Unveiling the Sinister Allure: How Ahsoka's Baylan & Shin Eclipsed Obi-Wan & Luke on the Dark Side

This article contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka episodes 1 - 3.

Summary

Baylan and Shin in Ahsoka bear a striking resemblance to Obi-Wan and Luke, both in terms of their physical appearance and their roles as Jedi who have managed to survive. With these similarities, Baylan and Shin have the potential to capture the hearts of Star Wars fans and become highly beloved characters.

Ahsoka introduces compelling new villains, Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati, in the Star Wars universe. While they possess dark tendencies, they also embody the loyalty and curiosity reminiscent of the iconic Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker dynamic. As the original master and apprentice duo, Obi-Wan and Luke hold a significant place in Star Wars history, and Ahsoka pays homage to this legacy through the portrayal of Baylan and Shin. Their depiction serves as a captivating inversion of Obi-Wan and Luke, skillfully blending familiar elements with fresh additions, while also presenting delightful nods to the original Star Wars trilogy and beyond.

Combined with stellar performances from the late Ray Stevenson and Ivanna Sakhno, Baylan and Shin are emerging as standout characters in the Star Wars universe. Drawing inspiration from the iconic duo of Obi-Wan and Luke, the creative team behind Ahsoka has the opportunity to subvert audience expectations and delve into the unique dynamics of their master and apprentice relationship. Parallels can be drawn between the outcomes of Obi-Wan and Luke's journey in the original Star Wars trilogy and the potential fate of Baylan and Shin in Ahsoka. In fact, there are currently eight clear ways in which they embody the dark side counterparts of Obi-Wan and Luke.

8 Baylan Skoll & Shin Hati Are Visually Similar To Obi-Wan Kenobi & Luke Skywalker

7 Baylan Was An Order 66 Survivor Who Trained An Apprentice

Ahsoka's resemblances to characters from Star Wars are quite striking. Baylan and Shin bear a strong visual resemblance to Obi-Wan and Luke. Both Baylan and Obi-Wan sport short gray hair along with neatly trimmed beards, whereas Shin and Luke possess long, dirty blonde hair. It seems like a deliberate decision by the filmmakers to swiftly draw parallels to Obi-Wan and Luke from A New Hope, yet this is merely the initial of many references.

Ahsoka further disclosed that Baylan, a Jedi who managed to survive Order 66, had taken on the role of Shin's mentor after leaving the Order. The circumstances are reminiscent of Obi-Wan and Luke, where Obi-Wan was raised as a Jedi and Luke had to commence his Jedi training much later in life. It remains uncertain whether Baylan has been guiding Shin since childhood, but this similarity would parallel Obi-Wan's oversight of Luke during his upbringing on Tatooine.

6 Baylan Stays On The Ground, While Shin Is A Hotshot Pilot

Although Obi-Wan piloted a starfighter when necessary, the Star Wars prequel trilogy revealed that he had a distaste for flying, and he remained visibly uncomfortable when the Millennium Falcon took off in A New Hope. Meanwhile, Anakin Skywalker was renowned as "the best star pilot in the galaxy," a skill that he passed down to Luke, who eventually became a proficient pilot himself. In episode 3 of Ahsoka, Shin assumes command of a squadron of fighters in space, while Baylan remains on the planet, awaiting Ahsoka and Sabine's arrival. This doesn't imply that Baylan lacks piloting skills, but it does create an intriguing parallel.

5 Ahsoka Begins With Baylan And Shin Rescuing A Prisoner From Her Cell

The entrance of Baylan and Shin bears a striking resemblance to that of Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. However, their mission aligns more closely with Obi-Wan and Luke's daring escapade aboard the Death Star. On the New Republic ship, Baylan and Shin undertake separate paths to rescue the prisoner, mirroring the successful rescue of Leia by Obi-Wan and Luke in A New Hope.

4 Shin Shares Luke's Sense Of Loyalty & Curiosity

3 Baylan & Shin Show What Obi-Wan & Luke Could Have Been In Time

: Baylan and Shin share a remarkable bond akin to the camaraderie seen between Obi-Wan and Luke in A New Hope. Shin dutifully complies with Baylan's directives and her inquiries are never intended to challenge his authority or wisdom. This captivating element showcases a profound connection that Ahsoka and Sabine yearn for. Despite Obi-Wan and Luke's disagreements in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Ahsoka may delve into the complexities of driving a wedge between Baylan and Shin.

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The advantage held by Baylan and Shin lies in their extensive training together, which provides a glimpse into the potential growth of Obi-Wan and Luke. Obi-Wan would have had the opportunity to refine his combat skills, while Luke would have flourished under his guidance, eventually becoming a Jedi Knight. Additionally, Obi-Wan might have played a more active role in the Rebellion, similar to how Baylan assists Morgan Elsbeth in her quest to locate Thrawn.

2 Baylan Is Always Calm And Charismatic

1 Baylan & Shin Are A More Traditional Master/Apprentice Duo

Obi-Wan's resilience was unwavering, despite the trials he had endured. His demeanor exuded tranquility, even in the midst of peril. Additionally, his charm proved advantageous in negotiations, and he approached confrontations with unwavering confidence. This attribute is mirrored in Baylan, who greets the New Republic troops with courtesy, concealing his true identity until the opportune moment. Moreover, Baylan's remorse over the prospect of confronting and potentially killing Ahsoka foreshadows the intense nature of their impending duel in the upcoming episodes.

Obi-Wan and Luke had a traditional master and apprentice dynamic, despite the unique circumstances that brought them together. Obi-Wan, an experienced Jedi Master, used classic techniques to train Luke, who was a Force-sensitive student. Baylan and Shin take inspiration from the Jedi Order in their practices, as seen in Shin's Padawan braid. Ahsoka, on the other hand, represents a non-traditional Jedi path, especially considering Sabine's lack of Force sensitivity.

New episodes of Ahsoka release every Tuesday at 6pm PT / 9pm ET on Disney+.