The fifth episode of Ahsoka is now streaming on Disney+, and while it may not have been the "game changer" some early reactions had built it up as, it was arguably the best chapter of the series so far, and a real treat for Star Wars fans - of the animated Clone Wars series, in particular.
If you haven't watched "Shadow Warrior" yet, spoilers follow.
After his brief appearance in the closing moments of "Fallen Jedi," Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) featured prominently in this episode as he takes his former Padawan on a little trip down memory lane. Anakin tells Ahsoka he's returned to finish her training, and that in order to pass his final test, she will ultimately have to make a choice: live or die.
After reliving a Clone Wars battle and the Siege of Mandalore, Tano faces Darth Vader (pre-armor) back in the World-Between-Worlds, seemingly resisting the lure of the Dark Side and ridding herself of the guilt and fear she's been holding on to. Ahsoka chooses life in order to rescue her own Padawan, Sabine Wren.
Anakin once again becomes the Jedi Ahsoka knew all those years ago, and leaves his friend with the parting words: "There's hope for you yet."
We had assumed this would be Christensen's only appearance this season (if not in the entire series), but a recently released TV spot has fans convinced he will be back at some point over the remaining episodes.
The promo includes the following dialogue from Anakin that we didn't hear in this episode: "In this war, you’ll face more than just droids. As your master, it’s my responsibility to prepare you. I won’t always be there to look out for you. Don’t be afraid, trust your instincts, I know you can do this Ahsoka."
Of course, this could simply be dialogue that was recorded and not used for the episode for whatever reason, but it is also possible that Anakin will be back to guide his one-time apprentice as she prepares for her rematch with Baylan Skoll.
What do you think? Drop us a comment down below.
Set after the fall of the Empire, Ahsoka follows the former Jedi knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy.
The series stars Rosario Dawson in the title role, with Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Hera Syndulla, Diana Lee Inosanto as Morgan Elsbeth, Ivanna Sakhno as Shin Hati, Ray Stevenson as Baylan Skoll, David Tennant as Huyang, Lars Mikkelsen as Grand Admiral Thrawn, with Eman Esfandi appearing as Ezra Bridger.
Kevin Kiner was announced as the series' composer.
Ahoska is written by executive producer Dave Filoni, alongside executive producers Favreau, Kennedy, Wilson, and Beck. Gilchrist is co-executive producer. The series’ directors include Filoni, Steph Green, Peter Ramsey, Jennifer Getzinger, Geeta Vasant Patel and Rick Famuyiwa.