The timeline of The Mandalorian and its connected shows has been notoriously hard to nail down, with basically all we know being that the series begins five years after the Battle of Endor.
But how much time has passed in the subsequent seasons of the show is less clear, especially given the fact that Jon Favreau seems confused about how long Grogu was with Luke Skywalker – which would impact how much of a gap there is between The Book of Boba Fett (which is set after The Mandalorian season two) and the third season of The Mandalorian. Adding another piece to the puzzle was Natasha Liu Bordizzo saying earlier this summer that Ahsoka would take place along the same timeline as that third season of Mando.
In the most recent episode of Ahsoka, however, there was a line that gave us our best information yet as to when this series takes place, clarifying that – at least by episode 7 – it’s taking place after the third season of The Mandalorian. As Hera Syndulla stands trial for her rogue actions, Senator Hamata Xiono scoffs at the notion that the Imperial remnants are coordinating. To this, Carson Teva objects, asking, “What about the conflict on Mandalore?” Xiono dismisses this too, seeing it as proof of a lone Imperial cell operating independently.
The mention of the conflict on Mandalore ties in directly to the end of season three, however, as that was the climactic battle as Bo-Katan Kryze and Din Djarin fought to liberate their homeworld. They were successful, defeating Moff Gideon and beginning anew on Mandalore.
Knowing that Ahsoka takes place after this helps us to understand more fully why Cason Teva is so motivated to help Hera in her efforts, because for the last few seasons of The Mandalorian he’s been the one suspicious of what’s really going on in the outer reaches of the galaxy. He’s grown increasingly concerned about the Imperial remnants accumulating power and coordinating their efforts, and when he brought it to New Republic leadership his concerns were dismissed. It makes perfect sense, then, why when General Syndulla prepares to investigate on her own, Teva would be right there with her.
Of course, unbeknownst to them, the Imperial Shadow Council has been meeting in secret, awaiting the return of Grand Admiral Thrawn. It’s full of infighting and suspicion, but it’s nonetheless a greater threat than anyone in the New Republic realizes at the moment. Thrawn’s return to galvanize them and lead the efforts will prove a very formidable challenge – something Mon Mothma seems to realize as well.
Star Wars Thoughts 