Revealing the Truth: Star Wars Bowing to George Lucas' Harshest Jedi & Sith Critiques

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka episode 6

Summary

Star Wars acknowledges the critique that the galaxy is trapped in an ongoing cycle of light and darkness, where different factions have constantly fought for dominance throughout history.

The Jedi Order's weaknesses are emphasized, as Baylan Skoll voices his longing for the ideal concept of the Jedi, admitting that they had failed to uphold their own principles.

It remains to be seen whether Baylan will succeed in his quest to break the cycle of conflict. However, the upcoming Star Wars movie featuring Rey Skywalker could potentially offer a fresh start and the opportunity to establish a New Jedi Order.

Star Wars has addressed some of George Lucas' significant criticisms regarding the Jedi and Sith in a remarkable way. In the new Ahsoka series, Lord Baylan Skoll (played by Ray Stevenson) and his apprentice Shin Hati (played by Ivanna Sakhno) have made their debut as force-sensitive mercenaries, distinct from both the Jedi Knights and the Sith Lords. This distinction stems from Baylan's strong belief that the galaxy suffers from intrinsic flaws, many of which originate from the fallen Jedi Order.

In the new Ahsoka show, it is established that Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati are considered as "Dark Jedi." They view themselves as something beyond the Jedi during the prequel trilogy of Star Wars, as confirmed by Baylan during Ahsoka episode 6 when discussing Shin's training. However, Baylan also expresses what he misses the most about the previous Jedi Order. This highlights a significant criticism of not only the Jedi and Sith, but also of the entire galaxy and its intricate history over thousands of years. This theme was a central focus in the films created by Star Wars' creator George Lucas.

Star Wars Admits The Galaxy Is Locked In A Cycle Of Light & Dark

While awaiting the arrival of Grand Admiral Thrawn in Ahsoka episode 6, Baylan Skoll engages in a conversation with his Padawan regarding the downfall of the Jedi Temple. Baylan Skoll, formerly a Jedi Knight, witnessed his previous life and all he once knew crumble during the Jedi Purge and the subsequent rise of the Empire. This paved the way for the Sith and the dark side to seize power. He then shares his belief that the history of the galaxy is an incessant and unavoidable cycle of light and dark, forever battling against each other.

Consequently, Baylan's true objectives do not involve aligning himself and his Padawan with Thrawn to support the Imperial resurgence against the New Republic. This would only perpetuate the cycle. Instead, Baylan strives for something different, something that can permanently sever this vicious cycle. He aims to provide the galaxy with a fresh beginning, one that potentially achieves a greater sense of equilibrium (according to his perspective).

Baylan Skoll Is Right: The Idea Of The Jedi Is Better Than The Reality

The Baylan cycle accurately depicts the historical events of the Star Wars universe. It traces back to the ancient collapse of the Infinite Empire, followed by the rise and fall of the Sith Empires during the time of the Old Republic. The Jedi Order, once at its peak during the High Republic, gradually declined. In the prequels, the Republic witnessed the eradication of the Jedi as Palpatine ascended to power with his Empire. In the aftermath, the Sith were defeated, and the Empire dwindled into an Imperial Remnant with the emergence of the New Republic. Additionally, the sequels introduced the First Order and Resistance. This continuous cycle of conflict between the forces of light and darkness is what defines Star Wars.

During the pursuit of Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) and Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi) throughout the extragalactic realm of Peridea, Shin queries her mentor about his sentiments towards the Jedi Order he was once a part of. In reply, Baylan reflects that while he misses the concept of the Jedi Order, he acknowledges the truth and acknowledges the vulnerabilities that ultimately plagued the Jedi during the time of the Republic. Consequently, this further accentuates the significant flaws that plagued the Jedi Order, confirming the issues that led to its downfall as initially depicted by George Lucas in the prequels.

As observed in both the prequel trilogy and the Clone Wars, the Jedi had undeniably compromised themselves and grown feeble. The Jedi Council's excessive pride in their own power was coupled with the burden of hypocrisy. The pinnacle of this hypocrisy was their decision to serve as the Republic's generals and commanders during the Clone Wars, essentially transforming into soldiers. This choice resulted in further acts of hypocrisy, deviating from their true purpose of upholding peace and justice as dictated by their own code and principles. By attempting to conceal their vulnerability, the Jedi unwittingly paved the way for the Sith to annihilate them.

Star Wars Has Accepted Its Jedi & Sith Criticisms - But Can It Ever Correct Them?

The acceptance of criticisms towards the Jedi and Sith and their perpetual cycle of light and dark can be seen through Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka, as well as other Star Wars media like Luke Skywalker in The Last Jedi. This ongoing pattern not only holds significance in the history of the Star Wars galaxy but also forms an integral part of the franchise's overall legacy. Consequently, one cannot help but question Skoll's intentions and the type of power Baylan seeks on Peridea in order to potentially disrupt the cycle and initiate a fresh start.

The future of the galaxy, with the Resistance and First Order, suggests that Baylan's quest will ultimately fail. Skoll may also succumb to the overwhelming power that even the Great Mothers sought to escape from. Ahsoka is not the only solution; the upcoming Star Wars movie featuring Rey Skywalker presents another opportunity. Taking place after the sequel trilogy, the movie will showcase Rey as she endeavors to establish a New Jedi Order.

Ideally, Rey's New Jedi Order would learn from the past mistakes of Luke and the Jedi Order of the prequel era. A new generation of Jedi, true to their purpose, could potentially end the perpetual cycle of conflict. However, it is possible that a complete departure from the current norms, aligning more with Baylan and Shin, is necessary. Thrawn served a purpose, but Baylan and Shin do not consider themselves Jedi or Sith. Perhaps a fresh group of Force-users focused on balance is the antidote to Star Wars' ongoing cycle of conflict.

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