Countdown to ‘Ahsoka’: Diving Into Season 1 of ‘The Clone Wars’
Star Wars News Net is committed to providing you with an in-depth countdown experience to the highly anticipated Disney Plus show: Ahsoka. You can check out our previous pieces in our “Countdown to Ahsoka” series here. Today, we look at the first season of animated television that brought Ahsoka to our screens — The Clone Wars: Season 1.
Voiced by the brilliant Ashley Eckstein, this character has had a journey unlike any other in Star Wars. Before we begin discussing season 1, it’s important to note that it debuted only a couple of months after the animated The Clone Wars movie was released. The angry backlash from disgruntled fans regarding the inclusion of Ahsoka was a sad and not-so-surprising piece of toxicity from a portion of the fandom that can sometimes be mean or reactive. She was dubbed the “new Jar Jar Binks,” and factions of fans attempted to tear this character apart from the beginning. I can only imagine the emotions swirling inside Eckstein as the hate was mounting early and often. The pressure she felt as the first season aired afterward must have been immense.
Today, Ahsoka sits in the upper echelon of the most popular Star Wars characters. It’s one of the most remarkable “fandom” journeys for any single character. Even a few short years ago, if you told someone Ahsoka Tano was your favorite character in Star Wars, you might field questions or comments like “who is that?” or “I’ve never heard of her.” Today, she has been thrust into the spotlight and is an overwhelmingly fan-favorite character. I cannot wait for her show, and I cannot wait to begin breaking down Ahsoka’s journey in Season One of The Clone Wars. Let’s begin.
The Malevolence Arc
If you recall, the first arc of the season begins with Grievous controlling a new warship: The Malevolence. Its overwhelming weapons systems were wreaking havoc in the outer rim, and this arc begins with Plo Koon and his troopers falling prey to the droid general. We learn in this arc about Ahsoka’s special connection with Master Plo. He was the one who brought her to the Jedi Temple. Rescuing him is of paramount importance. However, the Jedi Council has other priorities. Of course, it is war, but I would’ve expected the council to show more signs of sadness and remorse over their decision to abandon Plo Koon without even sending a single search party after him. Aghast at this decision, we get our first outburst of the show from the Padawan, who has yet to learn her place. When she leaves the Jedi in season 5, I wonder if this moment came to memory. Mark this as her first lesson in the reality of war and what it was costing the Jedi. After all, it wasn’t so long ago when the council risked everything to go after Obi-Wan on Geonosis.
Ahsoka is soon delivered a valuable lesson from her Jedi Master, who’s known to have a different way of doing things. He takes the two of them to search for Master Plo despite what the council ordered. One might say he took a certain point of view when interpreting their instructions. He delivers this valuable lesson to her when they are in the midst of the search.
“Doing what the council says is one thing. How we go about doing it, is another.”
Ultimately, they save Master Plo and his troopers before the Separatist droids wipe them out. The first episode in the arc serves as a lesson about trusting the Force and her instincts. In addition, the rogue behavior of Anakin starts rubbing off on her even more.
Of course, her nickname “Snips” and the “Skyguy” nickname she gives to Anakin weren’t appreciated by all, but I am an avid fan of the names. There is a healthy dose of them in this season, but seeing as this is the first arc of the season, I felt it should be highlighted here. I hope we get a moment in the Ahsoka series where she and Anakin can use them in a way that isn’t just purely The Clone Wars fan service.
The second episode in the arc, Shadow of Malevolence, is a vastly different episode for the Padawan. While Ahsoka certainly picks up on several of Anakin’s headstrong tendencies, she also serves as a great complement and balance to him. His plan came with heavy losses and little chance of success, but it was Ahsoka’s persistence that led to Anakin changing his strategy and ultimately succeeding.
Downfall of a Droid and Duel of the Droids
Jump forward to episode 6, Downfall of a Droid. The premise is that R2-D2 has been lost in a battle, and Anakin is hell-bent on getting him back. In the meantime, he has to deal with an annoying little newcomer. Allow me to introduce “Goldie,” R2’s Separatist spy replacement. I know I mentioned before how I am an Ahsoka nickname defender, but I am not a fan of the “Goldie” name. Although, it’s a million times more appealing than the “Artooie” nickname she gave R2-D2. Yes, I know she is just a kid, and this is for kids to relate to. I get that and I truly connect with almost all of it, but I can’t do those two nicknames. I am sorry. However, We do get another sassy name-calling session from Ahsoka during their search for our favorite R2 unit. (She will also refer to Goldie as “Stubby” once she discovers it’s a spy, and Grievous as “Grumpy”)
Throughout this arc, we get to see Ahsoka’s reverse grip fighting style for the first time in the series, as well as her take on General Grievous. It was a reckless move on her part to engage Grievous alone, but also a valuable lesson. Making mistakes and having to own up to them is a large part of anyone’s journey. Thankfully this mistake wasn’t a deadly one.
Cloak of Darkness
More Ahsoka name-calling, an iconic duel, and Republic betrayal all heaped into one episode. This episode is an absolute banger from start to finish. Ahsoka is currently stationed with Jedi Master Luminara Unduli as they are transporting Nute Gunray. This was a unique episode for Ahsoka. She both imparts wisdom and receives it. She engages in some ruthless Anakin-style negotiation tactics on Gunray, which leads Luminara to give her a quick refresher in standard Jedi prisoner treatment. The Separatists are after Gunray, and it doesn’t take long for Asajj Ventress to board the ship in an attempt to free him. When she makes her way to the brig, she comes face-to-face with our favorite little trash-talking Togruta.
The brief skirmish results in Ahsoka being trapped in a cell. When Luminara eventually comes to let her out, Ahsoka beckons to come with her. Here, we see some of the hubris from the Jedi. Luminara’s response to Ahsoka was:
“I am more than capable of dealing with a lone assassin armed with undisciplined fighting skills.”
This arrogance would’ve resulted in her death if it weren’t for the Skywalker training kicking in. Ahsoka abandons her post and rescues Luminara in the nick of time. They proceed to take on Ventress together.
This episode is phenomenal for Ahsoka. She both helps teach a Jedi Master a valuable lesson and learns so much in return. In addition, the action sequences in this episode were some of the best in the entire season.
Jedi Crash and Defenders of Peace
Fast forward to episodes 13 and 14. Anakin is gravely injured, and Ahsoka, Aayla Secura, Rex, and others have crash-landed on the planet, Maridun. This arc is critical in Ahsoka’s season 1 journey. For the first time, she is entirely without Anakin’s guidance. She’s forced to make decisions for the greater good and find some resolve within herself without the luxury of being able to lean on Anakin. There is a point early on in Jedi Crash, where I laughed out loud. They have crash-landed on a mysterious planet, and Anakin is lying unconscious on the ground. Ahsoka simply delivers a great one liner.
“I’ve certainly perfected the art of demolishing ships and almost getting my master killed.”
For whatever reason, this strikes me as hilarious. Has this happened several times? Is this the first time? We don’t know, but I think that’s what I find funniest. The entire scene can be seen below. Fast forward to the end for the one-liner.
As a young Padawan, much of Ahsoka’s experience in the galaxy has been entirely shaped by war. She knows what the Jedi are supposed to stand for, but rarely gets to live that out as a Commander in the Grand Army of the Republic. Her first direct look at how the image of the Jedi is rapidly changing comes in this episode when she comes face-to-face with the Chief of the native Lurmen on this planet. He tells them, “only when the Jedi lay their arms down can he be convinced they are peacekeepers.” Imagine the chord this must strike with Ahsoka. The entire arc, but especially this episode, gives her significant experience and development.
So many individuals impact Ahsoka on her journey, but someone rarely mentioned is Aayla Secura. There is a treasure trove of wisdom imparted to Ahsoka in this arc. My favorite piece of advice came in episode 14, Defenders of Peace. Ahsoka is frustrated the Lurmen are refusing to fight back. She doesn’t empathize with their pacifism or refusal to get involved and says they lack courage, to which Secura responds, “sometimes it takes courage to stick to one’s beliefs”. There are countless times when this advice seems to be core to Ahsoka’s very being later in her life.
Blue Shadow Virus
Once again, fast forward just a bit to episodes 17 and 18. How can anyone forget the notorious Dr. Nuvu Vindi and his Blue Shadow Virus? The evil doctor is one of the most random, notorious villains in all of The Clone Wars and nearly delivers death to our favorite Togruta. In episode 17, Ahsoka leads a recon mission to try and find Vindi and where he is holding Padme and Jar Jar hostage. She goes on an absolute tear in this episode doing everything from taking on dozens of droids in the halls to force-pushing thermal detonators into walls.
This two-episode arc throws a funny twist our way. The problem is seemingly solved in the first episode, but soon into the second, we discover this is only the beginning. In the chaos of Vindi’s secret lair, an explosion disperses the virus in a massive cloud throughout the tunnels. Ahsoka, Padme, and several others are infected as a result. Rather than lose hope, however, the unbridled optimism of Ahsoka still shines through as she maintains faith that they will be saved.
Ultimately, Ahsoka leads her clones on a successful mission. They take out every one of the droids beneath the surface to prevent the virus from spreading to all of Naboo. This was the first time she was faced with certain death, and rose above it all to be the hero she is meant to be.
Storm over Ryloth
Outside of a brief appearance here and there, this is the last time we receive a true Ahsoka episode this season, and it may be the most important. Anakin puts Ahsoka in command, and things go wrong. They are attempting to break the blockade over the planet of Ryloth, and in doing so, Ahsoka loses nearly all of her squadron. Her confidence is shattered, and she tries to refuse Anakin’s upcoming assignment.
Ahsoka feels her emotions strongly. It’s part of what makes her both a great Padawan for Anakin and a great character we can connect to. Here, the lesson she has to learn is how to control those powerful feelings and still have the confidence in herself to be the leader the Republic needs.
Her relationship with Captain Rex is one of the more heartwarming ones in The Clone Wars. This episode gives us a glimpse of how much Rex cares for her, but also already respects her. Ahsoka’s demeanor and orders are shaky many times throughout this episode, but Rex not only backs her up each time, but he also makes it clear to every other officer that no one is to question her command. Without his support, she may not have summoned her confidence when Anakin needed her most. Her assuming more confidence in herself as a leader and learning valuable lessons about responsibility in leadership will strongly shape who she becomes.
Season 1 of The Clone Wars, probably won’t be near the top of anyone’s list of favorite seasons of Star Wars television. However, it contains crucial developmental moments for Ahsoka Tano. It’s remarkable to think of how much negativity surrounded this character and Eckstein’s portrayal of her in 2008. 15 years later we are on the verge of a live-action series featuring that same character. I hope you all enjoy this look back at Ahsoka and the rest of the “Countdown to Ahsoka” series.
Check out the previous articles in our Countdown to Ahsoka series here, and tune in tomorrow for our next one!
Finding ways to nonchalantly incorporate Star Wars quotes into 8th grade classroom, Tyler lives and breathes Star Wars. His morning tradition is sending the latest number in the countdown for different Star Wars projects and loves engaging in uplifting Star Wars dialogue. If you are passionate about Star Wars you can follow him on Twitter at TyBrad5.
