The upcoming Disney+ series “Star Wars: Tales of the Empire” is poised to shake up the foundations of the Galactic Empire, as evidenced by a new Imperial motto introduced in the show’s trailer.
In the footage, Grand Admiral Thrawn can be heard uttering the words “Long live the Empire,” a rallying cry that suggests a shift in allegiance away from the tyrannical rule of Emperor Palpatine.
This subtle but significant change in rhetoric is a fascinating departure from Palpatine’s view of the Empire as an extension of his own power. Throughout the original Star Wars trilogy, it was clear that the Sith Lord saw himself as synonymous with the Empire, going so far as to declare “I am the Senate” in “Revenge of the Sith.”
However, the “Long live the Empire” mantra featured in “Tales of the Empire” indicates a growing sentiment among Imperial forces that their loyalty lies not with Palpatine, but with the larger system of governance he established. This represents a remarkable divergence from the Emperor’s intentions, as he had no desire for the Empire to outlive him.
In fact, the brutal Operation: Cinder directive, revealed in “The Mandalorian,” demonstrates Palpatine’s willingness to destroy the very infrastructure he spent decades building, should his rule be threatened. This underscores the Emperor’s belief that the Empire and his own power were inextricably linked, a notion that the new Imperial motto in “Tales of the Empire” seems poised to challenge.
The shifting allegiances hinted at in the trailer suggest that many Imperials, including key figures like Thrawn, may have been more invested in the longevity of the Empire itself rather than Palpatine’s personal ambitions. This could have significant implications for upcoming Star Wars stories, such as the second season of “Ahsoka,” which is expected to further explore the machinations of the post-Endor Imperial remnant.
As “Star Wars: Tales of the Empire” prepares to lift the veil on this turbulent period in the galaxy’s history, the introduction of a new Imperial slogan that eschews loyalty to Palpatine represents a fascinating departure from the Emperor’s iron-fisted control. It remains to be seen how this narrative development will shape the future of the Star Wars franchise, but one thing is clear: the Empire’s days of absolute fealty to its tyrannical ruler may be coming to an end.
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