The Rivalry Unleashed: Unveiling the Dynamic Clash Between Ahsoka's Senator Xiono and Hera Syndulla's New Foe!

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 7.

Summary

Ahsoka presents Senator Hamato Xiono, a member of the New Republic Defense Council, who downplays the danger posed by Thrawn and the Imperial Remnant.

The New Republic's authority over the galaxy is weaker than that of the Empire, as the Defense Council ensures that military decisions have democratic supervision.

Senator Xiono's son, Kaz, makes an appearance in Star Wars Resistance, leveraging his father's political influence, while there are suspicions that Senator Xiono himself may have collaborated with the First Order.

In Star Wars animation, Ahsoka brings forth the character of Senator Hamato Xiono, an influential member of the New Republic Defense Council who dismisses the threat posed by Grand Admiral Thrawn and the Imperial Remnant. The Disney+ TV shows of the Star Wars franchise are delving into an era of galactic history that has remained largely unexplored, highlighting the time between the original trilogy and the sequels. Following the Battle of Jakku, where the Empire is believed to have been defeated, the New Republic endeavors to solidify itself as the dominant governing body in the galaxy.

The New Republic's control over the galaxy is not as strong as that of the Empire. Chancellor Mon Mothma aims to restore democratic principles, giving the Republic Senate authority over the military, particularly the New Republic Defense Fleet. Senator Hamato Xiono plays a crucial role in this endeavor, but his actions are likely to create numerous challenges as the Empire resurfaces under Thrawn's command.

Hamato Xiono Serves On The New Republic Defense Council

The Empire had a reputation for its immense military power, contrasting with the considerably smaller New Republic Defense Fleet. Consequently, the deployment of the latter requires meticulous strategic planning. To ensure proper democratic oversight of military resources, Mon Mothma set up the New Republic Defense Council, which is led by Leia Organa herself. An influential member of this council is Senator Hamato Xiono, representing Hosnian Prime, who remains skeptical about the existence of any Imperial Remnant and considers it to be merely a conspiracy theory.

The politicians in the New Republic were known for their risk-averse nature during The Mandalorian season 4. This was evident when Captain Teva's request for resources to assist the citizens of Nevarro in combating the pirate issue was denied. The rejection can be largely attributed to the influence of the Imperial spy Elia Kane. Currently, it remains unclear whether Hamato Xiono is being manipulated or if he is, in fact, an Imperial sympathizer.

Who Plays Hamato Xiono In Ahsoka & Star Wars Resistance

Senator Xiono is portrayed by Nelson Lee, known for his roles in Blade: The TV Series, Stargirl, and Mulan. Lee brings a certain smugness and bureaucratic intensity to the character, embodying the quintessential politician. Additionally, Xiono makes an appearance in Star Wars Resistance, which takes place decades later, with his voice provided by Christopher Friel, recognized for his work in NCIS: Los Angeles, Star Wars Visions, and Gotham Knights.

Xiono's Son Kaz Joins The Resistance

Ahsoka marks the first appearance of Senator Xiono in live-action, while both the senator and his son Kaz have previously been seen in Star Wars Resistance. The events of Star Wars Resistance take place several decades after Ahsoka, following the story of Kazuda "Kaz" Xiono, a young pilot who refines his skills through racing before joining the New Republic Defense Fleet, which his father is affiliated with. It is suggested that Hamato played a role in Kaz's advancement, implying that Kaz may wield significant political influence due to his father's senatorial position.

At this point in the Star Wars timeline, Leia Organa has faced political exile upon the discovery that she is the daughter of Darth Vader. She has already established the Resistance, which Senator Xiono belittles as "extremists." It is possible that Senator Xiono's clashes with Leia in the senate, particularly regarding Hera Syndulla, have engendered a long-standing animosity. Senator Xiono appears to prioritize democratic oversight, something that Leia's Resistance movement may have lacked.

Senator Xiono Survives Hosnian Prime's Destruction

Senator Hamato Xiono represents Hosnian Prime, the capital of the New Republic in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. In Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Hosnian Prime is destroyed by the First Order, but later in Star Wars Resistance, it is revealed that Senator Xiono was not on the planet at the time. This could be a fortunate coincidence or suggest that Senator Xiono was secretly working with the First Order and had prior knowledge of the attack. This revelation would highlight the decay of the New Republic and the possibility that allegiances were intertwined within the Xiono family, as shown by Kaz's involvement with the Resistance. More information on this timeline will likely be uncovered in future Star Wars content after Ahsoka.

New episodes of Ahsoka are released on Disney+ every Tuesday at 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET.