A Special & Unique Villain: Baylan Skoll Is Not The Typical ‘Villian’ Of Star Wars Ahsoka

9 months ago By Neil Ross

In the Star Wars universe, villains have often been defined by their allegiance to the dark side of the Force, their thirst for power, and their relentless pursuit of domination. However, the character of Baylan Skoll, portrayed by the late Ray Stevenson, challenges these traditional notions of villainy in the series “Ahsoka.” Baylan Skoll is not your typical Star Wars antagonist, and the show’s directors and creators have taken deliberate steps to make him a unique and complex character.

The Medieval Knight in a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Peter Ramsey, the director of Ahsoka Episode 4, shed light on the creative approach taken with Baylan Skoll. While Star Wars often draws inspiration from the way of the samurai for characters like the Jedi, Skoll’s character was crafted differently. Ramsey explained that they aimed to give Skoll the essence of a medieval knight, a character steeped in chivalry and honor. This distinct style of character development added depth to Skoll, making him stand out in the Star Wars universe.

Chess, Not Frenzy: The Art of Strategy

Credits: Ahsoka Series

Skoll’s unique character is not just about his appearance but also his fighting style. Unlike the frenetic battles typical of Star Wars, Skoll engages in a more strategic form of combat. He approaches confrontations as a chess game, carefully assessing his opponent’s strengths and weaknesses before striking a blow. This deliberate and thoughtful approach sets him apart, creating a memorable standoff moment that adds richness to his character.

Baylan Skoll’s Complex Motivations

One of the most intriguing aspects of Baylan Skoll is his alignment as a Dark Jedi rather than a Sith. Skoll’s character defies the traditional Star Wars narrative of Jedi versus Sith. He once belonged to the Jedi Order but escaped Order 66 during the rise of the Galactic Empire. Skoll’s ochre lightsaber symbolizes his unique position within the Star Wars lore—he neither embraces the dark side nor aligns with the new Jedi Order under Luke Skywalker’s tutelage. This complexity in his character raises questions about his true motivations and allegiances.

A Different Kind of Villainy

Intriguingly, the internal discussions among the creators of “Ahsoka” never labeled Baylan Skoll as inherently evil. Instead, they crafted a character with a firm belief system and a genuine goal. Skoll’s commitment to his beliefs sets him apart from the typical Star Wars villain driven by vengeance or power lust. He is fighting for what he perceives as a greater good, even if it means opposing characters like Ahsoka.

Baylan Skoll’s Uncertain Path

As the series unfolds, there is potential for Baylan Skoll’s character arc to take unexpected turns. While he remains committed to his beliefs, his encounters with Ahsoka and the consequences of Grand Admiral Thrawn’s return may challenge his convictions. The Star Wars universe is known for its intricate character developments, and Skoll’s character promises to be a fascinating one to watch.

In conclusion, Baylan Skoll in “Star Wars: Ahsoka” represents a departure from traditional villain tropes, offering viewers a unique and complex character with motivations and beliefs that defy easy categorization. As the series progresses, his character arc holds the promise of further intrigue and surprises.