Seeking Mandalorian Basilisks: A Fantasy of Legends or Space Innovation?

The discussion around whether Mandalorian Basilisks might appear in Season 3 of The Mandalorian on Disney has sparked much debate among fans of the series. This article delves into the history, aesthetic, and feasibility of these bizarre flying droids within the context of the Star Wars universe.

Legends or Nonsensical Part of the Old Republic?

The Basilisk droid, a creature from the ancient past of the Star Wars universe, holds a special place in the lore but is often scrutinized by modern eyes. The idea of a Basilisk in the context of The Mandalorian seems incomprehensible due to several factors. Firstly, the Basilisk is mentioned as a Legend and its existence predates the Mandalorian era by more than 4,000 years. This raises the question of how it could fit into the narrative of the more recent era depicted in the show.

Aesthetic and Design Flaws

The design of the Basilisk is another point of contention. It is described as a flying robo-horse that can withstand vacuum conditions without a cockpit, and notably, instead of having a cockpit, it has guns on top of guns. This strange and somewhat unrealistic design makes it feel out-of-universe and less fitting with the Star Wars aesthetic. The comparison to the Luggabeast, a four-legged robot, highlights the stark difference in design and function.

Practical Considerations

From a practical standpoint, the Basilisk droid’s design seems highly impractical. In the context of space travel and combat, a droid with weapons on top of weapons without a cockpit presents numerous logistical and safety issues. For instance, in space, where communication and control systems are crucial, the lack of a cockpit would be a significant flaw. Moreover, the idea of a droid that can seamlessly transition between walking, flying, and space-faring is challenging to imagine without making some narrative adjustments.

Could a Reimagined Basilisk Work?

Given these issues, it is possible that a reimagined version of the Basilisk could make its way into the show. A more balanced and realistic Basilisk that acknowledges the need for a pilot might find its place. A version that has limitations and does not replicate the over-the-top design of the original could still be intriguing. For example, it could be a complex machine with a cockpit, optimized for specific environments and missions, rather than a one-size-fits-all flying droid.

In conclusion, while the Mandalorian Basilisks are deeply rooted in the lore of Star Wars, their current form seems more like a relic of the past than a practical addition to the present-day universe. However, a more nuanced and balanced version, with pilot involvement and realistic limitations, could breathe new life into the concept and make it a compelling addition to the show.