Star Wars: The Clone Warsintroduced one of the most complex and defining characters of the DisneyStar Warsera: Saw Gerrera. Gerrera, originally introduced inStar Wars: The Clone Warsseason 5, episode 2, “A War on Two Fronts,” now has a violent, prideful, yet undeniably vital legacy withinStar Wars’ storytelling, especially where the Rebellion and thehistory of the Galactic Civil Warare concerned. Gerrera may, on the whole, be a minor character, especially in comparison with some ofStar Wars’ biggest names, but he’s had no less of an impact on the story.
After being briefly trained as a freedom fighter by Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, and Obi-Wan Kenobi during the Clone Wars,Saw Gerrera turned to more extreme tactics in the wake of his sister Steela’s death, using his grief to fuel his vendetta against the Separatists and, by extension, the Empire. For better or worse,Saw Gerrera is a defining iconof the Dark Times oftheStar Warstimeline; his tactics, beliefs, and actions changed everything, even when he disagreed with his peers in the Rebel Alliance.
Quick Links
Saw Gerrera Defines The Dark Times Of The Empire’s Reign
Saw Gerrera may have been introduced during the Clone Wars, but he had the most impact during the Empire’s reign. Chronologically,the first time we see Saw Gerrera againis in the animated seriesStar Wars: The Bad Batch, set just after the Empire’s rise to prominence. At this time, Gerrera and his militia, left over from the Clone Wars, are proclaimed enemies of the Empire. Gerrera was partially responsible for gettingClone Force 99to turn their backs on the Empire – all except Crosshair – changing their lives forever.
Later, Clone Force 99 would run into Saw again during one of his more dangerous missions, which indirectly resulted in the death of Clone Force 99 member Tech.That’s the thing about Saw, though – collateral damage was just that to him: collateral damage. He believed that fighting the fight was more important than anything and that in war, casualties were inevitable. It’s one of the reasons he was constantly at odds with prominent Rebel Alliance leaders like Mon Mothma and the Ghost Crew, as seen inStar Wars RebelsandAndor.
Saw turns up often inStar Wars, sometimes when you least expect it. Before he appeared inStar Wars RebelsandAndor(which take place almost concurrently), Saw also appeared in the canonStar WarsgameStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, leading an insurrection on Kashyyyk, the Wookiee homeworld. Even there, the young Jedi survivor Cal Kestis’ mentor, former Jedi Master Cere Junda, warned Cal about Saw’s disposition.Yes, he gets the job done, but at what cost?
As the Rebel Alliance grew, so too did Saw Gerrera’s ambition. His plans became wilder, and his regard for the safety of others became less important.
As the Rebel Alliance grew, so too did Saw Gerrera’s ambition. His plans became wilder, and his regard for the safety of others became less important. Is there a massive kyber crystal to destroy? Who cares if a few civilians die in the process? Is the Empire building new weaponry on Geonosis? Who cares if they decimate the last member of a near-extinct species?
He’s even at odds withAndor’s Luthen Rael, another prominent early-days Rebel whose tactics were less than savory compared to Senator Mon Mothma’s. The only time we truly see Saw care about someone’s life other than the life of the Rebellion – after his sister’s death, that is – is when it comes to Jyn Erso.
Even then, as we see inCatalyst: A Rogue One Novelby James Luceno andRogue One: A Star Wars Story, his ambition damaged his relationship with her. These stories show us that, after the Clone Wars, while the Empire was still a fledgling organization, during the dawn of the Rebellion, and at the height of the Galactic Civil War,Saw’s only true goal was to destroy the Empire. No matter what.
Through Saw, We See The Extreme Side Of The Rebellion
Saw’s ruthless drive is what makes him such an interesting character, a character that has allowed Disney’sStar Warsto be so much more compelling. So much of theRebel Alliance’s storyis rooted in unlikely heroes saving the day with nothing but their wits, compassion, and a desire to do good. We’d all like to believe that winning the war against the Empire is simply about standing up to darkness and believing in the power of love, of course, and that people can remain wholly good in the face of evil.
Star Wars: 15 Things You Didn’t Know About The Rebel Alliance
Despite the Rebellion being a central focus of the original Star Wars trilogy, there is still a lot that people don’t know about the Rebel Alliance.
That’s not realistic, however.Saw represents what happens to those who become trapped in a cycle of violenceand how, despite someone’s best intentions, they can lose themselves and their morals along the way. He wants to do good, and the only way he knows how to do good is by leveling the playing field with the Empire, meeting them head-on with the same ruthlessness that allowed Palpatine to assume power.
Saw Was Right About The Empire, But Wrong About The Means
In many ways, Saw was right about the Empire. It couldn’t be reasoned with – it needed to know that the Rebel Alliance was willing to stand up to its tyranny and not cower beneath its might. His understanding of the Empire didn’t give him the right to decide who lives and who dies during the fight, however. It didn’t give him the right to undermine other Rebellion operations, rain destruction down on previously peaceful worlds, or drive a species to extinction. Saw’s violence arguably allowed the Empire to brand all Rebels as “terrorists.”
Saw’s violence arguably allowed the Empire to brand all Rebels as “terrorists.”
Saw forgot that he wasn’t alone.He forgot that defeating the Empire wasn’t just about destroying the Empire; it was about fighting for freedom and justice, too.His sister’s death hardened him and changed him in ways I suspect he never fully understood himself, either. It made him believe that others should sacrifice their loved ones for the greater good, just as he had done. Yes, sacrifice may be a part of war, but losing your compassion almost entirely? That’s where Saw Gerrera went wrong inStar Wars.
2025
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Cast
Star Wars: The Clone Wars is an animated series that explores the intense conflict between the Republic and the Separatists. Featuring a mix of loyalty shifts and alliances, it delves into complex mysteries of the Force and showcases pivotal moments for characters like Anakin Skywalker and Master Yoda.
Andor
Andor is a Star Wars prequel series set before the events of Rogue One, following Cassian Andor as he navigates a world of danger and deception. The series delves into his transformation into a pivotal figure in the struggle against the Galactic Empire.
