There is a concern amongst some fans that there will be a plot hole in the Original Trilogy of Star Wars due to the Inquisitors in the upcoming Ahsoka show. The Ahsoka series will debut a character named Marrok. Marrok is a former Inquisitor turned mercenary. Some fans are worried that since the Ahsoka show is set in a post-Return of the Jedi timeline, including Marrok and other characters will make plot holes due to their absences in the Original Trilogy timeline.
The question is, why do some fans think this is an actual issue? We have to keep in mind that the Original Trilogy was made up as Lucas went along. There were no long-term plans in place that would allow for the inclusion or even exclusion of characters. It would be logical that characters, places, and even whole races of creation wouldn’t exist in the Original Trilogy.
Logically, we cannot expect one single character or story to create plot holes in the Original Trilogy. It is possible, however, perhaps for that one character or story to fill that same perceived plot hole. Naturally, we will have some plot holes identified from time to time. Lucas couldn’t plan for every contingency or could have known the popularity of the IP he was creating and the extended universe it would spawn. Lucas saw the EU or Legends as they are now known as something outside of what he was doing in the movie universe. So bringing in a character or story from outside Lucas’ original plan will make for some minor bumps in the road.
Fortunately, the dynamic duo of The Holy Filoni (hallowed be thy name) and his favorite Favreau, are handling these bumps quite well as they introduce people, places, and things that did not exist in the Original Trilogy. The stories of The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Ahsoka are nowhere to be found in the source material. Their backstories and other information about them are just … missing. Why? Because they weren’t necessary, or in some cases, thought of for the source materials.
If that were true, any character alive during the timeline of the original trilogy would have to be accounted for. Where were they? What were they doing? Why weren’t they in the movies? Fortunately, that’s a bridge we should never have to logically cross.
But where could this be a problem? It becomes a problem if we talk about a character like Marrok as part of the Empire or working directly for Darth Vader, perhaps even trying to place him in places and times during the Original Trilogy. If that were to happen, then we would absolutely have plot holes that would require some creatively reshot scenes or addition digitally into previously shot scenes from the first movies.
Characters like Marrok, though, should be able to slide into the lore of Star Wars without any major kerfluffles. And I think that as we learn more about this character through the episodes of Ahsoka, we will be able to look back on this topic as much ado about nothing. There is no danger here. There is only an opportunity to have more characters to talk about, theorize about, and have fun with in this great galaxy that has been made for us.
Ahsoka comes to your television screens on August 23rd with 2 episodes for you to enjoy!