Summary
Anakin and Ahsoka formed a tight bond as master and Padawan, with their personalities and qualities aligning well.
During the Mortis arc, their bond underwent trials, yet they persisted in standing by one another, undeterred by the obstacles.
Anakin's steadfast backing and unwavering faith in Ahsoka materialized when she fell victim to false accusations, compelling him to unearth the truth and shield her.
Ahsoka's debut approaching and Anakin Skywalker's return, some may wonder about the closeness of the master and Padawan in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. While the entire series is enjoyable and provides insight into Ahsoka Tano, certain storylines highlight the bond between Ahsoka and Anakin. In Star Wars Rebels, a few significant episodes reunite the pair, but this time as adversaries.
The specifics of Hayden Christensen's appearance as Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka are uncertain, as is the extent of his role. Nevertheless, the show promises a live-action portrayal of the duo together for the first time. Given their extensive history, it is difficult to pinpoint a single defining moment that captures their camaraderie and friendship more than others. Throughout their journey, Anakin and Ahsoka learned from one another and came to each other's rescue against seemingly impossible odds. Here are seven moments that have shaped the relationship between Ahsoka Tano and Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars.
7 Anakin & Ahsoka Meet On Christophsis
The Clone Wars movie served as the foundation for all seven seasons of the show, introducing Ahsoka Tano to the Star Wars universe as Anakin Skywalker's Padawan under the guidance of Master Yoda. Initially hesitant about taking on a student, Anakin eventually realized his similarities with Ahsoka and saw the potential for her growth under his mentorship. Ahsoka exhibited qualities similar to Anakin - eager, reckless, and undisciplined - which ultimately contributed to his effectiveness as a Jedi and mentor to her.
Ahsoka's quick thinking played a crucial role in the Republic's triumph at the Battle of Christophsis. Despite initially causing some harm, she managed to save her master and disable the Separatist shield, enabling Obi-Wan to lead the clone army to victory. Anakin and Ahsoka quickly formed a strong bond based on their shared personalities, evident in their endearing nicknames for each other and Anakin's belief that Ahsoka would not succeed as Obi-Wan's apprentice. Audiences were immediately aware that their relationship would be a central aspect of the show.
6 Mortis Tests Anakin & Ahsoka's Relationship
The Mortis arc in season 3 of The Clone Wars presents a challenging series of events for Ahsoka, Anakin, and Obi-Wan. They face unprecedented tests that push them beyond their limits. Ahsoka falls prey to the corrupting influence of The Son, a manifestation of the dark side, ultimately resulting in her demise. The heart-wrenching scream that escapes from Anakin upon Ahsoka's death reveals his deep affection for her, despite his tendency to maintain some distance as a teacher. However, through the intervention of The Daughter's spirit, Anakin manages to revive his Padawan, deliberately choosing not to disclose her temporary demise to shield her from the truth. Instead, he embraces her, assuring her that everything will be fine. This arc exemplifies the unwavering commitment of both Anakin and Ahsoka to never abandon each other, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
5 Ahsoka Is Kidnapped By Trandoshan Hunters
In the concluding episodes of Season 3 of The Clone Wars, Ahsoka finds herself ensnared by the treacherous Trandoshans, who make her their prey in a twisted game. Amidst this ordeal, she crosses paths with a group of young Jedi apprentices who have suffered a similar fate. United in their strength and determination, they manage to save themselves from the clutches of the Trandoshans and emerge victorious. While battling for her survival, Ahsoka's absence weighs heavily on Anakin, burdened by a sense of culpability. However, his worries are assuaged when Plo Koon reassures him that his teachings hold the key to Ahsoka's return. Their reunion is a moment of profound significance as Ahsoka attributes her survival to Anakin's guidance, expressing her heartfelt gratitude. Although Anakin's formal response is "You're welcome, my Padawan," his face mirrors a mixture of pride and immense relief upon regaining Ahsoka's presence by his side.
4 Ahsoka Is Framed For Bombing The Jedi Temple
When Ahsoka Tano was accused by Barriss Offee of bombing the Jedi Temple, only Anakin believed in her innocence. Despite the heartbreak of seeing Ahsoka flee from her master and the Jedi, Anakin respected and understood her determination to find the true culprit. His unwavering commitment to clear Ahsoka's name ultimately led him to uncover Barriss as the actual perpetrator of the bombing. Had Anakin not cared so deeply for his Padawan, she would have wrongly taken the blame for a crime she did not commit.
The finale of The Clone Wars season 5 witnessed Ahsoka Tano departing from the Jedi Order, a shocking choice that would have profound implications for the Star Wars narrative. Many interpreted this as another step towards Anakin Skywalker's descent into the dark side, and for years, it marked the end of Ahsoka's story. However, Ahsoka's journey would later continue with her reappearance in Rebels and the revival of The Clone Wars for its seventh and final season in 2020.
3 Anakin & Ahsoka Reunite Before The Siege Of Mandalore
After agreeing to aid Bo-Katan Kryze in reclaiming Mandalore from Darth Maul, Ahsoka Tano reached out to her former master for assistance. Anakin's reaction upon seeing her was one of shock, a rare occasion when he was left speechless. He was worried about her well-being and assumed that she had returned to the Jedi Order. However, Ahsoka initially appeared distant towards him. While she still held respect for her former master, she was skeptical of the Jedi and focused primarily on her mission. Her frustration with the Order peaked when Obi-Wan and Anakin's troops were redirected from Mandalore to rescue the Chancellor, who had been abducted on Coruscant.
Recognizing and empathizing with Ahsoka's annoyance, Anakin divided his 501st legion and established the 332nd, assigning clone Captain Rex as its leader. Anakin then gifted Ahsoka her old lightsabers, informing her that he had made some enhancements. When Ahsoka ignited them, both sabers emitted a blue glow, replacing their previous green and yellow-green colors. Although Anakin and Ahsoka's reunion was brief, it marked the end of their encounter for over fifteen years, and the next time they crossed paths, they unknowingly bid farewell as friends. It was a bittersweet reunion, for just a few days later, Anakin would descend into the dark side, and the events of Order 66 would unfold.
2 Darth Vader Discovers Ahsoka Survived
The wreckage of Ahsoka’s Star Destroyer, the Tribunal, is found by Darth Vader in the finale scene of The Clone Wars. In this pivotal moment, Vader discovers Ahsoka’s lightsaber and assumes she has perished. However, this assumption is shattered in Rebels season 2, episode 2, when Ahsoka and Kanan Jarrus use the Force to identify the Sith Lord who attacked them. Overwhelmed with emotion, Ahsoka faints when she recognizes Anakin's presence. Simultaneously, Vader learns that his former apprentice is alive and informs the Emperor, who sees Ahsoka as a possible means of locating other missing Jedi.
1 Ahsoka & Darth Vader Duel On Malachor
The final encounter between Ahsoka and Vader takes place in the season 2 finale of Rebels, titled "Twilight of the Apprentice." Their previous lighthearted exchanges as Snips and Skyguy are completely absent as Vader arrives on Malachor with the sole intention of killing his former apprentice. Ahsoka's determination to avenge her master's demise is commendable, even in the face of Vader's mockery that revenge goes against the principles of the Jedi. This provocative remark leads to Ahsoka's now-famous response: "I'm no Jedi." Ultimately, Vader prevails over Ahsoka, and viewers are left to believe that she met her demise. However, Ezra Bridger comes to Ahsoka's rescue within the World Between Worlds, effectively sparing her from Vader's lethal blow.
The tragic evolution of Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano's relationship offers various potential directions in Ahsoka. While Anakin has returned to the light, Ahsoka may struggle to forgive him. Nevertheless, live-action flashbacks to their time in the Clone Wars era are anticipated, portraying happier times. The bond between Ahsoka Tano and Anakin Skywalker has emerged as a significant aspect of the Star Wars universe, and this will persist in a significant manner in Ahsoka.