‘Ahsoka’ Character Spotlight Revisited: The Good, The Bad, and The Gray

10/30/2023

Written by Juanita ‘Obi-Juan’ Bonner

Welcome back my fellow Star Wars fans!! Obi-Juan here… returning post Ahsoka (Disney+) season one to revisit my previous article on some of the most highly anticipated characters of the series. Now that the dust has settled. I thought it would be fun to go from a: “can’t wait to see them in action” stance into a: “so… how did they do?” conclusion. Following the same order as my first feature – beginning with Ahsoka herself – let’s dive right in, shall we?

(L-R): Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) and Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi) with Night Troopers in Lucasfilm's STAR WARS: AHSOKA, exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson)
To say I fell in love with this character throughout Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020) and Star Wars: Rebels (2014-2018) would be putting it mildly. Originally brought to life by George Lucas. Ahsoka – fleshed out by Dave Filoni and voiced by Ashely Eckstein – remains the most unique character tie-in throughout the Skywalker Saga and she didn’t even exist before 2008. *WOW!!* Now, in this stand-alone live action series… like her introductions in The Mandalorian (2019-present) and The Book of Boba Fett (2021)… Dawson continues to shine as the titular character. Effortless to watch. For me, Dawson embodies Ahsoka in virtually every way allowable. In short, she kicks ass!! *KAPOW*

Some criticized her for being too stoic in the beginning by asking where her bubbly disposition displayed in the animated shows was. I argue that she was in a state of grief and regret over Anakin. Carrying an immense amount of guilt caused her to retreat within herself. Especially after feeling she failed Sabine as a Master. Besides, that stoicism existed towards the end of Rebels and with virtually no time passed between the two shows, I think it would be strange to see Ahsoka any different. *DUH!!* She’s no longer a wide-eyed young Padawan and her transition after the World Between Worlds was excellent. Her mood, outlook and disposition lightened after her time with her former Master. It changed her and it showed!! Making all of it from beginning to end feel deliberate and cohesive. *HECK YEAH!* Further, watching Ahsoka in live action only solidifies the growth of a character who traveled straight into war as a child to come out the other side a wise and powerful Force wielding woman! *NICE!!*

Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo)
Overall, I really liked Natasha in this role. She most definitely fit the requirements of the spunky and headstrong Sabine Wren. Hair and all! However, I was a bit disappointed in some of her riskier decisions. I groaned asking what the heck she was thinking!! *UGH!!* Which unfortunately happened multiple times throughout the series. Particularly early on. To add to this, the original dynamic between Wren and Ahsoka felt a bit dis-jointed. Thrusting in the Jedi training arc without out any real backstory left me constantly feeling like I had missed something when in fact, I hadn’t. Though, I don’t fault the actor as her portrayal was quite solid. By the end, the Padawan-Master dynamic took hold with great care, but the beginning left a lot to be desired. This gave Natasha little to work with beyond spite for Ahsoka, sadness for Ezra and disappointment in herself. Now that the groundwork is laid, I truly hope we get to see Sabine shine as bright at her animated counterpart. Especially since Ezra’s back and she’s now in touch with the Force. *DAMN STRAIGHT*

(L-R): Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and First Officer Vic Hawkins (Nican Robinson) with New Republic Security Guards in Lucasfilm's STAR WARS: AHSOKA, exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved

Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead):
Though Hera Syndulla stood on the sidelines for the majority of the season, Winstead was fantastic in the role. Nuances throughout showed Syndulla’s strength that was so beautifully displayed in Rebels and Winstead embodied the character with ease. I especially liked her interactions with Ahsoka and Sabine. Careful not to take sides and forever be the voice of reason, Hera coaxed understanding and showed immense faith in her group of rebels. Just like in the cartoon. *AWWW!!*

A small subset of fans complained that using the actor’s real eyes would’ve made the character more compelling but I beg to differ. Similar to all the other characters, having different eyes than their animated twins would’ve felt less real somehow. Particularly since the live action is a direct carry over of Rebels and is often described as Season 5 of the popular series. Plus, what’s Hera Syndulla without her Ghost?? What a treat to see this ship in all its glory beyond a blip in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)… LOL!! I also REALLY loved watching Hera interact with the Senate. As well as with her son Jacen (Evan Whitten) who we all, for good or bad, expect to see train as a Jedi at some point, right? *FINGERS CROSSED*

Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson):
There’s so much to love here, I scarcely know where to begin!! I mean… Ray grabbed the character of Baylan Skoll and never let go. His presence… though menacing and calculating was perfectly balanced with a sad disillusionment for the Jedi Order. Having survived Order 66, Skoll’s pain for what the Order had become was palpable. As was his love for a time long gone. To add to this, however misguided, his pursuit of power felt less like a greedy quest and a lot like a righting of past wrongs. For he’s not mistaken that in the end the Jedi Order became political puppets and a shadow of their former selves. *RIGHT??* Yet, two sides of the same coin… Skoll’s path to the Dark Side is equally as reckless. Regardless, due to Ray’s portrayal, part of me wanted him to win as he literally stole every single scene he was in! *DAMN STRAIGHT* Knowing that Stevenson passed away after wrap, it will be interesting to see what they do with the character going forward. Particularly since he reached the precipice of his quest by season’s end. Rest is peace Ray Stevenson (1964-2023)! You are forever a part of Star Wars Canon and to say your presence will be missed going forward is the understatement of the year… *SIGH*

Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen):
As suspected, Mikkelsen moving his voice role to the physical as Grand Admiral Thrawn was absolute perfection!! Cunning, calculating and calm. Ever the brilliant tactician and historian. His cold red eyes held immense life and Mikkelsen’s movements were of such a relaxed and confident nature that it’s easy to see how Thrawn climbed the ranks so quickly. Just like his cartoon equal, I couldn’t get enough. His presence commands attention with each moment and I hung on his every word. *FANTASTIC!!* No wonder he appears somewhat God-like to his soldiers. A character now decades in the making – from print to screen – it’s also quite clear that Mikkelsen enjoys the role immensely. Telling Entertainment Weekly: “He [Thrawn] utilizes the creativity around him, and I like that. He doesn’t just kill people off for the fun of it. He’s sort of seven pages ahead of everybody else.” *ABSOLUTE FACTS!!* And ohhhh does it show!! His images alone are thrilling to look at and I cannot wait for more!!

Heck Yeah They Appeared!!
Unsure of how the characters below would show up, if at all… I questioned their appearance in my initial article under a: “Will They Appear?” section. I’m happy to report that Filoni and crew did not disappoint… *WOOT!!*

Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen): I mentioned in the original piece that seeing Hayden come back to play Anakin would be a dream come true. Boy…was it ever!! His scenes were some of the best of the entire season. Seeing Anakin come full circle post his Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983) redemption and death was something I didn’t even know I needed!! And what a perfect way to do it… in the World Between Worlds!! The flashbacks. The lessons. The fight scenes. All of it was spectacular and exactly what Ahsoka required to let go of her guilt and emerge a new soul. *AMAZEBALLS!!*

Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi) and Chopper the Droid: Though I always liked Ezra, he’s not the most beloved character in Rebels, that’s for sure. I’m glad to see him in a different light now. Eman is an absolute delight as the character. All grown up from his rebel days and an accomplished student of the Jedi art to boot. *NICE* Chopper held his own as well. Plus, I love that he knew who Ezra was before anyone else did. Their bond was special and quite funny in the series. Akin to Luke (Mark Hamill) and R2, I hope to see more!!

The Witches of Dathomir: Because I truly didn’t know what to expect, these lovely dark entities were not included in my first outing. However, I would certainly be doing them a disservice by not mentioning them now. For they acted as the perfect anchor to Thrawn and his ability to not only build his army but reach across worlds to communicate with fellow sister Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto). Who also held her own by the way!! *HECK YEAH SHE DID!!* I look forward to seeing what other evils the Nightsisters magick holds!!

Well kids, that wraps up my re-visit to all of these amazing characters. The leap from animation to live action has been an absolute joy to see. I hope you appreciated the crossover as much as I did!! As I always say, it’s a great time to be a geek!! *WINK*

Until next time… May the Force Be With You… Always!

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‘Ahsoka’ Character Spotlight Revisited: The Good, The Bad, and The Gray

Written by Juanita ‘Obi-Juan’ Bonner

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