Ahsoka: (Re)Opening the Door to Adventure

(Guest post by Ben)

The following is a review of the Ahsoka series. As such, expect spoilers. You have been warned.

Ahsoka Tano was my absolute least favorite character in Star Wars when she was first introduced in Clone Wars. As the series went on, her character grew on me in such a way that, when she walked away from the Jedi Order, I was crushed. She had an emotional arc, and more opportunities presented itself during her appearances on Rebels (her fight with Vader was just…wow!). Needless to say, news of an Ahsoka series got me excited, and I’m happy to report that season 1 did not disappoint. 

Season 1 of Ahsoka (or what I like to call Rebels Season 5) saw the return of some favorite characters, such as Sabine, Chopper, and even a cameo from C-3PO. But it was Thrawn I was waiting for. I wanted, more than anything, for a live-action Grand Admiral Thrawn.

And we got it. 

Some of the best moments in Ahsoka were with Thrawn. His cruel brilliance is always fun to watch, and knowing his character, I can’t help but wonder about everything he’s planning on doing and how everything will tie together in ways I have not expected. Having read all of the Thrawn books by Timothy Zahn (both Legends and canon), I found it exciting at mere mentions of things pulled from the books (i.e., his knowledge of Anakin Skywalker). There are certainly a rampant amount of fan theories circulating the Internet about what Thrawn is up to, but I won’t get into those. I just want to say how happy I am that Thrawn is still around, and I hope to one day see the Chiss Ascendency from which he hails. 

And then there was Anakin. Dave Filoni has done a remarkable job in creating likable characters. Take Ahsoka, for instance. But remember the Prequel Trilogy? Folks didn’t take a huge liking to Hayden Christensen’s acting as Anakin Skywalker. In Filoni’s hands, Anakin came back with a flourish, an on-screen performance that, in some eyes, was redeeming. Whether his character needed “redemption” or not is irrelevant; however, Christensen’s performance in the Ahsoka series was both fun and nostalgic, and a welcome return to the Clone Wars era. His scenes also included some of the best visuals and imagery in the show. 

Another highlight from the Ahsoka series is getting to see Jabba the Hutt again, although he’s a lot skinnier than he was in Return of the Jedi. In all seriousness though, Ezra Bridger was an all-star in Rebels whose character grew on me until he, too, became a favorite. The actor portraying Ezra (Eman Esfandi) did a phenomenal job at encapsulating his personality and energy. I chuckled at his antics. It’s good to have Ezra back.

One thing that was a little weird was Sabine’s padawan status. According to the Tenth Doctor…er, Huyang, Sabine was least fit of any candidates he’d ever known to become a Jedi—and he’d been around for centuries! I thought Sabine’s character was strong when she wasn’t considered Force sensitive. As such, I found her Jedi potential a weak character arc. But, we’ll see where it goes (I’m not entirely opposed just yet).

Speaking of Jedi, Baylan Skoll was, perhaps, most compelling character in the series. What is his goal? Why search for the Mortis gods on Peridea? At least, that’s what it looked like from the massive Argonath-esque statues we last saw him standing on. The Father, Son, and…where was the Daughter? Hmm… It’s a mystery, and one that obviously ties in with the cartoons. I need answers!

I won’t say much about Baylan’s apprentice, Shin Hati, other than I enjoyed her power-hungry character and fierce personality. Her path seems clouded, but is obviously going to play a large role in the future of the story.

All in all, I thought Ahsoka was a fantastic show. Star Wars is all about fun and adventure, and this series re-opens the door that the original series introduced. New planets, new (old) foes, and a mystery doubtless contained within the realms of the storyline, the adventure seems more dire than even Starkiller Base posed in The Force Awakens.

Ironically, Ahsoka herself was one of my least-favorite characters in the show (although I still enjoyed her performance). Still, there’s a lot to love in Ahsoka. From zombie stormtroopers (no, this is not the first time zombies have been portrayed in Star Wars media) to Thrawn’s machinations, Ahsoka is a fun romp that expands the universe by introducing another galaxy far, far away…

Ahsoka Binge List

After what feels like forever, we’re only a month away from the premiere of Ahsoka. This show has been teased ever since Ahsoka Tano appeared on The Mandalorian years ago. And it’s almost here! I went through all of Ahsoka’s Clone Wars stories and rewatched Rebels to get this highlight list together. So if you need to get to know Ahsoka (or reacquaint yourself with her), here’s what you need to know:

Tales of the Jedi

Season 1, Episode 1

So let’s start at the beginning… and I mean the beginning. This short features Ahsoka’s birth and her initial jedi powers manifesting. I covered this when the shorts first came out, but I would have loved to see that lead into her being taken by Master Plo as a youth. But anyway, it is what it is. So enjoy some Baby ‘Soka.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Movie)

If you’re going to check out where Ahsoka came from, you ought to watch this. This animated movie is her first appearance during The Clone Wars. The movie starts right on the tail of episodes 2.16 and 1.16 (in that order) and it introduces Ahsoka Tano as Anakin’s new padawan. While not my favorite story, it’s her first story and it begins to develop the relationship dynamic she takes with Anakin.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Season 2, Episodes 6-8

This story brings us back to Geonosis and the droid factory. Ahsoka and her new friend Barriss take down the factory… but not before bringing a parasite back to the ship. All ends well and you’ll want to keep an eye on this character, Barriss.

Season 3, Episode 7

This is the perfect story to illustrate Ahsoka’s bond with Padme. There are hints throughout Clone Wars that Ahsoka might know of Padme and Anakin’s secret marriage, but regardless she ends up friends with both of them independent of the other. Plus this shows the epicness of Ahsoka’s trust in the force.

Season 3, Episodes 15-17

An accidental trip to the planet Mortis, leaves Ahsoka, Obi-Wan, and Anakin stranded. Though their memories of the adventure were erased at the end, this story showed Anakin’s draw to the Dark Side and his potential as a Sith. Also, the Father, Son, and Daughter seen on Mortis were later seen in a mural during the final episodes of Rebels, but we’ll get to the Ghost’s adventures in a moment.

Season 5, Episodes 17-20

This one was heartbreaking. After being accused of murder, seeing Ahsoka so totally abandoned and desperate, to the point of turning to Ventriss for help… my heart hurt for her. Even after her name got cleared, the damage had already been done to her faith in the Jedi Order.

Season 7, Episodes 9-12

Beginning right on the tail of the events of episodes 7.05-7.08, Ahsoka and Rex are off to finish what the Jedi Order couldn’t, bringing Darth Maul into custody. For episodes required to understand Maul’s rise to power on Mandalore, check out the list at the bottom of this point for the Mandalorian Conflict. But before the ex-Jedi and her Clone Troopers can safely deliver Maul to Coruscant, Order 66 begins. Long story short, she’s able to save Rex, but only they and Darth Maul survive the crash of their starship. Again, heartbreaking.

Tales of the Jedi

Season 1, Episode 6

After the events of Order 66, we see Ahsoka secretly attending Padme’s funeral. With two of her very best friends dead or presumed dead, she’s at an all-time low. But Senator Organa gives her a pep talk (and a communicator) which helps her know who to call when she decides to join the Rebellion.

Star Wars Rebels

I loved Rebels way more than I expected (especially after feeling meh about Clone Wars) and it seems the Ahsoka series is being set up as a direct continuation of this story, as we’ve had Sabine, Hera, and Chopper confirmed to appear. If you can afford the time to binge watch the whole series, I’d recommend it. If not, here are my highlights to hopefully prep you for more live-action Ahsoka

Season 1, Episodes 13-15

Under the codename “Fulcrum”, we hear Ahsoka’s distorted voice throughout Season 1. But in the finale, we get her back in person. We don’t see her until the very end of this story arc, but the whole trilogy of episodes is worth it.

Season 2, Episodes 1-2

Having just reintroduced Ahsoka in the previous episode, it was nice to the Ghost team working together with her during these episodes. All things considered, Ahsoka’s involvement in this story is pretty minor, but it’s the first glimpse that she or Darth Vader has into the force to realize the other is still alive.

Season 2, Episodes 3-4

Ahsoka only appears at the beginning and end of this story, so it may seem inconsequential. However, these episodes bring back Captain Rex, the Clone Trooper that Ahsoka freed from Order 66 in the Clone Wars finale. Is it too much to hope that we’ll get old man Rex in the Ahsoka series? That’d be cool. Supposedly he fought in the Battle of Endor, so he ought to still be alive I suppose.

Season 2, Episodes 18, 21-22

Kanan, Ezra, and Ahsoka go in search of a way to stop the Sith and the Inquisitors, first stopping at a Jedi Temple for direction and then to a daunting Sith Temple. They team up (temporarily) with Darth Maul against the Inquisitors. Until finally he shows up: Darth Vader. To see Vader fight his old apprentice and for her to realize who he is. WOW! And then everything goes crazy and Ahsoka is left to die in the temple… or maybe not.

Season 4, Episodes 13-16

A pair of two-part epics. Ahsoka only appears for a short portion of each, but the last four episodes of Rebels set the stage for (according to what we know) the plot of the Ahsoka series. “A World Between Worlds” explains how Ahsoka survived the battle against her former master at the Sith Temple in Season 2 and it kind of blew my mind the first time. To me, it said that nothing is off-limits for the Star Wars mythos. And then as Rebels closed up, Ahsoka appeared in the epilogue of the series finale, setting the stage for her mission in the Disney live-action era.

The Mandalorian

Season 2, Episode 5

The first time I watched this episode, I hadn’t watched Clone Wars, so I was kind of blind to who Ahsoka was. So re-watching this episode, after finishing Clone Wars and Rebels, was quite the treat. Only nine years after the main events of Rebels (four years after the epilogue), we rejoin Ahsoka. Being sent by Bo-Katan, the Mandalorian intends to leave the Child with her. Instead they team up against a local tyrant before sending Mando onward (to eventually meet Luke Skywalker). What excites me after watching Rebels is that she’s looking for Thrawne. And I assume Ezra, along with him. So this episode, which will lead into the Ahsoka series, would be considered a direct continuation of the Rebels epilogue. 

The Book of Boba Fett

Season 1, Episode 6

Ahsoka only plays a minor role in this episode, but just as Book of Boba Fett is the bridge between the second and third season of The Mandalorian, this episode serves as the bridge between Ashoka’s animated adventures and her new series. At the very least, it establishes Ahsoka as a “family friend” to the Skywalker clan (or at least Luke).

Now we wait. This is very possibly the Star Wars series I’ve been most excited for (except perhaps Obi-Wan Kenobi). Andor was fine and I was slow to get into The Mandalorian, but I have hopes for Ahsoka. Here’s to them being realized!

Mandalorian Conflict:

• Season 2, Episode 12-14

• Season 3, Episode 5-6

• Season 4, Episode 14

• Season 5, Episode 14-16

• Season 7, Episode 9-12

Who are the Rebels?

As we saw in the Ahsoka trailer (click here to watch if you haven't already) it seems that our fan-favorite Jedi’s show will almost be a direct continuation of the Rebels cartoon. Multiple characters from the series have been confirmed and others are likely to be referenced. So let’s highlight each member of the Ghost’s team so that you’re getting ready for Ahsoka.

Kanan Jarrus

At the time of Order 66, he was known as Caleb Dume, padawan of Jedi master Depa Billaba. After Master Depa was killed by Clone Troopers, Caleb escaped because of the Bad Batch (you can see that scene in the series premiere of The Bad Batch), who weren’t affected by Order 66. He’s not seen again, at least on the screen, until the beginning of Rebels, where he has joined Hera’s crew on the Ghost and forsaken the Jedi identity. But when force-sensitive Ezra joins the crew, he takes the young man as a padawan. Throughout the course of their many battles and missions, Kanan ends up going blind in a lightsaber battle and ends up sacrificing his life for cause.

Hera Syndulla

Captain and pseudo-mom of the team, Here's family previously appeared in Clone Wars. But chronologically her first appearance, like Kanan, was during The Bad Batch. As an adult, she's the Ghost's captain and the team's original link to other rebel cells. Her romantic  relationship with Kanan makes her decisions as a leader that much more impressive. During the Rebels epilogue, it's revealed that Hera was pregnant when Kanan died, so maybe we'll see young Syndulla-Jarrus in Ahsoka.

Garazeb “Zeb” Orrelios

Supposedly the last of the Lasat race, he carried that trauma with him throughout the series… until he found other Lasats and helped save their race. But for the most part, throughout Rebels, he was just the big brother that harassed Ezra and hatched schemes with him. Though, in my opinion, his biggest contribution to the rebellion was inadvertently recruiting Agent Kallus to their cause, while trapped on a frozen planet with him. He was last seen as a cameo during The Mandalorian (see episode 3x05 "The Pirate").

Sabine Wren 

A Mandalorian child drafted into the Empire, but she left the Empire after becoming disillusioned. Aboard the Ghost, she's the resident artist, painting anything from her quarters to a TIE fighter. With all the emphasis on Mandalore lately, especially during the latest season of The Mandalorian, I wonder how that'll play into Sabine's story in Ahsoka. It should also be noted that Sabine held the Darksaber for a time, before handing it over to Bo Katan… but as we learned in The Mandalorian, that didn’t turn out so well for her.

C1-10P “Chopper”

If R2-D2 is the sassiest droid, Chopper is the angstiest. This metal can of fury isn’t afraid at any point to deactivate any given droid or to push someone into a pit. After a mission during the Clone Wars, Chopper was found by Hera on her home planet. Somehow he also had a knack for blending in among Imperial droids. How? I don’t know. Side note: There’s an Easter egg during Rogue One where you can see Chopper on Yavin 4.

Ezra Bridger

An orphan found on Lothal, he follows a similar story arc to Skye on Agents of SHIELD (who I’m still hoping to see on Secret Invasion–have I mentioned that yet?). He becomes Kanan’s Jedi apprentice and, like Anakin, gets tempted by the Dark Side at times. In some ways he was Harry Potter-esque, running head first into danger without a second thought. I’d argue it was his Harry-like behavior and his Force connection to the purrgil that ended the Empire’s occupation of Lothal, as he and Grand Admiral Thrawn were sent into deep hyperspace. 

Alright. So now that you know the Rebels and read a couple spoilers, go watch Star Wars Rebels. You still have time before Ahsoka premieres!