The ambiguous nature of whether Ahsoka is a Jedi or not cuts into why this is another average episode. Again, it's more focused on plot and expanding the world than meaningful character exploration or thematic depth. And please do not throw the whole "it's a throwback to old Westerns" excuse as it's been dismissed time and again how those Westerns had depth. I was going to wait until a bit later once more people had time to see the episode, like
Veelk. But, I'll just tear it
down now.
To preface, I enjoyed the episode as a pure fan. We get to see Ahsoka in action, fucking live action. We get to see lightsabers. We get a deul. HK-47 droids are name dropped. The old Jedi Temple on Tython is name dropped. And, we get some backstory on "The Child" who we now know is Grogu. Still, I will now put aside the fan to, once again, explain why it is thoroughly lacking.
The title of the episode is "The Jedi," and is seemingly focused on Ahsoka Tano. Yet, the episode does nothing to explore or challenge her character. She is purely a plot and lore delivery device. She's not a character. Again, we leave the episode as an audience member unsure if she is a Jedi. Now, Mando episodes always start off promising with a hook that could evolve into meaningful storytelling that has both character and thematic depth, but they always discard that in favor of plot. This episode starts with Ahsoka attempting to extract information from the Magistrate only to be confronted with the problem that the Magistrate is willing to execute every innocent villager in the town if Ahsoka attempts to assault it.
This is an interesting problem as it can help us explore who Ahsoka has become since the Clone Wars and Rebels. Is she willing to risk the lives of all the villagers in her quest for information? Or does she still adhere to the Jedi Code where protecting innocent life is paramount? This is a conundrum with no easy solution, especially if we are to accept the information she seeks will serve the greater good. Thus, surely the episode would explore this conflict, yes? We would watch Ahsoka debate the ethics of the assault with someone like Mando, we'd learn her feelings towards the rigid nature of what the Code would dictate in such a circumstance. She would then possibly be confronted with a situation near the end that would require her to choose between getting the information or saving the villagers. And this choice would reflect her growth and new character. Likely, she would choose the villagers but through the aid of Mando is also able to stop the Magistrate from escaping and get the information thus re-kindling her faith in some part of the Jedi Code and that the "greater good" can never be an excuse to turn a blind eye to the immediate suffering in front of you.
You know, basic storytelling character shit.
The Child showing up with Mando should also stir up her feelings about the Order and Anakin Skywalker. We should see more of that than her terse and vague denial for training the child. Hell, you could even tie these feelings all back into the main plot regarding the villagers as it deals with attachment. A Jedi, as she was taught, should retain a certain level of detachment from everyone; to not form strong personal bonds. Yet, such a detachment is what can easily lead a Jedi to believe the "greater good" is more important so going after the information is more important than trying to possibly save the lives of innocent villagers. By witnessing Mando's attachment to Grogu she can reaffirm that personal attachments are necessary in order to do good in the Galaxy.
Yet, instead of getting any of this we just got some lore dumps and cryptic dialog from Ahsoka who also maintains a stoic, "I don't reveal my true feelings" expression alongside the faceless Mandalorian who does the same thing. They both then team up and proceed to face zero actual challenge as they mop up Michael Biehn and the rest of jobbers. Those villagers were never at any risk once Mando joined the squad. Riveting.
This episode proves that the show will always remain what it is and not seek to rise any higher. To have an episode where a fucking Jedi appears and doesn't proceed to drop any actual wisdom or knowledge or greater depth to anything is just criminal.
Ahsoka is NOT a Jedi. Just like Ventress was NOT a Jedi or a Sith. There is no Gray Jedi. Alignment isn't needed to be who you are lol.
Also why are you making a big deal about Ahsoka not being more involved in the war. She left the order and moved on. Obi Wan and Yoda also didn't do anything for 20 years roughly and they ARE Jedi.
They were watching over Luke! That was the plan they all agreed to. And Obi-Wan is getting a whole series about what he was up to as well.
And again, you're assuming Ahsoka isn't a Jedi when nothing proves it either way besides her last statement YEARS ago in
Rebels.
