Star Wars, at its best, is full of hope. Even when faced with dark times, long odds, and fearsome villains, its a story about hope, and about how by clinging to hope the light can always triumph.
There is a beautiful, hopeful moment that takes place at the end of the fifth episode of Ahsoka, “Shadow Warrior”, as Ahsoka Tano leaves with the purrgil to an unknown location in a new galaxy in search of Sabine Wren and Ezra Bridger. This moment has extreme significance, both in terms of the larger plot of the series, but also in terms of Ahsoka’s own journey and growth.
The purrgil are the key to finding Sabine and Ezra
The most obvious reason the purrgil are so important is because they provide the key to finding Ezra Bridger, which is also where Sabine Wren is off to with the villains. This has been highlighted in previous episodes, but it’s also mentioned in this one as Jacen Syndulla notes that these creatures are the ones Ezra disappeared with. In Rebels, Ezra summoned a group of purrgil to the Battle of Lothal, and they surrounded Grand Admiral Thrawn’s Star Destroyer, the Chimaera – with both Thrawn and Ezra still on board. They then jumped into hyperspace, carrying the Chimaera with them. That was the last either Thrawn or Ezra were seen, but it’s why both the heroes and the villains are following the purrgil path to find them.
Because, presumably, wherever the purrgil lead, that’s where Thrawn and Ezra will be. But Ahsoka doesn’t know this for sure, as evidenced in a humorous exchange where she admits to Huyang that she has no idea where they’re being taken. But there is nonetheless very good reason to believe (both in-universe and for fans) that the purrgil will lead to another galaxy, where Ahsoka will find her friends.
Yet this all highlights how the purrgil are not just here to be the vehicle to furthering the plot and finding Ezra and Sabine. The purrgil also provide the chance for us to see just how much Ahsoka has grown through the events of this episode.
The purrgil help highlight Ahsoka’s character growth in this episode
Ahsoka has gone through a rebirth of sorts, having faced her fears and emerged with new life and purpose after her encounter with Anakin Skywalker. Ahsoka was hindered by her fear of becoming like Anakin, and this caused her to be more stoic, more reserved, less emotionally open with others, more fearful of attachments. The old Jedi mantra of “trust yourself, trust the Force” rings hollow, because she doesn’t fully trust either. But after her encounter with Anakin, Ahsoka is more free. This is evidenced in the way she acts, but it’s evidenced especially with the purrgil.
Start with the fact that Ahsoka’s grand moment after her ‘rebirth’ is not a lightsaber duel, but connecting with a creature through the Force. She had been trained by Anakin to be a soldier, which the Jedi never were meant to be – but she became one. But a Jedi is one who protects life, rather than takes it, and Ahsoka here is able to connect with this creature through the Force.
In doing so, she’s opening herself up to trusting the Force, and trusting herself. The plan is unconventional, riding in the mouth of a space whale, but Ahsoka goes with it. She trusts herself, embarking on a plan that feels right out of The Clone Wars. But she also trusts the Force. She admits to Huyang that she doesn’t know where they’re going, but that it’s better than going nowhere. There is a resolve and confidence in her that, even though she doesn’t know where they’re heading, she trusts the Force to guide her. This is a powerful moment, and it’s one where we see Ahsoka embracing the Jedi way in greater ways than we’ve seen since she left the Order – and even before, really.
Ahsoka has been reborn. Her all-white robes signify this change, but so too does her renewed trust in herself and the Force to guide her – as evidenced in the plan with the purrgil. As they head off into hyperspace, with Ahsoka in tow, there’s an unmistakable theme of hope running throughout.
Star Wars Thoughts 