If there's one thing that viewers have been looking forward to in each new episode of Ahsoka, it would be the Easter eggs and references to the Star Wars Universe. Luckily, Episode 5 did not disappoint as we got a subtle one that was an interesting reference to what happened in Return of the Jedi.
The fifth episode of Ahsoka followed Ahsoka Tano as she met with her former Master Anakin Skywalker in the World Between Worlds. Although Anakin is eager to impart one final lesson to his former Padawan, Ahsoka isn't keen to fight him. "I won't fight you," she tells him. In response, he retorts, "I've heard that before," then makes the first move.
It might seem like a reference to the duel between the two in Star Wars Rebels where they fought in the show's Season 2 finale. However, Ahsoka's line then was "I won't abandon you" and she had no qualms about fighting him when he was Darth Vader. So who was Anakin referring to in Ahsoka Episode 5?
The only other person who stated that he wouldn't fight Vader was Luke Skywalker when he faced off against the Sith Lord in Return of the Jedi. Although Luke insisted he didn't want to fight, Vader didn't stop attacking him. Unfortunately for Vader, Luke managed to defeat him then.
It's a subtle reference to the original Star Wars films that continues to confirm Dave Filoni's attention to detail. There have been several references to the shows but this is the first one that suggested a connection to the George Lucas movies.
We already know how it all ends and although Anakin was unable to finish his training of Ahsoka in life, the World Between Worlds gave him another chance. With that in mind, we're hoping that what she just went through will prepare Ahsoka as she faces off against Grand Admiral Thrawn and searches for Ezra Bridger next week.
The sixth episode of Ahsoka has not yet been given an official title. It is currently set to premiere on Disney+ on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.
