Warning! This article contains SPOILERS forThe Acolyteepisodes 1 and 2.
Summary
The first two episodes ofThe Acolytejust premiered on Disney+, and its story has explained why there are so many astromechs in theStar Warsgalaxy.The Acolyteepisodes 1 and 2introduce audiences toOsha, a former Jedi Padawan to Master Sol who left the Jedi Order six years before the beginning of the show. When first introduced to Osha, she is aboard a Neimoidian ship working as a meknek.
It’s said often throughoutThe Acolyteepisode 1, or at least made quite clear, that the work of mekneks is extremely dangerous - and even illegal. This is because mekneks are the mechanics responsible for doing repairs to the exterior hull of a ship, which often forces them to go out into space to complete their work. Danger, however, isn’t the only thing referenced in the work of a meknek, and the other affiliation explains a long-running mystery about some ofStar Wars’most beloved characters: astromechs.
The Sith Risk Exposure To The Jedi 100 Years Before Palaptine’s Masterplan
The Acolyte premiere unleashes a Sith assassin at the end of the High Republic Era - but why is Mae killing the Jedi, and who is her Master?
In The Old Republic, Only Astromechs Were Authorized For Repairs In Space
This Explains R2-D2’s Origins
The most famous astromech in theStar Warsgalaxy is R2-D2, the loyal companion to both Anakin and Luke Skywalker in the prequel and original trilogies, respectively. However, R2’s introduction inStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menacewas as a droid who was tasked with repairing a Naboo starship while in space.The Acolyteshows why using astromechs was the galactic standard.
InThe Acolyteepisode 1, Osha and her meknek friend, Fillik, are tasked with a job aboard the Neimoidian ship. Osha and Fillik put on space suits and go out to repair the ship, which other characters later on insist is droid work. It seems that even during the end of theHigh Republic Era, using people to do repairs in space was not the standard and something the Jedi actively disapproved of.Doing repairs in space was likely a safety issueand instead, the Republic made it so that only droids could do work on ships while in space.
R2-D2
Many view R2-D2 as the true hero of Star Wars, because this redoubtable droid has played a key role in many galactic events. Artoo served as Anakin Skywalker’s Astromech droid during the Clone Wars, and was taken in by the Organa family on Alderaan after the Empire was established. He proved himself a tremendous ally for the Rebel Alliance, and he was the one who found his way to Luke Skywalker with the Death Star plans. Artoo remains active even in the sequel era.
Most Pilots Would Become Dependent On Astromechs
This Has Been Seen In Most Star Wars Titles
As seen throughout the Skywalker saga, a majority of pilots rely on astromech droids to help keep their ship operational while in space. This has been seen with famous droids like R2-D2, or even C1-10P aka Chopper inStar Wars RebelsandAhsoka.These droids weren’t just for maintaining a ship’s integrity, but also assisting with things like navigation, calculating jump points, and even shooting at enemy aircraft.
These kinds of droids would become invaluable for intergalactic travel. While it was still a skill to be able to fix and maintain one’s ship, having an astromech to assist and run diagnostics was a way to streamline the process and make it safer. Additionally, having a machine that could go into the void of space without any adverse effects was a real selling point, as pilots wouldn’t need to put themselves at risk, nor would they need to employ someone.
Every New Star Wars Planet Introduced In The Acolyte
Star Wars: The Acolyte, Star Wars' new TV show set in the High Republic Era, has already introduced a number of new planets in the Star Wars galaxy.
Only A Few Pilots Would Also Train As “Mekneks”
It Was A Highly Dangerous Job
Because the Republic largely made it illegal for organic beings like Osha to be mekneks, they seemingly did not often travel on ships with the best morals. In fact, the Neimoidians onboard the ship said that Osha and Fillik were dispensable. Considering their profession was illegal, it would probably be easy for captains of ships to dispose of mekneks with little to no consequences. Despite the illegal nature of being a meknek, Osha seems to enjoy it.She even says that she’s much better company and more flexible than a droid.
Considering their profession was illegal, it would probably be easy for captains of ships to dispose of mekneks with little to no consequences.
Because being a meknek was illegal, getting a job was hard to come by, and this is likely why so few pilots would train as mekneks. Part of being a pilot is knowing how to fix one’s ship. However, there is a difference between doing so in space versus while the ship is grounded on a planet. In this sense,a meknek could also be thought of as a traveling mechanic. Instead of having to set a ship down to be fixed, mekneks cut out all of that extra time and are able to fix problems as they arise.
Even though Osha’s path seems to be leading her away from her job as a meknek, it’s interesting to see this part of galactic history. BecauseThe Acolytetakes place about 100 years beforeThe Phantom Menace, some historical aspects can be filled in for audiences. It’s likely for the best that mekneks will be phased out, as the job was seemingly very dangerous. Plus, it paved the way for some fan-favorite droids like R2-D2 to get created. Hopefully,The Acolytecontinues to build the world of the High Republic as they did by explaining astromech’s importance.
The Acolyteepisodes 1 and 2 are now available. New episodes premiere every Tuesday at 9pm EST on Disney+.
The Acolyte
Cast
The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes - all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.
