Introduced as a 14-year-old apprentice to the young Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano made her impactful debut in 2008’s Clone Wars 3D-animated feature film that served as a pilot for the eventual series of the same name. Tano’s trajectory as a supporting character may have seemed fairly predictable at first, but as her friendship with Anakin Skywalker evolved, a compelling and thoughtful persona emerged, a “rebel with a cause” of sorts. Ahsoka carried a youthful idealism with her all the way to the Star Wars “Rebels” animated episodes, eventually reuniting Ahsoka with her old master, now known as Darth Vader. Now, 13 years after her first appearance in a series, there are several compelling reasons why Ahsoka Tano should have her own show: She’s been everywhere: Ahsoka Tano is one of those very special characters in the Star Wars universe who tie the “old” world of the prequels and the newer world of episodes IV-VI together. Tano’s presence across varied storylines and her interactions with key iconic figures move her through the different phases of the rise and fall of the empire and across the eternal conflict between the Jedi and the Sith. Girl power: The force is very strong with this female jedi who turned away from the council, but so is the depth of her character. Tano has been a driving force in the narratives of many stories, and the fact that she debuts as a young teenage girl navigating the intricacies and intrigue of The Clone Wars makes her an important female presence in the roster of Star Wars characters. Tano remains one of the most complicated and unpredictable characters in Star Wars: It is through her challenges and ethical conflicts that we see a dynamic view of the morality in the world of Star Wars. Through Tano’s eyes we see a world where the Jedi are far from infallible, and may in many instances be out of touch and misguided by the application of impractical ideals and principles. Ahsoka Tano leaves the Jedi order before Anakin Skywalker does! Tano’s questioning nature: It was at first a theatrically adolescent trait (that enabled story exposition early in the animated Clone Wars) but it became a burgeoning conscience within the show. Tano’s questions are often the audience’s own questions and it is her coming to grips with the world of Star Wars that bring us into it much closer. ...and lastly, who can ever say “no” to twin light sabers? -No one who has seen Ahsoka Tano in action in The Mandalorian. Ahsoka Tano is ready for her own adventures.
With Rosario Dawson having worn her robes most recently to passionate and energized fan reaction on The Mandalorian, the timing may be perfect for a heroine to lead the next Star Wars show.
-SJ
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