The finale of Ahsoka Season 1 saw Grand Admiral Thrawn successfully return to the original Star Wars galaxy, marking a significant win for the villain. However, his victory also exposes a potential weakness in his character, revealing a flaw that may come back to haunt him in the second season.
In Ahsoka Episode 8, Ahsoka Tano and Sabine Wren find themselves stranded on the planet Peridea, while Thrawn triumphantly returns to the galaxy. In a surprising twist, Thrawn can't resist provoking Ahsoka with petty taunts, displaying a less stoic and more personal side of the formidable Chiss.
Before departing for hyperspace, Thrawn mocks Ahsoka, claiming that he predicted her plan because she shares traits with her Master Anakin Skywalker. After celebrating his victory and the resurgence of the Empire, Thrawn leaves Ahsoka and Sabine in the dust.
From a storytelling perspective, this moment highlights Ahsoka's character development and her ability to confront her past. However, it also exposes Thrawn's own weakness: pettiness.
Thrawn had already secured his victory and no longer considered Ahsoka a threat. His decision to deliver a personal insult, along with declaring his victory, indicates that the Thrawn who had been living with his defeat since Star Wars Rebels is now more insecure and petty.
This episode is not the first time Thrawn's pettiness has been on display, particularly towards Jedi. For instance, when Baylan Skoll proves his usefulness by helping Morgan Elsbeth reach Peridea, Thrawn sends him on a mission to find Ezra Bridger with the intention of leaving Baylan stranded.
It's a strange move considering that Ezra was not a known threat. Additionally, Thrawn recognized valuable assets and maintained a strategic approach by keeping the enemies of his enemies close, but this appears to be in the past. Thrawn's decision to send Baylan on an unnecessary errand appears to be driven more by bitterness and a desire for revenge than a well-thought-out strategy.
There is little doubt that Thrawn's time on Peridea may have changed his views but this could be a good thing for Ahsoka and her companions. Thrawn's newfound pettiness could prove to be a chink in his armor as he continues his quest. With that in mind, this could be something that the Jedi can exploit in Ahsoka Season 2.
For now, Ahsoka Season 2 has not yet been officially announced. In the meantime, fans can stream all eight episodes of the first season on Disney+.
