Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka episode 4
Summary
The appearance of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker in the upcoming Ahsoka show suggests a potential reunion between him and Ahsoka. However, the presence of Darth Vader introduces a darker element. The inclusion of Darth Vader's theme in the World Between Worlds implies that things may not be as they appear on the surface, casting doubt on the nature of Ahsoka's reunion with Anakin.
Anakin's presence in Ahsoka episode 4, donning his dark Jedi tunic, raises doubt about whether he truly manifests as a Force ghost. This portrayal of Anakin could either be a mere recollection from Ahsoka's memory or a deceptive maneuver intended to catch her off guard.
The inclusion of Hayden Christensen reprising his role as Anakin Skywalker in the new Ahsoka show generates considerable anticipation. However, there is also a possibility that Darth Vader might make an ominous appearance. Based on a recent Star Wars theory, it is implied that not everything is as it appears during Ahsoka Tano's highly anticipated reunion with her former master. Consequently, the resurgence of the Sith Lord that Anakin transformed into with the emergence of the Empire may involve darker forces at play.
In Ahsoka episode 4, the main character (played by Rosario Dawson) loses her duel against Lord Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson), a Dark Jedi who is allied with Morgan Elsbeth. Skoll wounds Tano and pushes her off a cliff into the ocean below. Surprisingly, she wakes up in what appears to be the Force netherworld called the World Between Worlds. This is a realm that exists outside of time and space, which Ahsoka has previously visited in Star Wars Rebels. In this place, Ahsoka reunites with Anakin, marking their first-ever interaction in live-action. However, the episode concludes with a potential hint at a darker twist to come.
Darth Vader's Theme Suggests Something Isn't Right In The World Between Worlds
The fourth episode of Ahsoka concludes with the familiar tune of Darth Vader's iconic "Imperial March" playing in the background as Ahsoka turns to face her previous master. This moment holds significant importance, despite the seemingly positive atmosphere. Anakin, now Darth Vader, greets Ahsoka with a smile and uses the nickname he gave her during their time together in the Clone Wars, suggesting a long-awaited reunion between the two.
Since Ahsoka's departure from the Jedi Order, Anakin's descent into the dark side has burdened her with tremendous feelings of pain and guilt. This is especially evident after their encounter on Malachor in season 2 of Star Wars Rebels, preceding the events of the original trilogy. Nevertheless, several years have passed since Anakin's redemption, his selfless act to save his son Luke and his ultimate sacrifice in defeating Emperor Palpatine in Return of the Jedi. Considering these factors, it appears that Anakin's Force ghost has come to reconnect with his former apprentice within the enigmatic World Between Worlds. However, the presence of the Darth Vader theme adds an unsettling element to the situation.
Anakin Skywalker Is Appearing How Ahsoka Would Remember Him
Anakin's return in Ahsoka episode 4 presents a troublesome element concerning his attire. Although he appears to be wearing his familiar dark Jedi tunic from the Clone Wars and prequel trilogy, it differs from the lighter Jedi tunic worn by his Force ghost in Return of the Jedi. The significance of Anakin's new Jedi robes, symbolizing his role as a Jedi master, is affirmed in Mike Chen's canonical short story "Brotherhood" in the recently published anthology From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi.
These details suggest that the Anakin seen in Ahsoka episode 4 may not be Skywalker's true Force ghost. Instead, he may be appearing as Ahsoka remembers him. It is possible that this version of Anakin is merely a figment of Ahsoka's imagination, a memory, or even a representation from a past time, considering their current location in the World Between Worlds with its access to various points across time and space. However, there may be a darker intention behind this portrayal, using the image of someone Ahsoka trusts to catch her off guard.
Is This Anakin Skywalker - Or A Dark Side Trick?
Given the Darth Vader theme and the potential evidence suggesting that this may not truly be Anakin's Force ghost, Ahsoka could potentially find herself in danger even after feeling at ease in the presence of a familiar face. It is possible that this version of Anakin is a manifestation in the Force, especially considering that Ahsoka's fall occurred on a planet heavily influenced by the dark side. This could also be a setup leading to a live-action depiction of Ahsoka's past encounter with Darth Vader. Since they are in the World Between Worlds and have access to the past, this could be an important development.
While it is not impossible for Anakin's Force ghost to appear in future episodes of Ahsoka, fans of Star Wars should be prepared for this initial appearance to have a darker tone than initially perceived. The use of Darth Vader's theme is never casual, and it undoubtedly creates a sense of foreboding for the highly anticipated moment between master and apprentice. Until episode 5 of Ahsoka is released, it is completely justified to harbor suspicions.
Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6pm PT / 9pm ET on Disney+.