BREAKING: 'Star Wars: Rangers of the New Republic' Announced

This galaxy is still coming off the high from Disney's Investor Day on December 10th. Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, unveiled a total of eleven shows and movies featuring our favorite galaxy far, far away.

Planned for release are a mix of live-action and animated series over the next several years. One of the shows is Star Wars: Rangers of the New Republic. This show is a spin-off from the huge Disney+ hit, The Mandalorian.

Setting the Stage: SPOILER ALERT

This next section contains information from Season 2 Episode 7, "Chapter 15: The Believer," of The Mandalorian.

The Mandalorian itself takes place a few years after the events of the Return of the Jedi film. The show is self-contained and quest-based in its story structure. While it certainly lives up to that, the universe and characters built around the titular character are also equally compelling. The proposed New Republic spin-off is a great way to expand upon the political landscape after the Battle of Endor.

Cara (short for Carasynthia) Dune made her first appearance in The Mandalorian episode "Chapter 4: The Sanctuary." The Alderaanian was a shock trooper during the Galactic Civil War. She saw the most action after the Battle of Endor, hunting down Imperial officials turned warlords. By the ninth year after the Battle of Yavin, she put her military career behind her to become a mercenary.

Soon after, Dune connected with the titular Mandalorian, Din Djarin, on the planet Sorgan. They worked together to clear out some Klatooinian pirates wreaking havoc on the villages of that planet. By the end of season 1, Dune helped Djarin rout the Imperial forces of Moff Gideon on the planet of Nevarro. She stays behind to work with Greef Karga as a member of the Bounty Hunter's Guild and personal enforcer.

Cara Dune resurfaces in season 2, episode 4, "Chapter 12: The Siege." At the end of the episode, Captain Carson Teva, portrayed by Paul Sun-Hyung, attempts to recruit her as a marshal for the New Republic on Nevarro. The X-Wing pilot explains that he needs people like her. His investigations show something sinister is beginning to stir in the Outer Rim. The remnants of the Empire have not gone away at all. They are continuing to amass power even after the fall of Palpatine.

It is unclear if he is successful until we see her again in "Chapter 14: The Tragedy." Toward the end of that episode, Din Djarin seeks Marshal Dune's assistance in finding a prisoner held by the New Republic. The Marshal explains that she can only do so much for him as she now has rules to follow until Djarin explains that Moff Gideon has Grogu. Marshal Dune works with Djarin to achieve his next objective.

Plot Possibilities

The Mandalorian lays the foundations for Cara Dune to lead her own spin-off series. She is willing to work with the Bounty Hunter's Guild to achieve her peacekeeping objective. Hopefully, the new show will have the same sense of adventure like The Mandalorian while also giving us a more in-depth look at the lawlessness of the Outer Rim planets.

Also promising is the inclusion of more of the Star Wars supplementary materials. Captain Teva's appearance is not a passing coincidence. His observations set the stage for the new show. Together, these new shows will help bridge the 30-year gap between the last two trilogies.

We may witness the rise of the First Order. Eagle-eyed fans have already noted that there were shots of possible Snoke clone body 'shells' a few episodes ago. I hope we see Leia Organa build the Resistance movement as well much further down in the timeline someday, though I do not know who could ever fill Carrie Fisher's shoes for that iconic role.

Gina Carano, I want to keep loving you

Gina Carano's performance as Cara Dune sealed the spin-off deal. However, Carano's off-screen antics have proven her to be a potentially problematic representative for younglings to follow. While I cannot imagine anyone else as Cara Dune, I have had a hard time with some of Carano's recent statements.

Let me be clear. I do not care one wit about Carano's politics. She can vote for whomever she wants. She can express or suppress her opinions on any topic as she sees fit and appropriate for her. My issue is solely in regards to her public comments regarding the pandemic and apparent transphobia. I sincerely hope she comes to her senses regarding both topics.

Her employer Disney has gone to great lengths to ensure guests of its parks and themed-downtowns are safe during this health crisis. Disney knows that masks and social distancing work because they work with health science experts to craft pandemic operation policies. The company should ensure that those who work for and represent them in the public eye are similarly educated. Science is not a belief nor a political stance.

Acceptance of everyone as they see themselves is a human right. While behind the scenes, their corporate policies appear inclusive, Disney is slowly showing its support for LGBTQA representation in the media it produces, too. I sincerely hope that Carano understands the harm her flippant comments can have. Whether she likes it or not, Carano is a role model for many.

I also do not support what cancel culture has become. What was once a tool to deal with our society's most reprehensible and predatory members is now used to troll and shut down any actual conversation. Bullies on both sides of the discussion have Kanye'd the mic. Unlike him, they do not deserve the spotlight. We have lost the ability to have meaningful dialog and understanding. It's the reason why folks like Carano, who have previously shown support for our communities, flock to sites like Parler. Heck, it's part of the reason we have that garbage site in the first place.

The Mandalorian laid the foundation for several spin-offs. According to Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, that show and its offshoots will culminate in "a climactic story event." Judging by the success of Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau's ability to build upon the Star Wars universe, Rangers of the New Republic will be a success regardless of the off-screen antics of its star.

Written By Leana Ahmed

Syndicated From Culture Slate