Warning: The below contains major spoilers for Ahsoka Episode 8, which is now streaming on Disney+.
The final episode of Ahsoka proved emotional for Star Wars fans, with the closing "starlight in the shadows" moment leaving an indelible impression on viewers long after the credits rolled.
Episode 8 of Ahsoka, "The Jedi, the Witch, and the Warlord", saw the heroes of the story race to prevent Grand Admiral Thrawn's escape. Not everything goes as planned, but the finale still brings a sense of closure for Ahsoka and Sabine, who wind up back on Peridea out in the new galaxy while Ezra Bridger returns home.
Sabine gazes out across the night sky as she senses "shadows in the starlight", prompting Ahsoka to shift her focus and give a knowing nod. As she turns around, we see the Force ghost of Anakin Skywalker smiling and watching over them. He is also now sporting his Jedi Master robes, similar to those worn in Return of the Jedi.
The poignant moment elicited an emotional response from fans as they took to social media to celebrate the last appearance from Hayden Christensen's Anakin in Ahsoka's debut season. Viewers felt it was an important piece of connective tissue for the franchise, signalling that Anakin has always looked out for Ahsoka.
Ahsoka really said Anakin has always stood by her, even when no one else has.
— Nathan Messer (@N8Mess) October 4, 2023
Only to prove this by showing even now as force ghost, he’s always been watching over her ?#Ahsoka #AnakinSkywalker #AhsokaTano #Anakin pic.twitter.com/WIAVUSGuxN
I can die happy now ANAKIN FORCE GHOST in #Ahsoka is peak television #Anakin pic.twitter.com/EyMEASad5T
— Thrawn Sage (@Dripmarvelshort) October 4, 2023
FORCE GHOST ANAKIN SKYWALKER
— RaFe ? (@RaFe_Tano) October 4, 2023
He really was always looking out for Ahsoka ?#Ahsoka #Anakin #AnakinSkywalker pic.twitter.com/rP43sMaVkh
#TanoTuesday #Ahsoka #Anakin #AnakinSkywalker
— ???????✖️✖️// GEN V ERA?⏳?? (@giselleb1234) October 4, 2023
Force ghost Anakin Skywalker in return of the Jedi and the Ahsoka series finale I CANT STOP CRYING the way he’s been watching over her! This is literally everything to me!??? pic.twitter.com/uSnNx4ahS7
force ghost anakin i just started sobbing uncontrollably omg #Ahsoka pic.twitter.com/QemZQVNIF9
— nicky ♡ (@parkersjoy) October 4, 2023
"Just shadows in the starlight"
— Dai Shan (@3point4km) October 4, 2023
That was such a masterful, bittersweet finale. Loved the closing score. May the force be with you, #Ahsoka pic.twitter.com/5JupDpkk7s
#Ahsoka
— giu AHSOKA ERA (@shiverferndz) October 4, 2023
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'what is it?'
'just shadows in the starlight.' pic.twitter.com/G1WOsvwfC5
Christensen's first appearance in Ahsoka came in Episode 4, when Ahsoka met the spirit of her old master in the World Between Worlds. The two engaged in an epic lightsaber duel in Episode 5 before parting ways again. He showed up briefly in Episode 7, but it was a big win for fans to see his legacy honoured in the finale.
Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. Follow her on Twitter.
