Carson Teva is the most important character in the Mandoverse
Is Carson Teva (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) the most important character in the Mandoverse? Carson Teva was probably set to play a huge role in the scrapped Rangers of the New Republic series that was announced back in 2020 but canceled after the controversy surrounding its lead, Gina Carano. However, despite its cancellation, Teva continues to play a key role in the Mandoverse series as the only character who cares about the threat the Empire poses. Teva has appeared in The Mandalorian Season 2 and Season 3, The Book of Boba Fett, and most recently in Ahsoka. Teva first appeared in The Mandalorian Season 2, Chapter 10 “The Passenger,” and since then, he’s had a recurring role in the Mandoverse.
Carson Teva leads New Republic reconnaissance in the Outer Rim, but he’s also served the Rebel Alliance during the destruction of Alderaan by the Empire, working alongside R5-D4. As captain of the New Republic Starfighter Corps, Carson Teva has been suspicious of Imperial remnant activity from the beginning. His suspicion took him to Coruscant, where he requested the New Republic’s assistance in dealing with pirate activity on Nevarro. Teva was denied any help and faced a shortage of resources and assistance from the New Republic, even in Ahsoka. Regardless, Teva continues to do what he believes in and is one of the most honest people working for the New Republic.
In Ahsoka, it’s with Carson Teva’s help that Ahsoka is saved on Seatos. Teva agrees to help Hera Syndulla find Ahsoka, defying orders of the New Republic, who refuse to acknowledge any suspicious activity there. In The Mandalorian Season 3, Teva helps Greef Karga when pirates take over Nevarro. As far back as The Mandalorian Season 2, Teva insists that the New Republic is in denial of there being a link between incidents happening in the Outer Rim with the Empire. He explains to Cara Dune, “There’s something going on out here. They don’t believe it on the Core Worlds, but it’s true. These aren’t isolated incidents. They need to be stopped before it’s too late.” He makes it known in simpler words to Din Djarin in The Mandalorian Season 3 when he explains that “The New Republic has to know that the Empire is growing again.”
Carson Teva is an important thread that ties all these series together and is the only voice of reason. His consistent stand on the Empire posing a very real threat to the New Republic is why he will play a very pivotal role in the coming events of this era. As Din Djarin made an offer to Teva that he’ll work for the New Republic as an independent contractor and capture Imperial Remnants, Teva will probably continue making appearances in upcoming seasons of the show and other Madoverse shows. As someone who’s not afraid to do what’s right, Teva has the New Republic’s interest at heart, but he’ll go against them if it means protecting people from the Empire, as seen during Ahsoka when he helps Hera despite the New Republic’s carelessness in matters related to Thrawn’s return.
As one of the few characters who believes in the Empire’s threat, Teva is one of the good guys, and his cooperation with Hera Syndulla, Din Djarin, and others during the era will probably help bring them all together amidst Thrawn’s return. He’s seen the destruction and horrors inflicted by the Empire and is determined to warn the New Republic so history doesn’t repeat itself. Don’t be surprised if Carson Teva is the first to sound the alarm before Thrawn attacks and helps save many innocent lives. Carson Teva deserves to play a crucial role not just in the Mandoverse shows but also in the upcoming Mandoverse film directed by Dave Filoni. We’d love to see more of Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as the New Republic’s most honorable and honest officer.
All 3 seasons of The Mandalorian are streaming on Disney+.