Ahsoka Episode 8 Ending Explained: The Meaning of White Bird at End? Did Sabine, Ahsoka, and Ezra Stop Thrawn?
Ahsoka Season 1 came to an end with Episode 8, titled A Jedi, A Witch, and a Warlord. In the previous episode, “Dreams and Madness, Thrawn slowly inched toward executing his Machiavellian plans, while Ahsoka Episode 8 picks up the pace with Thrawn realizing that Jedi, even a former Jedi, and her two young Jedi apprentices are about to disrupt your plans once again. Meanwhile, the Big Sisters welcome Morgan Elsbeth into their ranks, giving her a new appearance and gifting her the blade of Talzin. However, it looks like Morgan may finally get an interesting story, but not everything is as it seems. Since the release of Disney+, the Star Wars universe on the small screen has not stopped growing thanks to phenomena such as The Mandalorian and such notable series as Andor and the recent Ahsoka. Without a doubt, the best led by Rosario Dawson’s togruta has met the demanding expectations of the warsie public, giving continuity to the animated Star Wars Rebels.
In August, the new fiction hit the platform with Dawson’s heroine embarking on a particularly dangerous mission. The protagonist allied herself with her Padawan Della Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) to prevent the return of Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) and rescue her friend Della Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi). As Rebels fans know, during the liberation of Lothal, Bridger allied himself with the Purrgil and sacrificed himself by launching into hyperspace with the Grand Admiral and his fleet so that they would be expelled from the galaxy. Ahsoka revealed that the hero and villain ended up in Peridea, the ancient extragalactic world of the Dathomir. There the fiction has taken us in its last episodes, with Thrawn and his fleet preparing to escape his banishment, and Ahsoka reuniting with Sabine and Ezra. Disney+ premiered The Jedi, the Witch and the Warlord, the eighth and final episode of the bet, directed by Rick Famuyiwa. This is everything that has happened and its importance in the future of the saga.
Ahsoka Episode 8: The Story Plot
However, let us try to briefly recap where this series fits and what it wants to tell: set after the events of the third season of The Mandalorian and however starting from the fifth episode of its second season (which at this point we can consider a real backdoor pilot), Ahsoka narrates the exploits of the eponymous protagonist (Rosario Dawson) as she tries to understand where Grand Admiral Thrawn (a perfect Lars Mikkelsen) has ended up, after hearing rumors of his possible return to the galaxy as heir to the Empire, and consequently also the missing Ezra (Eman Esfandi). In The Mandalorian we saw her dealing with Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto), Thrawn’s key ally, and here we discover the existence of a map that indicates the location of the Chiss with the flaming eyes, but to open it she will need of the help of her former apprentice Sabine (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) and she will soon discover that she is not the only one interested in this research.
Now, we sincerely believe it is appropriate to immediately point out the elephant in the room, already made evident by our simple synopsis, namely that Ahsoka is not a series open to everyone. By this, we mean that fundamental pieces of its plot as well as the characterizations, relationships, and behaviors of most of the characters are unfortunately not accessible to those who have not seen certain productions (we discussed this in detail in our in-depth analysis of Ahsoka‘s story). We’re sorry, but there’s no way to sweeten the pill as the series does absolutely nothing to fill similar shortcomings as The Mandalorian did for example.
And perhaps Filoni and co aren’t even completely wrong, because it would have been impossible to insert some clarifying dialogue regarding characters with such a long history on screen. In short, prior knowledge is necessary of some arcs of The Clone Wars and almost the entirety of Rebels, otherwise precisely on a narrative and emotional level the series risks transmitting nothing to you. But, once this problem has been avoided, what is Ahsoka like? We underlined it in our preview, and we would like to reiterate it in the review: Ahsoka is 100% Star Wars, which is not afraid to use its best weapons and above all is not afraid of expanding the lore of a monumental franchise.
It is a series that catapults the viewer immediately into the center of the action – precisely because it is a direct continuation and as such does not require a prologue – and, excluding some sensational pauses to say the least, it never stops until the last available minute. But paradoxically the narrative is perhaps the least important component, after all, it is nothing more than a long search and/or rescue mission, a wild race against time with extremely high and delicate stakes. Narratively there is nothing else – except just a little something intriguing about the ending – and therefore the limelight is occupied by the protagonists, who continually pierce the screen.
Ahsoka Episode 8 Ending Explained: The Meaning of White Bird at End?
Ezra sets out to build a new lightsaber, with Huyang expressing frustration at his unconventional style. Sabine meets Ahsoka and they share a moment reflecting on Anakin Skywalker’s unwavering support. Ahsoka promises to stay by Sabine‘s side, hinting at dark developments ahead. Before Ezra can interrupt, TIE Fighters attack Ahsoka‘s ship. Sabine acts quickly, causing the ship to crash but delaying her plans. Without their ship, Ahsoka, Ezra, and Sabine head straight for Thrawn. Thrawn underestimates his lightsaber skills and sends in the Night Troopers, with assistance from the Big Sisters, creating seemingly indestructible enemies.
As the trio climb the tower, they encounter Morgan, ready to stop them. Ahsoka urges Ezra and Sabine to face Thrawn while she faces Morgan. With her new Dathomirian abilities, Morgan proves to be a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, Sabine and Ezra face off against undead super-soldiers, with Sabine‘s maneuver echoing a moment from The Last Jedi. With Thrawn‘s ship moving away, Sabine and Ezra use the Force to jump towards it, leaving Ahsoka to deal with the Night Troopers and Morgan. Surprisingly, Ahsoka and Sabine defeat the Night Troopers and Morgan Elsbeth. However, Morgan‘s character arc feels underdeveloped, and his motivations remain unclear, resulting in an anticlimactic downfall.
The Finale Shows Everyone Switching Places!
Sabine‘s decision to stay and help Ahsoka leaves Ezra in a similar situation to the one that led him to Peridea. Ahsoka and Sabine find themselves stranded on a desolate planet as Thrawn prevents their return. They head to a Noti village, where Sabine questions her choice. Ahsoka reassures her that Ezra is safe and back where he belongs. Although Ezra‘s escape is not shown, fans are treated to a long-awaited reunion between Ezra and Hera aboard a Republic ship. Ezra‘s ingenious escape involves stealing a ship and a Night Trooper suit. However, the reunion between Hera and Ezra lacks emotional depth. Ahsoka‘s vague dialogue hints at future developments, leaving fans guessing about the story’s direction. Perhaps Ahsoka and Sabine will reunite with Shin Hati and Baylan Skoll as they embark on their journeys, though details remain unclear. Shin seeks refuge among the red-clad scavengers, while Baylan climbs statues carved into rocks. Ahsoka summons Anakin Skywalker’s Force Ghost, reminiscent of the 2004 edition of “Return of the Jedi”.
The White Owl and its History with Ahsoka?
A mysterious white bird appears at the end of the first season, but this seemingly harmless creature has a long history with Ahsoka Tano throughout her appearances in Star Wars. Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker, and Obi-Wan Kenobi traveled to a mysterious realm known as Mortis in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and one of the three near-omnipotent beings that inhabit this place may have a connection to the bird seen in Ahsoka. This same bird appeared in the series finale of The Clone Wars, in several Ahsoka-centric episodes of Star Wars Rebels, and in the second season of The Mandalorian.
The three beings of Mortis who wield the Force are known as the Father, the daughter, and the Son. While most viewers understandably confuse them as representatives of the light side, dark side, and “balanced” Force, they are more related to the concepts of the Cosmic Force (Father), Living Force (Daughter), and Dark Side of the Force (Son). The bird shown at the end of the series is most likely a specific convor with a mysterious connection to one of Mortis’s beings and Ahsoka.
The White Owl Ahsoka Sees Is Almost Certainly Morai?
The white owl seen at the end of “Part Eight: The Jedi, The Witch, and the Warlord” is most likely Morai, a female convor who debuted in Rebels. Morai often appears at key moments in Ahsoka Tano’s story, flying above Darth Vader when he visits the wreckage of the Tribunal and finds Ahsoka‘s Clone Wars-era lightsaber. Morai appeared again to Vader and Ahsoka on Malachor, later led Ezra Bridger to find Ahsoka in the World Between Worlds, and landed in a tree when Ahsoka appeared in the second season of The Mandalorian. The convor also appeared in a mural depicting the beings of Mortis, landing on the Daughter’s shoulder.
Morai‘s connection to the Daughter is intentionally left ambiguous, with the bird possibly being a reincarnated form of the Daughter or simply her pet. In any case, Morai is also connected to Ahsoka Tano due to the daughter, as in her final moments, she transferred her Force essence to Ahsoka and brought her back to life after being killed at the hands of the Son. Morai‘s appearance in Ahsoka‘s finale isn’t surprising, given that Tano has finally found peace with herself and her late master, as well as bringing Ezra Bridger back to the main Star Wars galaxy.
Baylan Skoll is last seen on Peridea, standing on a statue of the Father, with a statue of the Son nearby. A third statue, presumably representing the Daughter, also stands next to the Father, but his face is destroyed, apparently representing Baylan Skoll’s transformation to the dark side. However, with Ahsoka Tano and Morai also on Peridea, the Daughter – and therefore the Living Force – is represented in any apparent Skoll quest for Mortis’ power after the events of Ahsoka. The appearance of the white owl at the end of Ahsoka is more than just a simple visual detail. She carries with her a rich history of connections with Ahsoka Tano and the beings of Mortis. Morai, the mysterious convor, serves as a link between these narratives and continues to play an important role in Ahsoka‘s journey through the Force. As we explore the expanded Star Wars universe, these connections further enrich the galaxy’s complex history, far.
Did Sabine, Ahsoka, and Ezra Stop Thrawn?
Episode 8 begins with Thrawn being informed that the cargo transfer has been completed. The villain’s plan is underway, and he is determined to get out of Peridea as quickly as possible. Thrawn orders his subordinates to dispatch two TIE fighters to eliminate Ahsoka, Sabine, and Ezra, leaving nothing to chance. Meanwhile, Thrawn shows his gratitude to Elsbeth for her role in the plan and transforms her into a witch, granting her the legendary “Blade of Talzin”. The history of this weapon dates back to the times of the Clone Wars when a Nightsister used it in a battle against Mace Windu.
Ezra, in turn, builds his lightsaber, while Huyang shares stories about Jedi Master and Apprentice training. Sabine, however, walks away from the conversation, questioning whether she will ever have a relationship like that with Ahsoka. Huyang reminds Ezra about Ahsoka‘s past, especially the Siege of Mandalore, which complicated the relationship between her and Sabine. Ahsoka assures Sabine that she will be by her side at all times. In the middle of their conversation, the TIE fighters sent by Thrawn spot them and attack. The heroes manage to destroy the enemy ships, but the confrontation causes serious damage to the T-6 1974, their ship. Ezra points out that this will slow them down, but Ahsoka emphasizes that it will only be a hindrance if they allow it to be.
Ezra Boards Thrawn‘s Ship and Sabine Helps Ahsoka Fight Elsbeth
Thrawn becomes aware of the destruction of the TIE fighters but appears to accept it without much concern. Instead of attempting an air strike, he decides to carry out a ground attack. This choice raises logical questions, as the heroes have lost their only aerial advantage. As the heroes prepare their advance toward Thrawn‘s Star Destroyer, Ezra reveals that he knew Thrawn was on Peridea the entire time and that he had awakened the Nightsisters to do his bidding. However, he did not plan an attack due to lack of resources. As the heroes advance toward the villains, they successfully avoid enemy airstrikes that seem impossible to dodge. Inside the palace that connects to the Star Destroyer, the heroes face off against the Night Troopers, with some exciting moments, including a brief resurrection of the Night Troopers as zombies. Thrawn, in turn, boards his ship and leaves. The battle culminates with Ezra being thrown onto Thrawn‘s ship by Sabine, while Ahsoka faces Elsbeth. Ahsoka prevails, and Sabine eliminates the remaining enemies. When they realize they can escape, Ahsoka and Sabine decide to retreat.
The Fate of the Characters?
Huyang rescues Ahsoka and Sabine, and they set off in search of Thrawn‘s ship. Meanwhile, Thrawn reaches Dathomir, where he and the Nightsisters have a mysterious encounter. A mysterious cargo is revealed, and Thrawn‘s intentions remain unclear. Ezra manages to escape Thrawn‘s ship and reunites with Chopper and Hera. His escape is cleverly disguised thanks to the Night Trooper costume he wore. Ahsoka, Sabine, and Huyang choose to settle on Peridea, while Anakin’s spirit watches them. This suggests they are ready to restart their Jedi training.
This was a miniseries that was highly anticipated by Star Wars fans, but unfortunately, it failed to fully meet expectations. The series was marked by flat cinematography, clumsy fight sequences, and characters that failed to captivate audiences. Additionally, the plot often felt lacking in purpose, with elements that didn’t contribute significantly to the expanded Star Wars universe. However, each fan is free to form their own opinion, and Ahsoka may still have value for some. The series is available on Disney+ and watching the final episode will allow you to form your conclusion about the outcome of this exciting story. In short, the final episode of Ahsoka brought a final confrontation between our heroes and Thrawn, revealing the fate of beloved characters. However, the series as a whole faced challenges in terms of storytelling and execution.
How Does Ahsoka Season 1 Compare to Other Star Wars Series?
With Disney+, Star Wars has expanded into a vast franchise with several live-action and animated series. The series is on the same level as The Mandalorian, as it is based on “Star Wars Rebels” but struggles to establish its own identity. The series shares a naming convention with The Mandalorian which has also evolved beyond its titular character. While some fans may enjoy unfocused stories, Ahsoka lacks the focused storytelling seen in Obi-Wan Kenobi and Andor. The first season had moments of excitement, but it was overshadowed by nostalgia and underdeveloped characters. The cast and directors salvaged weak scripts, but the series could benefit from diverse voices in the writers’ room. In conclusion, the series’ first season finale delivered unexpected twists and left many questions unanswered. The series struggles to create its own identity in the vast Star Wars universe. Although it has exciting moments, it falls short in comparison to other Star Wars productions. With future seasons on the horizon, fans eagerly await the next chapter in Ahsoka‘s journey. The first season is available to stream on Disney+.
