The first two episodes of the Ahsoka Star Wars series were a big deal for the Disney+ streaming service, not least for the fact they contained a surprise prequel. But what exactly is the story behind the prequel and why is it so important to the series?
The prequel plot revolves around the backstory of the character Ahsoka Tano and is set five years before the events of the Clone Wars, the conflict that’s the foundation of the TV series Rebels. The story explains how Ahsoka left the Jedi Order and went on to become the Rebellion’s freedom fighter. As is often the case with prequels, the prequel fills in the gaps between the show’s present and past, giving viewers the context to understand why Ahsoka has a special place in the memories of those involved in the fight for freedom from the Empire.
The prequel also provides an important plot device for the TV series, allowing Ahsoka to be introduced as Force-sensitive ex-Jedi who has taken up the mantle of a freedom fighter and is willing to risk her life and limbs in the fight against the Empire. She’s not sheltered by the Jedi Order, but instead has taken up the mantle of a Rebel who uses her powers for the cause.
The importance of Ahsoka’s story is further enhanced by the presence of Rex, a clone trooper and a former member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Downloaded five years before the start of the main story, Rex serves as a valuable source of information for Ahsoka and enables her to further her knowledge of the Force and the fate of her friends.
The prequel is also important in setting up the wars being waged in the series. The story of Ahsoka and Rex’s relationship serves to establish the nature of the conflict between the Empire and the Rebels. The destruction of Ahsoka’s homeworld of Mandalore sets the stage for the Imperial occupation, and Ahsoka’s long-term struggle to free her people from the Empire is a central plot thread of the arc.
So, those first two Ahsoka episodes were a prequel, right? Absolutely. It provided essential backstory and established important characters and plot points moving forward. Now that it’s done, all that’s left is to head into the main story and enjoy the series.
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