The Crucial Lesson Ahsoka Tends to Overlook in Star Wars Rebels

Summary

Ahsoka's refusal to train Grogu in The Mandalorian contradicts her past experiences with attachments and the light side.

The Ghost crew's strong bond in Rebels did not result in them succumbing to the dark side. Ahsoka's apprehension towards forming attachments may have its roots in her history with Anakin, yet she needs to comprehend that attachments alone are not the issue.

Ahsoka Tano, known for her role in Star Wars Rebels, seems to have disregarded a crucial lesson. Throughout her time with the Ghost crew, Ahsoka helped fellow survivor Kanan Jarrus and his apprentice Ezra Bridger on various missions. These included saving Force-sensitive children, combating Darth Vader's Inquisitors, and uncovering dark side secrets. Despite the turmoil she has endured - such as the trauma of Order 66 and discovering Vader's true identity - Ahsoka has remained steadfast in her devotion to the light. However, during her appearance in The Mandalorian season 2, she hesitates to train Grogu due to his strong bond with Din Djarin. Ahsoka refers to Anakin's fall to the dark side, where his attachments played a significant role. While her caution is understandable, it contradicts her experiences with the Ghost crew and her own personal journey.

Ahsoka Has Witnessed Firsthand That Attachments Don't Always Lead To The Dark Side

The Ghost crew is a found family, their bond is crucial and they deeply care for one another. Kanan and pilot Hera Syndulla fell in love and had a son. Ezra and Mandalorian Sabine Wren became close friends, with the potential for something more. Garazeb Orrelios would do anything to protect his family and vice versa. Kanan and Ezra's master and apprentice relationship is unwavering. This rebel unit's success relies on their connections to each other. They are motivated not only by saving the galaxy, but also by saving one another. Ahsoka has witnessed their relationships firsthand after traveling with them.

Despite the significance of these relationships, neither Kanan nor Ezra ever succumbed to the dark side. Although tempted at the beginning of Rebels season 3, Ezra resisted once his bond with Kanan was restored. After Kanan's death, Ahsoka observed Ezra willingly let go of his master a second time in the World Between Worlds. The young Jedi selflessly declined a future with his parents, offered by Palpatine, and sacrificed himself to finally defeat Grand Admiral Thrawn. Given this, why is Ahsoka now gripped by fear? She has seen how Kanan and Ezra's attachments ultimately helped them become better Jedi.

Is Ahsoka's Fear Clouding Her Judgment?

Ahsoka's role as a Jedi trainer for Sabine Wren has been unveiled. However, the Ahsoka trailers suggest that Ahsoka left Sabine, drawing a parallel between Ahsoka forsaking Sabine and Ahsoka leaving Anakin behind. It is possible that Ahsoka's current fear of attachment stems not from the abstract concept of the dark side, but rather from the fear of the responsibility of being a master. She may be hesitant to trust implicitly, fearing that her student may turn to the dark side. It is likely that she feels she let Anakin down and that her "abandonment" was a catalyst for his fall. Ahsoka may prefer to avoid entering another master-apprentice relationship altogether.

However, she only needs to reflect on herself to understand that history does not necessarily repeat itself. Despite Anakin's turn to the dark side, Ahsoka remained committed to the light. Ezra, too, had to witness his master's death and chose not to save him, ultimately becoming a better Jedi as a result. Ahsoka may fear Sabine's attachments to Ezra and Kanan, and she may exercise caution due to her own experiences. Nevertheless, she will hopefully come to realize that attachments themselves are not the issue, as shown in Star Wars Rebels.

Episodes 1 and 2 of Ahsoka release Wednesday, August 23 on Disney+.