We’re little over a month away from arguably Lucasfilm’s most anticipated television event since last year’s Obi-Wan Kenobi. Expectations are high. None other than Dave Filoni has seemingly poured his heart and soul into this series with a character that has reached iconic status in the past few years thanks to some phenomenal writing on The Clone Wars and perfectly embodied by fan-favourite Ashley Eckstein.
It’s hard to believe that Ahsoka Tano has been in our lives since August 2008 and it’s incredibly fitting that almost 15 years to the date we will get to see her take centre stage in an 8-part series that begins on 23rd August with a double-episode opener and will then run every Wednesday until October.
With 15 years worth of stories on the character and set-up to remember before the show airs it can feel a little over-whelming. On that note; I’ve curated a ‘must see’ list of episodes and novels to refresh your memory and set the stage ready for the series. Ashely Eckstein herself has recommended watching all episodes of The Clone Wars and Rebels but that is a lot of minutes to pack in our very busy lives so I’ve tried to keep the list more doable whilst maintaining the pivotal moments in this character’s life.
Let’s dive in and also make note that all of these are in story chronological order.
TALES OF THE JEDI: Episode 1 – Life and Death
A perfect intro to a wonderful series (more on TOTJ to come in future articles) that begins with Ahsoka as a baby and showcases her force-powers and is under 15 minutes in length. Outstanding.
THE CLONE WARS MOVIE (2008)
Do yourself a double-bill and dive straight into this 90-minute feature in one night if you can. This film (I say film but let’s face it, it’s 4 episodes strung together) was received poorly at the time but I think sets the stage perfectly and is important in Ahsoka’s life as it’s her introduction to the audience and sets up the complicated yet deep relationship with her master, a certain Mr Skywalker.
THE CLONE WARS
Season 1: Episode 19 – Storm over Ryloth
Season 2: Episode 11 – Lightsaber Lost
Season 3: Episodes 15,16,17 – ‘Mortis Arc’
These episodes are among some of the most stand-out from the show’s run and is essential viewing not just for Ahsoka but for The Clone Wars and for Star Wars in general.
Season 3: Episodes 21,22 – ‘Trandoshan Arc’
Season 4: Episode 14 – A Friend in Need
Season 4: Episodes 21,22 – ‘Darth Maul Returns Arc’
Season 5: Episodes 17,18,19,20 – ‘Trial of Ahsoka Arc’
Season 7: Episodes 5,6,7,8 – ‘Ahsoka/Martez Sisters Arc’
Season 7: Episodes 9,10,11,12 – ‘Siege of Mandalore Arc’
Once again, with these episodes, some of the best Star Wars in recent years.
TALES OF THE JEDI: Episodes 5 and 6: Practice Makes Perfect and Resolve
Once you’ve finished with The Clone Wars it’s time to head back to the Tales of the Jedi anthology series to round out Ahsoka’s story from this time period with some wonderful episodes, especially Resolve.
REBELS
It seems official in all but name; Ahsoka is Rebels Season 5. On that principal then perhaps one should watch the entire run of Rebels if you have the time. Season 1 is definitely aimed at kids but season 2 picks up the pace and by the time 3 and roll around we have our heroes being blinded and genuine drama and tension. If, like me, you don’t have the time for a full re-watch then try these.
Season 1: Episode 15 – Fire Across the Galaxy
Season 2: Episodes 1,2 – The Siege of Lothal
Season 2: Episodes 21,22 – Twilight of the Apprentice
ALL OF SEASON 4 or at the very least episodes 9 – 16 as this will perfectly help set up what seems to be coming in Ahsoka with what’s been teased and will help refresh your memory on all the major players in the show and some important plot points.
Next we make the jump to live-action with Rosario Dawson taking over the helm and the two episodes needed are fairly obvious.
THE MANDALORIAN: Season 2 – Episode 5 (Chapter 13 – The Jedi)
THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT: Season 1 – Chapter 6 (From the Desert Comes a Stranger)
The story points in these two episodes perfectly serve as a prologue for this series but if you’re looking for a little more and are a bookworm then here’s some titles to get you going.
AHOSKA by E.K JOHNSON (Set between The Clone Wars and Rebels)
THRAWN ASCENDANCY: CHAOS RISING
THRAWN ASCENDANCY: GREATER GOOD
THRAWN ASCENDANCY: LESSER EVIL
THRAWN
THRAWN: ALLIANCES
THRAWN: TREASON
By Timothy Zahn
All of these are by the man responsible for what is still regarded as the best Star Wars story not seen on screen and we simply couldn’t leave these out.
HEIR TO THE EMPIRE
DARK FORCE RISING
THE LAST COMMAND
The phrase ‘Heir to the Empire’ has already been heard in the trailers leading some to think that Filoni could borrow from these books and use them as source material. One can only hope.
Have fun, and be sure to let Fantha Tracks know of any marathons or watch parties you have along the way.
Ahsoka begins airing on Disney Plus 23rd August.
- Johnston, E.K. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 384 Pages - 10/03/2017 (Publication Date) - Random House/Star Wars (Publisher)
