Unveiling Ahsoka's Journey: The Ultimate Must-Watch Star Wars Rebels Episodes

Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka episodes 1 and 2.

Summary

The Ahsoka series references and connects with Star Wars Rebels, delving into the current situations and development of important characters.

The seamless synchronization between the end of Rebels season 4 and Ahsoka episode 2 highlights the intricate connection between the two series.

The events in Rebels, specifically Sabine's encounter with the Ghost Crew and Ezra's journey as a Jedi, directly impact the storyline of the Ahsoka series. Continuing right after Star Wars Rebels, the Ahsoka series relies on crucial episodes from Rebels to introduce and establish important characters. Dave Filoni's involvement in both shows explains the frequent referencing and connection between Ahsoka and Rebels. In the Ahsoka series, characters like Sabine Wren, Hera Syndulla, and Ezra Bridger from the Ghost Crew have already made appearances. However, the backstory leading up to their current situations is explored in seasons one through four of Rebels.

10 Spark of Rebellion: Part 1 (Season 1, Episode 1)

: The synchronization between the conclusion of Rebels season 4 and episode 2 of Ahsoka is impeccable, despite their release dates being more than five years apart. Sabine's farewell scene in front of the Ghost Crew's mural, as she prepares to depart and join Ahsoka, is an almost identical recreation from the animated show. This meticulous attention to detail showcases the interconnectedness crafted by Filoni between both series. Interestingly, they are intended to be experienced in unison, as they revolve around the Ghost Crew and the character of Ahsoka Tano. While Rebels depicts Ezra Bridger's path as a Jedi and his subsequent exile alongside Thrawn, Ahsoka chronicles Ahsoka's quest to retrieve Ezra.

In the debut episode of Rebels, titled "Spark of Rebellion: Part 1," Erza Bridger is introduced to the vast galaxy, alongside the introduction of the planet Lothal, which also appears in Ahsoka episodes 1 and 2 where Sabine resides. While the first season of Rebels has a more lighthearted tone compared to the later seasons, this episode showcases Ezra's initial encounter with the Ghost Crew. Comprising Captain Hera Syndulla, former Jedi Kanan Jarrus, Mandalorian artist Sabine Wren, Zeb Orrelios, and Chopper, this group inadvertently includes Ezra in a humanitarian mission. It is during this mission that Ezra stumbles upon his extraordinary connection to the Force.

9 Fire Across the Galaxy (Season 1, Episode 15)

8 Twilight of the Apprentice: Part 1 (Season 2, Episodes 21)

In the thrilling finale of season 1, titled "Fire Across the Galaxy," the Ghost Crew demonstrates their remarkable synergy as they work together to defeat the formidable Grand Inquisitor, who had previously appeared in Obi-Wan Kenobi. This episode marks a significant milestone for Ezra, as he embraces his Jedi abilities and aids Kanan in their intense battle against the Grand Inquisitor. Additionally, Sabine impresses with her explosive expertise, as she ingeniously paints a Trojan Horse TIE fighter to render an entire Star Destroyer inoperable. However, the true highlight of the episode lies in the concluding moments, where Ahsoka Tano has her initial encounter with the Ghost Crew.

The second season's two-part finale showcases some of the most memorable moments in the series. Our beloved characters, Ezra, Kanan, and Ahsoka, embark on a journey to the Sith Temple on Malachor. Amidst their exploration, Kanan and Ahsoka valiantly confront a group of Inquisitors, who are relentlessly seeking the temple's secrets on behalf of Vader. Simultaneously, Ezra unexpectedly encounters Maul, who is wandering aimlessly and lost. This profound meeting between Ezra and Maul significantly alters Ezra's path, and the consequences of his decisions in this episode will undoubtedly haunt him in Ahsoka's future.

7 Twilight of the Apprentice: Part 2 (Season 2, Episodes 22)

In "Twilight of the Apprentice: Part 2," the story continues from where the first part left off. The group is drawing closer to the Sith Temple when Maul unexpectedly betrays them and blinds Kanan. Meanwhile, Ezra is on the brink of discovering the true power of the Sith Temple when Darth Vader arrives. Ahsoka, who has not seen Vader since their last encounter in The Clone Wars season 7, now confronts him. In the Ahsoka series, she has likely heard about Anakin's redemption before his death, but in this episode, she grapples with the dark transformation her former Master has undergone. This internal struggle will continue to be explored in the Ahsoka series.

6 Steps Into Shadow: Part 1 (Season 3, Episodes 1)

5 Hera’s Heroes (Season 3, Episode 5)

During the six-month interlude between season 2 and season 3, significant changes have unfolded. Not only did Ezra undergo a haircut, but he also found himself captivated by the allure of the dark side of the Force. This revelation occurs when Kanan stumbles upon the fact that Ezra has been utilizing a Sith Holocron, which he had obtained from the temple on Malachor. Eventually, Ezra relinquishes the Holocron and denounces the dark side. However, the tantalizing taste of power he experienced continues to tempt him throughout the remainder of Rebels and may serve as a foreshadowing for his character arc in Ahsoka.

The episode "Hera's Heroes" delves into Hera's backstory on Ryloth. In an attempt to acquire a valuable family heirloom, Ezra and Hera venture into her old home, but their plans are thwarted by the presence of Grand Admiral Thrawn himself. This encounter marks the first face-to-face meeting between Thrawn and the Ghost Crew, and it becomes evident to the group just how formidable an adversary Thrawn truly is, despite his decision to allow them to escape. This pivotal episode establishes the foundation for the personal rivalry between Hera and Thrawn, a rivalry that continues to unfold in the Ahsoka series.

4 Trials of the Darksaber (Season 3, Episode 15)

“Trials of the Darksaber” is a must-see episode for fans of The Mandalorian, showcasing the remarkable character development of Sabine Wren. In the past, Sabine hesitated to use the Darksaber, but she regained it from Maul. Under the guidance of Kanan, she undergoes intense training to master the Darksaber and gain a deeper understanding of lightsabers. This newfound knowledge comes into play during her duel with Shin Hati in Ahsoka episode 1. However, due to lack of practice, Sabine ultimately loses the battle. Nevertheless, this episode highlights Sabine's initial foray into lightsaber training.

3 Jedi Night (Season 4, Episode 10)

Considered one of the most heart-wrenching episodes within the series, "Jedi Night" holds a significant significance for all members of the Ghost Crew. During a poignant moment, Kanan Jarrus humbly kneels and severs his ponytail. This precise scene is later mirrored by Sabine in episode 2 of Ahsoka, as she too trims her hair before embarking on a journey with Ahsoka. The sacrificial act of Kanan profoundly impacted each individual within the Ghost crew, instilling a sense of inspiration that led to Ezra's own sacrifice in the concluding moments of Rebels.

2 A World Between Worlds (Season 4, Episode 13)

1 Family Reunion - and Farewell (Season 4, Episode 15)

"A World Between Worlds" revolutionized the franchise by introducing the concept of time travel to the Star Wars universe. During his exploration of the ancient Jedi Temple on Lothal, Ezra stumbles upon a gateway to the World Between Worlds. Within this realm, he manages to rescue Ahsoka from her fateful duel with Vader during the events of Rebels season 2. Their long-awaited reunion holds immense significance for the upcoming Ahsoka series, as Ahsoka pledges to seek out Ezra once they both return to their original timeline. This pledge serves as the catalyst for Ahsoka's determined mission to locate Thrawn and Ezra.

The Ghost Crew's journey in Star Wars Rebels concludes in the final episode, but it is quickly reopened by Ahsoka. In a selfless act to protect Lothal, Ezra Bridger sacrifices himself by teleporting both himself and Thrawn to a distant location. Before leaving, Ezra cryptically tells Sabine that he is "counting on her," without clarifying what he means. Now, Sabine embarks on a mission with Ahsoka to locate Ezra and bring him back in Ahsoka, finally unraveling the mystery of his fate at the end of Star Wars Rebels.

Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6pm PT / 9pm ET on Disney+.