That’s season 1 of Ahsoka in the books, with an ending that makes it obvious that a season 2 is coming at some point in the future. The finale answers some questions but also leaves us with many new ones, but this finale will be remembered for its emotional moments, some of which were years in the making.
In no particular order, here are the top 5 emotional moments from Ahsoka‘s finale and why they made us tear up:
1. Huyang and Ezra remember Kanan Jarrus:
This scene was among the most meaningful in the entire series because it adds more layers to the relationship between Ezra and Kanan. The series has emphasized the bond between a Master and an Apprentice, and Ezra and Kanan’s bond is among the best in Star Wars. As Ezra works on building himself a new lightsaber, he explains that his master, Kanan Jarrus, taught him how to build one. Huyang then explains that he taught Kanan, or Caleb Dume, at the Jedi Temple, and helped him build his lightsaber. Huyang gives Ezra the same lightsaber hilt Kanan used on his, and a visibly moved Ezra thanks him and builds a lightsaber that is identical to Kanan’s. If you’ve seen Rebels, this moment probably hit the spot. Kanan may not be here anymore, but he lives on through Ezra, Hera, and Jacen, as well as everyone else who knows and loves him.
2. Ahsoka appreciates her Master, Anakin Skywalker
During their years together, he stood up for Ahsoka when no one else did. It’s a fact that Ahsoka reiterates in Episode 8. She tells Sabine all about his unwavering support for her even when she makes some tough decisions. When she walked away from the Jedi Order, he still welcomed her back with open arms during Season 7 of The Clone Wars, and when the Jedi Order seemingly turned their backs on her after she was arrested for bombing the Temple, Anakin believed in her innocence, even when no one else did. It is this trust and unyielding support that Ahsoka wishes to give her own Padawan, Sabine Wren. This moment ends up being even more meaningful at the end of the episode when Anakin watches over Ahsoka from the afterlife.
3. The final shots of Ray Stevenson as Baylan Skoll
Ray Stevenson has given a towering performance as Baylan Skoll, who’s undoubtedly the most compelling character to come out of the series. The final shots of Baylan are majestic and moving, and knowing that he won’t be reprising his role should the series return makes the moment bittersweet. Baylan is shown standing on a statue of the Mortis God, “The Father.” The view from the top is stunning, and we wonder what the future holds for Baylan Skoll now. It’s not clear yet who or what’s calling out to him, but regardless of what the future holds for the character, it’s really hard to imagine the role played by anyone but the brilliant Ray Stevenson.
4. Ezra returns home
It took years but with the help of his friends, Sabine and Ahsoka, Ezra Bridger has returned home. Ezra reaches a New Republic base, where everyone is shocked to see him, as he’s disguised as a Stormtrooper. They pull out their blasters, and then he removes his helmet, revealing an older Ezra Bridger for Hera to see. Chopper recognizes him right away, and Ezra gives the feisty droid an affectionate tap. Hera stares at the duo in complete shock, as Ezra announces “Hera, I’m home.” Eman Esfandi makes this moment as emotional as many of us pictured it would be. Though it would have been better if Hera and Ezra were shown hugging, the scene ends right before that happens. Still, the emotion on both their faces says how much it means to them to be reunited. Ezra Bridger, we’re glad you’re home.
5. Anakin Skywalker watches over Ahsoka
Many fans speculated that someone might be left behind on Peridea, and it turns out to be Ahsoka and Sabine who are left there with the local Noti people. While looking into the distance, Sabine senses something but isn’t sure what, and later on, as Ahsoka walks back from the same spot, we see force ghost Anakin Skywalker watching over Ahsoka and Sabine, with a smile. It’s a moving way to end the season with a shot of The Chosen One himself, keeping an eye on his Padawan from the afterlife, even in another galaxy. It adds more weight to Ahsoka’s praise of Anakin earlier in the episode that Anakin was always there for her, even when no one else was. Now, even after death, his connection with Ahsoka remains intact. Hopefully next season, Ahsoka can see him again with her own eyes.
All 8 episodes of Ahsoka are streaming now on Disney+.