Warning! This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 8.
Summary
Sabine's journey in Season 1 of Ahsoka delves into her challenges in forming a connection with the Force and her quest to reunite with her missing family. This culminates in a pivotal moment where she embraces the Force and becomes aware of Anakin Skywalker's lingering presence as he guards over Ahsoka.
The revelation that Sabine, who has no previous ties to Anakin, can perceive his Force spirit prompts inquiries into the essence of force ghosts and opens up new avenues for the potential utilization of Anakin in upcoming seasons of Ahsoka.
There are multiple reasons why Ahsoka may be unable to sense Anakin's presence as a Force ghost. This possibility hints at her upcoming journey in Ahsoka season 2.
All episodes of Ahsoka season 1 are now available for streaming. The final episode raises questions about whether Sabine Wren saw Anakin Skywalker's Force ghost. While Grand Admiral Thrawn managed to return to the main Star Wars galaxy, Ahsoka Tano and Sabine Wren's story still achieved a sense of success. Ahsoka was able to overcome her past guilt and transform into Ahsoka the White, while Sabine successfully embraced her connection to the Force.
Sabine's journey in Ahsoka season 1 was marked by heartbreak as she grappled with her connection to the Force and the search for her missing family member, Ezra Bridger. Stranded on Peridea, Sabine's attempts to tap into her Force sensitivity proved futile until Ahsoka episode 8. Finally open to the Force, Sabine became aware of Anakin Skywalker's presence, as he quietly observed his former Padawan. This revelation adds an unexpected twist to Ahsoka's story, as Sabine's ability to sense Anakin while not sensing Ahsoka could have significant implications for both characters moving forward.
Sabine Sensing Anakin Confirms Force Ghosts Don't Need A Direct Link
Force ghosts in the Star Wars universe remain a mysterious phenomenon. They possess the ability to materialize, interact with the living, and have a tangible impact on their surroundings. However, it is important to note that only those aligned with the light side of the Force, specifically trained Jedi, can manifest as Force ghosts. Sith are unable to do so. Previously, it was believed that a Force ghost could only appear to someone they had a personal connection with. This was evident in cases such as Luke Skywalker, who encountered the Force ghosts of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, and his father, Anakin Skywalker.
However, in a significant scene involving Ahsoka, there is a revelation that challenges this belief. Sabine, who has never met Anakin Skywalker and has no familial or personal ties to him, is able to sense his Force ghost. This revelation expands the possibilities of how Anakin Skywalker could be integrated into Ahsoka season 2 and beyond. Although Ahsoka no longer requires her master's guidance, it is possible that Anakin may make occasional appearances. Given his immense power as a Force user, it is logical to assume that his Force ghost can easily manifest anywhere.
With the presence of Mortis gods statues in Ahsoka episode 8, Anakin's connection to them and the Mortis realm might compel him to manifest himself to someone other than Ahsoka Tano. If Force ghosts are not bound by a direct link to appear, this potential issue could be resolved, allowing Anakin to potentially reveal himself to individuals like Baylan Skoll or Shin Hati who are in pursuit of incomprehensible power. Such a possibility would undoubtedly bring an intriguing expansion to the lore of Force ghosts, suggesting that other Jedi could make appearances in future Star Wars installments, such as Ben Solo in Rey's upcoming Jedi Order film.
Why Doesn't Ahsoka Sense Anakin's Presence?
There could be multiple factors contributing to Ahsoka's inability to sense Anakin's presence. One possibility is that Sabine, who was previously closed off from the Force, has now opened herself up to it, causing a flood of sensations that overwhelms Ahsoka's ability to perceive her surroundings. Additionally, while Ahsoka might have sensed her master's presence, she perhaps chose not to engage with him. She might have interpreted his presence as a validation of her accomplishments, with no need for verbal affirmation. In a previous interaction with Sabine, Ahsoka had shared that Anakin consistently supported her and her choices, and this particular moment served as a continuation of his unwavering support.
In the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ show, we see that people must learn to open themselves up to Force ghosts, as Obi-Wan Kenobi does with Qui-Gon Jinn. It is possible that Ahsoka is not yet prepared to see Anakin Skywalker as a Force ghost, but this could be her next journey in Ahsoka season 2. Though it is unclear if Sabine and Ahsoka actually saw Anakin Skywalker's Force ghost, it is comforting to know that he is still present and looking out for his former student. This suggests that audiences can expect to see more of Anakin in future seasons of Ahsoka. Stream all episodes of Ahsoka now on Disney+.
