The Unbreakable Alliance: Ahsoka's Destiny Intertwined with Grand Admiral Thrawn's Omnipresence
Grand Admiral Thrawn's comeback revolutionizes the galaxy Discover the unparalleled brilliance, tactics, and intergalactic wisdom that make his return a game-changer for the Imperial Remnant
WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka episodes 1 and 2.
Summary
In Ahsoka's initial two episodes, the primary emphasis is on locating Grand Admiral Thrawn, a pivotal character for both the show and the Star Wars franchise. Thrawn, renowned for his exceptional strategic abilities, holds the prestigious title of former Imperial Grand Admiral, having joined the Empire through extraordinary means.
Thrawn's reappearance in the Star Wars galaxy, after venturing into another realm, poses an unpredictable and formidable threat. This has the potential to significantly alter the established lore of the saga.
The initial two episodes of Ahsoka primarily focused on the quest to locate Grand Admiral Thrawn, an immensely significant antagonist not just for the latest Star Wars series but for the entire saga. Although Thrawn has yet to make his live-action introduction in Ahsoka, it will serve as a pivotal moment in the character's history, having originated in Timothy Zahn's Heir to the Empire Legends novel. These initial episodes of Ahsoka have set the stage, indicating that Thrawn's return could ignite a war for some and a fresh start for others. Both Ahsoka Tano and Morgan Elsbeth are determined to locate the final surviving Imperial Grand Admiral.
Morgan Elsbeth of Dathomir's Nightsister is now joined by Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati, intriguing Force-sensitive adversaries of Ahsoka. In episodes 1 and 2, Ahsoka's Easter eggs made reference to various corners of the Star Wars universe. Additionally, the show expanded the saga's lore significantly by uncovering that Grand Admiral Thrawn resides in another galaxy. Ahsoka believes that locating Thrawn before his associates will avert a war. Grand Admiral Thrawn's most recent appearance, chronologically, was in the finale of Star Wars Rebels, where he was defeated by Ezra Bridger and vanished into hyperspace.
Thrawn Was The Greatest Of The Imperial Grand Admirals
Thrawn, a shortened version of the name Mitth'raw'nuruodo, was the Empire's most esteemed strategist, renowned for leading them to significant victories, particularly against rebel forces. While his tenure as Grand Admiral defines his character, Thrawn's impact on the galaxy began long before the formation of the Empire. Prior to aligning himself with Emperor Palpatine, Thrawn navigated the politics of the known galaxy independently, even fighting alongside Anakin Skywalker in the Clone Wars.
Years later, Thrawn returned to the known worlds, now under the rule of the Empire. When presented before Emperor Palpatine, the Sith Lord immediately recognized the Chiss strategist, having been informed of his capabilities by Anakin Skywalker. Thrawn's entry into the Empire was a unique arrangement, mutually beneficial to both Palpatine and the Chiss. Pledging loyalty to the Empire, Thrawn committed to guiding Palpatine in the face of threats from the Unknown Regions, while in turn receiving assistance from the Empire in protecting his own people from these enigmatic dangers.
Thrawn's battlefield expertise, verified by Darth Vader, in addition to his extensive knowledge of the Unknown Regions, made him a highly valued asset for Palpatine. Starting as a Lieutenant, Thrawn swiftly climbed the ranks in the Navy, going from Lieutenant to Commander within a remarkable span of three years. Shortly thereafter, Thrawn assumed the role of Captain on the Imperial Star Destroyer Chimaera. Advancing further in his Imperial career, Thrawn was promoted to Admiral and entrusted with the 96th Task Force.
Following his appointment as one of the Grand Admirals of the Empire, Thrawn was entrusted with the 7th fleet, becoming a vital figure in the Empire's struggle against the rebels. While the Rebel Alliance had yet to form as depicted in "A New Hope," the Empire was aware of the emergence of a more unified rebellion. Working closely with Governor Pryce, Grand Admiral Thrawn was tasked with the mission of locating and exposing the rebel cell based in Lothal, the crew of the Ghost from "Star Wars Rebels." This rebel group included Sabine Wren, Hera Syndulla, and Ezra Bridger, all of whom made appearances in episodes 1 and 2 of Ahsoka's story.
Thrawn's Tactics Would Have Defeated The Rebellion
Ezra Bridger successfully protected Lothal from Grand Admiral Thrawn and foiled his plans, which occurred before the events of A New Hope. Thrawn's whereabouts remained a mystery until Ahsoka, which takes place nearly 15 years after Rebels. This indicates that Thrawn was absent during the original Star Wars trilogy and did not participate in the galactic civil war. It is evident that if Ezra had not defeated Thrawn in the finale of Star Wars Rebels, the Chiss strategist would have inevitably decimated the Rebellion.
In the third season of Star Wars Rebels, Thrawn was unable to conquer Phoenix Squad and the other rebel cells, although his tactics resulted in considerable losses for their side. Moreover, had it not been for Ezra's self-sacrifice to halt Grand Admiral Thrawn, he could have potentially destroyed Lothal and shattered the rebels' morale. Grand Admiral Thrawn possesses an extraordinary intellect and perceives warfare as a twisted art form. He consistently outmaneuvers his adversaries, always staying steps ahead or beside them. Thrawn also exhibits no hesitation in sacrificing his pawns to achieve his objectives. As an admirer of art, Thrawn believes that comprehending his opponents' culture is the primary means of defeating them.
Thrawn Now Has Knowledge & Experience From Another Galaxy
Thrawn excels in devising the perfect strategy, whether he is commanding a Star Destroyer or leading troops on the ground. His innovative thinking sets him apart from other Imperials, as he consistently generates plans that are unparalleled. One remarkable accomplishment includes his involvement in the development of the Interdictor cruisers, which were introduced in Star Wars Rebels season 2. These vessels, originally conceived in Legends, demonstrate Thrawn's ability to invent unconventional solutions. His unmatched ruthlessness, combined with the respect he displays towards his adversaries, would have rendered him a formidable adversary against Luke Skywalker and the Rebel Alliance throughout the original trilogy.
Ahsoka's latest episodes unveiled a startling revelation: Grand Admiral Thrawn is located in a distinct galaxy. For the most part, Thrawn's Star Wars narrative originates from the Unknown Regions. However, the notion of the Chiss presence in an entirely separate galaxy is both unexpected and exhilarating. This new development not only grants Thrawn access to knowledge emanating from another galaxy but also expands the Star Wars universe significantly. Consequently, the forthcoming Ahsoka series can delve into Thrawn's gained insights during his exile, explore the discrepancies between this alien galaxy and the familiar one, and uncover their relevance to the Imperial remnant's scheme.
Thrawn's Return Will Make The Imperial Remnant A True Threat To The Galaxy
One fascinating aspect of Thrawn's Star Wars canon history is his ambition surpassing Palpatine's desires for the Empire. Thrawn was never an advocate of the Sith, nor did he show much interest in Darth Sidious' vision for the galaxy. Nevertheless, the Grand Admiral respected Palpatine's achievements and believed that the Empire's power would prove valuable in due time. Thrawn's experiences in another galaxy solidify his status as more than just a survivor of the Imperial era. Grand Admiral Thrawn represents the true successor to the Empire, posing a threat in his own right.
In any circumstances, Grand Admiral Thrawn would pose a threat to the post-Return of the Jedi galaxy, as depicted in Timothy Zahn's Thrawn Trilogy from Legends. However, his return from another galaxy renders him completely unpredictable and a significant menace to the familiar Star Wars galaxy. The extent of Thrawn's encounters during his exile, including the knowledge gained and potential allies acquired, remains imponderable. Notably different from iconic Star Wars antagonists like Darth Vader or Darth Maul, Thrawn's most formidable asset lies in his astuteness. For a character who highly esteems knowledge, encountering a distinct galaxy fundamentally alters the dynamics.
Ahsoka possesses the Eye of Sion, which is the key to accessing a parallel galaxy where Grand Admiral Thrawn can be found. Morgan claims that Thrawn has been able to communicate with her across time and space. Although the mechanics of this connection remain unclear, bridging two different galaxies could potentially alter the Star Wars canon as we have known it for the past 46 years. Originally described by Obi-Wan Kenobi as a unifying force, the potential changes in Ahsoka's new Star Wars galaxy could be significant.
The long-awaited return of Grand Admiral Thrawn in Ahsoka not only fulfills fans' anticipation but also sets the stage for an exciting future for the show. Ahsoka offers a canonical version of Heir to the Empire, with Thrawn assuming the role of the galaxy's next major antagonist after Palpatine. The specifics of how Thrawn's narrative will intersect with elements like the First Order and Palpatine's eventual revival in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker are currently unknown. However, it is anticipated that Grand Admiral Thrawn will become the overarching villain in the "Mandoverse" and his comeback will likely pave the way for Dave Filoni's The Mandalorian movie.
Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6pm PT / 9pm ET on Disney+.
