R5-D4, the fearful droid from ‘The Mandalorian’ 3×02, saved the galaxy in the original ‘Star Wars’

— SPOILERS of episode 3×02 of ‘The Mandalorian’ —

You may not remember but the shy droid who we have seen in this week’s episode of ‘The Mandalorian’ made his first appearance in the ‘Star Wars’ universe in Episode IV, ‘A New Hope’.

The Jawas captured R2-D2 and C3PO in the first installment (by release date, not chronological order of ‘Star Wars’ movies) of the franchise, and are taken to Owen Lars’ farm, which is in need of labor. There C3Po is sold together with an astromech droid named R5-D4, but soon begins to malfunction and is replaced by “Arturito” (R2-D2) that we all know and love. This coincidence brought the story of Luke Skywalker and the Rebellion to fruition in their fight against the Empire, but it was not a fluke. R5-D4 saved the galaxy by sacrificing himself on purpose..

In a 2017 book of short stories, ‘Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View‘, one of the stories (‘The Red One’) focuses on the jawa vehicle that transports the droids the day before it is sold. R2-D2 attempts to boycott R5-D4’s circuitry to ensure he is chosen the next day, as he has to get Princess Leia’s message to Obi Wan Kenobi by all means. However R5-D4 wakes up and realizes what is happening, protesting. So R2-D2 decides to tell him the truth. and ask him for the most important favor of his life: “I have to escape this Sandcrawler. The fate of the galaxy depends on it. The Rebellion needs your help.”

The next day, R5-D4 sacrifices himself for the cause even though its failures may be permanent if it doesn’t find a new owner soon, and his gesture saves the galaxy. Literally.

The good news is that the poor astromech droid, whom we had glimpsed before in various chapters of ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Book of Bobba Fett’ as Peli Motto’s assistant, will finally have the opportunity to participate actively in the course of history and to demonstrate their courage. Although, for the moment, it seems rather the opposite.

Din Djarin goes to Mos Eisley looking for a part to resurrect IG-11, but Peli Motto ends up sticking what looks like an old-fashioned droid on him, fearful and about to stop working. And that is none other than R5-D4. The same R5-D4 from ‘A New Hope’? Indeed, because we can still see the consequences of his sacrifice. And, thanks to him, the Mandalorian confirms his suspicions that the planet Mandalore is not cursed.

One more time, R5-D4 saving the day… And maybe the future of the galaxy again. This is the way.