Again when “Return of the Jedi” was the tip of the mainline Star Wars story (sorry Expanded Universe), it was a lot simpler to grapple with how Anakin Skywalker’s story concludes. Nevertheless, within the years since Disney acquired Lucasfilm and the Star Wars license, the character’s legacy has gotten more and more extra sophisticated. He does not seem within the sequel trilogy besides as one of many Jedi voices who converse to Rey on the finish of “The Rise of Skywalker.” He by no means steps in as a Power ghost to appropriate his grandson, Kylo Ren, and inform him that truly, possibly you should not be worshiping that burnt Darth Vader helmet in spite of everything.
For years, that did not appear bizarre. However then “Ahsoka” Season 1 got here out, bringing with it a deluge of Anakin fan service. It is thrilling to see him again and interacting together with his former Padawan, each within the World Between Worlds and as a Power ghost watching over her on Peridea. Nonetheless, it’s kind of unusual that he’d become involved along with her and never have something to do with the sequel trilogy. A few of this may be defined away by the ambiguous nature of the World Between Worlds (Is it actually him? Or is it Ahsoka’s creativeness?), however regardless of how a lot enjoyable it’s to see Hayden Christensen in motion, these cameos have made Vader’s redemptive legacy extra sophisticated.
To be honest, although, that every one actually began in “Return of the Jedi.” Anakin showing to Luke as a Power ghost in any respect confirms that he grew to become one with the Power ultimately — one thing that means a cosmic redemption if not an ethical one. Even underneath Lucas, the query of Anakin’s redemption was by no means absolutely clear.