Easily one of the most fascinating parts ofAhsokawas the character ofBaylan Skoll, whose mysterious nature eluded audiences in the very best way. Played brilliantly by the late Ray Stevenson, Baylan’s antagonistic character instantly stood apart for more than just hisorange-colored lightsaber. As a former Jedi general during the Clone Wars, Baylan had a rich Jedi history prior to his work as a mercenary onMorgan Elsbeth’s behalf, though his Force alignment was never quite clear - particularly because he openly had an apprentice, with the braid designating her as a Padawan more than anything else.
Now,Star Warshas answered to this inEA’s kit reveal for Baylan Skoll’s character in their mobile gameStar Wars: Galaxy of Heroes. The kit reveal tells players which categories Baylan’s character will fall under, withhis main alignment being as a dark side character. In addition to being filtered as a leader and a mercenary,Baylan is also an “unaligned Force user,“proving that he has truly cut all ties to his own Jedi past. While he may not be a Sith or aggressively dark side aligned, this is clearly where he’s heading ifStar Warssorts him as such.
He Is No Gray Jedi
Baylan Skoll
A mysterious and enigmatic Jedi Master, Baylan Skoll survived Order 66 and took on Shin Hati as his apprentice. He operated in the galaxy’s shadows for years, only emerging when he took on an assignment for the Imperial Morgan Elsbeth - a mission that took him to the distant planet Peridea. There, he continues to advance his own mysterious agenda.
Perhaps the biggest conclusion from this kit reveal is that Baylan is far from being a “gray Jedi,” as he is very clearly being separated from a Jedi identity. Though Baylan may not be fully committed to the dark side, as evidenced by him being categorized as an unaligned Force user, he’s still trending in that direction. This has implications not only for Baylan’s origins and his character, but also for what he’s seeking inAhsokaseason 2.
Where Was Baylan Skoll During The Original Star Wars Trilogy?
Baylan Skoll is an Order 66 survivor turned mercenary in the New Republic Era, but where was he during the original Star Wars trilogy?
Throughout season 1, Baylan speaks of wanting to bring true balance back to the galaxy, of correcting the cyclic rise and fall of the Jedi Order and the Sith. It’s heavily foreshadowed that he intends to use theMortis godsin some way to help him achieve this balance, though it’s unclear exactly how he’ll do that. Given this confirmation that Baylan is unaligned in the Force but trending towards the dark side,these actions must be coming from a darker place than Baylan’s let on about, which makes his future even more intriguing.
Baylan Skoll Remains One Of Disney Star Wars' Most Interesting Villains
These Mysteries Make Him More Intriguing
All in all, these reveals about Baylan inGalaxy of Heroessimply prove the point that Baylan is one ofDisneyStar Wars' most interesting villainsyet. Because he’s not fiercely devoted to the dark side,Baylan’s character has a nuance that’s utterly refreshing. His motivations and end goal being mysterious also adds fascinating intrigue to his character, causing viewers to follow along with the story even more closely to learn more and watch everything unfold. Hopefully, Baylan’s story is given a chance to be finished inAhsokaseason 2, as Stevenson’s brilliance deserves to live on.
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.
