Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka episode 6.
Hayden Christensen’s Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka may have been a thrilling moment, but Eman Esfandi’s Ezra Bridger is far more important. Ahsoka is proving to be one of the most exciting Star Wars events since the launch of Disney+. Although it’s been sold as essentially Star Wars Rebels season 5, Ahsoka episode 5 was essentially a return to Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
It’s still unclear exactly what happened in Ahsoka episode 5. It’s possible this was actually Anakin Skywalker’s Force ghost, manifesting to offer guidance and counsel to Ahsoka. Alternatively, it may well have simply been a figment of her imagination. What matters, though, is the message Anakin had for Ahsoka; he told her to choose life rather than death, an important step in her personal journey.
Anakin Skywalker’s Return Was Wonderful… But Doesn’t Drive The Story
It was undoubtedly thrilling to see Anakin Skywalker appear in what seems to be the World Between Worlds. While this was a huge gift for viewers, it doesn’t really do much to drive the plot of Ahsoka forward. The story is focused on the quest for Grand Admiral Thrawn and discovering the pathway to Peridea. Ahsoka’s experiences in the World Between Worlds are a tangent at best, and it’s telling that viewers are still unclear about exactly what lesson Ahsoka learned from Anakin. As exciting as Anakin’s return may be, Ahsoka episode 6 features another return that is much more meaningful for the overall story.
Ezra Bridger Is At The Heart of Ahsoka’s Narrative
Eman Esfandi’s Ezra Bridger has been a driving character for Ahsoka‘s plot from the start. He was the one responsible for Grand Admiral Thrawn’s exile, and it was Sabine’s hope to find Ezra that led her to hand over the starmap to Baylan Skoll in the first place. He is the reason Hera has been so enthusiastic in helping Ahsoka find the Grand Admiral – and her determination to track Ezra down was the reason the New Republic doubted her. Ezra is also the only hero who knows what Thrawn has been doing for years on Peridea.
It’s easy to understand why viewers were excited to see Hayden Christensen return as Anakin Skywalker; he gives a welcome shot of nostalgia to the story. But it’s unarguable that Ezra Bridger is much more important. He has the potential to set Sabine’s heart in the right place with her Jedi training, and he will also be a huge asset in the fight against Thrawn. Ahsoka wouldn’t have been able to progress without him, and that’s something that can not necessarily be said for Anakin – no matter how unforgettable that Star Wars moment will always be.
Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET on Disney+.
