and writer Rian Johnson had almost total creative liberty while working on the movie, explaining that there was not a set narrative arc for the sequel trilogy.
A huge part of the reason why The Last Jedi has been controversial with regard to the film being divisive is that it’s a highly cerebral film.
That’s where Johnson’s The Last Jedi leaves the plot.