Star Wars’ most recent output has convinced me that it’s time for the franchise to move on from the Sith and fully embrace a different type of villain.Star Warswas built on the conflict between light and dark, the Jedi vs. the Sith, even though the Jedi were all but extinct during the originalStar Warstrilogy – the Empire and the Rebellion were essentially superficial militaristic extensions of both Force factions. Since then,the Sith and their followers, including Darth Vader’s Inquisitors, have dominatedStar Warsstorytelling; so much so, the darkness was brought back in a controversial and convoluted manner in theStar Warssequel trilogy.
Over the last few years, though, since the divisive release ofStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,Star Warshas, for the most part, pivoted away from the Sith, recognizing that other powers at work in the galaxy deserve more screen time. Now, however, with Rey’s new Jedi order on the horizon, I’m worried thatStar Warswill fall into the trap of the Sith once more.Though there’s something to be said for exploring the Sith’s history,Star Wars’ futureshould belong to another type of villain entirely, oneStar Warshas recently begun exploring in great detail.
The Nihil Pirates Have Plundered The Galaxy In The High Republic Era
Star Wars: The High Republicis a multi-phase transmedia publishing initiative exploring the history of the Jedi Order and the Republic a few centuries before the events ofStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. In essence, the High Republic was the Jedi’s Golden Age, their positive influence spreading across the galaxy as, together with the Republic, they reached out to previously untouched and forgotten worlds in the Outer Rim. Not everyone agreed with the Jedi’s influence or the Republic’s policies, though.
From the first High Republic-era story, Charles Soule’sStar Wars: Light of the Jedi, it was clear that the violent and deviousband of marauders known as the Nihilwould be a major adversary for the Jedi and the Republic. Their leader, Marchion Ro, an enigmatic yet incredibly cunning Evereni, devised a multistep plan to destroy the Republic’s outreach efforts, scatter its resources, and force the Jedi to retreat from terrifying, Force-eating creatures known as the Nameless.
The Nihil, more than any other major non-Sith adversary the Jedi have faced, proved that the Jedi’s enemies didn’t need to be able to wield the Force to be compelling.
The Nihil, more than any other major non-Sith adversary the Jedi have faced, proved that the Jedi’s enemies didn’t need to be able to wield the Force to be compelling or make the Jedi question their role in the galaxy.Marchion Ro outsmarted the Jedi, devastated the Republic, and even claimed a whole section of the galaxy for his pirates, all without breaking a sweat. That’s the kind of enemyStar Warsshould continue to build on.Pirates have been a staple ofStar Warssince the beginning, but perhaps now, it’s their perfect time to shine.
Pirates Roam Freely In The New Republic Era
Pirates haven’t just made a name for themselves in the High Republic era. They’ve become a major part ofStar Wars’wider storytelling. In the so-called “Mandoverse” sub-franchise, which explores how the galaxy fared after the fall of the Empire under the New Republic’s rule, pirates are still a force to be reckoned with in the galaxy. This is most evident inStar Wars: Skeleton Crew, as well as inThe MandalorianandThe Book of Boba Fett.
Han Solo Isn’t The Only One: 10 Pirates & Smugglers Who Made Star Wars History
Han Solo is far from being the only smuggler, pirate, or rogue to make Star Wars history. Many others have made a major galactic impact as well.
WhatSkeleton Crewhas done so well, even with just a few episodes, is depicting just how varied and creative pirate-like characters can be, especially when contrasted withthe Jedi and Sith legends Wim reads. Pirates may be thought of as selfish, greedy, and simplistic, but people become pirates for different reasons – there’s so muchStar Warscould explore if they focused more on the space-faring side of the galaxy rather than the Force itself. Pirates are exciting because they aren’t tied to any rules or doctrines.The Sith have one all-encompassing goal; a pirate can hunt for anything.
Is Star Wars Afraid Of Pursuing More Sith Stories?
I believeStar Warsshould leave the Sith in the past, at least for a while. That’s why I’m so excited by the franchise’s most recent output. They’re not just focusing on pirates, but witches, too, and digging deeper into the Force’s lore than solely what the Sith and Jedi believe in and use. It’s an exciting time, and I hopeStar Warssticks with it, even if Rey is building a new Jedi Order. It feels like there might be something more going on too, however.Star Warsis a nostalgia-based property, so why is it so keen to try something new now?
Star Warsis a nostalgia-based property, so why is it so keen to try something new now?
Perhaps, on some level, Lucasfilm doesn’t just want to pursue new stories. Maybe it’s also somewhat afraid of digging deeper into the Sith’s mysterious nature. Recent opportunities to do so have seemingly backfired; the backlash againstStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’s Palpatine resurrection was significant, and whatStar Wars: The Acolytesuffered was arguably even worse. Both of those put the Sith front and center, and perhaps, to some degree,Star Warshas internalized that interfering with what audiences already know about the Sith is too risky.Star Warsaudiences are notoriously difficult to please. Why mess with canon when you may give them something new instead?
Star Warsneeded to branch out, and I hope that moment is now. Pirates and other villains deserve the chance to take center stage, and the franchise’s future heroes should be allowed to go up against new, unproven, yet formidable foes, just as the High Republic’s andSkeleton Crew’s pirates have turned out to be.Star Wars’ heroes, and especially the Jedi, may always prevail in the end, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t encounter different enemies along the way.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
Cast
Skeleton Crew follows four ordinary children who become lost in the expansive Star Wars galaxy. As they navigate unfamiliar worlds and the challenges they present, the group endeavors to find their way back to their home planet, undertaking a journey across the iconic Star Wars universe.
