Was Anakin Worried about Ashoka During Order 66? A Deep Dive into Anakin’s Possible Reaction

The complexities of Anakin Skywalker's feelings towards Ahsoka Tano during Order 66 are deeply intertwined with his trajectory from a Jedi Knight to the infamous Darth Vader. Throughout the series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Anakin and Ahsoka share a close relationship, but their interactions during the chaos of Order 66 present a nuanced and often conflicting picture of their past bond.

Emotional Conflict

By the time of Order 66, Anakin has fully embraced the dark side and become Darth Vader. His transformation into Darth Vader was marked by a complete shift in his emotional landscape, characterized by anger, fear, and an insatiable desire for power. This transformation could have clouded his judgment, particularly when it came to former allies such as Ahsoka Tano. Their bond as a close friend and apprentice was lost in the shadow of the darkness that enveloped Anakin's soul, making it difficult for him to see her in a positive light. Moreover, his new allegiance to the Empire would likely have overridden any lingering protective instincts.

Perception of Threat

During the events of Order 66, Ahsoka had left the Jedi Order and was no longer bound by the same duties and allegiances as the other Jedi. This change in status might have made Anakin perceive her as a potential threat, especially if he had learned that she was still alive. The Jedi Order, under the scrutiny of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, was no longer an entity to trust. In this context, Ahsoka, as a former Jedi, became a symbol of a bygone order. Her survival during the purge could have raised her status to a level that made Anakin view her as a danger to the new order, the Empire.

Hypothetical Encounter

Imagine a scenario where Anakin, now Darth Vader, encountered Ahsoka during the events of Order 66. The confrontation would be fraught with tension and conflicting emotions. On one hand, his past feelings for her and the loyalty he once felt might have created a sense of concern for her wellbeing. On the other hand, his new identity as Vader would prompt a more calculated and ruthless response.

If Anakin had come across Ahsoka, he might have attempted to persuade her to join him. This would be a strategic move, appealing to their past relationship and the shared history they had. However, if Ahsoka resisted his attempts to sway her, the new Vader would likely view her as a threat to the Empire. The potential to eliminate Ahsoka, who could pose a risk to the new order, would outweigh any lingering emotions he might have for her. This scenario would reflect the cold, calculating nature of Darth Vader, devoid of the compassion and loyalty he once had.

Closing Thoughts

While Anakin might have had some concern for Ahsoka due to their history, his allegiance to the dark side and the Emperor would likely have overridden any protective instincts. His complex feelings and the influence of the dark side would have led him to confront Ahsoka as an enemy if they had encountered each other that night.

Reflecting on this hypothetical encounter, it's clear that Anakin's transformation into Darth Vader fundamentally changed his perspective on who mattered and what was important. While he might have cared deeply for Padme Amidala and Ahsoka Tano, those who survived the fall of the Jedi Order became targets for the new order he sought to establish. Ahsoka, as a former Jedi and a potential symbol of the old order, would have been at the forefront of his purge.