When Ahsoka Tano broke into the history of Anakin Skywalker As his “padawan” (apprentice in the Jedi lexicon) in the animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (2008), the saga was changed forever. Like her teacher, the teenager was reckless, impulsive, and stubborn, often breaking the rules. And she was the first female Jedi protagonist that audiences got to see in action.
A decade or a half later, with the arrival of the series “Star Wars: Ahsoka” a week ago on Disney+, new paths are being opened in the galaxy far, far away. Starring Rosario Dawsonthe series also has a cast made up mainly of women, showing how “Star Wars” has become much more inclusive, compared to the premiere of the original 1977 film: then the princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) appeared as practically the only woman in the galaxy.
And “Ahsoka” is also the first series of Star Wars built almost exclusively on a base established in the animated series: although shows like “The Mandalorian” showed the Jedi played by Dawson, the plot follows the universe developed in the drawings by david filoniGeorge Lucas’s protégé who today functions as a prophet of the Disney franchise, who seeks to stay alive with a profound renewal of his fandom.
Women
It is no secret that until recently Star Wars had a lackluster history when it came to female representation (both in front of and behind the camera). It wasn’t until the third trilogy of the nine-film series, known as the “Skywalker Saga,” that the central character destined to save the galaxy fell to a woman: Kingplayed by Daisy Ridley.
The sequel trilogy, which launched with “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens” (2015), was also the first in the main film series to feature a more diverse cast, including more women in prominent roles. . But those who had followed Star Wars on television had long been immersed in the heroics of a young Jedi trainee. Over the course of the seven seasons of “the clone wars”, Ahsoka fought on the front lines, learned from other teachers in “the force” including Anakin and Yoda, and spearheaded other women politicians, teachers, daughters and warriors.
Now, Ahsoka is seconded by two other heroines: Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) and Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), two characters originally introduced in “Rebels”, who follow in the footsteps of the missing Ezra Bridger. In opposition there are a pair of sith (the evil version of the jedi), at the command of a witch who seeks to reinstate one of the leaders of the fallen empire.
emancipated
Historically, the narratives of Star Wars they have woven romantic entanglements for their female characters. From the early works of George Lucas to the prequel trilogy, romantic subplots have been a recurring element. the strength of the overall Leia Organa was juxtaposed to his role as an object of attraction, and the fate of padme amidala, was intertwined with her romantic relationship with Anakin. Ahsoka’s uniqueness lies in her lack of romantic entanglements.
the character of Rosario Dawson it avoids the dangers of love narratives, thereby underscoring that a woman’s identity can exist outside the realm of romantic interests. Her focus on larger concerns, both personal and intergalactic, transcends the need for a partner. And Ahsoka’s journey, as a character, works on a new depth to the story: she rejects the simplistic “good” versus “evil” dichotomy. His disdain for the Jedi Code and her acceptance of self-determined independence define her as a multifaceted character, free from black and white perspectives, and serves as a prototype for the future of women in the Star Wars universe.
Breaking through her own path, Asoka’s refrain of “I’m not a Jedi” challenges preconceived notions and encourages a more diverse and nuanced representation of femininity.
gray
The women who have had the greatest impact on Star Wars they have been heroes. But for more than a decade the franchise has sought to avoid the binary logic of good versus evil with gray characters.
jyn erso, the protagonist of “Rogue One”, is the daughter of the designer of the Death Star, but she will seek to redeem herself by helping the rebellion. Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman) is a senator fighting state bureaucracy in the galaxy, but her secret romance with Anakin leads him to the dark side of the force. Mon Mothma, the political leader of the rebels, is a double agent who lives comfortably within the empire (as can be seen in the “Andor” series). Rey (Daisy Ridley), protagonist of the Sequel Trilogy, is actually the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine: although she ultimately perceived herself as a Skywalker. Bo Katanone of the central characters of “The Mandalorian”, goes from being an egotistical princess to a self-sacrificing leader.
And in opposition, the characters of female villains are decidedly not linear: Asajj Ventress, in the animated series, defies standard definitions of what a Sith Lord is supposed to be: he rebels against the logic of master and apprentice, choosing to follow his own path to the dark side. The same happens with the Third Sister that he embodies moses ingram in the Obi Wan Kenobi series: although she is evil, she actually seeks revenge against the one who murdered her fellow jedi infants: Darth Vader himself. A plot line that gives the Star Wars universe another spatial depth.
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