Ahsoka: What is Baylan Skoll’s next move?

The first half of the Ahsoka series is officially now streaming on Disney+!  After four jam-packed episodes, fans are left on the edge of their seats. Baylan Skoll is a new addition to the Star Wars universe and has captured the attention of fans all the way back at the pilot’s opening moments. With his apprentice, Shin Hati, at his side, Skoll possesses much authority thanks to his partnership with Morgan Elsbeth. However, there seems to be a lot more to this character than just a ruthless monster. Besides his current day collaboration with Elsbeth, what do we really know about this mysterious mercenary?

Ever since the trailers for Ahsoka were released, people have been constantly speculating on who Baylan really is. As time passed, we quickly discovered that the possibility of Skoll being a Jedi was quickly ruled out. Given the black robe and orange lightsaber, most people were unsure regarding what to make of this new character and rather intrigued about what was to come from him later in the series.

Now four episodes in, we have a much better analysis of Baylan and can even speculate as to what his future steps in the series will be. First and foremost, we know that Baylan was once a Jedi at a young age before the events of Order 66. Either before or during the gruesome order, Baylan disappeared and seemingly lost faith in the Jedi. Baylan eventually starts to learn from the Dark Side. However, Baylan never became a Sith Lord or even an Inquisitor during the reign of the Empire.

Many believe Baylan to be a Dark Jedi. Dark Jedi have not been formally introduced in the canon, though Asajj Ventress has been considered by some sources to be one, though never by name. However, the claim isn’t as far-fetched as some would say. Looking back at the end of the fourth episode, we actually see Baylan somewhat sympathize with his opposition, Sabine Wren. While he could have stricken down Sabine fairly easily, he didn’t. He instead turns his lightsaber off and ultimately persuades Sabine to hand over the map that leads to the uncharted galaxy, a map her Master had previously ordered her to destroy. Baylan accomplished this by sincerely giving his word to Sabine that she would be reunited with her long-lost friend, Ezra Bridger. Baylan mentions that, unlike Ahsoka, he has a code and will keep his word until the very end. That said, making a promise one intends on keeping certainly sounds much more Light Side quality rather than dark.

While watching the second half of the Ahsoka series, we’ll have to see to what lengths Baylan may have to go to to keep his word. While Baylan could very well mean what he says, there is certainly no guarantee that Elsbeth is on board. Knowing that Sabine is Ahsoka’s former padawan, there’s no telling what Elsbeth may do to ensure the death of Sabine Wren. While Elsbeth and Skoll are on the same page, the Nightsister doesn’t seem to mind disrespecting the wishes of her peers to get what she wants. We can only speculate on whether Skoll will protect Sabine from Elsbeth given that something like this happens.

If Baylan is genuinely a man of his word, it could potentially cause tension between him and Elsbeth. The decision on Baylan’s end will undoubtedly take into account his creed, principles, and affiliation with the force.  Not only that, but many may also wonder where Shin Hati would stand in this situation. The young apprentice evidently loves to ambush Sabine and ultimately may also disrespect her Master’s wishes if it means finally finishing off her Mandalorian nemesis.

While speculation may be in the air, episode 4 ended with a true plot twist, thus making everything extremely difficult to accurately predict. While we may think we know where Skoll’s story is going, everything at this time remains a complete mystery.