WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Tales of the Jedi Episode 1 “Life and Death.”
Something that we do not always get to see in a Jedi’s life cycle is the beginning and the parents that accompany their children. In the first episode of Tales of the Jedi, we get to see Ahsoka’s mother Pav-ti (voiced by Janina Gavankar) raising her young child and practicing the traditional hunt of the Togrutan people. This beautiful episode gives us a unique perspective.
Why is this appeal to parents unique?
My wife and I recently had our first son only four months ago and it was a life-changing experience. Both of us bonded over our love of Star Wars, watching far too much during our engagement, and even in the hospital before our son’s birth. We also are part of the generation that grew up on the prequels, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and Star Wars: Rebels. In a sense, we are a part of a new generation of Star Wars fans, and we hope that our son will also love Star Wars. The timing of this appeal may not be intentional but in a way ‘Life and Death’ has opened a perfect window into the next generation of fans.
What about “Life and Death” makes it so powerful?
As a parent with a young child at home seeing Ahsoka as an infant is an amazing emotional connection. Seeing her life threatened is the greatest fear of any parent, but that part of the episode is only the surface level of meaning. While as fans we feel triumphant and proud that Ahsoka is a Jedi, what about Pav-ti?
Being a Jedi is akin to exile from your family. While your parents will always love you, you won’t be able to remember who they are or even what they look like. The episode’s message is bittersweet. While Ahsoka lives and will become one of the greatest Jedi (well kinda…) that the galaxy will ever know, her parents won’t know it.
Tales of the Jedi is now streaming exclusively on Disney+. Be sure to check out all of our coverage of the series, including episode recaps, reviews, and more.