Transformation Unveiled: Ahsoka's Jedi Evolution Ignited by Anakin's Ultimate Lecture

Summary

Anakin Skywalker's appearance in Ahsoka teaches her a lesson that finally makes her a true Jedi, beyond just cool moments and fan service.

Ahsoka comes to the realization that her Jedi actions stemmed from fear and incorrect motives, similar to Anakin. With Anakin's guidance, she confronts and conquers her fears.

Anakin's ultimate teaching allows Ahsoka to redefine herself beyond being merely a weapon and a soldier. She embraces her determination to safeguard and defend her beliefs, thus completing her journey as a Jedi.

Anakin Skywalker's final lesson to Ahsoka Tano in "Ahsoka" solidifies her as a true Jedi. Hayden Christensen reprises his role as Ahsoka's former master in episode 5 of the Star Wars Disney+ TV show. The poignant moment takes place in the mystical World Between Worlds as Anakin imparts his wisdom to his Padawan. This scene has already become one of the franchise's highlights, with live-action flashbacks from the animated series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars."

However, Anakin's appearance holds greater significance than just providing cool moments and pleasing fans. He arrives when Ahsoka is at her lowest point, offering his support during her time of dire need. Despite relying on the skills and lessons she acquired under Anakin's tutelage for years, Ahsoka has never considered herself a Jedi, nor has she officially been recognized as one. Abandoning her training before the end of the Clone Wars deprived her of the opportunity to face the trials and officially become a Jedi Knight. Anakin's long-awaited lesson finally changes that for her.

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Ahsoka Was Performing The Jedi Role... For The Wrong Reasons

In the aftermath of the Jedi Order's downfall, Ahsoka assumed the role of a Jedi, despite her lack of genuine passion. Ironically, this mirrors the concerns she held for her own Padawan, Sabine Wren, portrayed by Natasha Liu Bordizzo. In episode 8 of Ahsoka, Huyang reveals to Ezra Bridger that Ahsoka believed Sabine's reasons for Jedi training were misguided, while unknowingly, Ahsoka herself was driven by fear to act as a Jedi. Her fear stemmed from the Empire, the oppressive force responsible for annihilating the Jedi through her fallen master. It was this fear that motivated all of Ahsoka's actions as a Jedi, including her involvement in the Rebellion and her relentless pursuit of Grand Admiral Thrawn. Ultimately, it led her to isolate herself from others, including her own Padawan.

Ahsoka's motivations closely parallel Anakin's own, as they both experienced overwhelming fear. Anakin, known for his bravery, dedicated much of his time as a Jedi to combatting the forces that he believed posed a danger to his loved ones, including his mother and Padmé. This is precisely why Anakin possesses the unique ability to connect with Ahsoka on a profound level and demonstrate to her that her fears are overpowering her. In a similar manner to how he once felt, Ahsoka is plagued by fear, consumed by the darkness of the Empire, and burdened by her association with a former master who had become the galaxy's most formidable threat.

Anakin Skywalker's Final Lesson Taught Her To Be More Than A Weapon

Due to her role in the Clone Wars, Ahsoka has always viewed herself as a type of weapon. Despite not holding the official title of Jedi or ever serving as a peacekeeper, she has embraced the identity she created for herself since her days as a Padawan. This notion is explored in The Clone Wars season 7, as Ahsoka opens up to Captain Rex about how she has essentially been a soldier since her time as a Padawan. Her self-perception as a weapon and warrior becomes even more solidified when she emerges from hiding, at the behest of Bo-Katan Kryze, to aid in the Siege of Mandalore. Through this experience, Ahsoka sees herself as a vital force in the battle against evil.

What Anakin imparts to Ahsoka in the World Between Worlds fundamentally challenges this notion. By guiding Ahsoka through her memories of the Clone Wars, he provides tangible evidence of her being more than just a weapon. In their initial mission together, Anakin directs Ahsoka to a pivotal moment where she offers solace to a wounded clone amidst the chaos of battle. This prompts Ahsoka to recall that she not only fought against the Separatists, but also endeavored to safeguard her comrades. Similarly, during the Siege of Mandalore, while Anakin did not partake in the battle, he recognizes Ahsoka's valiant efforts in aiding Bo-Katan and the Mandalorians in distress.

Anakin Skywalker's Final Lesson Completed Ahsoka's Jedi Journey

The lesson taught by Anakin has transformed Ahsoka's demeanor, causing her to adopt a more carefree attitude, reminiscent of the Jedi warriors who preceded her. Once again, she opens herself up to forming connections with the people around her, as evidenced by her warm embrace of Ezra Bridger when they reunite in Ahsoka. Additionally, she promises Sabine unwavering support, assuring her that she will stand by her side under any circumstances. Ahsoka has acquired the ability to fight for causes and beliefs that she holds dear, as opposed to engaging in battles against those she opposes. While this has always been a part of her nature, Anakin effectively persuades her of its importance, ultimately instigating a shift in Ahsoka's perspective.

This shift marks the completion of Ahsoka's Jedi journey. In the days of the Jedi Order, becoming a Jedi Knight required facing and conquering trials, and Anakin has indeed guided Ahsoka through a transformative trial that has shaped her into a Jedi. Ahsoka's physical transformation from being known as Ahsoka the Gray to Ahsoka the White serves as evidence of her active pursuit of the light, instead of remaining in the shadow of the darkness she once believed tainted her. In a crucial moment, she made the choice to protect herself and Anakin by disarming him of his lightsaber, rather than engaging in a battle that would have embraced the darkness within him and resulted in death.

This transformation sets the stage for Ahsoka's upcoming journey, whether it occurs in Ahsoka season 2 or in the forthcoming The Mandalorian-era movie. Thanks to Anakin's guidance, Ahsoka now possesses a deeper understanding of herself and her motivations, enabling her to focus on her true purpose. She aims to safeguard individuals like Sabine and Ezra, while also striving to establish a galaxy that is free from oppression. Without Anakin's intervention in orchestrating this vital lesson and trial for Ahsoka, she may not have survived her encounter with Baylan Skoll on Seatos, let alone earn the honorable title of Jedi. Ahsoka is now prepared to embark on the path of a Jedi, seeking to embody the role of a genuine harbinger of peace and imparting her knowledge to her own Padawan, mirroring what her master once did for her.