As I promised, I show you my article about Empire. It will be printed in May in "Nowa Fantastyka", Polish magazine about sci-fi and fantasy (I will show you photos when I receive my copy of the magazine) and thats why some information could be obvious for us. Everyone of you helped me in this answering on my question, so enjoy.
Especially I thanks @trencher - he translated this text.
The imperial point of view
In Star Wars, the embodiment of the forces of evil is the Empire, and its symbol - fear-raising Darth Vader. However, when we look deeper, we will see that the Empire, to which even Ronald Reagan referred, is not as completely black as rebels paint them.
Long long time ago...
Episodes I-III show not only the fall of Anakin Skywalker and the birth of Darth Vader, but also political machinations, as a result of which the Republic was replaced by the First Galactic Empire. This would not have been possible without the corruption and bureaucracy that penetrated the republican Senate from the inside, making it impossible to make quick and efficient decisions. The proclamation of the new system took place in 19 BBY (before the battle of Yavin, as in the stellar world, a chronology is defined), when Chancellor Sheev Palpatine proclaimed himself an Emperor with the end of the Clone Wars.
The classic trilogy (episodes IV-VI) presents the final years of the Empire's existence and the fight of the Rebels with - as if not seen - a legal political system. It is actually a faint fragment of the stellar history, only a few years from almost twenty when the Emperor ruled. We get to know many events not through films, but through other sources - TV series, comics or novels. All this creates the so-called canon - a collection of stories that complement, explain and develop particular threads.
After the Disney label canceled the existing Extended Universe in 2014, closing it as an alternative story and describing it as Legend, new stories began to emerge. In this new canon, cinema films and the Star Wars emitted in the years 2008-2014: Clone Wars (121 episodes), as well as an animated film of the same title. Since then, the sequential brothers have joined the canonical filmmakers, the Rebels series (broadcast on television since 2014) and spin-offs (Rogue 1, Solo). How does the Empire present itself in this new universe? Very patchy.
Evil painted on the face
In the series Rebels, imperial officers are portrayed as a model example of incompetence and stupidity. Their very appearance deterred and shows that people in the army are arrogant, stupid and do not sin with their beauty. Fierce expressions of admirals Kassius Konstantine or Brom Titus say everything - the children to whom the series is directed, they immediately know who they are dealing with and learn that the evil is painted on the face (it looks a bit like propaganda illustrations from the Second World War world). If, however, a handsome man is found, he will soon find that he hesitates about the rightness of the chosen side and as a result he will turn to the enemy side. A model example is agent Alexandr Kallus, who served in the Imperial Security Office, who pretending to be a devoted imperial cause, in fact gave information to the rebels. When Grand Admiral Thrawn discovers his betrayal, Kallus easily (how else) runs away and for good adheres to the Alliance.
Unfortunately, the Rebels show that the Empire is not enough that it is stupid, it can be defeated by a group of beings simply believing in a just cause and in addition usually acting without any plan. Stormtroopers fail in the tunnel, encircling enemies and having them on the fork, death stormtroopers (members of the elite unit) box as often as ordinary soldiers, and in almost every episode destroy valuable imperial equipment - an important broadcasting station, destroyer or prototype TIE fighter. It is surprising that the Empire has survived almost twenty years.
English accent and German uniforms
The old trilogy shows the Empire as a masculine world. There is no woman in it (unless he hides under the helmet of a stormtrooper or TIE pilot), and men are classic officers, whom we associate with films about World War II - refined, stiff and very often talking with a British accent (which rather stems from the involvement of actors from Great Britain than the intended action). This is not the case in the first spin-off - Rogue 1, and judging from the trailer for Solo, it will be similar.
The Empire depicted in films is ubiquitous and dangerous. Tarkin's uncompromising decision to use the combat station and destroy the Alderaan planet is an example of imperial policy - government through fear. In turn, the battles at Scarif or Hoth show the military might and resources of the evil side. Of course, the moral imperative requires victory for the positive heroes, which is why the imperial counts "bloopers" - do not appreciate the determination of the opponent (Tarkin, Thrawn), too close destroyers (Admiral Gorin in the Battle of Scarif), too quickly come out of hyperspace (Admiral Ozzel) or they disregard the local fauna (Ewoks). However, it can not be denied that the Empire depicted in films can be a source of horror, not just the presence of Darth Vader or the Emperor.
In classic episodes there are no everyday scenes depicting ordinary life in the Empire. In New Hope, virtually all imperialists serve on the Death Star, in the Empire counterattack or Return of the Jedi, we see them again only in purely business and military situations. However, the change in the approach is announced by spin-offs. In the aforementioned Rogue 1 we can see what the imperial occupation looks like - officers are walking through Jedha City streets, as well as patrolling and checking the stormtrooper's documents. A day like every day, interrupted by terrorist attacks by Sawa Gerrera. The hope for a similar presentation of everyday life is given by Solo, in the trailer where the recruitment scene for the army is shown. And let there be more similar tastes.
Novels of the new canon
The new fictional canon focuses mainly on the events presented in the films, showing them from different points of view. Unlike the Enlarged Universe, the chronology is not excessively extended, but rather compressed into the period of decline of the Republic or Empire, often showing the young years of characters known from films (Leia, Princess of Alderaan by Claudia Gray, Tarkin and Catalyst by James Luceno) or the series (New Dawn of John Jackson Miller, Thrawn by Timothy Zahn). There are books referring to computer games (Battlefront II. Inferno Squad by Christie Golden), but there are also novels not directly related to films (Lost Stars by Claudia Gray) or showing the last days of the Empire and the time after its fall (Chuck Wendig Trilogy).
The time line slightly increases after the fall of the Empire and dates back to the times depicted in the new episodes, the Force Awakening and the Last Jedi, but these titles do not cover the subject of current considerations.
The new imperial canon
One can risk the thesis that the new canon is very imperial. Most of the novels take place around the economic consequences of the construction of the Death Star. These threads are quite important for the plot axes - after all, building a powerful battle station lasted several years, it required a lot of raw materials and financial outlays.
The Empire presented in the books is a political system in which only uncompromising individuals are found, endowed with a great deal of cunning. But although they often follow their own ambitions, they also try to create something better on their own worlds. Some planets have adopted a change in the political system with joy, seeing the benefits that flow from it (eg Vardos, from which Iden Versio comes from, the main character in the novel Inferno Squad and the Battlefront II game). What's more, the Empire is seen as bringing order to the chaos of the Clone Wars and corruption of the Republic - the scene from the novel Inferno Squad is featured, in which the girl runs in a crisis situation towards the stormtrooper, because for her it is a symbol of security. For many, the Empire is a guarantee of peace - only the rule of a strong hand is able to control the recent chaos.
Old friends and ambitious people out of nowhereB
By defining the old universe as an alternative story, a certain gate was left to itself. Every now and then they are chosen from more interesting threads or characters and are implanted in the new canon. The part changes diametrically (the way the Death Star plans were made became a canvas of a separate film, Rogue 1, but the old story was changed completely), the part retains virtually no major changes (Thrawn's character).
One of the most important old / new characters is the above-mentioned Grand Admiral Thrawn. A brilliant strategist, a connoisseur of art who believes that thanks to her knowledge he will defeat the enemy - it is impossible to hide that the fans missed him the most. The Thrawn trilogy of Timothy Zahn enjoyed (and still enjoys) a great esteem in the environment, and the acquisition of the Polish edition is nearly miraculous and involves a considerable financial expense. The Blue Admiral was reactivated for the needs of the Rebels series, but in a great way he also returned in Zahn's new novel, in which not only we can get to know his career in the Imperial Fleet, but also see how the service looks from the inside.
Another imperial, Wulff Yularen, the head of the Imperial Security Office, first appeared in New Hope for ... a few seconds. The character was developed in the Clone Wars to show it again in the Rebels series in white uniform. In Thrawn's novel, his role has been more developed, as well as the significance and influence of IBB itself (which is also characteristic of the new canon).
Wilhuff Tarkin, the great moff, gained even more importance than before. The Emperor rules with an iron hand, but with the help of his advisors, alone in the shadow, and the creator of the imperial doctrine plays the first violin. Tarkin appears not only in the context of building a combat station, but also in many other relevant situations, scrolling on the pages of subsequent novels.
The new imperial is above all people who find themselves in the system. They often come from insignificant worlds, and in the Empire they see a chance for their career and are able to use it. A great example is Ahrinda Pryce, who from the daughter of the owners of the mine on Lothal reaches the position of governor of this planet. This scheme includes Director Orson Krennic, the main coordinator of work on the construction of the Death Star, an architect and engineer who is able to manipulate people and uses those talents to work on the project.
But ambition is just one of the qualities appreciated in the Empire. Grand Admiral Rae Sloane, the heroine of the Wendig cycle The end and beginning, truly believes in the order and order that the Emperor's government brings to the Galaxy and tries to merge the remains of the fleet after his death. In turn, Iden Versio, the daughter of the head of IBB and propaganda artist, is brought up in the belief that current governments are the only right way to maintain peace (only the threat of extermination of her family world makes her turn away from her former comrades). Also, do not forget about Ciena Ree (Lost Stars), for whom the oath of the Empire binds her even in the face of its inevitable end.
It is also not difficult to notice that women are appearing more and more often in the ranks of the Empire. It's not that they were not there before - not many, but they did appear, though their competence left much to be desired. Currently, women not only serve in the army or Fleet, but also hold high positions, which they owe their skills.
What about the Empire?
From the moment when forty years ago Star Wars appeared for the first time, the infatuation of the Empire continues. This is also reflected in the costume organizations - the largest of them, Legion 501, associates over 12,000. active members around the world.
What is the result of this fascination with the oppressive, paranoid and authoritarian system of government? Many fans point primarily to the beauty of uniforms, armor and military equipment. With an imperial order, the rebels look like a bunch of random beings gathered in one place. In addition, the Empire has huge destroyers, characteristic TIE fighters, AT-AT majestic rolling machines and finally - the Death Star. Popularity can be compared to that enjoyed by German uniforms and military equipment from World War II (imperial uniforms were modeled on German ones). It is not without reason that the white armor of the stormtrooper is one of the most recognizable and most successful stellar costumes, just after the characteristic armor of Darth Vader.
An equally important aspect seems to be the fascination with evil, the desire to temporarily find yourself on the other side of the barricade, the realization of the fantasy of "being a villain" - usually the negative heroes have more complex characters and more interesting past. Significant (and still valid) is somewhere deeply convinced that the authoritarian system is a remedy for bigger problems (sooner or later every modern state will appear before the crisis of democracy, as Erich Fromm mentions in Escaping from Freedom), and ordinary citizens will give the opportunity to choose an illusory sense of peace and surrender to a stronger power.
What will the Empire be like in Solo? Sparse promotional materials show that the creators will probably follow the path delineated by Rogue 1 and show several scenes from everyday life under the Emperor's rule. The books show that the course is designed to present the Empire as a more gray than a black political system. Because life is not black and white, even in Star Wars.
They will love it. . I'm going to hit the hay. It's almost 1am here. Ugh. Have to get up at 4am. So I guess sleep is suggested. But I'll be looking forward to seeing the reactions. It's going to be good!
That's part of being "in character". I have an entire head-canon for the nameless officer I portray; I wear a Captain badge, because I was given captainship of a Victory-Class Star Destroyer. Sounds nifty, right? Except the Victory-class ships are the old war tech, and being placed on one is usually seen as the career-ender for any upward mobility. It makes sense to me that the Empire might stick an experienced female officer somewhere like that so as to appease her without having to deal with her. Of course, knowing this, my character lets this all go to her head and thinks she's going to be the next Peitt.
Okay, nerdiness aside, be whatever rank you want. The goal is to have fun and put smiles on faces
Today I was on event in Ciechocinek. The weather was so beautiful and sunny and I thought that it is good idea to make some photos of my shadow on the cobbles. It looks like comicbook graphics or something similar. What do you think?
Shadows of the Empire?
Today I was on event in Ciechocinek. The weather was so beautiful and sunny and I thought that it is good idea to make some photos of my shadow on the cobbles. It looks like comicbook graphics or something similar. What do you think?
Shadows of the Empire?
Today I was on event in Ciechocinek. The weather was so beautiful and sunny and I thought that it is good idea to make some photos of my shadow on the cobbles. It looks like comicbook graphics or something similar. What do you think?
Shadows of the Empire?
I've always admired military uniforms. I love gloves, boots and high collars. And if I can have also the cape...
Krennic is my first costume and I don't need another one. I think this one suits me. It's not only a costume - I like Krennic, I think he is very interesting character, so characteristic for the Empire: very smart, intelligent and ambitious. And he have beautiful costume - not only uniform, but also the cape.
When I saw him first time I said: for that costume I was waiting my entire life as Star Wars fan. I though about SW costume and joining to 501st from years, but every costume I've seen was not for me. Until Krennic.
Maybe I will make another one, mayby ISB officer, but not now. I want improve my director Krennic costume, make it on 3rd level (I have almost everything on this lvl, but those boots... they are very expensive, especially for me, I have small foots and I need a shoemaker). Now I enjoy in krennic costume and I don't need another one.
I've always admired military uniforms. I love gloves, boots and high collars. And if I can have also the cape...
Krennic is my first costume and I don't need another one. I think this one suits me. It's not only a costume - I like Krennic, I think he is very interesting character, so characteristic for the Empire: very smart, intelligent and ambitious. And he have beautiful costume - not only uniform, but also the cape.
When I saw him first time I said: for that costume I was waiting my entire life as Star Wars fan. I though about SW costume and joining to 501st from years, but every costume I've seen was not for me. Until Krennic.
Maybe I will make another one, mayby ISB officer, but not now. I want improve my director Krennic costume, make it on 3rd level (I have almost everything on this lvl, but those boots... they are very expensive, especially for me, I have small foots and I need a shoemaker). Now I enjoy in krennic costume and I don't need another one.
Thanks for all answers - they were very helpful.
I wrote article and it will appear in May (problem is that it will be in Polish, but if you want, I will show you photos of it).
Thanks for all answers - they were very helpful.
I wrote article and it will appear in May (problem is that it will be in Polish, but if you want, I will show you photos of it).
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