The Invaluable Impact of Baylan in Ahsoka Season 2 Surpasses Grand Admiral Thrawn

Summary

Baylan Skoll may play a more significant role than Grand Admiral Thrawn in Ahsoka season 2, as Thrawn's story is no longer tied to Ahsoka's.

Ahsoka and Sabine, marooned on Peridea, will likely prioritize unraveling the enigmas of the Force or discovering a passage back to their place of origin, rather than pursuing Thrawn.

In Ahsoka season 2, a potential area of interest could revolve around Baylan Skoll and his adept Shin, delving into their intentions and the concealed potential on Peridea.

Baylan Skoll's role in Ahsoka season 2's narrative will surpass that of Grand Admiral Thrawn. In season 1, the focus was on preventing Thrawn's return to the primary galaxy of the Star Wars universe. The Jedi Ezra Bridger, who was previously missing, had successfully defeated Thrawn in the Battle of Lothal, leading to a significant blow to the Empire's power structure. This paved the way for the eventual victory of the Rebel Alliance at the Battle of Endor. Given the Imperial Remnant's attempts to regain control and the New Republic's efforts to build a brighter future, it became crucial to stop Grand Admiral Thrawn.

However, the Ahsoka finale revealed that Ahsoka Tano, Sabine Wren, and Ezra were unable to prevent Thrawn from returning to the primary galaxy. This mistake set up the central conflict for the Disney+ timeline within the Star Wars universe. Fortunately, Ezra returned alongside Thrawn, providing the opportunity to alert the New Republic about the Admiral's plans. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that Thrawn poses a significant threat. Yet, it is important to note that Thrawn is not the sole villain in the Ahsoka show. The late Ray Stevenson's portrayal of Baylan Skoll introduces an intriguing and noteworthy addition to the Star Wars universe. Undoubtedly, Baylan Skoll's character will play an increasingly crucial role in Ahsoka season 2, should the series be renewed.

Grand Admiral Thrawn Was The Greatest Villain Of Ahsoka Season 1

Despite only appearing in three of Ahsoka's eight episodes, Lars Mikkelsen delivered a live-action portrayal of Grand Admiral Thrawn that was both quietly intimidating and tactically formidable, just as the character had demonstrated in Star Wars Rebels. Thrawn's ability to persuade Peridea's Great Mothers to join him in his mission to return home, his skillful survival and adaptation on a remote planet, and the unwavering loyalty exhibited by his remaining Night Troopers all heightened the sense of threat surrounding Thrawn. Possessing a calculated and cold demeanor, he anticipated the actions of everyone, including Ahsoka. If there is anyone capable of reuniting the Imperial Remnant, it is Thrawn.

Ahsoka & Sabine Are No Longer In The Same Galaxy As Thrawn

The Ahsoka finale concluded with an unexpected turn of events – Thrawn managed to escape to the primary galaxy of the Star Wars universe, leaving Ahsoka and Sabine stranded on Peridea in the secondary galaxy. If Ahsoka is renewed for a second season, it is highly unlikely that the main characters will come across Thrawn again in the near future. In the first season, it made perfect sense for Thrawn to be the central focus as one of Ahsoka's main objectives was to prevent his return by any means necessary. On Peridea, however, Ahsoka and Sabine will undoubtedly find a new source of motivation – perhaps delving into the mysteries of the Force or searching for a way to return home.

Thrawn’s involvement in Ahsoka season 2 should take a step back, as his story is currently unconnected to hers. Instead, the aftermath of Thrawn's reappearance could be better suited for exploration in The Mandalorian season 4. As Din Djarin and Grogu embark on their journeys as freelance rangers for the New Republic, they could stumble upon different factions of the Imperial Remnant and possibly encounter Thrawn on Dathomir or elsewhere in the Outer Rim. Alternatively, Lucasfilm might opt for a separate project altogether, dedicated to delving deeper into the consequences of Thrawn's return. However, it is advised to shift focus to Baylan Skoll and his apprentice, Shin Hati, as they are more suitable villains to explore in Ahsoka season 2.

Ahsoka Season 1 Never Explained Baylan's True Motives

Baylan Skoll remains an enigma. While the uncertainty surrounding Baylan’s motives for accompanying Morgan Elsbeth to Peridea added to the allure of the character, there is undoubtedly more of his story left to be told. The unfortunate passing of Ray Stevenson makes it challenging to further delve into his character in a live-action setting, but it does make sense for Baylan to become the sole focus of villainy in Ahsoka season 2. Similar to Ahsoka and Sabine, Baylan finds himself stranded on Peridea. However, the main distinction is that he appears to have a desire to stay there. He has abandoned his apprentice Shin and embarked on a quest to uncover the enigmatic power that has been beckoning him from across the galaxy.

Baylan's discovery of the statues of the Mortis gods holds immense potential for the development of an intriguing second season. Ahsoka's deep connection with the Mortis gods, established during her encounter with them in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, goes as far as being resurrected by the living embodiment of the light side, known as the Daughter. During the Ahsoka finale, she witnesses the presence of Morai, a convor intricately linked to the Daughter and, consequently, to Ahsoka herself. It is evident that the Force exerts a powerful influence on Peridea, making it a compelling destination for both Baylan and Ahsoka, albeit driven by distinct motives.

Ahsoka Season 2 Needs To Focus On The Threat Of Baylan & Shin

Rather than centering around Thrawn, the second season of Ahsoka could delve into her mission to prevent Baylan from gaining control over any hidden source of power on Peridea. Ahsoka has paved the way for Star Wars to explore the mystical aspects of the universe and the intricacies of the Force. By incorporating the Mortis gods, extragalactic Force abilities, and Nightsister magic, Lucasfilm can unleash its creativity and take bold storytelling risks while maintaining the overall narrative of the franchise. Witnessing Ahsoka confront Baylan Skoll following her discovery of the Force's enigmas would provide a deeply compelling narrative, especially considering her previous unsuccessful attempts to defeat him in combat.

Additionally, in Ahsoka season 2, there is potential to delve further into the relationship between Baylan and his apprentice Shin. It would be interesting to see Shin take on a more significant role in the overall story. While Ahsoka season 1 hinted at the possibility of Shin undergoing a redemption arc, being abandoned by her Master and left alone on a desolate planet may lead to her becoming more unpredictable before she is ready to switch sides. The extent of her loyalty to her Master is a question that needs exploration. Would she assist him in seizing power, or would she come to recognize the flaws in his singular obsession? These are all inquiries that Ahsoka season 2 can address if it shifts its focus to Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati instead of Grand Admiral Thrawn.

With Star Wars being the backdrop, there is a strong possibility that Baylan and Shin's narratives will be further explored in alternative mediums such as comic books and novels. Through these platforms, their histories can be elaborated upon and their storylines can be concluded, ensuring that their live-action tales do not come to an end solely in Ahsoka season 1. While Ahsoka effectively introduced Grand Admiral Thrawn to the "Mandoverse" realm of the Star Wars universe, it would be fitting for Ahsoka season 2 to shift its focus towards something new and captivating. Currently, all episodes of Ahsoka season 1 can be streamed on Disney+.