Star Wars: Ahsoka continues to pay homage to its animated roots, as the latest episode seamlessly connects to the storyline and characters from The Clone Wars and Rebels. Despite being a spin-off of The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, where Ahsoka Tano initially appeared in live-action, the show maintains a profound and significant connection to the animated Star Wars series. Showrunner Dave Filoni had already confirmed this bond before the series premiered on Disney+. Dedicated fans were quick to spot the various intertwining plotlines, hidden references, and the return of beloved characters that firmly establish Star Wars: Ahsoka within its animated predecessors.
In the latest update to Star Wars: Ahsoka, another addition has been made to the show's expanding roster. This inclusion further reinforces the notion that the series may not be as welcoming to new fans as previously thought. The fourth episode features the demise of Marrok, the former Inquisitor. Known for his enigmatic aura, stylish armor, and menacing double-sided lightsaber, Marrok quickly became a fan-favorite. During his confrontation with the more seasoned Ahsoka Tano, Marrok surprises viewers by releasing a dense green mist from his mysterious armor. This clear indication establishes a direct connection to The Clone Wars, hinting that Marrok is one of the NIghtbrothers from Dathomir. Although the fight concludes swiftly, the subsequent death scene provides yet another nod to the animated series.
The Inquisitors, a group of Sith acolytes who served the Emperor and Darth Vader as Jedi hunters, gained prominence and official recognition through Star Wars: Rebels. In this series, the main characters, including Ahsoka, frequently clashed with the Inquisitors. Marrok, an unknown former Inquisitor, was heavily featured in the lead-up to the show's release, adding excitement to the character's promotion. Additionally, the lore and exploration of Dathomir, the Nightbrothers, and their oppressive matriarchal society was accomplished in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Although fans viewed Marrok as a long-term addition to the Star Wars cast, his fate was always tied to his eventual demise to align with the canon disappearance of the Inquisitorius during the Empire's existence. To pay homage to Dathomir and its connection to the sinister character Maul, Marrok's death becomes a callback. Furthermore, by linking him to the Nightsister ritual that bestowed Maul's brother Savage Oppress with immense strength, Marrok's defeat not only sparks discussions among older fans but also highlights Ahsoka's triumph over a warrior empowered by dark side magic.
Star Wars: Ahsoka serves as a platform for showcasing elements of the lore that the showrunners appreciate or want to highlight, including the introduction of Purrgils and the reinforcement of a contentious aspect from the Sequel Trilogy. Although this strategy has been effective in the initial episodes, it may ultimately undermine the show's success as newer fans may opt-out due to the prerequisite knowledge and instead lose interest in engaging with it. Stream Star Wars: Ahsoka on Disney+.
