TheAhsokashow finally gave viewers the dark version ofAnakin Skywalker/Darth Vaderthey’ve always wanted to see. Anakin Skywalker is undoubtedly one ofStar Wars’best characters. Not only was he one ofStar Wars’most powerful Jedi, but, following his fall inStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, he became one ofStar Wars’most powerful Sith. It’s unsurprising, in light of that, that Anakin/Vader has proven to be one of the single most important characters in all ofStar Wars’movies and TV shows.
However, while Anakin Skywalker’s turn to the dark side is a critical part oftheStar Warstimeline, not everything about Anakin’s path to the dark side had been shown on screen. Namely,before donning the iconic Darth Vader suit, Vader was never shown wielding a red lightsaber. However,Ahsokaepisode 5 changed that in the most thrilling way imaginable.
Why Anakin’s Lightsaber Didn’t Turn From Blue To Red When He Became A Sith
Although Osha turned a blue lightsaber red in a matter of seconds, there’s one key reason Anakin Skywalker’s red lightsaber didn’t happen right away.
This Was The First Time We’d Seen Anakin With A Red Lightsaber
AlthoughRevenge of the Sithsaw Anakin Skywalker fall to the dark side and become Darth Vader,in the movie, Vader was never shown with the most quintessential weapon of the Sith: a red lightsaber. Of course, Darth Vader had acquired one byA New Hope, as he famously used it to fight Obi-Wan Kenobi, and he was shown using one much earlier than that inObi-Wan Kenobi. However, in both cases, Vader was already wearing his suit.
At no point inStar Warshad Vader been shown wielding a red lightsaber while he still looked like Anakin Skywalker.
At no point inStar Warshad Vader been shown wielding a red lightsaber while he still looked like Anakin Skywalker. Even as he carried out Order 66 and battled with Obi-Wan on Mustafar, Anakin still wielded his iconic blue saber. After that, of course, he was only seen in the Vader suit. However, that finally changed in theAhsokashow, as episode 5 saw Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader with a red lightsaber as he battled Ahsoka inthe World Between Worlds.
Anakin Skywalker’s Ahsoka Return Was Everything I Could Have Wanted
Hayden Christensen’s return as Anakin Skywalker inAhsokaepisode 5 really was incredible. In fact, this episode was perfect in a number of ways. For one, it brought the Clone Wars era to live-action, which is something audiences have long hoped to see. This even allowed for Christensen to wear the classic Anakin armor from theStar Wars: The Clone Warsshow and fight alongside a young live-action Ahsoka Tano, played by Ariana Greenblatt.
Moreover, though,Ahsokaepisode 5 brought true closure to the iconic former master and apprentice duo, which had been missing not only for the characters but also for viewers. The loss of the incredible bond between Anakin and Ahsoka was absolutely brutal, but finally, Ahsoka was able to face the guilt and grief she was still carrying with her following Anakin’s fall and Order 66 and even embrace her identity as a Jedi. In truth, while seeingAnakin Skywalker/Darth Vaderwield a red lightsaber inAhsokawas thrilling, episode 5 held significance far beyond that inStar Wars.
Ahsoka
Cast
Ahsoka follows the journey of former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy. Released in 2023, this series takes place within the Star Wars universe and features Ahsoka navigating through a complex political and cosmic landscape.
