The Star Wars galaxy is witnessing a shift in power as the Imperial Inquisitors rise to prominence, effectively replacing the Sith Lords as the predominant sinister force. These fallen and corrupted Jedi, loyal to Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader, have become a major group of villains, appearing more frequently in recent Star Wars projects than the Sith.
The Rise of the Inquisitors in Star Wars
Introduced in the animated series Star Wars Rebels, the Inquisitors quickly grew into a formidable threat during the Dark Times of the Empire’s rule. Under Darth Vader’s command, they relentlessly hunted down Jedi survivors after the execution of Order 66. This deadly group has now outshined the Sith in various Star Wars media.
Inquisitors Take Over the Galaxy
While Sith Lords have become less visible in the current Star Wars era, Inquisitors are seemingly everywhere, making appearances in video games, novels, and upcoming series. The Jedi: Fallen Order game featured Order 66 survivor Cal Kestis pursued by Inquisitors, and the Obi-Wan Kenobi series introduced the leading Grand Inquisitor. Their presence extends even further to the upcoming Ahsoka series and other future projects.
Why Inquisitors are Replacing the Sith
The significant presence of Inquisitors in Star Wars makes sense due to their larger numbers and limited power compared to the two Sith Lords allowed by the Rule of Two. With at least 13 Inquisitors in the canon, they can be utilized more freely, offering new and exciting challenges for the heroes.
Furthermore, the Inquisitors have found resonance with newer generations of Star Wars fans, thanks to their compelling presence in shows like Star Wars Rebels, establishing a connection that endears them to the audience.
The Ongoing Dichotomy in Star Wars
Despite the rise of Inquisitors, they still represent the classic dark versus light lightsaber-wielding dichotomy that Star Wars has maintained for decades. While their prominence is refreshing, it raises the question of whether Lucasfilm will eventually explore new dark forces and villains that deviate from the familiar dark side versus light side dynamic.
The Sith, however, will not fade away entirely, as they are set to play a role in the upcoming series The Acolyte, which focuses on Sith Lords during the High Republic era. This inclusion proves that the Sith will continue to have a place in the Star Wars canon, alongside their Inquisitor agents.
Conclusion
As the Imperial Inquisitors take the spotlight and step into the shoes of the Sith Lords, they offer a fresh take on the dark side of the Force. Their increased presence and appeal to newer audiences have allowed them to become the dominant dark force in the Star Wars universe. However, the classic dichotomy between dark and light side remains intact, leaving fans to wonder if the future of Star Wars will bring forth entirely new and enigmatic villains. Nevertheless, the Sith and Inquisitors have secured their places as compelling antagonists in this iconic saga.
