Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for the Ahsoka finale.
While Ahsoka has been lauded for expanding Star Wars’ scope of a galaxy far, far away, one small aspect of the series ended up shrinking the galaxy in a strange way. Unlike The Mandalorian, which focused on smaller threats like Moff Gideon, Ahsoka reintroduced Grand Admiral Thrawn, who threatens to utilize his mental prowess in rebuilding the fallen Empire. With Thrawn’s return to the original Star Wars galaxy, and with Ahsoka Tano and Sabine Wren stranded on Peridea, the series has effectively doubled the size of its story. Despite this, the franchise continues to bring back the same characters again and again rather than introduce new ones.
The New Republic is meant to be the most powerful government in the galaxy when Ahsoka takes place in the timeline. But for some reason, every Star Wars tv show continues to shed light on just how pathetic it really is. The Mandalorian shows how the New Republic began dismantling and wasting its weaponry, ignoring the threat of Moff Gideon. Now, Ahsoka shows how the New Republic continually insists on turning a blind eye toward any scary threats, such as Grand Admiral Thrawn’s return.
Ahsoka’s Carson Teva Cameo Felt Strangely Out Of Place
Carson Teva’s cameo in Ahsoka marks Paul Sun-Hyung Lee third Star Wars show appearance as the character. And while Carson is a great character and a welcome familiar face, it’s beginning to feel like he is the only X-wing pilot the New Republic has. At least, Carson seems to be drawn to wherever there is action. And he tends to be the only one in the New Republic who listens to the protagonists, such as Din Djarin or Hera Syndulla. So while it’s nice to see him, his appearance implies that there is a staffing shortage within the New Republic.
Carson Teva is Captain of the Adelphi Rangers, who (though it has not been confirmed) were likely set to be the star of Star Wars’ canceled TV show Rangers of the New Republic. Carson’s continual cameos in several Star Wars projects may be Disney’s way of making up for canceling Ranger of the New Republic. But the fact he’s shown up in The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and now Ahsoka, creates a lack of variety within the New Republic’s entourage. Nevertheless, there’s one simple fix that can explain his unexpected appearance.
One Idea Fixes Ahsoka’s Carson Teva Cameo: Is Hera In Command Of Adelphi Base?
Because Hera Syndulla is a General within the New Republic, it would make so much sense if Adelphi Base was under her command. This would explain why Carson decides to join her unauthorized mission to Seatos, and would also explain why he’s present during her hearing. If Carson is Hera’s second-in-command, his tendency to disagree with the New Republic’s silly decisions may be something he picked up from his commanding officer, Hera.
Furthermore, Hera being the General of the Adelphi Rangers actually makes even more sense considering her old friend Garazeb “Zeb” Orrelios is also a part of Adelphi squadron. Zeb was one of the founding members of Hera’s Ghost crew, and he had his first live-action debut in The Mandalorian season 3, episode 5, where he met up to chat with Carson Teva at Adelphi Base. After reestablishing a society for his people, It’s quite possible Zeb returned to being a member Hera’s crew by becoming one of her pilots in the New Republic.
This Theory Makes Hera A Major Character In The Mandalorian Season 4
If Hera is in charge of the Adelphi Rangers, then it almost certainly means she’ll become an important character in The Mandalorian going forward. At the end of The Mandalorian season 3, Din Djarin joins the New Republic as an independent contractor. But his main connection to the New Republic is still Carson Teva. Given how closely Carson and Hera begin to work together in Ahsoka, it’s likely Carson will come to recruit Din and Grogu to help in the fight against Grand Admiral Thrawn in The Mandalorian season 4.
In any case, the New Republic needs to stop ignoring the Jedi and the threat of Thrawn. Since Ezra Bridger has returned to the New Republic to fight alongside Hera, it seems like Star Wars TV is headed for an Avengers-esque team up, with Hera taking the role as the leader of the group. In a way, Carson Teva may end up being the Nick Fury of Star Wars, as he remains as the common link between the heroes scattered about during the Mandalorian-Era. Regardless, Hera’s role in Ahsoka was merely a foretaste of her character’s potential, and The Mandalorian season 4 will likely feature more of her.
All episodes of Ahsoka now streaming on Disney+.
