Unveiling Baylan Skoll: Ahsoka’s Mysterious Ex-Jedi
With every layer of Ahsoka peeled back, there’s more intrigue and bafflement, especially concerning Ray Stevenson’s character, Baylan Skoll. In a series brimming with mystique and layered characters, Baylan stands out as an enigma who’s slowly unraveling his past, his secrets intimately tied with the Jedi Order and the turbulent times of Order 66.
A Glimpse into Baylan’s Enigmatic Past
In the sixth episode, as we traverse with Baylan through uncharted territories of his past, we witness him finally breaking his silence and sharing fragments of his history. He has been seen by the audience assisting Morgan Elsbeth to reach Peridea, hinting at a much larger, complex narrative behind his character. His dialogues with his apprentice, Shin Hati, have given the audience subtle glimpses into his life, his journey, and his motivations.
“I was once a Jedi in the Order. I survived Order 66.”
Baylan’s revelations illustrate a man disgruntled with the ceaseless power struggle within the galaxy, a man who once was a part of the Jedi Order but saw its quest for control lead to its own destruction.
Was Baylan at the Jedi Temple During Order 66?
Shin’s mention of the Jedi Temple during their conversation raises questions about Baylan’s whereabouts during the traumatic time of Order 66.
“There was no future at the Jedi Temple.”
Baylan’s haunting words echo the horrific reality he must have witnessed, the mass slaughter of Jedi by their own protectors. If he indeed was at the temple during Anakin’s raid, Baylan is among the rare few who managed to escape, witnessing the atrocity and living to share the tale.
Baylan’s Knowledge of Anakin Skywalker’s Transformation
One perplexing detail is Baylan’s knowledge of Anakin Skywalker’s transformation into Darth Vader. This clandestine piece of information, known to only a handful, raises speculations about his presence during Order 66 and his possible encounter with Anakin himself.
“I know about Anakin’s history, how he turned into Darth Vader.”
During their duel, his detailed knowledge about Anakin’s history suggested he might have faced him and either escaped or was spared. Baylan’s survival suggests a possibility that he might have been Vader’s secret apprentice, explaining why he was shown uncharacteristic mercy. However, the narrative leans more towards Baylan being a witness to Anakin’s savagery against his brethren.
A Journey Away from the Light
Whether Baylan was spared or he managed to escape, his disillusionment with the Jedi Order is clear.
“I trained Shin to be more than just a Jedi.”
His perspective on the Jedi mirrors that of Count Dooku—a once-believer witnessing the Order’s degradation into petty politics, becoming warriors in the Clone Wars instead of peacekeepers. Baylan believes the annihilation of the Temple by Anakin was inevitable, and now he yearns to end the cycle of struggle and corruption inherent in the Order.
Seeking the Origins
Baylan’s journey with Elsbeth and Thrawn indicates his quest for understanding the origins of the Jedi and their incessant conflicts. He seems to believe Peridea may hold the keys to the origins and is crucial in unraveling the conundrum of the Jedi’s continual power struggle. However, the upcoming episodes are poised to reveal more about his backstory and true allegiance.
Conclusion
Ahsoka continues to captivate audiences with its complex characters and intertwining narratives, unraveling slowly every Tuesday at 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET on Disney+. As we delve deeper into the labyrinth of Baylan’s past, the shadows of Order 66 loom large, promising revelations that might reshape our understanding of this enigmatic ex-Jedi.
