Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for The Mandalorian season 3, episode 3.
The Mandalorian season 3 just made Star Wars’ oldest meme canon. While The Mandalorian has grown to become an ambitious, high-stakes Star Wars story involving multiple Mandalorians, former Imperials, and even Jedi, the show continues to have a lighter, almost ludic tone. This approach of not taking itself too seriously continues with The Mandalorian season 3’s ultimate Admiral Ackbar reference.
Originally voiced by Erik Bauersfeld, Admiral Ackbar was introduced in Return of the Jedi as a prominent figure in the Rebel Alliance. Return of the Jedi spends significant time with Ackbar as he leads the Rebels’ attack on the second Death Star from his bridge, only to realize that it was a trap. With a unique delivery and a pair of quick cuts, Ackbar’s “It’s a trap” stood out from the rest of the film.
