It’s finally here. The world’s first live action Star Wars series. After years of hope and build. Rumors going as far back as the release of Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith. Finally, we have it. The Mandalorian.
Now maybe you have some basic knowledge as to what a Mandalorian is. Maybe you, like me have dove deep on the expanded universe to a mildly off putting degree. Or, maybe you’re a casual viewer. If so, welcome! It’s about to get weird.
For Part 1 of what I assume will be a 2 part Primer, I’m going to give a quick overview as to the state of the galaxy. What happened between “Return of the Jedi” and the first shot of The Mando? Strap in.
State of the Galaxy:
Shortly after the destruction of the Death Star, the Rebel Alliance has re-branded themselves as The New Republic. A seemingly benevolent governing body led by the high ideals of the new Chancellor, Mon Mothma. She’s the woman with short red hair you see giving orders in “Return of the Jedi”, “Rogue One”, and a deleted scene from “Revenge of the Sith” as well as numerous appearances in the animated series “Clone Wars” and “Rebels.” A former Senator of the Republic, she is the only surviving member of the small group of desenters who started and funded the Rebel Alliance when Palpatine reorganized the Republic into the infamous Empire.
While Leia Organa and Admiral Ackbar continue to lead the New Republic’s military in the hunt for what remains of the Empire, Mon Mothma decides that the only way to prove that the New Republic really does intend to be peaceful is to disarm after it’s done. This even carries over to the point where, even with reliable intel as to the location of the Empire’s final hold out, it is a narrow vote to decide whether or not to actually launch an attack. They do, of course, and that attack would be the Battle of Jakku. Also known as the wreckage we see Rey scavenging and living inside of in the opening of “The Force Awakens.” The battle itself is a much longer and fascinating story that I may go into at another point, but either way, I suggest you read the “Aftermath” Trilogy by Chuck Wendig.
In the end, the Galactic Concordance is signed and The Empire is, officially, no more. Those who participated in and survived Jakku head off into the “Unknown Regions” as part of Palpatine’s final contingency “Operation Cinder”
However, there were those who ignored the order. Never went to Jakku. Never surrendered. These would come to be known as “The Imperial Remnant.” True believers/War lords hiding out on the fringe of the galaxy; biding their time, and warring with criminals, New Republic forces, and other sects of the Remnant.
The last piece of the puzzle is the State of the Bounty Hunting profession. Another of Mon Mothma’s moves toward peace and civility is to largely outlaw the practice by imposing strict rules and procedures. Some Bounty Hunters are able to adjust and work within the new status quo. Others give it up and try to find a new manner of making a living. Still others, like our titular Mandalorian, try to eek out a living on the edges.
That’s it for now. Next time I’ll cover a brief history of who the Mandalorians were, and how they fell from an ancient empire of noble warriors to refugees in their own world.