There are few if any Star Wars characters who have had a journey and rise quite like Ahsoka Tano. Upon her debut in 2008's The Clone Wars movie, she was met with vilification from annoyed fans who found her childish and annoying. Fast forward over a decade and she is now one of the most beloved Star Wars characters of all time, with one of the best, most fleshed-out arcs.
Ahsoka made a huge impact not only on The Clone Wars but also Star Wars: Rebels and The Mandalorian. Her journey through Star Wars TV series has been emotional and heartbreaking at times but also full of twists and turns.
The Clone Wars Season 1 - First Taste Of War And Eager To Impress
The first season of The Clone Wars is not of the same quality typically associated with the beloved animated show. Still, the beginning is an important part of any character's journey, and Ahsoka is no different.
In season 1 of the show, Ahsoka learns very early not just about the war itself but about her Jedi Masters. The rescue of Plo Koon teaches her about Anakin Skywalker and disobeying the council, with the same situation popping up later with Artoo. On top of the large-scale battle with the Malevolence and her failure on Ryloth, season 1 sees Ahsoka tangle with the likes of Grievous and Ventress. It all showcases her immaturity and stubbornness but also her power as a Padawan willing to win and do good.
The Clone Wars Season 2 - Important Lessons
Season 2 continued along the same path as season 1 for Ahsoka, with various characters teaching her many valuable lessons. She also developed friendships with the likes of Barriss Offee and got into the groove of war.
Season 2 saw Ahsoka introduced to Tera Sinube, who teaches her about something she and Anakin struggle with: patience. She also proves herself as a fighter and survivor during the Second Battle of Geonosis when she gets herself and Barriss out of a dire situation before saving Barriss again later from the brain worm. Season 2 sees Ahsoka tangle more with the criminal underground like Cad Bane and Aurra Sing, showing her a different side of being a Jedi.
The Clone Wars Season 3 - Proving Herself And Learning
In season 3, Ahsoka shows signs of clear development. She is more skillful, aware, intelligent, and her bond with Anakin is strong. The season was definitely filled with hard lessons and moments of fear for the Padawan, though.
After getting her first Mandalore experience, helping Satine solve the black market issue, Ahsoka learns a lot from Padme in "Heroes on Both Sides," her first experience with good Separatists. Through the Mortis arc, her relationship with Anakin is expanded upon before the Citadel arc shows her establish her own opinions, as she completely opposes Tarkin's view on war. At the end of the season, Ahsoka proves her independent capabilities when she is captured by Trandoshans and helps other Padawans escape, displaying the heart and resourcefulness fans love about her.
The Clone Wars Season 4 - Established General And Padawan
Season 4 has very little Ahsoka compared to the seasons prior. She is still involved in multiple arcs, but the narrative focuses on her much less. A lot of her time in the season expands her relationship with Anakin and others.
She is a key part of the Mon Cala civil war, which further solidifies her skill as a leader in the war. In the Zygerrian slavers arc, she learns far more about Anakin, also helping rescue Obi-Wan and Rex. "A Friend In Need" sees her save Lux Bonteri from Separatists and accompany him to Mandalore, further teasing romance between them in an episode that also sees her duel with Pre Viszla. Ahsoka's last arc involvement has her helping Anakin deal with Obi-Wan's "death." Here, she's caring, brave, and loyal.
The Clone Wars Season 5 - Carving Her Own Path
Season 5 is where it all changed for Ahsoka and The Clone Wars story in general. But even before the final, heartbreaking arc, Ahsoka had a fair bit to do in the season, most of which highlighted how much she had grown into her own person.
The Onderon insurgency arc sees Ahsoka dealing with her emotions as Lux Bonteri and Steela Gerrerra develop a romantic connection. Ahsoka later leads a group of Younglings in their final steps to becoming Padawans, far removed from season 1 when she was hot-headed and struggling to follow orders, much less deliver them properly. Following that is the heartbreaking arc in which she is framed and leaves the Jedi Order. It takes a great deal of strength for Ahsoka to leave Anakin behind in arguably her most iconic scene. Ahsoka leaves the Order hurt, betrayed by Barriss and the Jedi.
The Clone Wars Season 7 - Life Away From The Jedi And Tragedy
Ahsoka is not a part of season 6 of the show but returned in a big way for season 7. The Martez sister arc is crucial to her story as she finds her place in the Galaxy outside of the Jedi Order and does what she feels obligated to do: help people.
The arc taught her a lot about the Jedi and the opinions that others have about them. This bled perfectly into the Siege of Mandalore arc. Her interactions with Jedi in the arc show how deteriorated those relationships are; there really is no going back for Ahsoka despite the kindness of Yoda and the regret of Obi-Wan. The last episodes are full of emotion and tension as she saves Rex from Order 66 and fights their way off the Venator before faking their deaths and delving into the wider Galaxy to fight from the shadows.
Rebels Season 1 - Fulcrum
Thankfully, Ahsoka Tano was a key part of Star Wars: Rebels. Her presence helped make season 2 of the show so great and is crucial for some of its best episodes.
In season 1, Ahsoka appeared in only one episode, namely the finale. In it, she revealed herself to be the mysterious Fulcrum who had been helping Hera and the other rebels earlier in the season. She may have been under the radar, but, as usual, Ahsoka was doing good for the Galaxy.
Rebels Season 2 - Friend Of The Rebellion And Learning The Truth
Rebels' second season is where Ahsoka really shined. A huge storyline of the season is the connection between Ahsoka and Darth Vader, as well as the rebellion's fight against the Empire and her role in it.
Her arc is about helping Kanan and Ezra find their way in the Force and discover the truth about Anakin. Ahsoka is wise and knowledgeable enough about the Force to become an important teacher to Kanan and Ezra. Her discovery of Anakin's fall is a painful scene that culminates in their heartbreaking reunion. Ahsoka's declaration of not being a Jedi, her unwillingness to leave Anakin, and her refusal to back down are perfect representations of how far she has come.
Rebels Season 4 - New Beginnings
Like the first season of the show, Ahsoka is barely involved in Rebels' final season. However, "A World Between Worlds" answers the question of whether or not she survived her battle with Vader and kicked off a new direction for her character.
At the end of the season, she is seen with Sabine. Since the war with the Empire is over, it is time to go out and find Ezra like Ahsoka promised to him when they met in "A World Between Worlds." Fans are still desperately waiting for that story to be told.
The Mandalorian Season 2 - Helping And Hunting
It was only a matter of time before a character as popular as Ahsoka made her way to live-action Star Wars. In a Dave Filoni-directed episode of The Mandalorian's second season, it finally happened.
Ahsoka is still out in the Galaxy doing good, helping those who need it. She hunts Thrawn in an intriguing plotline that will lead into her series. And she also helps Mando with Grogu, giving him advice akin to that of a sage Master, except more grounded, with less hubris and more experience. Her appearance on the show got fans more excited for the continuation of her journey.