Star Wars: Visions episode 9: “Akakiri” ending explained

In the anthology series Star Wars: Visions on Disney+, there are nine highly creative anime shorts that are based on the world of Star Wars. No two episodes are alike, and they each tell a separate story that makes viewers look at a galaxy far, far away from a different lens.

That spirit was definitely captured in the episode of Star Wars: Visions entitled “Akakiri.” The episode follows Jedi Tsubaki (Henry Golding) and princess Misa (Jamie Chung) as they trek back to her castle following her father’s death. Taking over the throne is the Sith Lord Masago (Lorraine Toussaint), her aunt, and she won’t give up power so easily.

Here’s what the ending of this ninth and final episode of Star Wars: Visions season 1 is about.

Star Wars: Visions episode 9 ending explained

In “Akakiri,” we see the most important relationship in the episode is that between Tsubaki and Princess Misa. And as we know, the Jedi are forbidden to form romantic attachments. And so of course, that means the attachment that they form is without a doubt taboo. Fans will also quickly recognize that this mirrors the story of Anakin and Padme as the forbidden tale between Jedi and royalty — though Obi-Wan and the Duchess Satine’s relationship also comes to mind for those who watch The Clone Wars.

Though, essentially, we see more parallels about Anakin and Padme, especially in the ending of the episode. Haunted by a vision of someone dying, it’s the reason why Tsubaki seeks out Misa in the first place. After getting the vision, he likely went to her first — knowing it was the person he cared about the most. And, eventually, he must have found out that Misa’s father, the king, was slain by his own sister.

Before going on the journey, a Jedi Master warned Tsubaki of going on this emotionally driven journey, but he did not listen. That price was ultimately paid, though, when he ended up becoming the own reason for his vision. After finally reaching the palace and battling Masago, Tsubaki’s emotions ran so high that he ended up killing Misa. It was purely by accident, as Masago had it arranged so that Misa was disguised as one of her henchmen while he wasn’t looking. And with her brilliant scheme working, she offered to use the powers of the Dark Side to bring Misa back, if and only if he joined her on the Dark Side.

The end events all happen very quickly. Masago doesn’t bat an eye over joining the Dark Side. And even when Misa is resurrected, he doesn’t care to be at her side. He obeys and accepts Masago as his new master, and he seemingly boards the Star Destroy that’s hovering over the palace with her.

That ending does feel a little rushed. And it leaves the final moments open to some interpretation, such as, “Why was Tsubaki so willing to join the Dark Side without hesitation?” Even Anakin had quite the buildup to fully trust Palpatine and the powers of the Dark Side. And after joining and becoming Darth Vader, he still asked about Padme. If she hadn’t died, we’re sure Anakin would still try to keep her at his side, however he could.

The fate of the resurrected Misa is also left open ended. There are a few possibilities about what could happen next, though. For example, we assume she’d escape the palace and try to find another way to free her kingdom and bring Tsubaki back. It’s also possible that she would be captured and remain a prisoner in the palace. Or, the worst case scenario is that Misa also gives in and joins the Dark Side — but that’s probably the least likely thing to happen.

As with all Star Wars: Visions episodes, this isn’t officially canon. So the events won’t have an effect on the larger Star Wars world. But the episodes are still fun to analyze no matter what because the stories are so open ended and don’t quite fit into the traditional Star Wars lore.

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