Ahsoka's Life-Changing Revelation: The Crucial Lesson All Star Wars Fans Must Embrace

This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 5.

Summary

In episode 5 of Ahsoka, the show delves into the Star Wars fandom's inclination towards nostalgia and their willingness to embrace innovative storytelling methods. Ahsoka Tano, who originally faced criticism, has now garnered a large fan following and embodies the fans' longing for the past.

Ahsoka episode 5 highlights the importance of moving on from the past and embracing new possibilities, not just for the character of Ahsoka but also for the entire Star Wars franchise. In this episode, Ahsoka learns a valuable lesson that Star Wars fans are in desperate need of. Throughout the history of the franchise, nostalgia has always been a significant element. George Lucas intentionally portrayed a worn and lived-in aesthetic in this fictional galaxy, from the starships to the iconic Mos Eisley Cantina. Eventually, he couldn't resist delving into the past and telling the untold stories. As a result, the Star Wars fandom has consistently gazed backwards, fixated on what has already been.

The Star Wars sequel trilogy showcased a clear bias towards nostalgia, as Lucasfilm intentionally replicated both the storyline and even the visual style of the original trilogy in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Despite any possible flaws, Star Wars: The Last Jedi made an effort to make advancements; however, the fanbase responded with anger, prompting Lucasfilm to once again change their direction. In Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, not only were plot elements reused, but the villain from the first six movies also made a return. However, now, four years after the conclusion of the sequels, Ahsoka represents a determined endeavor to infuse new vitality into this nostalgic franchise.

Ahsoka Has Become One Of Star Wars' Most Nostalgic Characters

Ahsoka Tano epitomizes the Star Wars fanbase's overwhelming nostalgia. Originally portrayed by Ashley Eckstein, Ahsoka was introduced as Anakin Skywalker's apprentice in the 2008 film Star Wars: The Clone Wars and its subsequent TV series. Eckstein recently recalled the initial hatred towards Ahsoka, stating that when the character was first introduced, many people despised her. This reaction deeply affected Eckstein, who vividly remembers crying into her cheesecake. Ahsoka's portrayal did not align with preconceived notions about Anakin's life and timeline, leading to vehement rejection.

Ironically, Ahsoka Tano has now become the embodiment of the nostalgia that initially caused such pain. The character has made the leap to live-action, with Rosario Dawson taking on the role, and has garnered a devoted fan following. Episode 5, which brings Hayden Christensen's Anakin Skywalker back alongside Ahsoka in flashbacks to pivotal moments in the Clone Wars, can be considered the pinnacle of this nostalgic revival. It is understandable why a fanbase rooted in nostalgia would react positively to this narrative approach.

Ahsoka Tano's Lesson From Anakin Skywalker: Live Or Die

The confrontation between Ahsoka Tano and Anakin Skywalker in the World Between Worlds serves a greater purpose than simply invoking nostalgia. Ahsoka finds herself trapped by her past, consumed by her fear of repeating her master's mistakes and following the same patterns Anakin taught her. Her lack of trust hinders her ability to forge genuine connections with others, resulting in a solitary existence. While Luke Skywalker is rebuilding the Jedi Order, Ahsoka only pays him a visit, leaving him uncertain about their future encounters. Deeply entrenched in a life of war, she scours the galaxy in search of threats, unable to find inner peace. Ultimately, Ahsoka's story highlights the unfortunate consequence of this perpetual cycle – she is left alone to confront a formidable foe she cannot conquer, and she meets her demise. But it wasn't Baylan Skoll who truly brings her down; instead, it is her reluctance to let go of the past pattern.

Whether the Anakin that Ahsoka encounters is a Force ghost or a figment of her imagination remains unclear, as the focus lies on the impact it has on Ahsoka's character. Anakin's message to her is clear – she must choose between life and death. If Ahsoka clings to her past, it will only lead to her demise. To thrive, she must acknowledge and transcend the influence of her former master, becoming more than he shaped her to be. Ahsoka follows in the footsteps of Luke Skywalker in Return of the Jedi, casting aside her lightsaber and rejecting the path of violence. This mystical encounter becomes a transformative experience, marking a rebirth for Ahsoka. She has made the right decision.

Star Wars Needs To Make Ahsoka's Choice

The Star Wars fandom as a whole is faced with the same decision. While the franchise has thrived for 46 years, it cannot simply continue to recycle the same plot points. The fans, who are deeply attached to the past, must embrace the future in order for Star Wars to evolve and grow. This does not mean that what came before was bad; it simply means that even good things can become limiting and confining. Star Wars: The Last Jedi attempted to teach viewers this lesson, but Ahsoka has done so in a much more subtle and skillful way, seamlessly integrating nostalgic elements into its message. This could be the reason why it has not received the same negative backlash.

It is fitting that this story is being told alongside one of the most daring narrative shifts in Star Wars history. Ahsoka is venturing into unexplored territory, taking its characters to a completely new galaxy as they uncover the pathway to Peridea. While there are still ties to the past, such as the ability of Nightsister magick to interact with technology from this galaxy, this is undeniably a bold and fresh concept. There is nothing in the established Star Wars lore, or even in the Legends, that can be compared to this. The closest example would be the Yuuzhan Vong, a race of galactic invaders in the Legends, but even they were banished from the standard galaxy long ago. This story is undeniably thrilling and full of excitement.

Ultimately, the Star Wars fandom must decide whether to embrace the bold new direction of Star Wars and embrace the opportunity to explore a new galaxy, or to react negatively and insist on everything adhering to the patterns of the past. Ahsoka Tano made her choice in Ahsoka episode 5, abandoning her Jedi persona to become Ahsoka the White. Fortunately, the positive response to this latest Disney+ TV show suggests that the fanbase is prepared to do the same. Catch new episodes of Ahsoka on Disney+ every Tuesday at 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET.