Warning! This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 7
Ahsoka episode 7 references the unique history between Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) and Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen). Having been located by his agents, Thrawn’s exile is nearing its end in a completely separate galaxy, and he’s closing in on his return to the known Star Wars galaxy to lead the Imperial Remnant as “Heir to the Empire”. However, Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) and her own allies pose a threat to his escape, hence his desire to learn everything he can about his new opponent.
In Ahsoka episode 7, Thrawn’s Nightsister agent Morgan Elsbeth provides the Grand Admiral with all the data available on Ahsoka Tano. As seen at the end of the previous episode, Thrawn had requested every bit of information on the Jedi, such as her background and history, including the identity of her master. However, it seems as though Thrawn was not expecting Tano’s master to be Anakin Skywalker, someone he knew personally. With that in mind, here is Grand Admiral Thrawn’s past history with Anakin explained.
Thrawn Met Anakin Skywalker During The Clone Wars
Near the end of the Clone Wars and after Ahsoka Tano left the Jedi Order, Anakin and Thrawn meet each other on the planet Batuu. Having been exiled by his people the Chiss for his unorthodox command, Thrawn was sent from the Unknown Regions to the better known parts of the galaxy, where he hoped to find allies in his people’s war with the Grysk Hegemony. In exchange for helping Anakin rescue his wife, Skywalker promised Thrawn information about the Clone Wars and its ongoing galactic politics.
Thrawn Was One Of The Few To Know Anakin Was Darth Vader
Years later, Thrawn would return to the known galaxy, where he was taken into Imperial custody and granted an audience with Emperor Palpatine himself. Gaining Palpatine’s trust and favor, Thrawn was recruited into the Imperial Navy, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become Grand Admiral of the Seventh Fleet. He’d then find himself on a mission from the Emperor where he was allied with Darth Vader. Using his brilliant intellect, Thrawn accurately deduced that Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader were one and the same.
Thrawn’s Knowledge Of Anakin Explains His Reaction To Ahsoka
Because of Thrawn’s unique history with Anakin Skywalker (and Darth Vader), it makes sense that he would be surprised to hear his name in Ahsoka episode 7. Likewise, this revelation also gives Thrawn a very good idea of what to expect from Tano, seeing as how both he and Skywalker were renowned for their unconventional tactics as military commanders. Ultimately, Thrawn had an abundance of respect for Anakin Skywalker following their time together, both during the Clone Wars and the reign of the Empire.
Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET on Disney+.
