10 Unanswered Questions About Baylan Skoll That Ahsoka Season 2 Must Address

Played by the late Ray Stevenson in Ahsoka, the Dark Jedi Baylan Skoll remains a mysterious character. Alongside his apprentice, Ivanna Sakhno's Shin Hati, they were among the most intriguing aspects of Ahsoka season 1. Baylan, a survivor of Order 66, has taken on the title of a "Dark Jedi" as he seeks to gain power through the Force. His belief in the pathway to Peridea as a means to unlock this power adds to his enigmatic nature.

With Lucasfilm confirming the production of Ahsoka season 2, showrunner Dave Filoni faces a tough decision regarding the role of Baylan Skoll following Stevenson's passing. Regardless of the outcome, there are numerous mysteries waiting to be unraveled in the upcoming season. Here are the top ten that fans are eager to see resolved.

How Did Baylan Survive Order 66?

Baylan was still a Jedi during Order 66

Baylan Skoll and Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka episode 4 - Baylan was still a Jedi during Order 66 - How Did Baylan Survive Order 66?

Every Jedi has their own unique Order 66 story, and Baylan's remains a mystery. It is speculated that he may have been present at the Jedi Temple when Anakin Skywalker turned into Darth Vader. Surviving Order 66 was already challenging for Jedi on the battlefield, and even more so for those at the Temple. The few Jedi who managed to survive did so narrowly, often with assistance. There is undoubtedly a compelling story waiting to be shared - perhaps in an Ahsoka season or in Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi season 2.

What Is Baylan's Mission?

Baylan is involved with the Mortis gods

Baylan Skoll stands among statues of the Mortis gods in Ahsoka episode 8. - Baylan is involved with the Mortis gods - What Is Baylan's Mission?

In Ahsoka, Baylan repeatedly expressed his worry about the ongoing struggle between light and dark forces. He believed that the downfall of the Jedi and the emergence of the Empire was bound to happen, suggesting that Ahsoka's legacy would be marked by chaos and loss. Baylan's core beliefs revolve around his distrust in established power structures and his belief in the constant change of power dynamics.

Baylan worked for Lady Morgan before he knew about Peridea because he believed in her cause and wanted to contribute to the greater good. He saw it as an opportunity to make a positive impact and help in her mission. Additionally, he may have been drawn to Lady Morgan's charisma and leadership qualities, which inspired him to join her before discovering the significance of Peridea.

Baylan was loyal to Lady Morgan before he knew Peridea wasn't a fairytale

Marrok the Inquisitor, Baylan Skoll, Shin Hati, and Morgan Elsbeth in Ahsoka - Baylan was loyal to Lady Morgan before he knew Peridea wasn't a fairytale - Why Did Baylan Work For Lady Morgan Before He Knew About Peridea?

Baylan thought Peridea was a fairytale, suggesting he served Lady Morgan Elsbeth before knowing Peridea actually existed. The reasons for his original service remain unexplained. It is possible that he began working with her after she received dreams from the Great Mothers instructing her to go to Peridea. In this scenario, he may have joined her out of hope that the dreams were true.

The Uniqueness of Baylan's Lightsaber

Orange is not a common lightsaber color

Baylan Skoll using his lightsaber against Ahsoka - Orange is not a common lightsaber color - Why Is Baylan's Lightsaber So Unique?

Baylan's lightsaber is unique with its orange hue, standing out from the typical blood-red lightsabers of dark siders. It appears almost red but not quite, hinting at something unusual. Similarly, his apprentice Shin also possesses this uncommon trait. Despite the marketing focus on Ahsoka's orange lightsabers, they were not highlighted in the show itself.

What Was Baylan's Original Purpose For Shin, & Has He Abandoned It?

Baylan abandoned Shin after telling her he trained her to be something greater than a Jedi

A tuned red side view image of Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati together looking serious in Ahsoka. - Baylan abandoned Shin after telling her he trained her to be something greater than a Jedi - What Was Baylan's Original Purpose For Shin, & Has He Abandoned It?

Is Baylan Skoll A Dark Force-User Or Gray Jedi?

Baylan expressed his desire to move beyond being just a "bokken Jedi" to Shin, a term for Jedi trained outside the Temple. However, shortly after this conversation, he surprisingly decided to leave Shin behind, giving her the choice to return to the Empire or pursue her own path. It seems like Baylan abandoned whatever plans he had for her, which is puzzling considering the effort he had put into training her. This unresolved issue should be explored further in Ahsoka season 2.

Baylan uses the dark side, but he doesn't act like a Sith

Baylan Skoll wearing a black hood and wielding his lightsaber in Ahsoka - Baylan uses the dark side, but he doesn't act like a Sith - Is Baylan Skoll A Dark Force-User Or Gray Jedi?

Gray Jedi, a concept originating from Star Wars Legends, has not been seen in the canon before. This term refers to Jedi who strive to find a balance between the light and dark sides without fully embracing the dark side. They may also be Jedi who choose to go against the Jedi Council's rules and follow their own beliefs. Unlike dark side users, Gray Jedi do not fully immerse themselves in the darkness, even if they may dabble in it occasionally.

Baylan, unlike traditional dark side users, does not seem to have a problem using the dark side when necessary. He demonstrates this by Force Choking a person while rescuing Morgan Elsbeth from prison. However, despite this action, Baylan does not exhibit the typical signs of the dark side - he remains composed, precise, and does not display overwhelming anger. Notably, he does not wield a red lightsaber.

Baylan's views on power and the cycle of light and dark make him different from the Sith and other dark side users. He aims to break the cycle rather than seek power for himself. Additionally, his disapproval of Ahsoka's warrior past hints at a potential alignment with the gray Jedi philosophy.

Baylan's Knowledge of the Mortis Gods

Baylan seems to know more about the Mortis gods than a regular Jedi

Baylan Skoll in front of the statue of the Father Mortis god in Ahsoka - Baylan seems to know more about the Mortis gods than a regular Jedi - How Much Does Baylan Know About The Mortis Gods?

When Did He Acquire Shin Hati As An Apprentice?

Baylan seems to have more knowledge about the Mortis gods than even Ahsoka Tano. This brings up the question of when he acquired Shin Hati as an apprentice. It is clear that Baylan has a certain agenda now that he is on Peridea, but how did he come to acquire this knowledge?

Baylan's Training of Shin Hati after Order 66

Shin Hati was confirmed to have been recruited as a Padawan sometime after Order 66 in Ahsoka season 1. Surprisingly, she knows very little about the Jedi Order as a whole. This brings up the question of how Baylan and Shin initially crossed paths. The conclusion of Ahsoka season 1 saw Shin abandoned by her master, which is a curious parallel to Sabine's history with Ahsoka. It is possible that more details about their connection will be revealed in the future.

Did Baylan Know Anakin Skywalker?

Baylan alludes to the fact that he may have known Anakin, but their relationship is not defined

A close up on Baylan Skoll's face staring off into the distance in Ahsoka - Baylan alludes to the fact that he may have known Anakin, but their relationship is not defined - Did Baylan Know Anakin Skywalker?

Baylan informs Shin that Anakin Skywalker was well-known among the members of the Order, but only a few survived long enough to witness his transformation. He also mentions to Ahsoka that Anakin spoke highly of her, hinting that they may have crossed paths, possibly towards the end of the Clone Wars after Ahsoka had departed from the Jedi. It would be intriguing to learn more about their relationship before Order 66 and whether they collaborated on any missions.

What Will Happen to Baylan's Story Now That Ray Stevenson Has Passed Away?

Baylan's journey may not be able to be completed

Ray Stevenson as Roger Wesley, looking off-camera in an office in The Other Guys. - Baylan's journey may not be able to be completed - What Will Happen to Baylan's Story Now That Ray Stevenson Has Passed Away?

With Ray Stevenson's untimely passing, the fate of Baylan Skoll hangs in the balance. Lucasfilm has been avoiding recasting roles lately, which raises the possibility that Baylan's character may be written out, leaving many questions unanswered. On the other hand, considering the numerous unresolved mysteries surrounding Baylan, Lucasfilm might choose to honor Stevenson's portrayal by continuing Baylan's story. Fans are eagerly awaiting more information on Ahsoka season 2 and Lucasfilm's decision regarding Baylan.

Ahsoka is available to stream on Disney+.

Editor's P/S:

This article provides an in-depth exploration of Baylan Skoll, a fascinating character introduced in the first season of "Ahsoka." The author successfully captures the intrigue and mystery surrounding Baylan, highlighting his unique journey as a "Dark Jedi" and his enigmatic beliefs. The article effectively summarizes the key aspects of Baylan's character, raising important questions that fans are eager to see answered in the upcoming season.

However, it would have been beneficial to delve deeper into Baylan's motivations and the potential significance of his knowledge about the Mortis gods. Additionally, exploring the implications of Ray Stevenson's passing on Baylan's story would have added a poignant dimension to the article. Nonetheless, the article serves as a comprehensive overview of Baylan Skoll, leaving readers eager for more revelations in Ahsoka season 2.