Ashoka Exposes Shocking Dark Side Allegiance of Anakin Skywalker's Apprentice

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Ahsoka episodes 1 and 2.

Summary

Ahsoka Tano, much like her former master Anakin Skywalker, has been delving into the dark side, displaying striking resemblances. She recently employed a dark side ability called the Mind Probe on Morgan Elsbeth, successfully extracting crucial intel and uncovering the location of the star map leading to Thrawn.

Concerns have been raised about the potential violence involved in using a more powerful Jedi Mind Trick, which was previously seen as a dark side power. Ahsoka herself has suggested the use of this technique, which raises questions about the ethical implications of dominating someone's mind.

In the recent Ahsoka show, it has been confirmed that Ahsoka Tano has been experimenting with the dark side. Despite no longer being a Jedi, Ahsoka has consistently emphasized this point since leaving the Jedi Order. Her departure stemmed from her lack of trust in the Order's methods and their association with the Republic. Additionally, she never completed her training as a Padawan after being falsely accused of treason. Despite this, Ahsoka fiercely fought alongside the Rebellion during the reign of the Empire. Her efforts included defeating Inquisitors, safeguarding Force-sensitive children, and gathering crucial intelligence - all actions that align with the principles of a Jedi.

However, over the years, Ahsoka has learned to follow her own path, much like her former master, Anakin Skywalker. Anakin was known to defy the Jedi Council and even his mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, in order to do things his own way. Surprisingly, Anakin's impulsive actions often proved to be correct, especially during the Clone Wars, when he was training Ahsoka. While it was evident that Ahsoka had been influenced by Anakin during their time together as master and apprentice, the premiere episode of her show reveals that this impact may have been even greater than anyone realized.

Ahsoka Used The Dark Side Mind Probe On Morgan

After retrieving a star map from an abandoned temple, Ahsoka engages in a conversation with Huyang, an ancient droid of the Jedi Order. Ahsoka reveals that she obtained the map by following Lady Morgan Elsbeth's instructions. Curious about how Ahsoka managed to convince Morgan to share such crucial information, Huyang asks for an explanation. Ahsoka responds with a touch of amusement, stating, "Let's just say I didn't adhere to the typical Jedi protocol." Though spoken lightheartedly, the underlying implication is clear – Ahsoka must have wielded the Force, especially considering that Morgan Elsbeth, a Dathomirian Nightsister, possessed resistance. This suggests a significant exertion of power, possibly even a dark side ability like the Mind Probe.

In Star Wars lore, the Mind Probe is commonly associated with the dark side due to its impact on the target's psyche. It proves to be intensely invasive and potentially torturous, capable of irreversibly damaging a person's mental state if misused or applied too forcefully. However, it is undeniably useful, as Ahsoka's success in locating the star map attests. Yet, the utilization of the Mind Probe is a precarious path to tread. It is often regarded as an extension of the Jedi Mind Trick, as exemplified in Charles Soule's comic book series, The Rise of Kylo Ren. The series hints that Ben Solo's previous encounter with the Mind Trick might have enabled him to teach himself the technique of the Mind Probe.

Even The Jedi Mind Trick Has Often Been Seen As A Dark Side Power

The Jedi Mind trick is often viewed as a power associated with the dark side. Similar to the Mind Probe, the Jedi's version involves invading a person's thoughts and coercing them to comply, stripping away their free will. While the Jedi do not use it with ill intentions, it is perilously easy to cross the line. During the High Republic Era, many Jedi refrained from using the Mind Trick as they believed it could lead someone down a dangerous path. Unfortunately, their fears were realized during the Clone Wars when some Jedi resorted to a more forceful variation of the Mind Trick to extract information from prisoners. Interestingly, in a specific scene in The Clone Wars, it is Ahsoka herself who proposes employing targeted use of the Force on bounty hunter Cad Bane's mind.

This scene in The Clone Wars establishes a precedent for Ahsoka. She expresses concerns about abducted children and views forceful interrogation as a means to quickly uncover the truth. Likewise, in Ahsoka, she is anxious about the return of Thrawn and the inevitable onset of another war. It is understandable that she would utilize every available method to prevent this, even if it means employing a dark and aggressive technique like the Mind Probe. Ahsoka may not be a Jedi, but she must exercise caution as she moves forward in Ahsoka – dominating someone's mind can be an inherently violent act.

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