Summary
Star Wars: Ahsokahas confirmed one of the more controversial ideas from the previously concluded sequel trilogy concerning the Force.
Starting as a spin-off and chronicling events that happened following the eponymous character’s appearances onThe MandalorianandThe Book of Boba Fett,Star Wars: Ahsokafollows the titular former Jedi as she investigates a new threat to the galaxy emerging in the aftermath of the dissolution of the First Galactic Empire. The show debuted on Disney Plus to widespread acclaim and evenbeatThe Mandalorianseason 3in a big waywith its double-episode premiere. The show instantly stood out for using lore elements from the animated series and the strong sense of continuity with that canon.
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However, the most recentAhsokaepisode has tread on some new territory as it doubles down on a bit of lore that originates from directorRian Johnson’sStar Wars: The Last Jedi,a film from the sequel trilogy that has been a subject of contention within the fanbase and one that Johnson has had to defend the more goofy aspects of. While attempting to train Sabine Wren to become a Jedi inAhsokaepisode 3, the titular character reiterates that because the Force exists within and around everyone and everything, anyone can access it given enough training and will.
Star Warscreator George Lucas, who has had somesmall criticism for showrunner Dave Filoniin the past, fully supports the decision, as he has previously expressed his agreement with this idea. “A lot of people get confused about the Force. They see it as some special thing that you can find and pick up and put it on your head and suddenly, you have the Force. Whereas it’s always been designed so that every [living] being has the Force,” Lucas said. “The amount of Force, which is like talent or intelligence, is different in every person. Some of it is inherited, but it’s no more than a talent. It’s not something you can acquire – it’s something you can learn to use. I have the power to lift that cup off the table using the Force, but I can’t do it unless I have been trained to do it.”
The conversation around the decision to double down on this bit of lore isn’t the first gripe fans have expressed about the show, withone change inStar Wars: Ahsokaupsetting fansin the previous episode. However, unlike the addition of a previously exclusive power to the protagonist’s skillset, the concept of the Force being something that anyone can learn to control has great utility for the franchise as it starts to explore the fate of the Jedi teachings after the Order’s destruction. Like Sabine, many others might also be taught the way of the Jedi and help restore the Order in that way. However, fans might hope that the next candidates aren’t Mandalorian and don’t find it quite so difficult.
While there has been some fan complaint, it has meant little in terms of their enjoyment ofAhsoka, which has earned a lot of goodwill in a short time frame by offering fans a previously unthinkable level of interest in the new and nostalgic appreciation for the old, including gestures likebringing back an iconic location from the originalStar Warstrilogy. With episode three setting up a more interesting fourth installment, fans will likely quickly get over any misgivings and get back to enjoying the story.
Star Wars: Ahsokais now available for streaming on Disney Plus.
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