In the vast universe of Star Wars, where every corner of the galaxy holds a story, there exists a hidden gem that only the most dedicated fans remember: the 1986 animated special, 'The Great Heep'. This TV special, a grand finale to the short-lived series 'Star Wars: Droids', is a testament to the franchise's ability to surprise and captivate even the most seasoned enthusiasts. While it may not be officially canonized, it's a treasure that deserves recognition for its unique contribution to the Star Wars lore.
What makes 'The Great Heep' stand out is its intricate narrative and the introduction of a character that could have been plucked straight out of a 'Star Trek' episode. The Great Heep, voiced by John William 'Long John' Baldry, is an ancient being with a peculiar purpose. He's built to self-perpetuate and assimilate other droids, a concept eerily similar to the once-feared 'Star Trek' villains, the Borg. This parallel is particularly intriguing, as 'The Great Heep' predates the Borg by several years, adding a layer of historical context to its design.
The special is set in a time when the Galactic Empire is at its peak, and the droids C-3PO and R2-D2 find themselves entangled in a web of adventure. The show, 'Star Wars: Droids', is a mini-tetralogy of its own, with each episode building upon the previous one. The first arc, 'Trigon One', introduces the duo to speeder bike racers, followed by the 'Mon Julpa' arc, which includes a pirate named Kybo Ren. The final arc, 'The Adventures of Mungo Baobab', sees the droids searching for rare Roonstones, setting the stage for the climactic 'Great Heep' story.
'The Great Heep' serves as a prequel to the Mungo Baobab arc, with C-3PO and R2-D2 on their way to Baobab's custody. The special takes place on the planet Biitu, where the droids are kidnapped by angry robotic drones and brought into the captivity of the Great Heep. Heep, a colossal and terrifying figure, scours worlds for resources and enslaves other droids. To appear benevolent, he has a droid harem, but his true nature is far more sinister. Heep eats R2 units to survive and is in cahoots with the Empire, making him a formidable middleman in the galaxy's criminal underworld.
The Great Heep is a terrifying villain, a giant rolling ore processor, and a formidable mini-boss in the Star Wars video game. His sheer size and ability to operate a crime syndicate while perpetuating the Empire's evils make him one of the scariest monsters in the franchise. The sight of him turning his mouth into a conveyor belt is enough to send shivers down any fan's spine.
'Star Wars: Droids' and 'The Great Heep' are available to stream on Disney+, offering fans a chance to revisit this forgotten gem. While it may not be an official entry in the canon, it's a testament to the franchise's creativity and the enduring appeal of its characters. This special is a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable stories are the ones that exist just beyond the boundaries of the main canon, waiting to be rediscovered by those who dare to explore the depths of the Star Wars universe.
