Star Wars Keeps its Promise to Anakin Skywalker After 19 Years, and Fans Can't Believe the Outcome!

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 5.

Summary

In Ahsoka episode 5, Anakin Skywalker fulfills a promise made 19 years ago as he appears in the World Between Worlds to battle and train Ahsoka. Anakin's teaching style is intense, emphasizing the fragile boundary between life and death. Furthermore, his transformation into his dark side persona exposes the extent of his evil nature.

In episode 5 of Ahsoka, Anakin's portrayal with a red lightsaber fulfills Revenge of the Sith's unmet promise, showcasing the version of Anakin who would become the most powerful being in the galaxy. In the World Between Worlds, after being defeated by Baylan Skoll, Ahsoka is surprised to encounter her former master Anakin. He expresses his determination to complete her training and engages her in a duel using his iconic blue lightsaber. Initially friendly, the duel intensifies as Anakin pushes Ahsoka to grasp the lesson, transporting her through flashbacks to her time as a young apprentice during the Clone Wars.

Anakin, known for his intense teaching style, exploits Ahsoka's aversion to war to underscore the delicate boundary between life and death. Although Anakin has already perished in Ahsoka's present timeline, he miraculously interacts with the physical world as if he were alive. However, his instructive session takes a somber twist when Ahsoka acknowledges the malevolence her master would ultimately succumb to, provoking a shift in Anakin's demeanor and methods. As Ahsoka's interpretation of the lesson seemingly incenses him, Anakin undergoes a transformation into his sinister alter ego, brandishing a crimson blade that he was once ridiculed for wielding.

Revenge Of The Sith's Marketing Teased Anakin With A Red Lightsaber

In 2004, the official teaser poster for Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith was released by Lucasfilm. This poster depicts Anakin Skywalker holding a red lightsaber, with his cape gracefully merging into the striking features of Darth Vader's iconic mask. It is worth noting that the reference to Revenge of the Sith marketing in Ahsoka episode 5, where Anakin is portrayed in a dark manner, is not a unique occurrence. The subsequent poster for the show showcases Ahsoka Tano striking a pose reminiscent of her former master's, further emphasizing the connection. The version of Darth Vader seen in Operation: Knightfall, wielding a menacing red lightsaber, represents the epitome of his immense power. Ahsoka's portrayal in the show successfully fulfills the setup established by the film, creating a compelling link between the two.

The Prequels Never Fulfilled This Promise - But Now Ahsoka Has

In Revenge of the Sith, Anakin's journey into darkness and his emergence as a Sith Lord were depicted, but he did not obtain a red lightsaber until later events. It would not have made sense for the film's storyline for Anakin to possess a red lightsaber, as Obi-Wan needed to take it from their duel on Mustafar and eventually pass it on to Luke in A New Hope. Early concept artwork for Revenge of the Sith did show Anakin with a red lightsaber, and a popular light-up lightsaber toy allowed users to change the color of the blade from blue to red.

The use of a red lightsaber by Dark Anakin in Ahsoka perfectly captures the lesson being taught. Ahsoka, striving to live up to her master, witnessed Anakin's rejection of the dark side that he had succumbed to. This powerful visual reinforced Ahsoka's own values and demonstrated that she could surpass her former mentor. This portrayal fulfilled the promise made by the marketing of Revenge of the Sith, showcasing the Anakin Skywalker who would ultimately become the most formidable being in the galaxy.

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