The Mind-blowing Anakin Training Video in Ahsoka Episode 7 Shakes the Star Wars Timeline

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 7.

Summary

In Ahsoka episode 7, Anakin Skywalker's recording for Ahsoka is referred to as his ultimate training video. Ahsoka expresses remorse for not making more use of them.

The timing of the recording appears to be during the early stages of the Clone Wars, but it conflicts with Ahsoka's prior experiences with General Grievous, Count Dooku, and Asajj Ventress.

Ahsoka's use of dual blades in the training video contradicts the established timeline in which she began using two lightsabers in Clone Wars season 3, causing difficulty in following Anakin's instructions.

Anakin Skywalker, portrayed by Hayden Christensen, makes a return in episode 7 of Ahsoka through a holovid recording, but this occurrence creates a disruption in the Star Wars timeline and introduces a plot hole. In Hayden Christensen's second cameo as Ahsoka, Rosario Dawon's character relies on training videos to prepare for an eventual rematch with Baylan Skoll. Ahsoka reveals to Huyang that the recording is only one of the 20 others that Anakin had made for her during the Clone Wars era, an impressive collection that has not been previously mentioned.

Anakin's dialogue bears resemblance to that found in Tales of the Jedi, where a sequence depicted how Anakin's training rescued Ahsoka from Order 66. This noteworthy connection between the series and Star Wars animation presents an exciting thread, further justifying the inclusion of Christensen's portrayal of Anakin once again. Regrettably, despite the thrill of this cameo, it has created significant issues within the Star Wars timeline.

Ahsoka Says This Was Anakin's Final Training Video

Anakin Is Recording This At The Beginning Of The Clone Wars

Ahsoka discloses to Huyang that the training session she is currently engaged in, featured in Ahsoka episode 7, is comprised of Anakin's concluding recording. She conveys this information with a profound sense of remorse. The profound impact of her words is intensified by her poignant affirmation that Anakin was an exceptional mentor, intensifying the sensation of guilt as if she had taken him for granted. This suggests that Anakin's ultimate training video was captured in close proximity to their separation, when Ahsoka departed from the Jedi Order. However, if this supposition holds true, an additional detail may cause these videos to disrupt the chronology of the Star Wars saga.

The holovid of Anakin Skywalker in episode 7 of Ahsoka appears to have been captured at the onset of the Clone Wars. Anakin's dialogue strongly implies that Ahsoka lacks familiarity with the realities of the battlefield, and he is seen donning the armor he wore in the first season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. This suggests that the holovid was recorded well before Ahsoka contemplated leaving the Jedi Order. Consequently, it is illogical to consider this as Anakin's final recording.

Even more oddly, Anakin goes through a list of the formidable lightsaber-wielders that Ahsoka will confront during the Clone Wars. This explains why he had Ahsoka train in Djem So, a lightsaber form specifically designed for duels. Anakin strongly implies that Ahsoka has yet to encounter General Grievous, Count Dooku, or even Asajj Ventress. However, this is quite peculiar because Ahsoka actually engaged in combat with Ventress shortly after she became Anakin's Padawan. It is possible that Anakin is simply rambling, but this contradicts Ahsoka's firm belief that he is a competent master.

Ahsoka Doesn't Learn To Use Two Blades Till Clone Wars Season 3

This video was created by Anakin specifically for Ahsoka's training, with the intention of aligning it with her dual blades technique. However, it has been confirmed that this recording was produced during the early stages of the Clone Wars, long before Ahsoka began employing the use of two lightsabers. The portrayal of Ahsoka adopting this fighting style is introduced only in season 3 of the animated series.

It could be that Ahsoka is attempting to incorporate the training techniques Anakin imparted to her in this recording, which initially only involved one lightsaber, and adapt them to her current situation of wielding two blades. However, this task appears arduous and even bordering on the impossible. The two fighting styles involved are remarkably distinct, characterized by entirely different forms. The endeavor of Ahsoka trying to follow Anakin's instructions with two lightsabers, instead of just one, would pose considerable challenges. Alternatively, Ahsoka might simply be listening to the recording to seek solace in Anakin's words of encouragement. Nonetheless, if this were the case, the visual display of Anakin circling around her would be unnecessary. Thus, the question remains: How does Anakin's final video actually convey a coherent message?

How Does Anakin's Training Video Fit Into The Star Wars Timeline?

It is possible that Anakin created these training videos for Ahsoka during the Clone Wars, so that she could have them for reference. Ahsoka's words suggest that she might feel regret for not using these videos more often, or for her changing perception of Anakin after learning he became Darth Vader. Conversely, if these videos were recorded just before Anakin and Ahsoka went their separate ways, Anakin could be implying that Ahsoka might encounter these three Separatists again in battle, especially if she becomes a fully-trained Jedi Knight during the war.

Given Anakin's early Clone Wars armor and his manner of discussing the war, the latter possibility seems highly improbable. In order to align this recording with the timeline, certain adjustments must be made. Fortunately, the animated series Tales of the Jedi has already been instrumental in this endeavor. This show retroactively alters Ahsoka's original attire, which is a significant change considering it now appears rather inappropriate. Moreover, in the same series, Ahsoka is portrayed training to duel with two blades, suggesting a potential plan to revise her character and establish her as a dual wielder from an earlier point in time.

Regardless, Huyang accurately acknowledges the emotional impact of Anakin's recordings. Anakin was undoubtedly an exemplary master for Ahsoka, always striving for her well-being and the safety of those around her. This further emphasizes the tragic nature of Anakin's descent, shedding light on the empathetic and heroic aspects of his persona that the prequel Star Wars trilogy often neglects. It is evident that Ahsoka has absorbed the invaluable lesson imparted by Anakin in Ahsoka episode 5, as she now demonstrates clear resolution in confronting her past traumas, indicated by her renewed engagement with his training videos in preparation for the impending climax.

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