Is the First Order a Rehash of the Galactic Empire?

In the Star Wars universe, the First Order stands as a successor to the Galactic Empire, carrying with it many of the antagonistic traits and iconic elements. However, is the First Order merely a rehash of the Galactic Empire, or does it bring something new to the table?

The Simplicity of the First Order

At its core, the First Order can be simplified as an anti-rebel alliance, following a similar ideological trajectory as its predecessor. This rehashing is evident in several aspects, including the elements that do set the First Order apart, which often underscore the theme of emulation without comprehension.

The First Order often appears as a wannabe version of the Galactic Empire, complete with a Death Star 3.0, a character like Darth Vader, and a figure resembling Emperor Palpatine. These elements contribute to the feeling that the First Order is trying to emulate the former empire without understanding the nuances of its rule.

A More Religious-Oriented Version

A closer look reveals that the First Order is not just a rehash but also a more religious-oriented version of the old Imperial Empire. In the old Empire, religious practices were primarily limited to individuals such as Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine, with their closest confidants and secret order.

The First Order, however, takes the Nazi theme of the Empire and ramps it up, albeit without considering the underlying reasons and methods. This lack of depth and understanding stems from the creative bankruptcy of the sequel directors, such as JJ Abrams and Rian Johnson.

Exposition and Continuity

The First Order’s depiction in canon also lacks an explanation of the Galaxy’s current state, making Starkiller Base and its actions seem unsurprising and, in fact, backward. There was no clear progression or evolution of the Galactic Empire’s legacy; instead, it seemed that nothing had changed since the events of Return of the Jedi.

This lack of advancement and the reuse of familiar elements, without any substantive explanation or development, points to a lazy rehashing. It suggests that the creators did not invest enough time or effort to create a truly unique and coherent narrative for the First Order, leading to a sense of stagnation and fading of the Star Wars franchise.

Creative Bankruptcy and Sequel Conundrum

The First Order, as a rehash, is often criticized for its creative bankruptcy. The uniform designs and the overall aesthetic are often seen as overly familiar, suggesting a lack of innovation and originality. This repetition is not just confined to visual elements but also extends to the underlying themes and ideologies that the First Order represents.

The lack of clear explanation for the current state of the Galaxy and the unexpected appearance of Starkiller Base contribute to the feeling that the franchise is regressing rather than advancing. This criticism highlights the importance of creating a narrative that progresses and evolves, rather than simply recycling previous material.

In conclusion, while the First Order does share many similarities with the Galactic Empire, it is largely a rehash with a lack of genuine innovation and depth. This approach has resulted in a narrative that feels stale and uninspired, further underlining the need for more creative and forward-thinking storytelling in the Star Wars universe.