Warning! This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 4.
Summary
Sabine's disconnection from the Force and her betrayal of Ahsoka may stem from her intended training with Ezra instead. Subtle indications suggest that Sabine possesses an unconscious bond with Ezra, resembling the relationship between a Master and Padawan examined in The High Republic. This bond could elucidate her difficulties in harnessing the Force under Ahsoka's tutelage.
Sabine's decision to prioritize finding Ezra over destroying the map to Thrawn, in addition to her potential Master-Padawan bond with him, may have been influenced by her strong desire to locate him.
According to a Star Wars theory derived from Ahsoka episode 4, there is an explanation for why Sabine is unable to use the Force and why she ultimately betrayed Ahsoka. At the climax of Ahsoka episode 4, Ahsoka was forcefully thrown into the tumultuous oceans of Seatos by Baylan Skoll. Baylan then turned his attention to Sabine, who was holding the map to Thrawn at blaster-point. Through the skillful use of persuasion, Baylan managed to convince Sabine to surrender the map, exploiting her heartfelt wish to find Ezra.
Sabine's Force Training Is Driven By Ezra - Not Ahsoka
The title "Fallen Jedi" in episode 4 of Ahsoka could be seen as applicable to Sabine as she deviates from the path of the Jedi in her quest to find Ezra. Though it is a valid explanation for Sabine's betrayal of Ahsoka, there may be additional factors influencing her decision, particularly regarding her disconnection from the Force. One Star Wars theory explores the possible reasons behind Sabine's lack of Force usage and delves into the deeper significance of her actions in betraying Ahsoka Tano.
The reason why Sabine has not connected with the Force under Ahsoka and betrayed her master in the ending of Ahsoka episode 4 may be directly attributed to Ezra. It is possible that Ahsoka was never intended to be Sabine's master – Ezra was. This notion is supported by the events in Ahsoka episodes 1 and 2, where Sabine reluctantly agreed to become Ahsoka's Padawan once again, solely driven by her desire to find Ezra rather than her commitment to Ahsoka.
In Ahsoka episode 1, there is an intriguing element that supports the theory of Sabine's Force training being influenced by Ezra. During a sequence, Sabine is depicted sleeping while hearing Ezra's final words from Star Wars Rebels. Accompanied by peculiar sounds, it almost appears as though Sabine is connecting with Ezra through the Force in her dreams, reminiscent of Anakin Skywalker's experiences with his mother Shmi and wife Padmé in the prequel trilogy. This suggests a potential inherent Force connection between Sabine and Ezra. Ahsoka's constant insistence that Sabine is disconnected from the Force adds further intrigue to this theory.
In Star Wars Rebels, Kanan also conveyed the same belief to Sabine. Despite subsequent training with Ahsoka, Sabine still struggled to tap into the Force. Huyang affirmed this by stating that Sabine's aptitude for the Force is one of the poorest he has witnessed. Everything observed about Sabine in Ahsoka so far aligns with this notion, except for the scene where she hears Ezra's words in episode 1. While it could be disregarded as a mere dream, it could also be interpreted as evidence for the theory that Ezra, rather than Ahsoka, is the driving force behind Sabine's Force training.
Sabine & Ezra Could Unknowingly Share A Master-Padawan Bond
Sabine and Ezra may unknowingly share a bond in the Force, similar to the connection between a Master and Padawan. It's important to note that this bond is not as powerful as the Force Dyad seen in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. This type of connection has only been demonstrated once before in the second book of Star Wars: The High Republic, The Rising Storm.
The book features a young Padawan named Bell Zettifar, whose Master, Loden Greatstorm, was presumed dead. Throughout the story, Bell senses a deep loss in the Force but is unable to understand why. He struggles to continue his training under a new Master, feeling a void in the Force that hinders his connection. Other Jedi in the High Republic attribute this void to Loden's supposed death, but Bell still struggles to fully connect with the Force.
Bell's lack of connection to the Force serves as a way for him to conceal his pain over Loden's loss, but it also manifests as a mysterious void in his senses whenever he recalls his fallen Master. In The Rising Storm's conclusion, it is revealed that Loden is actually alive. Bell's struggle to connect with the Force and his new Master, coupled with the sense of emptiness he experiences, stems from his subconscious awareness of his Master's life force through their shared Master-Padawan bond.
This phenomenon could be applied to Sabine and Ezra in relation to the Ahsoka theory. It is possible that Sabine and Ezra unconsciously formed a Master-Padawan bond with each other. Sabine's heartbreak over losing Ezra, their strong bond, and Ezra leaving a message exclusively for Sabine provide support for this notion. Even without their awareness, Ezra may subconsciously perceive Sabine as his apprentice while Sabine views Ezra as her Master.
This theory potentially elucidates the reason behind Sabine's inability to access the Force while under Ahsoka's tutelage. Subconsciously, Sabine's mind could be anticipating Ezra's return and him becoming her Master through their bond, much like Bell Zettifar unconsciously anticipated Loden Greatstorm's reappearance. Consequently, this explains Sabine's unwavering determination to reconnect with the Force towards the conclusion of Ahsoka episode 2. The prospect of Ezra returning acts as the impetus driving her to reignite her training.
Sabine's Need For Ezra Explains Why She Betrayed Ahsoka
If this theory holds true, it not only offers an explanation for Sabine's inability to access the Force, but also sheds light on her betrayal of Ahsoka. The numerous Easter eggs referencing Ezra in Ahsoka episode 4 could simply be attributed to Sabine's desire to reunite with her remaining family. However, there may be a deeper meaning behind it all. When faced with the decision of either destroying the map to Thrawn and Ezra or relinquishing it to locate the latter, the Force might have been compelling Sabine to find the individual destined to become her Jedi Master.
Baylan had the ability to sense Sabine's emotions using Force empathy, which could have strengthened their bond. This could have influenced Sabine's decision-making by awakening her connection with Ezra even more. This theory is supported by the fact that Sabine is likely the first character to reach Ezra in Ahsoka. She is ahead of the other heroes and will soon arrive in Paridea, where her true master may reveal her hidden connection to the Force that the show's main character has yet to discover.
New episodes of Ahsoka are released on Disney+ every Tuesday at 6pm PT / 9pm ET.