The prequel trilogy deepened the padawan of Anakin Skywalker, who went on to have a large impact both in and out of the Star Wars universe.
As a character who would end up operating outside of Jedi or Sith principles, Ahsoka had to forge her own path, which is a significant part of many Clone Wars stories, some of the very best, in fact.
Updated on January 16th, 2021 by Rhys McGinley: Ahsoka Tano's journey in Star Wars is one of the very best and impressive of the entire franchise, going from a hated, annoying, childish character to one of the greatest characters across all Star Wars media. Throughout seven seasons of the beloved show, Ahsoka is the main character alongside Captain Rex and is a crucial part of a plethora of phenomenal episodes, far more than can be constricted to a ten-entry list. An honorable mention should go to the infamous Clone Wars movie; while not fantastic or even good, the movie is such a happy watch when you consider how far Ahsoka has come over the years.
"Cloak of Darkness" (Season 1, Episode 9)
When a Separatist Viceroy is captured, Ahsoka and Luminara are sent to interrogate him. During the interrogation, Luminara disapproves of Ahsoka's aggressive technique. When Asajj Ventress arrives to free the Viceroy, Ahsoka challenges her to a fight and loses, ending up locked in a cell while the Viceroy escapes with Ventress.
Luminara pursues Ventress and tells Ahsoka to stay behind, despite the latter's protests. Torn between obeying orders and helping Luminara, Ahsoka decides to find the Jedi Master and Sith apprentice and arrives just in time to save Luminara's life. From an early stage, Ahsoka's instincts steered her in the right direction.
"Wookiee Hunt" (Season 3, Episode 22)
"Wookiee Hunt" is the second and final part of Ahsoka's kidnapping story where she is captured by Trandoshan's for hunting, finding herself trapped on a planet with former Jedi younglings and others.
Three seasons deep, what this episode does highlights how far Ahsoka has come in such a short space of time in of leadership. She stays composed this whole time and inspires the others to rally against the Trandoshan's, showing herself to be independent, capable, and an inspiration. While Chewbacca is a welcome help, Ahsoka shines here.
"Lightsaber Lost" (Season 2, Episode 11)
When a pickpocket steals Ahsoka's lightsaber, she hopes to find and retrieve it without telling Anakin that she lost it. She seeks help from an elderly Jedi in the library, who offers to help her track down the pickpocket. The two form an unlikely friendship and manage to locate Ahsoka's weapon.
When getting her lightsaber back means a mother and her child come into harm, Ahsoka offers herself as a trade. Her new friend arrives just in time, and Ahsoka is able to retrieve her lightsaber while ensuring that no harm comes to innocent people. Throughout this experience, she learns a valuable lesson on responsibility.
"Storm Over Ryloth" (Season 1, Episode 19)
On Ahsoka's first mission as a Commander, she ignores orders to retreat, resulting in a disastrous failed mission. Ahsoka, always having the best of intentions, feels intensely guilty about the results of her actions. Anakin doesn't allow her to give up and comes up with a plan that puts fewer people in danger and more responsibility on Ahsoka.
Her inexperience and lack of confidence cause her troops to doubt her at first, but Ahsoka is firm in her stance, as the position Anakin has put her in gives her no choice but to be confident and decisive. Anakin looks on proudly as Ahsoka's plan is carried out to perfection.
"The Academy" (Season 3, Episode 6)
When corruption is found in the Mandalorian government, Ahsoka is sent to Mandalore to educate young cadets on the dangers of a corrupt political system. Her teaching inspires the cadets to do some digging themselves, and they discover that one of their highest-ranking government officials is involved in corrupt dealings for his own personal gain. Her students ask for her help in exposing these misdeeds and bringing the guilty parties to justice, but Ahsoka is hesitant to act too swiftly.
Instead, she keeps an eye on the cadets and steps in to help them out when it becomes clear that they really are onto something big. They hatch a plan to bring an end to the deceit. It's the perfect mix of wisdom and recklessness that comes to define Ahsoka's character.
"Assassin" (Season 3, Episode 7)
Moving on just one episode in the future, "Assassin" is an episode spent almost entirely with Ahsoka and Pé, a friendship that grows throughout the show and is always a joy to see for fans of the characters.
The episode sees Anakin leave Ahsoka on Coruscant for a mission, with Ahsoka going on to experience visions of Pé in danger, which she acts upon by taking her off-planet. Through the episode, she doubts herself, even makes mistakes, but with Pé's faith in the young Jedi, Ahsoka is eventually proved right when Aurra Sing strikes. Ahsoka is shown to be vulnerable in this episode, doubting herself even with all the confidence she is known to display, she and Pé's growing bond shines.
"A Necessary Bond" (Season 5, Episode 9)
Speaking of bonds, "A Necessary Bond" comes in the critically acclaimed season five and is the conclusion of the youngling arc in which Ahsoka assists younglings with their Jedi training.
It sees Ahsoka and the younglings captured by and eventually forming an alliance with Hondo Onaka and his pirates as they face-off against Separatists, with a one-on-one duel occurring between Ahsoka and General Grievous. If the episode above show's Ahsoka's underlying doubt in herself, this highlights how far she has come in that regard. She is a true leader, sure of herself, confident, not cocky, and willing to do anything to save those around her, an inspiration to not only fans but those around her - in this instance the younglings.
"Tipping Points" (Season 5, Episode 5)
A few episodes prior was "Tipping Points," the conclusion of the Onderon arc which marked Saw Gerrerra's debut in Star Wars, and showed a more rebellious side of the war against the Separatists.
Ahsoka has great moments throughout the arc but in the final episode her desire and need to do good, to help people, to make a difference shines through, a trait of hers that has helped make her so adored over the years. The death of Steela undoubtedly affects her as she sees the cost of war, the lives lost, even though she is sure of the Republic being the 'good' side.
"Brain Invaders" (Season 2, Episode 8)
While returning from a successful mission on Geonosis, a clone trooper is infected by a mind-altering parasite, which he brings aboard and infects other troopers with.
Ahsoka and Bariss try to avoid the infected, but when they have to split up, Bariss gets infected herself. Anakin tells Ahsoka how to kill the parasites, and she single-handedly saves everyone on board the ship, nearly killing herself in the process.
"A Friend In Need" (Season 4, Episode 14)
When The Clone Wars and the Mandalorians/Mandalore combine, it is almost a certainty that brilliance will ensue, and "A Friend In Need" is another great entry in that whole story.
It sees Ahsoka come together once again with Lux Bonteri as he attempts to get help from Death Watch to avenge his mother. Ahsoka, knowing what Death Watch is really like does not just stand by, and a great due between her and Pre Viszla occurs, showing Ahsoka to be more than capable of handling the Mandalorians.
