Like most fascist organizations, the Empire in “Star Wars” is largely a cult of personality based around the Emperor, Sheev Palpatine. In the wake of his death at the Battle of Endor, the Empire unraveled rather quickly, and it’s clear that the Shadow Council recognize the need for his return if their movement is to regain its former strength.

Of course, as fans know from Disney’s “Star Wars” sequel trilogy, somehow, Palpatine returned. Since “Star Wars: Episode IX – Rise of Skywalker” never explained the “somehow” part, it seems “The Mandalorian” is batting cleanup to fill in that plot gap.

In the opening scene of “The Mandalorian” Season 3, Episode 7, the Shadow Council meets, with one member introducing audiences to a Commandant Brendol Hux (Brian Gleeson), who heads up Project Necromancer. If that surname seems familiar, it’s because the character is confirmed to be the father of General Armitage Hux, the top military official of the First Order in the sequel trilogy.

While the specifics of their plan are unclear, what seems obvious is that the Hux bloodline is working to resurrect the Emperor, and Project Necromancer is likely the codename for that effort. However, there is also the matter of Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis), who was an early result of those efforts and kept the Hux family close by his side. The pieces are beginning to fall into place, and it’s now evident why the New Republic was doomed. With a single scene, “The Mandalorian” has begun to answer questions that have gnawed at “Star Wars” fans for years.

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