The resurgence of the Star Wars Empire has been a focal point of numerous projects, leading me to formulate a theory regarding the real orchestrator behind this revival. While the Empire appeared to suffer a definitive defeat during the Battle of Endor in Return of the Jedi, such a formidable military force is unlikely to vanish instantly. The original Star Wars Expanded Universe, often referred to as “Legends,” showed the Empire continuing to function long after the events of the traditional narrative, a notion the new canon has similarly adopted.
Recent narratives have fleshed out the Empire’s tactics, with Emperor Palpatine frequently recognized as the hidden mastermind. However, during a recent rewatch of the latest Star Wars television series, I recognized certain crucial aspects that suggest the Empire’s revival may actually trace back to a different individual. If my hypothesis holds, it would add a fresh dimension to the current Star Wars storyline and hint at upcoming character developments.
Uncovering the True Mastermind Behind the First Order
The Imperial Remnant and Its Strategic Maneuvers
It’s important to recognize that while Palpatine indeed orchestrated the rise of the First Order within the Star Wars sequel trilogy, he had contingencies in place for his potential demise: he envisioned a strategy to resurrect the Empire from its ruins. After the Empire was decisively defeated at the Battle of Jakku, Grand Admiral Rae Sloane rallied the remnants of her fleet to the Unknown Regions, paving the way for what would eventually become the First Order.
Although Palpatine ultimately reasserted control over the First Order via Supreme Leader Snoke, the faction initially operated independently for several years. They were among numerous Imperial splinters that collaborated under a covert Imperial Shadow Council, intentionally keeping their plans hidden from the New Republic. Commandant Brendol Hux, the father of the later General Armitage Hux, acted as Sloane’s representative in this council.
Hux was also engaged in “Project Necromancer,”which aimed to develop a suitable clone body for Palpatine, a task fraught with challenges. With Palpatine not yet directly involved, the Shadow Council is likely to follow Grand Admiral Thrawn’s leadership in future Star Wars narratives, especially following his return from exile. The initial strategies employed by the Imperial Remnant echo a character from a different Star Wars series.
The Strategic Vision of Andor’s Dedra Meero
A Mastermind Who Anticipates Rebel Actions
In season 1, episode 5 of Andor, entitled “The Axe Forgets,”Dedra articulates her strategy, demonstrating an understanding of rebel tactics:
I know this. If I was them, this is how I’d do it. I’d spread it out. Never climb the same fence twice.
The Imperial Remnant indeed adopted this tactic once the New Republic rose to prominence, leading the latter to believe that they were merely disjointed warlords lacking a cohesive strategy. Dedra’s insightful analysis raises questions about whether she merely forecasted the methods the Imperial Remnant would eventually employ.
Could Dedra Meero Be the True Mastermind Behind the Empire’s Revival?
The Imperial Luthen Rael
Given Dedra’s accurate predictions regarding the rebellion’s moves, I believe she may genuinely embody the mastermind behind the Empire’s resurgence. There is a significant chance that Dedra will survive the second season of Andor, allowing her to witness the Empire’s fragmentation into various factions firsthand. She may remain either an unseen member of the Shadow Council or continue her previous role within their ranks.
Dedra Meero The ISB’s finest Andor is the best Star Wars since the original trilogy. Let me know what you think #starwars #cassianandor #diegoluna #andor #rogueone #rebelalliance #empire #starwarsart #art #portrait #painting @starwars @andorofficial pic.twitter.com/Br3SrxkPGy — scadarts (@scadarts) November 10, 2022
This trajectory feels fitting for Dedra, symbolically linking her initial role as a hunter of Luthen Rael to potentially becoming his Imperial counterpart, orchestrating the Remnant’s scattered activities from the shadows. Much like Luthen’s influence over the rebels, Dedra might have been the unifying force behind various Imperial leaders gathered in the Shadow Council.
Alternatively, it’s possible Dedra devised this strategy as a contingency plan should the Empire falter, thus justifying her absence from a more prominent role among the Shadow Council. It’s intriguing to contemplate how Luthen and Mon Mothma drew lessons from Palpatine, suggesting that Dedra’s counter-strategy may mirror her observations of the rebels. As George Lucas often stated, “It’s like poetry, it rhymes.”
Writer and showrunner Tony Gilroy has expressed that Andor season 2 could serve as a springboard for exciting new developments within the Star Wars universe. Primarily discussing innovative television offerings, he emphasized: “we’re going to explore some canonical elements and concepts in Andor that might inspire people to pursue new projects.” This leads me to anticipate whether my theory about Dedra Meero will indeed find validation in her return.
Mark your calendars: Andor season 2 is scheduled to debut its first three episodes on April 22nd exclusively on Disney+.