The Republic Chancellor of the Acolyte: A Surprising Connection to the Force Awakens
Set during the High Republic, the new Star Wars series The Acolyte has brought to the galaxy far, far away several fresh ideas and characters. Among such individuals is the Tarsunt species Republic Chancellor Drellik, which has an unexpected relationship to the sequel trilogy.
Drellik: a High Republic Tarsunt
The season 1 ending of The Acolyte revealed Tarsunt Chancellor Drellik as the Republic's new Supreme Chancellor. In live-action, this is the first instance a non-human species has occupied. The Tarsunt are suited for a position like this since they are renowned for their diplomatic abilities and cool headness. Drellik's presence, though, is especially important given the species' relation to the sequel trilogy.
The Sequel Trilogy's Tarsunt Connection
In Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the Tarsunt made an unforgettable presence. During the First Order's ascent, Tarsunt Chancellor Lanever Villecham was the Chancellor of the New Republic. This makes the Tarsunt species the only non-human species in canon capable of occupying the Chancellor post in both the Old Republic and the New Republic.
Sadly, Chancellor Villecham was not especially successful in his position. Though General Leia Organa warned him, he regularly minimized the threat the First Order presented, which finally resulted in the destruction of the New Republic at Hosnian Prime. In this sense, Drellik may have some resemblance to Villecham, neglecting the growing threat of the Sith whose apprentice will finally occupy his place.
Significance of Drellik in the High Republic
Drellik's portrayal as Chancellor in The Acolyte offers a remarkable link between the sequel trilogy and the High Republic era. It implies that although their choices haven't always been the best, the Tarsunt have long history of participation in cosmic politics. It also begs issues regarding the species' part in the events of The Acolyte and how their participation might help the Sith to rise finally.
The Acolyte is only starting to investigate the intricate network of events guiding the fall of the High Republic and the ascent of the Empire. Chancellor Drellik's look and his relationship to the sequel trilogy point to possible closer ties between these apparently separate eras than first would suggest. Given the dark side of the galaxy looms on the horizon, the peaceful species known as the Tarsunt might be quite important.
