'The Mandalorian': 5 ways the series redefined and expanded 'Star Wars' lore for an all-new generation
Spoilers for 'The Mandalorian'
'The Mandalorian' has changed the way 'Star Wars' stories are told as it became the first live-action television series set in the franchise. Pulling away from the Skywalker Saga stories that have previously taken up the majority of the franchise's attention, 'The Mandalorian' focuses on a lone bounty hunter — played by Pedro Pascal — on the Outer Rim of the galaxy after the Empire's fall, but before the rise of the First Order. Out on the Outer Rim, we've discovered new things about Star Wars' lore that have forever changed the way we look at that galaxy far, far away.
1. The Child Species
The most beloved new character to come out of the 'Star Wars' universe, the Child — popularly known as Baby Yoda — instantly captured the hearts and minds of people the world over, and was the series' first major surprise. The Child was meant to be a 50-year-old target for the Mandalorian but it turns out that its species ages much slower than other creatures, meaning that 50 years is still its species' infancy. The Child explores an aspect of the 'Star Wars' universe that has previously remained untouched, up until now, and only two other members of the same species had been revealed, and even then, they were unnamed. Now, as the Mandalorian seeks to reunite the Child with his people, we're set to learn more about the mysterious species than we ever have before.
2. This is The Way
While 'The Clone Wars' may have popularized the Mandalorians in the first place, 'The Mandalorian' offers new insight into the customs of those from Mandalore. We see a different sect of the Mandalorians featured in the show, from their tradition of permanently concealing their faces to their rituals of honor and protection of the Foundlings. "This is the way" is an honor chant from the warrior sect that shall not be forgotten anytime soon.
3. The Tusken Raiders
Before, fans only knew the Tusken Raiders as dangerous savages responsible for traumatizing more Skywalker children than you can shake a lightsaber at, but 'The Mandalorian' shows that there is more to the raiders than just savagery. They are clever people who have eked out a living in the harsh conditions of the Dune Sea and the show has fleshed out that culture, giving us a glimpse into their lives, and even developing their own unique sign language.
4. Mandalore and the Darksaber
It's not just the Mandalorians that have been getting attention, the show has expanded the story of Mandalore itself, detailing what happened to the planet after the events of 'The Clone Wars'. So far its been in hints and teases, like the mention of the Great Purge, but with the introduction of the Darksaber, 'Star Wars' appears to be building up to Mandalore having a more significant place in the galaxy than ever before.
5. The Fate of Boba Fett
When we last saw Boba Fett, it seemed like his story was quite finished — being swallowed up by a Sarlacc Pit in the midst of a battle would be a pretty final end for most people. Most people, however, are not Boba Fett. The series has brought back Temuera Morrison to suit up as the cloned bounty hunter and revealed just how he's still alive, bringing a fan-favorite back into canon and allowing fans a chance to see a never-before-told story of the character.
'The Mandalorian' airs on Fridays on Disney+.
