On May 4th the animated Series „Tales of the Empire“ realesed on Disney+
I was excited and curious to watch it, as „Morgan Elsbeth“, performed by Diana Lee Inosanto, caught my great interest with the appearances in „The Mandalorian 2“ and „Ahsoka“.
Knowing her character was in a connection to Thrawn before he and Ezra were taken away by Purrgils from Lothal, I wanted to know more about this; who is she, what happened in her past and when, how, and why did Morgan and Thrawn come to the know of each other.
The Episodes 1 – 3 gave us a first impression of Morgan Elsbeth' background-story and even no one might be interested in my own thoughts about it, I just wanna write them down.
To me Morgan Elsbeth and the battle on Dathomir represents the current fates of many young people in our world. War and disturbances affects the life from people of all ages, so there are many children growing up in violence, see their world burning, losing their families & friends, watching their history & heritage being destroyed.
Furthermore Morgan saw her mother sacrifice herself, in the hope to save some members of their family.
What a traumatizing experience.
As a survivor of the Seperatists' massacre lead by General Grievous and in believe she is the last of the Nightsisters from Dathomir, Morgan had to ponder her options how to ensure her own surviving in the best way.
A cooperation with the growing Empire seemed a good way to gain power to keep her heritage so it won't be forgotten.
In spite of all personally losses in her life at this point in time, Morgan used her brilliant mind to invent a new modificated & enhanced variation of the imperial Tie-Fighters. As the Magistrate of Corvus on Calodan she wanted to enable all living beings there a better life by using the planets resources for the production of her Tie Defender-Invention for the Empire.
But the plan failed.
The human group of imperial superiors watching Morgans' presentation were greedy and short-sighted. Their only interest was in the planets resources, not in an investment of a genius idea with high potential to earn out at last.
Frustrated and disappointed Morgan returned to Calodan, where she now was being abused and attacked of the population as a „liar“, making „false promises“ and being „incompetent“.
Exactly when her anger raised again out of that situation, her life is about to change to an unexpected direction.
Not being aware her small talk with Pellaeon at the end of her Tie Defender-Presentation was a first step of a Test she already passed, she was about to have a second Test, proving her fighting-skills.
After defeating a in his pride injured Rukh, Thrawns lifeguard at this point in time, Morgan Elsbeth and Admiral Thrawn met each other for the first time.
Her intelligence and excellent fighting-skills caught his interest as well as his admiration for Morgan.
Knowing her answer „For the glory of the Empire“ to Pellaeons question about her motiviation why to work with the Imperial Fleet was a lie, Thrawn asked her again: „Why do you seek imperial favor.“
This time Morgan answered honestly to Thrawn: „Revenge. Years ago my people where all but destroyed. Our culture, our beliefs, are fading into memory. Yes, I seek power to ensure my future, to destroy my enemies. My anger gives me strength and it is that strength I offer the Empire.“
Thrawn replied: „Offer accepted.“
So we now know how the alliance of Thrawn and Morgan started.
But, to me, there are still questions I would like to get answered as well as I would appreciate the most to see more of their time during their collaboration.
What caught my interest is we see Morgan fighting on Dathomir with her mother and sisters, her face covered with Face-Tattoos. Which disappear the moment she awakes while she is still on Dathomir, taken in custody by the „Mountain Clan“.
What make her Face-Tattoos disappear that fast?
Morgan is told: „With the power of the Nightsisters broken, their spells have faded.“
We see these Markings appear on her face again in „Ahsoka“ during the Ceremony when being honored by the „Great Mothers“ for her actions.
Meanwhile on twitter an interesting thread with great ideas & theories has released, which I appreciate pretty much! Based on the given information and facts the conclusions out of the result of a thorough research sounds very plausible to me.
In case of interest, this is the original source and account („RuthlessNightsister“):
twitter.com/RuthlessNS_/status/1788374987013025980
What also caught my attention are the titles of the Episodes, „Path of Fear“, „Path of Anger“ and „Path of Hate“.
It reminds me of Yoda saying: „Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to Hate. And hate leads to suffering.“ in „The Phantom Menace“-movie.
I think the „suffering“-part can be interpreted for how Morgan must feel after all what happened to herself. As well as what we saw in „The Mandalorian 2“ and „Ahsoka“ happened to the population of Calodan on Corvus while Morgan Elsbeth is „The Magistrate“.
And there's more. We hear her say: „ … My anger gives me strength ...“ as a part of her answer to Thrawn.
What leads my minds to the Training-Session-scene in „Ahsoka“, where Sabine had to wear a helmet making her „blind“. Trying to defend herself she started to wield the training-saber wildly around and finally she fell down. Ahsoka said „... Anger and frustration help quick to gain power. But they also imbalance you. ...“
The difference I see here is the personality of Sabine and Morgan. Both have great fighting-skills and lost their families. But Morgans characteristic isn't that stubborn, overhasty and rebellish like Sabine. Morgan has a more constistent and controlled behaviour.
So instead of „hate“ I think for Morgan it is more important to restore the Nightsisters on Dathomir. And the offered alliance with Thrawn seems to be a great chance for her to achieve this.
Furthermore I think it's interesting how Thrawn describes the whole imperial entity in the relatively small chat with Morgan. He respects the empires' „magnificent construct“ and mentions also its weak points/blind spots. Which are nothing else then human behavior lead by emotions; greed, envy, hate, anger, fear, striving for glory and recognition.
Thrawn predicts at this point in time, that the way of acting short-sighted will lead to decomposition at last. So to me it looks he used the time of the „unstoppable deconstruction“ by continue expanding his very own „inner circle“ with characters of his interest.
Like the brilliant and combative Morgan Elsbeth.
He uses her fate for offering her „a helping hand“ on her concerns, and as typically for his own characteristic, same time uses her for his own purposes.
As already mentioned: I want to see more of that!
In summary these 3 Episodes delivers to me a needful gain insight of Morgans background story and the start of her Alliance with Thrawn. My interest is definitely caught, as Thrawn is a character who is not in the need of anyone - but if he sees any advantage in a collaboration, he will make use of it.
Just a few thoughts of me about the possibilities for furthermore tales: after Morgan came to the know of Captain Pellaeon and Rukh, she maybe would also have contact with Eli N. Vanto, as he is also a by Mr. Timothy Zahn created character being close to Thrawn. I would pretty much appreciate to see all these fantastic characters interacting with each other.
Also I would love to see Morgan as a Pilot of a Tie-Defender.
And to me it's not necessary to „rush“ through a story, getting it told in just a few episodes. I personally prefer to be entertained a longer while, giving the characters and storyline time and a chance to develop.
In my opinion Diana Lee Inosanto is the perfect cast for „Morgan Elsbeth“! I had the great luck to meet her at Comic Con Holland in April, she's amazing! I'm very happy she's part of the Star Wars Universe and I hope this kind, talented and powerful Lady will have possibilities to continue performing this character.
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