The thrilling finale of Ahsoka’s first season culminated in a confrontation between Ahsoka and her allies and the exiled Grand Admiral Thrawn on the mysterious Sith planet Peridea. Though Ahsoka, Sabine, and Ezra worked together valiantly, they could not prevent Thrawn’s return to the known galaxy.
Thrawn had the backing of the surviving Great Mothers of the Dathomiri witches, whose command of the dark side of the Force proved critical in Thrawn’s escape. While Ahsoka and the others had faced many dangers on Peridea, the magicks wielded by the Nightsisters were beyond anything they had encountered before.
Despite their best efforts, Ahsoka and her friends were outmatched by Peridea. The season ended with Thrawn poised to take command of the Imperial Remnant, setting up an uncertain future for Ahsoka and the galaxy. Though our heroes were defeated this time, the secrets unlocked on Peridea, including its connections to Dathomir, have opened up new mysteries for Ahsoka to unravel.
1. Did Grand Admiral Thrawn return to the Star Wars Galaxy?
In the climactic finale, Thrawn’s allies aboard his ship, the Chimaera, can fend off Ahsoka’s attack long enough for the vessel to escape Peridea. With the successful hyperspace jump, Thrawn has returned to the known galaxy.
This is a significant defeat for Ahsoka and her allies. Their failure to stop Thrawn’s return puts the entire galaxy at risk. Unlike many Imperial leaders, Thrawn is not obsessed with the dark side or Sith teachings. His cruelty and tactical brilliance make him a grave threat to the fledgling New Republic.
Now back in command of Imperial forces, Thrawn will likely move swiftly to consolidate his power by removing potential rivals. He will also probably work closely with the mysterious Imperial Shadow Council to strategically undermine the Republic.
Though they could not prevent Thrawn’s return, Ahsoka and her allies have gained crucial knowledge about the ancient Sith world of Peridea. These revelations about the dark side will undoubtedly prove valuable as they continue to fight against Thrawn and the resurgent Empire. For now, the future looks ominous with Thrawn back in the fray.
Though Thrawn escaped, the season finale provided some critical victories for the heroes. Sabine finally unlocked her Force abilities, proving she could be a Jedi like Ezra. After Sabine used the Force to help Ezra sneak aboard the Chimaera, he escaped to the New Republic.
Unlike Ahsoka, Ezra is likely willing to work directly with the Republic against Thrawn’s forces. His return gives the Republic an invaluable ally with insider knowledge of Thrawn’s plans and tactics. Ezra’s reemergence also raises intriguing questions about whether he will join Luke Skywalker’s fledgling Jedi Order or operate independently.
While Thrawn’s return to power is a significant setback, Ezra’s escape provides hope. With their newfound knowledge of the Force and Peridea’s secrets, Ahsoka’s crew is well-positioned to aid the Republic against this dangerous new threat from the resurgent Empire led by the brilliant Grand Admiral.
Ahsoka Episode 8 hints at Peridea’s greatest secret
The finale’s closing scenes provided major reveals about Peridea’s significance in the mythology of the Force. Baylan had cryptically referred to Peridea as where the eternal struggle between light and dark began.
The Mortis gods, mysterious embodiments of the Force first seen in The Clone Wars, now appear intrinsically tied to Peridea’s history. This suggests Peridea is either connected to the cosmic realm of Mortis or Mortis is itself one of the most potent vergences in the Force.
Mortis has been shown to sporadically interact with the central Star Wars galaxy through unexplained mystical means. If Peridea is a gateway to Mortis, it explains the planet’s strong ties to the Force. More revelations about Peridea’s relationship with Mortis are likely in Ahsoka’s next season as she unravels its secrets.
The finale revealed statues of the Mortis gods – the Father, Son, and Daughter, standing on Peridea. This represents the planet’s deep connection to these ancient embodiments of the Force.
The damaged statue of the Daughter, representing the light side, hints that Peridea may be where balance was initially lost and darkness first gained power. This fits with Baylan’s claim that the eternal struggle began on Peridea.
The Mortis gods’ deaths during the Clone Wars represented the loss of balance, and Anakin Skywalker’s destiny was tied to them. Their presence on Peridea implies it is a crucial place in the mythology of the Force. The damaged Daughter statue symbolizes Peridea’s fall to the dark side, which may have precipitated the wider downfall across the galaxy.
The link to the Mortis gods helps us understand the nature of the Nightsisters, whose complexions have always resembled the Son’s.
Anakin Skywalker’s force ghost watches events unfold on Peridea.
Anakin Skywalker’s Force ghost briefly appears in the finale, furthering the show’s exploration of his enduring impact on the mythology of Star Wars. Though unseen by Ahsoka, his presence is sensed by Sabine.
As a Force spirit unbound by time, Anakin chose not to interfere directly, implying Ahsoka’s mission on Peridea is essential, even in defeat. This builds on his recurring role as a moral guide from beyond in Ahsoka.
Anakin’s destiny as the Chosen One has loomed large throughout the show. His cameo on Peridea, a planet intrinsically tied to the cosmic Force, strongly suggests Ahsoka’s journey is linked to understanding and fulfilling Anakin’s unfinished role in restoring balance.
While subtle, the scene underscores Anakin’s prophecy and remains integral to the saga. Ahsoka, walking in Anakin’s footsteps, hints she may still have a vital part to play in completing his foretold destiny to bring balance, though the path remains unclear.
Anakin appearing as a Jedi Master signifies his ultimate redemption through letting go, echoing the Mortis gods’ embodiment of balance. His presence links Ahsoka’s quest to his unfinished destiny as the Chosen One.
Much like in The Lord of the Rings, Ahsoka tells parallel stories. The broader war against Thrawn rages in one galaxy, while metaphysical events on Peridea connected to Anakin’s prophecy may prove decisive in restoring balance, just as Frodo and Sam’s mission decided Middle-earth’s fate.
By dividing the narrative between distinct locales, Ahsoka sets up a cosmic showdown where Anakin’s arc could reach fulfillment through Ahsoka, similar to how Frodo and Sam fulfilled their quest in Mordor apart from the war against Sauron’s armies.
Anakin finding peace in death highlights Ahsoka’s deeper purpose on Peridea beyond defeating Thrawn. Her presence there intimates a climactic reckoning tied to Anakin’s unfinished destiny and the cosmic Force, which could ultimately decide the galaxy’s fate.
2. How does the Season 1 finale set up Season 2?
The first season finale of Ahsoka sets up key storylines and questions for season 2:
- Thrawn has returned to the known galaxy and will likely take command of Imperial remnants, posing a significant threat to the fledgling New Republic. His tactics and plans for the Empire will drive ongoing conflict.
- Ezra Bridger has also returned from beyond the Unknown Regions and could be a key ally for the Republic against Thrawn. His role in the future is uncertain – will he work with Luke Skywalker?
- Ahsoka and Sabine gained crucial knowledge about the ancient Sith world Peridea and its connections to the cosmic Force, including the mysterious Mortis gods. Unraveling these mysteries will likely be a focus.
- Peridea’s relationship to the prophecy of the Chosen One and Anakin Skywalker’s unfinished destiny as the one meant to bring balance seems central. Ahsoka may have an important role to play in fulfilling this destiny.
- The dark side and Nightsister magicks wielded by the Great Mothers on Peridea will still need to be contended. Their agenda is unclear.
- With Thrawn in command, the Empire could rebuild strength and unity. The Republic must prepare for renewed war even as Jedi explore the Force lore opened up by Peridea.
The finale deftly set up Season 2 with ominous threats from Thrawn and the Empire counterbalanced by the hope offered by Ezra’s return and the more profound mysteries now within Ahsoka’s reach.
3. About Ahsoka
Ahsoka is an American limited series developed by Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni for Disney+.
It is part of the Star Wars franchise and a spin-off from the series The Mandalorian, taking place in the same timeframe as that series and its other interconnected spin-offs after the events of Return of the Jedi (1983), while also serving as a continuation to the animated series Star Wars Rebels.
The series follows Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to the galaxy following the fall of the Empire.
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