The Brilliant Evolution of Grand Admiral Thrawn's Formidable Strength in Star Wars
Grand Admiral Thrawn, the brilliant tactician, faces a new challenge as his greatest strength becomes his weakness With outdated knowledge and an obsolete weapon, he must adapt to survive This intriguing article explores why Thrawn may disappear for a while, as he strives to prepare himself for the battles ahead
Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka
Summary
Thrawn's return to the Star Wars galaxy has temporarily cost him his greatest advantage: being aware of the current state of the galaxy. With his exceptional tactical and strategic skills, Thrawn is able to effectively analyze and exploit his opponents' weaknesses, making him a formidable adversary.
Thrawn will require sufficient time to gather crucial information and up-to-date data before making any significant moves against the New Republic. This will ensure that he is adequately prepared to confront his adversaries in the immediate future.
Grand Admiral Thrawn, one of his standout qualities, has suddenly transformed into a remarkable vulnerability following Ahsoka's events. Making his debut in the new Star Wars series, this former leader of the Imperial forces has emerged from his exile on the extragalactic planet of Peridea. This exile had caused him to miss the entire original trilogy of films, as well as the downfall of the Empire. Consequently, Thrawn's previous advantage has been temporarily forfeited now that he has returned.
In the finale of Ahsoka, Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) successfully returns to the Star Wars galaxy with the help of his alliance with the Nightsisters. Previously, Peridea was their original homeworld before Dathomir. Thrawn joins forces with the Great Mothers and Morgan Elsbeth, using their dark powers to find his way back. Currently, Thrawn seems to be establishing a base on Dathomir. However, it may take some time before Thrawn takes any official action against the New Republic or assumes a leadership role among the Imperial Remnant. This delay is likely due to Thrawn's exceptional strengths now becoming a temporary weakness.
Grand Admiral Thrawn Is A Master Tactician
It's How He Bested Ahsoka Tano
Thrawn's expertise as a master strategist and tactician is evident in various Legends materials, books, and notably in the animated Star Wars Rebels show, which marked his introduction in the officially sanctioned Disney canon. Throughout his encounters, Thrawn meticulously scrutinizes and evaluates his adversaries, revealing hidden vulnerabilities that often go unnoticed by his colleagues in the Imperial Navy. This includes delving into their background, understanding their cultural nuances, and even appreciating their artistic expressions.
Thrawn's Knowledge & Analysis Is Nine Years Out Of Date
Thrawn diligently collects and analyzes the aforementioned data, enabling him to devise innovative and ruthlessly efficient strategies that leave his adversaries with scant reaction time. This is precisely why Thrawn explicitly requested all available information regarding Ahsoka Tano upon her arrival in Peridea. Her association with the Jedi Order and her background provided him with valuable insights, including knowledge about her master Anakin Skywalker, whom Thrawn had a personal acquaintance with.
His Greatest Weapon Is No Longer Useful
After reappearing in the Star Wars galaxy, it is highly likely that Thrawn's knowledge of the present state of affairs is severely outdated. Being absent for almost a decade, the Grand Admiral has missed out on crucial information. Moreover, as revealed in Ahsoka, Thrawn relied on the Great Mothers, who transmitted visions to Morgan Elsbeth, for communication with the known galaxy. Therefore, it is uncertain whether Thrawn had access to comprehensive knowledge about the galaxy through this supernatural means of contact.
Consequently, Thrawn's once formidable advantage has now transformed into a temporary weakness. Lacking a complete and accurate understanding of the current state of the galaxy, it can be inferred that the Grand Admiral will not be as immediately effective and formidable as he once was prior to his exile. The galaxy has undergone significant evolution and change during his absence. Though Thrawn is expected to reclaim his status as the "Heir to the Empire" upon his return, it is evident that he will not be seizing that title right away.
Thrawn's New Weakness Explains Why He May Not Be Seen For A While
The Grand Admiral Needs Time To Prepare
Thrawn is expected to take some time to prepare before launching an attack on the New Republic. While he still maintains his alliance with the powerful Nightsisters and their dark magicks, Thrawn's true strength lies in his exceptional intellect and analytical skills, which he has consistently employed to dismantle his adversaries. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that Thrawn's absence from upcoming Star Wars projects, despite his return to the known galaxy, is due to his need to gather additional information and knowledge in order to develop the most effective strategy for this new era.
Thrawn is expected to remain on Dathomir after the events of Ahsoka, strategically gathering information about the key individuals and groups in the galaxy, including potential opposition within the Imperial Remnant. Apart from Ahsoka and Sabine, who are still on Peridea, there are numerous heroes in the New Republic Era who will likely stand against Thrawn. Despite being currently at a disadvantage, Grand Admiral Thrawn will waste no time in thoroughly preparing himself before launching any major offensives in the near future of the Star Wars universe.
You can stream all episodes of Ahsoka on Disney+.
