The first season of Ahsoka introduced two intriguing characters who had unfinished business by the time that the season finale rolled around. In addition to that, Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati left Star Wars fans with a strange mystery. Baylan made claims about training Shin to be something beyond the typical Jedi trained after the fall of the Jedi Order, creating a sense of intrigue surrounding their true purpose within the Star Wars narrative.
In the series, Shin inquired about Ezra Bridger, to whom Baylan referred as a "Bokken Jedi" – someone who had been trained in the wild after the fall of the Jedi Temple. However, Baylan, who is a survivor of the Republic Era's Jedi Purge, explicitly stated that this was not what he had trained Shin to be, despite her possessing similar skills, abilities, and even a Padawan's braid. Instead, Baylan intriguingly mentioned that he had trained Shin to be "something more."
As Ahsoka unfolded, viewers were left hanging, with Baylan's vision for Shin and her true purpose remaining undefined. Baylan's strong desire to break the ceaseless cycle of conflict between the light and dark sides of the Force suggests that the title or role he had in mind for Shin was likely grander and more complex than a simple "Dark Jedi."
Regrettably, the remainder of Ahsoka leaves Baylan's intentions for Shin shrouded in mystery. To the surprise of many, Skoll decides to part ways with her, venturing out on his own to seek the elusive presence or power that has been beckoning to him on Peridea. Several factors may shed light on why Baylan made the decision to allow Shin to pursue her own path and fulfill the role he believed awaited her in the emerging Empire, which he anticipated would provide only temporary power.
Why did Baylan abandon Shin?
Firstly, it becomes apparent that Shin cannot perceive or hear the same presence that calls out to Baylan. Her inability to share in his conviction suggests a fundamental difference in their beliefs. Furthermore, Baylan confirms that while Shin's ambition drives her in a particular direction, his own path leads him in a different one. It is clear that Baylan desired for Shin to transcend being just another participant in the ongoing conflict, which he aspired to end. However, it appears that Shin may not have shared the same depth of belief in the existence of a greater power that Baylan did. Her choice appears to favor more immediate gains, while Baylan's quest is driven by the belief in something far grander.
It is possible that Baylan wanted to see Shin tread between the Light and Dark Side of the Force. However, if she is unable to sense what he does, it suggests that she has already tipped off to one side more than the other. If this is the case, Baylan possibly saw her as a lost cause and chose to follow his own path.
Although they are on different paths now, there is still a possibility that Baylan and Shin will see each other again in Peridea. When this happens, fans are hoping that Baylan will finally reveal his original plans for Shin.
Ahsoka Season 2 has not yet been announced but is already being considered by Lucasfilm and Disney+. Be sure to check this page for updates.
