The Controversial Jedi Exalted: Ahsoka's Forbidden Journey

Ahsoka Tano, a former member of the Jedi Order, may embody a different kind of Jedi in the upcoming Ahsoka series on Disney+. Throughout the Star Wars movies, we've seen Jedi who disagreed with the Jedi High Council, such as Qui-Gon Jinn, Anakin Skywalker, and Luke Skywalker. Some of these Jedi chose to remain part of the order despite their disagreements, while others, like Anakin, succumbed to the dark side of the Force. Ahsoka, on the other hand, still represents the essence of being a Jedi, even though she no longer aligns herself with the traditional Jedi Order.

According to Dave Filoni in an interview with Empire, Ahsoka no longer identifies herself as a Jedi and is currently described as "a wanderer." He also mentioned her caution towards organizations and the influence that comes with them, which is understandable considering her fallout with the Jedi Council in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. This has led to speculation that Ahsoka may be a Gray Jedi, an unofficial term used to describe Jedi who operate independently from the Jedi Order. However, within the Star Wars canon, there is an official term that perfectly suits Ahsoka's situation.

Star Wars' Wayseekers Explained

The introduction of Jedi called Wayseekers in Star Wars: The High Republic stories has brought forth a unique concept of Jedi operating independently from the Jedi High Council. Orla Jareni, after the Great Hyperspace Disaster, identified herself as a Wayseeker. Although this practice eventually became less known, Obi-Wan Kenobi, as a Padawan, stumbled upon her records and found himself captivated by the idea. He believed that Qui-Gon would have embraced the role of a Wayseeker if it had still been permitted. Considering the Jedi Council's strict adherence to structure and tradition during the prequel era, it is understandable that Yoda and the other Jedi Masters would disapprove of Wayseekers.

It is noteworthy that many Jedi who chose to operate independently and disregard Jedi teachings ultimately succumbed to the temptations of the dark side. Count Dooku, Yoda's own Padawan, serves as a notable example. The notion of Gray Jedi, defined as individuals seeking to balance the light and dark side, has always been contentious in the Star Wars universe. The Lucasfilm Story Group, believing that it contradicted George Lucas' viewpoint on the Force, has actively discouraged this idea. However, Wayseekers pursued a different path. They utilized their independence to engage in meditation, overthrow tyrants, and pursue their own interests. Although Yoda's Jedi Council did not embrace the concept of Jedi Wayseekers, perhaps they could offer a fresh perspective and be the very thing that Star Wars requires.

Ahsoka Is A Perfect Fit For The Wayseeker

Ahsoka's path diverged from the Jedi Order due to her disagreements with the Council, yet she recognized the significance of the Jedi in the galaxy. She actively participated in pivotal events such as teaming up with Bo-Katan to overthrow Maul and joining the Rebellion led by Bail Organa in response to the Empire's rise. Rather than personally training Grogu, she entrusted Luke to manage his own Jedi Temple, while she focused on her quest to locate Ezra Bridger and Grand Admiral Thrawn. Ahsoka's choice of white lightsabers symbolizes her commitment to the light side, even after parting ways with the Jedi Order.

In "The Mandalorian," it becomes evident that Ahsoka embodies the essence of a Jedi, despite not bearing the official title. This is exemplified by the episode's very name, "The Jedi." By embracing the Wayseeker title, Ahsoka could fully embrace her role as a Jedi without being bound by strict dogma. She could align herself with Luke's Jedi Order while still maintaining her independence, which would offer greater possibilities following the destruction of Luke's Jedi Temple. Although Yoda's Jedi Council would never sanction Ahsoka as a Jedi Wayseeker, this designation perfectly encapsulates her identity and would be an ideal fit for the upcoming Ahsoka series on Disney+.