A Comprehensive 'Star Wars Rebels' Watch Guide - Part I: Ahsoka
It has been over four years since the incredible finale of Star Wars Rebels. During its four-season run on Disney XD, we saw the return of fan-favorite Ahsoka Tano from The Clone Wars, first as undercover informant Fulcrum, then as a leader of Phoenix Squadron, openly joining the crew of the Ghost on their operations. In her missions with Jedi-in-hiding Kanan Jarrus and his Padawan, Ezra Bridger, she comes face-to-face with the Sith Lord she has been tracking, Darth Vader. Seemingly lost forever in a duel with Vader, she is (later) pulled back from her destruction. We would see her later in The Mandolorian, still trying to live up to the promise she made to Ezra. Last we saw her on the planet Corvus, she was looking for information from Magistrate Morgan Elsbeth as to the whereabouts of Grand Admiral Thrawn after the Purrgil had whisked away the mastermind and Ezra into hyperspace in the series finale of Star Wars Rebels.
Since it has been almost half a decade since we have seen the gang in action, it would be a good idea to zero in on the episodes that focus on Ahsoka to refresh ourselves for Season 5…, I mean, Ahsoka itself. And, if you missed Star Wars Rebels the first time, these installments should give you a good understanding of her character arc.
Image Source: TV Insider
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Season 1, Episode 15: “Fire Across The Galaxy”
Image Source: Den of Geek
This is where Ahsoka makes her on-screen debut, revealing herself as Fulcrum. She introduces herself to the Ghost crew, admitting that there are other Rebel cells fighting against the Empire. In this episode, she echoes the Star Wars mantra of hope: “One chapter is closed for you, Ezra Bridger. This is a new day. A new beginning.” She would continue this pragmatic optimism throughout her run on the show.
Season 2, Episode 2: The Siege Of Lothal, Part II
Image Source: Disney Wiki
During an attack on Phoenix Squadron, Ahsoka senses the Force in their adversary and is shocked to discover that the TIE pilot is the Sith Lord they faced back on Lothal.
On the other side of the conflict, Vader muses, “So, the Apprentice lives.” From this point on, Darth Vader is aware of Ahsoka, even if she has yet to figure out his true identity.
Season 2, Episode 18: “Shroud Of Darkness”
Image Source: Wookieepedia
Ahsoka, Kanan, and Ezra journey to the Jedi Temple on Lothal to search for answers on how to continue their fight against the Empire. Even though she is no longer a Jedi, Ahsoka is still able to enter the temple. While she is alone in the temple with Ezra, Ahsoka tells Ezra her memories about Yoda. Listening to Ahsoka’s reminisces is what enables Ezra to meet Yoda in the vision meant for him.
All three have visions that spur them onward. Ahsoka’s particular vision brings her a step closer to identifying the mysterious Sith Lord. She is confronted with her vision meant for her, an angry Anakin, demanding to know why Ahsoka abandoned him:
“Ahsoka, why did you leave? Where were you when I needed you?"
"I made a choice. I couldn't stay."
"You were selfish."
"No!"
"You abandoned me! You failed me! Do you know what I've become?"
"No. No!”
- Vision of Anakin Skywalker speaking with Ahsoka Tano
Image Source: Star Wars Rebels Wiki
Season 2, Episodes 21 And 22: “Twilight Of the Apprentice, Parts I And II”
Ahsoka’s arc is resolved in this two-part season finale. She travels to Malachor with Kanan and Ezra, showing again that she is still connected to her Jedi roots as she accompanies them to a planet associated with Jedi lore and reunites with an old friend from The Clone Wars, Maul. Maul immediately recognizes Ahsoka, calling her “Lady Tano.” Together they fight against the Inquisitors. However, after dealing with their common foes, Maul turns on Ahsoka and Kanan. “Running away again, Lady Tano?” he taunts Ahsoka, verbalizing the internal struggle she has had since The Clone Wars.
When Darth Vader appears, Ahsoka tries to sort out the feelings she has felt toward the mysterious Sith Lord, coming to the conclusion that her “old Master could never be so vile.” They engage in combat, and Ahsoka cuts through Vader’s mask. Now, the truth comes out: Vader is Anakin. Ahsoka tells him, “I won’t leave you. Not this time, “ bringing her feelings that she abandoned Anakin full circle in a chance to redeem both him and herself. As the temple crumbles, Chopper rescue Kanan and Ezra in the nick of time as we see Ahsoka battling Vader.
Image Source: Polygon
But wait, is that Morai swooping above Vader as he picks himself up out of the rubble? And is that Ahsoka standing in the gloom? Is this setting us up for something in the future?
Season 4, Episode 13: A World Between Worlds
Image Source: StarWars.com
Here, Ezra is inside the portal between time and space. Morai appears and guides him to the gateway where Ahsoka and Vader’s duel on Malachor is in progress. Just as Vader is about to deliver the final blow to Ahsoka, Ezra instinctively reacts and pulls Ahsoka through the gateway into the portal he is in.
"Wait, what happened? Where am I?"
"You were fighting Vader. I saw you in there. He was going to… So I… I grabbed you, and I pulled you out of there."
―Ahsoka Tano and Ezra Bridger
Then Emperor Palpatine intruded on the mystic place, and Ahsoka and Ezra get separated as they flee. They promise to meet each other again as Ahsoka finds a gateway back to Malachor and continues her journey.
Image Source: GamesRadar+
We know her journey leads her back to Sabine Wren as they go off to fulfill their promise to find Ezra. We know she crosses paths with Din Djarin in her search. We can only hope that our questions will be answered when Ahsoka premieres.
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Sources: Disney+, Wookieepedia