Fantastic news came to the Star Wars universe this week as Disney announced that the highly anticipated Ashoka series would debut on Disney + on August 23.
Fans have been waiting impatiently for this new series since Ashoka jumped from Clone Wars to live-action in Disney’s The Mandalorian and then left without a trace. The character has been a favorite of many as she is an instrumental part of Anakin Skywalker’s mistrust of the Jedi Order, ultimately helping to influence Anakin’s decision to join the dark side. Ahsoka demonstrates the balance between good and evil in the Jedi-verse and significantly represents how fragile that balance is during her appearance in Clone Wars. Her story is a cautious one that advises against making rash assumptions. What happened to Ahsoka Tano in Clone Wars left her hurt, heavy, and looking for revenge. It darkened her character, and this was reflective of her storyline alongside Din Djardin and Grogu.
To protect from spoilers, I have yet to go into too much depth about Ahsoka’s Tano backstory. That stops here. Consider yourselves warned: the following contains spoilers.
Ahsoka’s Beginning
Ahsoka’s story starts like many other Jedi youth of her time. Unlike other living beings, she possessed abilities that presented themselves in dire circumstances. Her force sensitivity is explained beautifully in the first episode of Tale of the Jedi on Disney+. Baby Ahsoka goes on a hunting trip with her mother Pav-Ti, on their home planet of Shii. All is going well when a large, tiger-like creature attacks them. Pav-Ti does what any mother would and attempts to defend them from the giant beast. However, she fails to protect Ahsoka, and the child is taken. The fearsome creature doesn’t harm Ahsoka, however, as she can use the Force and tame the animal. The scene is a masterfully done animation that ignites the feeling that Ahsoka is different, even extraordinary. In preparing for the new series, this episode is a must-watch!
Ahsoka’s Jedi Training
Upon discovery of these exceptional abilities, Ahsoka is brought before the Jedi Council, and a decision to train her is made. She is stationed under everyone’s favorite Jedi/Sith, Anakin Skywalker. In her youth throughout her teenage years, Ahsoka is an integral part of the Clone Wars. Although not present in the original film sequels, Ahsoka plays a pivotal role in the animated series found on Disney+. Much like her master, Ahsoka is a witty, gifted Jedi who believes that her mission to serve the Republic is noble. The series reflects her aptitude for haphazardly following directions, improvising, and finding herself in dangerous situations. Sound familiar? Much like her master, Ahsoka often wonders if the decisions dictated to her are the right ones. She questions much of her instruction rather than following unthinkingly, sometimes going as far as disobeying direct orders. Either way, she is a strong character who serves the Clone Army as a commander alongside Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Clone Wars is where we get to know Ahsoka. The series does a fantastic job of maturing the character’s attitude toward the galactic manipulation around her. Ultimately she is faced with a decision when unjustly accused of murdering Letta Tormund. Upon realizing that Barriss Offee committed the crime, Ahsoka is offered her position back with the Jedi and declines. This is the last we see of Ahsoka until she makes a brief but meaningful appearance at the funeral procession of Padme Amidala (Tales of the Jedi).
After Her Exile
Although Ahsoka no longer associates herself with the Jedi on Coruscant, her story continues. Ahsoka plays a prominent role in capturing Darth Maul (known as Maul) on Mandalore. Although she finds herself distanced from the Order, Ahsoka is still a target of clones who are used to eradicate Jedi after Order 66. Ahsoka’s fight for the light side of the force continues as she finds herself working for Bail Organa alongside the Ghost Crew. Ahsoka Tano catalyzes the rising Rebellion growing against the Empire through these exploits. She even squares off with her old master, once known as Anakin Skywalker, now unrecognizable and called Darth Vader.
Much of what we know about Ahsoka after she left the Jedi Order is detailed in Star Wars: Rebels. Even though she is self-exiled, Ahsoka indirectly influences the fight against the dark side. The animated series is so impactful to the Star Wars story that it sets up what will play out in her show.
After Leading the Rebels
Ahsoka’s character once again must face losing someone she cares about. Before arriving in the Mandalorian series, Ahsoka found herself on Malachor. Then she participated in the liberation of Lothal. It’s here that she becomes separated from fellow rebel Ezra Bridger. It is important to note that most of these events take palace after the Battle of Endor. It is also important to remember who Ahsoka is searching for when she suddenly makes her return in Season 2 of The Mandalorian. She is looking for the infamous Grand Admiral Thrawn (who will be played by Lars Mikkelsen).
What to Expect
Now that you’re all caught up on Ahsoka’s past, let’s look ahead. As we know the casting of Thrawn, it is safe to assume that much of the Ahsoka series will revolve around her search for him and Ezra Bridger. I also think it safe to assume we MAY see some other characters pop up that we’re familiar with. Just as Luke Skywalker lent themselves to the Mandalorian, it isn’t entirely out of the question to assume that he MAY do the same for the padawan we all know as “Snips.” To be honest, we really don’t know what to expect outside of the obvious teasers we’ve seen online.
It doesn’t matter! We’re still pumped, and you should be too; one of our favorite animated Jedi is finally getting their due diligence, and we now know when it all starts!