Warning! This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 5.
Summary
In Ahsoka episode 5 of Star Wars, it is confirmed that the inclusion of a character from The Mandalorian is solely for the purpose of pleasing fans. Despite the inconsistencies in Carson Teva's involvement in Ahsoka in relation to his storyline in The Mandalorian season 3, the series acknowledges this.
Carson's introduction may disrupt the flow, but it acts as a connection between Ahsoka and The Mandalorian, potentially linking them in a future film.
In episode 5 of Ahsoka, Star Wars openly admits that incorporating a character from The Mandalorian is solely aimed at pleasing the fans. As Ahsoka runs alongside the events of The Mandalorian season 3, numerous chances arise for notable characters from the popular series to appear in Ahsoka's adventure. Thus far, only one character has successfully traversed this bridge, employing his X-wing as his means of transportation.
Carson Teva made his debut in The Mandalorian season 2 and quickly became a recurring character. He joined the cast of Ahsoka in episode 4, which surprised some viewers. In The Mandalorian, Carson often played a friendly antagonist to Din Djarin. It was expected that Carson would assist Hera Syndulla and Ahsoka's allies in the New Republic, as Ahsoka takes place during a time when the New Republic is struggling. However, Carson's storyline in The Mandalorian season 3 has created confusion regarding his involvement in the events of Ahsoka.
Carson Teva In Ahsoka Doesn't Really Make Sense, And The Show Knows It
Ahsoka was previously said to be taking place at the same time as The Mandalorian season 3, yet in the latter, Carson is still stationed at the Adelphi Base in the Outer Rim. It doesn't really make sense for him to travel all the way to Home One and then Seatos with Hera, as it would take him far away from his responsibilities in The Mandalorian. This discrepancy is acknowledged in Ahsoka episode 5, where Fleet Command tells Carson "you're a long way from home." There is truly no logical reason for Carson Teva to abandon his duties at the Adelphi Base in favor of assisting Hera, other than it serving as fan service and featuring a recognizable character.
It May Be Fan Service, But Carson Teva In Ahsoka Still Works
However, fan service has its merits and it successfully serves its purpose in this series. Despite causing some confusion regarding the overall timeline, Carson effectively functions as a link between the events of Ahsoka and The Mandalorian, eventually weaving them together in Dave Filoni's upcoming film adaptation of The Mandalorian. While the now-cancelled Rangers of the New Republic series would have provided a more thorough explanation of how Carson manages to traverse the galaxy while stationed at the Adelphi Base, his narrative in Ahsoka currently fulfills that role.
Carson is among the select few who have appeared in all three Star Wars New Republic Era series. The sole exception is Ahsoka herself, who first appeared in The Mandalorian and subsequently made an appearance at Luke Skywalker's temple in The Book of Boba Fett. It remains uncertain whether more characters, including Din Djarin and Grogu, will achieve the same feat. However, the possibility remains, particularly with Ahsoka's remaining three episodes and the ongoing need for unauthorized assistance from Hera. At present, Carson's fan service role as a bridge is proving successful, transforming his once cameo appearance into a more significant role in this Star Wars era.
New episodes of Ahsoka are released on Disney+ every Tuesday at 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET.