Ahsoka Desperately Needs A Season 2, And The Mandalorian Could Be Just That

After the final shot of “The Mandalorian” season 1, there was no question that a second season was coming. Moff Gideon wields the Darksaber, and the appearance of the ancient Mandalorian weapon introduced a piece of “Star Wars” lore that had only been explored in animation up until that point. The final shot of “Ahsoka” chooses a different path, showing Anakin as a Force ghost looking after his former Padawan in a much more tender moment that focuses on Ahsoka’s acceptance of the Jedi Master she used to know before his tragic fall to the Dark Side. It’s a poignant character beat that connects the finale with episode 5, “Shadow Warrior,” where Anakin gives Ahsoka a final lesson to help her overcome the shame and heartbreak she feels knowing that Anakin eventually becomes Darth Vader. Storywise, Ahsoka’s arc could arguably end here, negating the need for a season 2. Emotionally, Ahsoka is at peace.

Or is she? In “The Jedi, The Witch, and The Warlord,” Thrawn has an exchange with Ahsoka that may hint at something sinister lingering under the surface. Over a comm panel, Thrawn tells Ahsoka that she is a rōnin who may be more similar to Anakin than she realizes. “I know you because I knew your Master,” he quips. Thrawn and Ahsoka have never met face-to-face before, and a second season could feature an attempt by Thrawn to manipulate Ahsoka to do his bidding, in much the same way that the Emperor ruled over Vader. 

That alone could be enough reason to greenlight a second season, even after a somewhat shaky middle section of “Ahsoka” and some questionable character moments that should have had a lot more impact. There’s also the big question of how this all ties into the inevitable return of “The Mandalorian” when season 4 premieres.