Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
The First Order reigns “Supreme.”
"The FIRST ORDER reigns. Having decimated the peaceful Republic, Supreme Leader Snoke now deploys his merciless legions to seize military control of the galaxy. Only General Leia Organa’s band of RESISTANCE fighters stand against the rising tyranny, certain that Jedi Master Luke Skywalker will return and restore a spark of hope to the fight. But the Resistance has been exposed. As the First Order speeds toward the rebel base, the brave heroes mount a desperate escape…"
The Last Jedi makes it clear as day who has the upper hand after the battle of Starkiller Base shown in The Force Awakens. The First Order. The Resistance is on the run, barely escaping with their lives while retreating from their base on D’Qar.
Speaking of the Resistance base, Johnson sparks the theme of “let the past die” by destroying the location where we spent a bit of time at during the final act of The Force Awakens. Right out of the gate, Johnson was establishing it crystal clear that nothing was off limits in the movie.
Photo Credit: Lucasfilm
The flagship of the Resistance is called the Raddus, which may sound a bit familiar. In Rogue One, the Admiral who received the Death Star plans, risking his life in the process, was a Mon Calamari name Raddus. Ironically, his comrade Admiral Ackbar dies on the bridge of the ship named after his former friend.
Before the events of The Force Awakens, Leia convinced Ackbar to come out of retirement to join the fight against The First Order. Instead of drinking Coronas on a Mon Cal beach and enjoying his golden years, he turned into fried fish — too soon?