The Mind-Blowing Surprise: Hayden Christensen's Epic Return in Ahsoka's Second Cameo

This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 7.

Summary

In episode 7 of Ahsoka, the presence of Anakin Skywalker is reinforced with a second cameo, further emphasizing the bond between him and Ahsoka.

Throughout the Clone Wars, Anakin took the initiative to create training holovids specifically for Ahsoka. These videos aimed to equip her with the skills needed for challenging duels and overcoming formidable adversaries.

Ahsoka's encounter with Anakin in the World Between Worlds allows her to acknowledge his flaws while appreciating the positive impact he had on her. Through this experience, she has matured and been liberated from the burden of her past. Ahsoka episode 7 offered another delightful appearance by Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker. Fans were thrilled by his return in Ahsoka episode 5, where he appeared in a mystical experience set in the Force's ethereal realm known as the World Between Worlds. This poignant moment created a sense of nostalgia for viewers familiar with Star Wars: The Clone Wars, while effectively illustrating Ahsoka's bond with Anakin for new audiences.

Keen-eyed viewers, however, observed indications of additional appearances by Anakin Skywalker. Lucasfilm unveiled a series of online teasers commemorating Christensen's reprisal of the character, but some contained lines of dialogue that were not included in the actual episode. It was later revealed that this was a setup for Ahsoka episode 7, where another cameo by Anakin Skywalker takes place, albeit through a completely different method.

Please note that the revised content still maintains the original information and context but is written in a clearer and more concise manner.

Hayden Christensen's Anakin Skywalker Recorded Training Holovids For Ahsoka

In episode 7 of Ahsoka, it is revealed that Anakin Skywalker had recorded holovids of his training sessions with Ahsoka Tano when she was his Padawan during the Clone Wars. Hayden Christensen makes a return as Clone Wars Anakin Skywalker in one of these holovids. In the holovid, he explains his intention of teaching Ahsoka an uncommon and distinctive lightsaber form called Djem So. Djem So, a sub-variant of the aggressive Form V, is known for its unique reverse grip. It was specifically designed to assist Jedi in duels against opponents who wielded a different lightsaber technique. Ahsoka had previously lost a duel against the dark Jedi Baylan Skoll, and she now prepares for a rematch by revisiting her training.

Although the scene is brief, it effectively strengthens the bond between Anakin and Ahsoka in episode 7 of Ahsoka. As her master, Anakin understood that Ahsoka would have to face dangerous situations on the front lines of the Clone Wars. Therefore, he was determined to ensure that she was adequately prepared to face other lightsaber-wielders. Anakin had firsthand experience of the perils of dueling, having been injured and scarred in battles against Count Dooku and Asajj Ventress. He wanted his Padawan to be able to confront formidable adversaries and come out unharmed.

Ahsoka's Second Anakin Skywalker Cameo Shows How Much She's Changed

Ahsoka's second cameo as Anakin Skywalker is a significant and impactful moment for her character. Huyang implies that Ahsoka hasn't been using these holovids much, which explains why her Form V skills were not as sharp and why she didn't default to it in her initial duel with Baylan. However, her experience in the World Between Worlds has transformed her. She can now revisit her past without being overwhelmed by grief or regret. For a long time, she struggled with the possibility of missing signs about Anakin's dark path, and Baylan deliberately provoked those emotions during their encounter. But her confrontation with Anakin in the World Between Worlds has completely changed her perspective.

Ahsoka now realizes that Anakin did the best he could in training her. He taught her to be a soldier, a warrior, because he believed it was necessary for her survival. This is exactly why he taught her Form V in the first place. However, their relationship as teacher and apprentice meant that she naturally remained unaware of his growing darkness. He was her role model and the epitome of what a Jedi should be to Ahsoka. She is not at fault for his fall, and she can now reflect on Anakin's flaws while appreciating the positive impact he had on her.

Ahsoka Is Honoring Hayden Christensen's Anakin Skywalker In A Powerful Way

Ahsoka's reminiscence about Anakin results in a moving moment as she expresses that he was a commendable mentor to her. This acknowledgement represents Ahsoka's personal growth, as she wouldn't have been capable of admitting it prior to her encounter with the World Between Worlds. A sense of melancholic nostalgia envelops Ahsoka now, as she reflects on the simpler times and the happiness derived from the bond between Master and Padawan. It is significant that Ahsoka then employs her own connection with Sabine to locate her on Peridea. This marks the first instance where Ahsoka initiates the Padawan bond, and for Sabine, it may serve as her initial experience of the Force. Ahsoka is now unburdened by the weight of the past, and her emancipation extends to her Padawan as well.

The initial appearance of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka was enigmatic and open to interpretation. It seemed to take place in the World Between Worlds, a realm within the Force often described as a shadowy afterlife. However, this particular version of Anakin did not adhere to the conventions of a typical Force Ghost. There were subtle indications that the lingering presence of Darth Vader still resided within him, despite his supposed redemption in Return of the Jedi. As a result, some speculation suggests that the encounter between Ahsoka and Anakin could have been a manifestation of her own psyche, her unconscious mind grappling with past trauma during a precarious brush with death.

The Anakin vision has had a profound impact on Ahsoka, regardless of its authenticity. Finally, she can reminisce about her master with a sense of fondness, able to overlook the shadow of Darth Vader and appreciate the positive influence he had on her. This second appearance of Anakin Skywalker boldly emphasizes the significance and establishes Ahsoka's subsequent endeavors as a testament to Anakin's legacy. The World Between Worlds explicitly conveys Anakin's belief that every mentor imparts their teachings to future generations, living on through their pupils.

Initially marketed as Star Wars Rebels season 5, Lucasfilm's portrayal of Ahsoka now appears to be something much greater—a heartfelt tribute to the entire history of Star Wars, particularly the prequels and the subsequent spinoffs inspired by George Lucas' trilogy. Witnessing Ahsoka pay homage to Hayden Christensen's portrayal of Anakin Skywalker is a delight, and these cameos are met with joy that was unimaginable during the prequel era. Ahsoka, in a way, represents the audience itself, now able to view the past with clarity and a sense of nostalgic bliss.

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