BEWARE SPOILERS! The popular series The Mandalorian seems to be laying the groundwork for the rise of the First Order. Because? The seventh episode of the third season confirms that Moff Gideon is part of the Shadow Council, an essential group to restore the Empire.
There is little left for the third season of The Mandalorian comes to an end and things are getting more interesting. And if you didn’t see it, beware that this article has spoilers. In its penultimate episode, called The Spies, the series begins to give us indications of what is coming and what is close to emerging: the First Order. If you haven’t seen the episode yet, beware of the spoilers that follow.
The seventh episode of the third season of The Mandalorian makes it clear from the beginning that Moff Gideon he was not wasting time. After escaping from the New Republic, this character is not only still very active in the ranks of the Empire, but is part of an important group that wants to restore it (which would lead to the rise of the First Order). What are we talking about? From the Shadow Council.
In the new episode of The Mandalorian we see a tense meeting of the Shadow Council, which is made up of officers of the Imperial Remnant (a Confederation made up of the survivors of the Galactic Empire). They, of course, are planning to restore the Empire in direct opposition to the New Republic, and for this, they need to coordinate their efforts.
In addition to having Elia Kane as a spy working on Coruscant, Moff Gideon and the rest of the Council members have the New Republic fooled. Because? Because this government rightly believes that the Empire splintered into small, isolated groups after the destruction of the second Death Star and the disappearance of Palpatine and Vader. But what actually happens is that the Council divided the galaxy into several sectors and has different imperial officers in charge of zones to gather resources.
However, it is worth clarifying that the Shadow Council is not completely unified, there are tensions, mistrust, deceit and manipulation among its members. Many of the leaders (like gideon) have their doubts about the idea that there is a greater plan surrounding the return of one of the most powerful leaders of the Empire.
At the Council meeting, three of its members and important figures from Star Wars. one is the Captain Gilad Pellaeon (Xander Berkeley)the second in command of Grand Admiral Thrawn and who continues to assure his companions that the imminent return of thrawn will restore the Empire to its former glory. thrawn will make his live-action debut in the series Ahsoka and will feature the return of the actor Lars Mikkelson after voicing the character in Star Wars Rebels.
The third is the Commander Brendol Hux (Brian Gleeson)who seems to be leaving everything in order for his son Armitage Hux, we saw in the sequel trilogy (played by Domhnall Gleesonbrother of Brian). It is also mentioned that brendol is working on theProject Necromancer“, which could be related to the resurrection of the Emperor Palpatineas seen in The Rise of Skywalker.
In addition to these Council members, the episode credits make it clear that the other Imperial leaders who appear, whom they call “Lords of warThey are played by Jonny Coyne, Jodi Long, Hemky Madera, Ron Bottitta, Marco Khan and Imelda Corcoran. We will see if they are presented later or if they take on more importance in another project of Star Wars.
During this meeting of the Shadow Council, The Mandalorian makes it clear to us that gideon does not believe much in the return of thrawn and that he prefers to focus on his war against the Mandalorians. Furthermore, he explains that the Empire’s intention was to use resources like beskar to create stronger Imperial forces. This makes sense when we see that the secret headquarters is on Mandalore.
When the Mandalorians come across the underground base of operations of gideonthey initially face troops that appear to be a brand new Imperial Super Commandos seen in Star Wars Rebels. However, the armor these soldiers wear is a bit more similar to that worn by First Order stormtroopers.
In addition to the new Super Commandos, Mandalore sees members of the Praetorian Guard, a deadly red-suited security force first seen in Star Wars: The Last Jedi as the personal guard Supreme Leader Snoke. The presence of this Guard gives us to understand that the forces of gideon they are destined to become the forces of the First Order.
We’ll see how this season ends The Mandalorian on Wednesday, April 19, the date on which it will land in Disney+ the last episode.