Ahsoka's Epic Scene Unveils The Clone Wars' Influence on the New Republic & Sets the Stage for the Empire's Resurgence
The hidden agenda behind Senator Xiono's anti-droid sentiments unraveled in a poignant Ahsoka scene, revealing the deep impact of the Clone Wars on the New Republic and shedding light on why they allowed the Empire to resurface
Summary
The New Republic Senate, as revealed in Ahsoka season 1, dismisses the resurgence of the Empire, effectively laying the groundwork for Thrawn's comeback in The Mandalorian film and the subsequent emergence of the First Order in the sequel trilogy.
In Ahsoka, the prequel trilogy holds significant importance as it provides insight into the motivations of the New Republic Senators and their apprehension towards opposing the Empire. This connection between the trilogies effectively intertwines all three Star Wars narratives. Moreover, the New Republic's predicament in Ahsoka is influenced by an anti-droid sentiment stemming from the repercussions of the Clone Wars. Senators such as Xiono harbor biases against droids, leading them to be reluctant in swiftly engaging in another conflict.
Ahsoka season 1 delved into how the return of the Empire in Star Wars was permitted by the New Republic, with a subtly revealing scene highlighting the role of the Clone Wars in creating this predicament. Despite Hera Syndulla, Carson Teva, and their allies' insistence, the New Republic Senate immediately dismissed any concerns about the Empire posing a threat to the galaxy. This not only establishes the reappearance of Thrawn in Dave Filoni's The Mandalorian Star Wars film, but also sets the stage for the emergence of the First Order in the sequel trilogy.
While Ahsoka predominantly focuses on the aftermath of the original trilogy and the groundwork laid for the sequels, the events of the prequel trilogy also hold significant importance. A seemingly inconsequential moment in the penultimate episode offers insight into the motivations of the New Republic Senators and their hesitance to take action against the Empire. By skillfully building upon the movies to affirm Ahsoka's place in the Star Wars timeline, this effectively connects all three Star Wars trilogies together.
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Senator Xiono's Anti-Droid Sentiments Hint At His Real Motives
In Ahsoka season 1, episode 7 "Part Seven: Dreams and Madness," Hera's trial takes an interesting turn. New Republic Senator Hamato Xiono, unwilling to accept C-3PO's testimony, angrily dismisses it, stating "The court cannot admit evidence of this kind from a mere droid." However, Xiono's rejection of Leia's defense inadvertently reveals his true motive: deep-rooted anti-droid sentiment, influenced by the aftermath of the Clone Wars.
Countless Republic worlds were devastated by the Separatist droid armies, leading to a deep-rooted hatred towards droids among the citizens that endured for decades. In the original Star Wars film, the bartender of the Mos Eisley Cantina adamantly refused to serve droids, an occurrence later explained in the short story anthology Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View, which attributed this animosity to the events of the Clone Wars. The premiere episode of The Mandalorian TV series delved into the story of Din Djarin, a man who harbored a profound aversion towards droids due to their role in the tragic demise of his parents during the Clone Wars. Given Xiono's unwavering loyalty to the Republic throughout the Clone Wars, it is understandable for him to possess a prejudiced view against droids.
The Clone Wars Left Scars On The New Republic
In Ahsoka, the anti-droid sentiment also highlights the predicament faced by the New Republic. Senators such as Xiono are depicted as corrupt, foolish, and cowardly, unwilling to acknowledge the imminent danger. Meanwhile, even rebel leaders like Mon Mothma initially sought to bring about change through the established system, hoping to avoid a repeat of the atrocities witnessed during the Clone Wars. It is plausible to assume that individuals like Xiono shared similar concerns when Hera and her allies argued that the Empire still posed a threat.
After the overthrow of the Empire, the galaxy witnessed the implementation of Palpatine's contingency plan known as "Operation: Cinder," which involved the destruction of several rebellious worlds. In the aftermath of such catastrophic events from the previous war, it is not surprising that senators like Xiono were hesitant to engage in another conflict, even to the extent of deliberately remaining ignorant. This mentality persisted within the New Republic Senate for years, ultimately allowing the First Order to seize power and launch a galactic invasion. Ahsoka season 2 has the opportunity to further explore and develop the conflicts between the New Republic and the Empire, bridging the gap between the Star Wars movies.
