A Marvelous Foreshadowing: Discover How Star Wars Brilliantly Laid the Groundwork for Baylan's Epic Ahsoka Quest Years in Advance

This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 6.

Summary

Dark Jedi Baylan Skoll has at last revealed his purpose to Peridea, as he feels a beckoning from the ancient and formidable Force.

The Aftermath trilogy subtly suggests that Palpatine may have also felt this same beckoning towards Peridea, linking Baylan's encounter to the vast Star Wars universe.

Ahsoka's relentless pursuit of Baylan and his plans may unknowingly unleash a dangerous, sinister presence. Ahsoka episode 6 unveiled Dark Jedi Baylan Skoll's mission to Peridea, which surprisingly seems to have been foreshadowed six years ago in Star Wars. Portrayed by the late Ray Stevenson, Baylan Skoll has emerged as one of the most intriguing characters in Ahsoka. Despite surviving Order 66, this Jedi has proven to be a formidable opponent, even defeating Ahsoka Tano herself in a one-on-one duel. However, his motivations have remained ambiguous until now, until Ahsoka episode 6.

In the latest episode of Ahsoka, Baylan finally opens up to Padawan Shin Hati about his plans. Baylan believes he has been called to Peridea, where the epic struggle between the light and dark sides of the Force originated. He has observed the deterioration of Grand Admiral Thrawn and his troops, and believes that both Thrawn and the Nightsisters are trying to escape a stronger force that threatens their destruction. Baylan senses an ancient and potent force awakening on Peridea, and he desires to harness that power. However, it remains uncertain whether his intention is for personal gain or for Shin's benefit.

Baylan May Not Be The First One To Sense This Call

Baylan might not have been the first person to perceive the summons to Peridea. Six years ago, in Chuck Wendig's "Aftermath" trilogy's final installment, there was a mention of one of Palpatine's closest aides who recollected the Emperor's expedition into the Unknown Regions.

"The Emperor firmly believed that something awaited him there - a source of the Force, a malevolent entity made of sinister essence. He claimed to sense its waves emanating now that the path was unobstructed. The Emperor referred to it as a signal - conveniently one that only he could detect. Even his most formidable enforcer, Vader, appeared oblivious to it, despite his purported domination of the dark side of the Force. Rax was convinced that Palpatine had descended into insanity."

The Unknown Regions are an extensive expanse of uncharted space located towards the Galactic Rim, and envisioning a scenario where Palpatine was truly responding to a summons from Peridea is not far-fetched. The "Aftermath" trilogy has proven to be crucial for the future of the Star Wars universe, introducing numerous concepts and characters that have been further explored in Disney+ TV shows and even Star Wars films. It notably gave us Cobb Vanth, a character who later made the transition to live-action in The Mandalorian, and even hinted at Palpatine's revival. Therefore, it would not be surprising for Ahsoka to incorporate this narrative thread into its own story.

What Does The Aftermath Trilogy Reveal About Baylan's Dreams For Peridea?

Baylan's experience bears striking parallels to Palpatine's, as both feel a powerful calling. Surprisingly, their apprentices remain oblivious to this summons. If Baylan and Palpatine are indeed attuned to the same force, then Palpatine's interpretation of the signal suggests that the Dark Jedi is about to awaken an exceedingly perilous entity. This presence, originating from the depths of the Force and composed of malevolent essence, beckons him. The "Aftermath" trilogy introduces a disconcerting possibility that Ahsoka might unleash something far more hazardous than Grand Admiral Thrawn.

Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET on Disney+.