The Untold Dark Secrets of Star Wars Rebels: Unveiling the Unseen Story

Summary

Star Wars Rebels pushed the boundaries with mature storytelling, but the darkest story was never told.

Sabine Wren and the Ghost crew were deeply affected by the consequences of the fall of Mandalore, which was not directly depicted in Rebels.

The Mandalorian Purge, a tragic event in the Star Wars timeline, had a significant influence on Sabine, leaving her to deal with personal grief and a heavy burden of responsibility.

Rebels pushed boundaries by exploring mature themes, but it always held back from portraying its bleakest moment. As the show evolved, it grew darker alongside its audience, delivering devastating moments. The standout "Twilight of the Apprentice" episodes set on Malachor revealed multiple layers of the dark side, marked by the death of Inquisitors, Jedi Knight Kanan Jarrus' loss of eyesight, and Darth Vader's relentless pursuit to kill Ahsoka Tano. Following Kanan's demise in season 4, the show delved into a series of somber episodes, allowing both the character and viewers to mourn.

However, the most haunting tale remained untold in Rebels. Although the outcome of the Mandalorians' fight to free their homeworld from Imperial oppression wasn't covered in the show, it would have significant implications for Sabine Wren, a member of the Ghost crew. After reconnecting with her family, Sabine made the decision to aid the rebels in liberating Lothal while Clan Wren battled on Mandalore. Entrusting the Darksaber to the incapable Bo-Katan Kryze, Sabine believed she had taken the necessary steps to unite her people. Unfortunately, her actions instead resulted in a harrowing curse.

Star Wars Has Never Explicitly Told The Story Of Mandalore's Fall

The Night of a Thousand Tears has only been hinted at and shown in small parts, leaving the full story untold. In The Mandalorian season 3, Bo-Katan discloses that she handed over the Darksaber to Moff Gideon in order to protect Mandalore, but he betrayed her. These actions by Gideon were briefly depicted in The Book of Boba Fett, where a flashback displayed TIE bombers devastating the capital city of Sundari. The dome was demolished, survivors were executed, and the planet's surface became a green glass-like substance, leading most to believe that the world was no longer habitable.

While the general details of the event are known, the specific when and why remain undisclosed. The book Star Wars Timelines does not provide a designated year for the Mandalorian Purge, although it can be inferred that it occurred after the Battle of Yavin. Given the tenacity of the Mandalorians, it can be further speculated that resistance towards the Empire escalated to a point where Gideon and even the Emperor believed a permanent solution was necessary; the Empire is also notorious for committing atrocities without justification. Surprisingly, it is the characters from Rebels who are more connected to this event, despite its close association with The Mandalorian.

The Purge Of Mandalore Is Star Wars Rebels' Most Tragic Tale

The Ghost crew faces personal tragedy with Kanan's death and Ezra's disappearance. However, their greatest failure is revealed during the Purge of Mandalore. Seasons 3 and 4 of Rebels focus on Sabine's attempts to restore her homeworld, with the rest of the crew providing support. Initially lacking confidence, Sabine confronts her past and grows into a strong leader. However, she isn't the leader Mandalore truly needs. The exact actions of Bo-Katan, which ultimately result in an act of genocide by the Empire, remain unknown. Nonetheless, Sabine bears responsibility for instating her as Mandalore's ruler.

Rebels, despite its bitter-sweetness, ends on a triumphant note. Mandalore shows promise for a brighter future and Lothal is liberated. Following the destruction of the Death Star, the Empire refrains from retaliating against Lothal. However, the heroes' supposed victory takes a drastic turn when Mandalore is destroyed, shattering much of their progress. The Imperial flag now dominates the galaxy, erasing any positive impact that Sabine had made in uniting a historically divided people.

How Did The Fall Of Mandalore Affect Star Wars Rebels' Main Characters?

The Mandalorian Purge had a significant impact on Sabine - her people were eradicated and the Empire possessed the Darksaber, causing her to lose her battle against her inner demons. Additionally, there is a distressing possibility of a heavy personal cost - Clan Wren, situated on Krownest, likely fought on Mandalore during the purge. In such a scenario, the Night of a Thousand Tears would have claimed the lives of at least her mother and brother, loyal followers of Bo-Katan. Although Sabine was fortunate to survive the threat of "The Duchess" weapon that she herself designed, she might now face the consequences as her entire world crumbles.

To worsen matters, Sabine finds herself as the third survivor of a genocide within the Ghost crew. Kanan's demise eliminates the possibility of his guidance, much like he experienced during Order 66 when the Jedi were annihilated. Zeb Orrelios, on the other hand, managed to survive and continues to fight against the Empire, becoming one of the few survivors of the mass destruction of his home planet, Lasan. Despite later discovering more Lasat residing on Lira-san, the psychological trauma from the genocide had already left its mark. The obliteration of Mandalore propels the characters of the Rebels into a bleak trajectory, a narrative that Star Wars must convey to fully grasp the gravity of the event.