Star Wars' First Official Sequel To Episode 9 Finally Doing Underrated Character Justice

Published on 9 Oct 2025

Okay, let's be honest. After The Rise of Skywalker, a lot of us were feeling…well, let's just say "disappointed" would be an understatement. The whole thing felt rushed, contrived, and honestly, kind of betrayed the legacy of the saga. But here's the thing: Star Wars is HUGE. Too big to fail, right? So, the question became, could they REALLY pull off a satisfying sequel? Could they address the mess and actually give us something worthwhile?

And you might be wondering where I’m going with this. It’s because there's finally something on the horizon that gives me a glimmer of hope. Not just hope, but a surprising amount of excitement. Because the first official sequel to Episode 9, in my opinion, is finally doing an underrated character justice. I'm talking about the High Republic era, baby!

Why The High Republic Matters (Especially Now)

The frustrating thing about the post-Return of the Jedi era is that it always felt like it was scrambling to undo plot points. Palpatine's back? Okay, sure. Rey's a Palpatine? Wait, what? It was like a desperate attempt to recapture the magic, but it only managed to dilute it. But the High Republic? That's a clean slate. Set hundreds of years before the Skywalker saga, it allows storytellers to build a rich, complex world without the baggage of legacy characters. And let me tell you, it’s working.

I remember when I first delved into the novels and comics. I initially thought it'd be a fun side project, something to fill the Star Wars void. But it quickly became so much more. It explores the Jedi Order at its peak, a time of peace and prosperity across the galaxy. And while peace is nice, it doesn't make for a great story, does it? So, of course, there are threats. Big ones. Monstrous ones. The Nihil, a marauding group of space pirates, is particularly terrifying.

What I love about the High Republic is that it doesn't just rehash the same old conflicts. It delves into the philosophical underpinnings of the Jedi Order, questioning their role in the galaxy and exploring the nuances of the Force. And, crucially, it gives us characters we can genuinely care about. Characters who feel fresh and original, not just pale imitations of Luke, Leia, and Han. Speaking of characters…

Sskeer: The Tragic Jedi Master We Deserve

Here’s the thing: everyone talks about Yoda, Mace Windu, Obi-Wan, but Sskeer? He’s often overlooked. He's a Trandoshan Jedi Master (yeah, the same species as Bossk), and he is, in my humble opinion, one of the most compelling characters in the High Republic. Now, Trandoshans aren't exactly known for their Force sensitivity. They're usually depicted as ruthless hunters, obsessed with scoring "wyyyshokk" points by killing prey. But Sskeer defied those stereotypes, becoming a respected Jedi Master and a key figure in the Order.

But his story isn't one of simple triumph. No, Sskeer's arc is steeped in tragedy. The Clone Wars, while technically not part of the High Republic, casts a long shadow. Sskeer's experiences during that conflict left him deeply scarred. He suffered a trauma that fundamentally altered his connection to the Force, leading to a slow, agonizing descent into darkness. It’s a poignant exploration of PTSD that I didn’t expect from a Star Wars story. He even loses an arm in the service of The Republic. You can learn more on this fun website!

That trauma is the key, I think, to what makes him so resonant. He's not just a stoic Jedi spouting platitudes. He's a broken warrior struggling to reconcile his past with his present, desperately clinging to the light even as the darkness threatens to consume him. He's got layers. I keep coming back to this point because it's crucial: Sskeer is a character with real depth. He shows that even Jedi, those paragons of virtue, are not immune to suffering and doubt.

And THAT is what the sequel era needs. Nuance. Complexity. Characters who grapple with moral ambiguity. Sskeer embodies all of that. In fact, check out this, for some more fun things to do when bored!

A Glimmer of Hope For Star Wars

The High Republic isn't just a cool story; it's a breath of fresh air for the Star Wars franchise. It proves that there are still new and exciting stories to be told in this galaxy far, far away. It demonstrates that the franchise can move beyond the Skywalker saga and explore uncharted territory. And, most importantly, it showcases characters like Sskeer, who deserve to be recognized as more than just footnotes in the Star Wars lore.

So, am I saying that the High Republic will single-handedly save Star Wars? Maybe not. But it's a step in the right direction. It's a sign that the franchise is willing to take risks, to experiment, and to delve into the darker, more complex aspects of the Force. And for that, I'm grateful.

FAQ: Diving Deeper into the High Republic and Sskeer

Why is the High Republic considered a "sequel" to Episode 9 if it's set hundreds of years earlier?

That's a fair question! Think of it less as a direct continuation of the Skywalker saga's plot and more as a thematic sequel. After the divisive reception of Episode 9, the High Republic represents a deliberate shift in direction, a chance to explore new ideas and characters without the constraints of existing canon. It's a sequel in spirit, offering a fresh start for the franchise.

How does Star Wars' First Official Sequel To Episode 9 Finally Doing Underrated Character Justice?

See, the High Republic does something that the sequel trilogy, in my opinion, failed to do: it introduces truly compelling and original characters. Sskeer is a prime example. His backstory, his struggles, and his eventual fall from grace make him far more interesting and complex than many of the characters introduced in the sequel trilogy. The series breathes life into the Jedi order. By focusing on the Jedi Order at its peak, The High Republic does a great service in further building out the back story of these fan favorite warriors.

What's so special about Sskeer compared to other Jedi Masters?

Sskeer’s unique because he's a Trandoshan, a species known for their aggression and hunting prowess, not their connection to the Force. But beyond that, his experiences in the Clone Wars left him deeply traumatized, affecting his ability to connect to the Force and leading him down a dark path. This vulnerability and internal conflict make him a far more relatable and compelling character than the stoic, often detached Jedi Masters we're used to seeing.

Is the High Republic just for hardcore Star Wars fans, or is it accessible to newcomers?

That's the beauty of it – it's accessible to both! Hardcore fans will appreciate the deep dive into Jedi lore and the exploration of the Force, while newcomers can jump in without feeling overwhelmed by decades of established canon. The stories are well-written and engaging, with plenty of action, adventure, and compelling characters to draw you in. It also acts as a nice distraction while waiting for any news about Star Wars Outlaws!