The Tragic Mistake in Star Wars: Lack of Character Deaths

The Lack of Consequences in the Star Wars Universe

The Star Wars franchise has seen a lack of significant character deaths in recent years, leaving its characters largely unscathed throughout the New Republic era and beyond. This absence of consequences has led to a critical flaw in the storytelling, impacting the emotional weight of the franchise's narratives.

Din Djarin and Grogu in the foreground, with the posters for Ahsoka and The Book of Boba Fett in the background.

While the series like The Mandalorian and Ahsoka have thrived in exploring the timeline of the New Republic, the absence of major character deaths has diminished the stakes and emotional impact of the stories. Even in instances where character deaths were hinted, such as Tech's fate in Star Wars: The Bad Batch, ambiguity and theories surrounding their survival have diluted the potential consequences.

New Republic in Ahsoka Episode 3

The lack of serious stakes in the New Republic era contrasts with the emotional weight and consequences present in highly regarded Star Wars movies like The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. The absence of such stakes in recent Star Wars storytelling has highlighted the need for higher emotional consequences to make the New Republic era feel more vital to the saga.

Ahsoka and Sequel Trilogy Posters

The Need for Higher Stakes in the New Republic Era

In light of the lack of consequences, it becomes evident that the New Republic era needs higher emotional stakes to resonate with the audience. This is crucial as stories with bigger consequences are often higher regarded in terms of Star Wars movie rankings. The success of movies like The Empire Strikes Back and Revenge of the Sith is attributed to their darker and more consequential narratives, which have resonated deeply with audiences.

Ahsoka Tano looking quizzical in Ahsoka superimposed over Din Djarin in The Mandalorian

The emotional weight present in these highly-rated Star Wars movies, particularly Revenge of the Sith, has set a precedent for the kind of stakes needed in the New Republic era. By emulating these serious stakes, the New Republic era can become a more consequential and impactful part of the Star Wars timeline, resonating with fans on a deeper level.

Pedro Pascal's Din Djarin and Katee Sackhoff's Bo-Katan Kryze superimposed with the Mythosaur from The Mandalorian season 3

The Impending Tragedy in The Mandalorian Movie

The lack of stakes in the New Republic era could foreshadow an impending tragedy in the upcoming Star Wars movie, particularly the rumored Mandalorian movie. The absence of emotional weight and character deaths in the New Republic era may lead to the inevitable sacrifice of a key character in the upcoming movie, adding the emotional stakes that have been lacking.

Cobb Vanth in Boba Fett's armor in The Mandalorian.

Ahsoka Tano is a prime candidate for this tragic sacrifice, given her long-standing presence in the Star Wars franchise and her significance to the New Republic era. Her sacrifice, or that of other prominent characters like Bo-Katan Kryze or Din Djarin, could provide the upcoming Star Wars film with the emotional weight and consequences that have been missing, creating a more impactful and resonant narrative.

The Mandalorian Fennec Shand Season 2