If Grand Admiral Thrawn Were Commanding the First Order in The Last Jedi

The Star Wars universe is filled with intriguing characters who could have dramatically altered the course of key events. One such scenario involves what would have happened if Grand Admiral Thrawn had been commanding the First Order forces in The Last Jedi. Thrawn, known for his tactical brilliance and strategic mind, might have brought a significant shift in the dynamics of the film and the broader conflict in the Star Wars universe.

Key Changes and Implications

Strategic Planning

As a renowned strategist, Thrawn would have demonstrated a deep understanding of his enemy's psyche and culture. He might have anticipated the Resistance's maneuvers and developed counter-strategies, potentially preventing the Resistance from escaping from Dakar. His ability to predict enemy actions could have given the First Order a significant advantage, ensuring that they remained one step ahead at all times.

Resource Allocation

Thrawn's expertise in resource management would have ensured that First Order forces were well-equipped and that supplies were efficiently utilized. This approach could have avoided the logistical issues that the First Order faced in the original film. With better resource management, the First Order might have been able to maintain their operations for longer, making it harder for the Resistance to gain a foothold.

Tactics and Engagement

Instead of the aggressive and sometimes reckless tactics employed by Kylo Ren, Thrawn might have advocated for a more calculated approach. He would have emphasized deception, ambush tactics, and the use of intelligence to outmaneuver the Resistance. This strategic shift would have made the First Order operations more predictable and less prone to counterattacks by the Resistance.

Diplomatic Maneuvering

Thrawn's diplomatic skills could have been leveraged to explore alliances or even to manipulate propaganda. He might have attempted to weaken the Resistance's support, possibly turning key figures in the Resistance against each other. This strategy could have weakened the Resistance's cohesion and undermined their efforts from within.

Character Dynamics

The presence of Thrawn would likely have shifted the character dynamics within the First Order. His respect for the military hierarchy and strategic thinking might have led to a more cohesive command structure, reducing infighting and power struggles among the leadership. Thrawn's leadership would have brought a level of discipline and focus that could have transformed the First Order into a more formidable force.

Final Confrontation

In the climactic battle on Crait, Thrawn would likely have developed a more sophisticated plan to engage the Resistance. He might have used the terrain to his advantage, employing tactical retreats to draw the Resistance into traps. By leveraging his knowledge of the land, Thrawn could have significantly outmaneuvered the Resistance, leading to a decisive victory for the First Order.

Long-term Consequences

Thrawns strategic mindset might have led to a quicker defeat of the Resistance, altering the course of the galaxy's conflict. In the short term, a Thrawn-led First Order would have been more stable and less prone to internal strife. This could have led to a different trajectory for the sequel trilogy and the Star Wars narrative as a whole, potentially creating a more balanced power dynamic in the galaxy.

Conclusion

Overall, Thrawns leadership would have introduced a level of sophistication and strategic depth to the First Orders operations in The Last Jedi. This could have changed the outcome of key battles and the fate of the Resistance. The impact of Thrawn's presence would have been felt far beyond the events of the film, potentially reshaping the entire Star Wars narrative.