"Part Seven: Dreams and Madness" marks the seventh installment, acting as the second-to-last episode, within Star Wars Ahsoka's Season 1. Dave Filoni penned the script for this episode, while Geeta Vasant Patel took on the directorial duties. Its debut occurred on September 26, 2023.
General Hera Syndulla is positioned in a courtroom on Coruscant. Present are Chancellor Mon Mothma, Senator Hamato Xiono, Fleet Admiral Gial Ackbar, Chopper, Captain Carson Teva, alongside various senators and military figures. Xiono asserts that a New Republic Security Forces General cannot be permitted to operate as if the Rebellion persists. He underscores the New Republic's foundation on laws and regulations, which Syndulla readily disregards for her own objectives.
Syndulla retorts that her actions were in the best interest of the New Republic's citizens. When Xiono reiterates her defiance of orders, she counters that she safeguarded the New Republic through her disobedience. This sparks unease among the senators and officials. Mothma inquires of Xiono whether the incident on Seatos is acknowledged. Xiono dismisses Syndulla's account as fantasy, scoffing at the concepts of Jedi, "false Jedi," star maps, purrgil, and remote galaxies.
Syndulla's explanation that Morgan Elsbeth spearheaded a concerted effort by the Imperial Remnant is met with derision from Xiono, who denies any coordination within the scattered and diminishing Imperial forces. Teva's inquiry regarding the recent events on Mandalore is brushed aside by Xiono, who labels the deceased Moff Gideon as a rogue warlord and dismisses any conspiracy against the New Republic. Syndulla cautions that Thrawn's return would alter this situation and questions Xiono's apathy. Xiono denounces Syndulla as a general abusing her authority for personal gain and advocates for her court-martial for insubordination.
Amidst the senators' debate regarding Hera's disobedience, C-3P0 arrives on behalf of Senator Leia Organa, bearing a data transcript intended to resolve the dispute. Mothma, despite Xiono's protests, directs a staff member to prepare the transcript. C-3PO states that the transcript substantiates Senator Organa's personal authorization of General Syndulla's reconnaissance mission to Seatos, unbeknownst to Senator Xiono's opposition.
When Xiono objects to the admissibility of evidence from a mere droid, Chopper expresses his discontent, prompting Teva to urge restraint. C-3PO requests that any concerns be directed to Organa in her capacity as leader of the Defense Council. Chancellor Mothma deems the data transcript satisfactory, leading Xiono to reluctantly withdraw the court-martial proposal, and Mothma adjourns the hearing. Syndulla expresses gratitude to C-3PO, which the protocol droid acknowledges.
In private, Mothma reveals to Syndulla her awareness that Organa did not initially authorize her mission. Syndulla concedes that Organa eventually did. Mothma then inquires about the veracity of the threat posed by Thrawn's return. Syndulla advises the Chancellor to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.
Ahsoka Tano, en route through the intergalactic void with the Purrgil Ultra, hones her skills with her lightsabers in the training room of her T-6 shuttle, utilizing a hologram of her late master Anakin Skywalker. In the recording, Skywalker forewarns of formidable adversaries such as General Grievous, Asajj Ventress, and Count Dooku. He urges her to practice her lightsaber techniques and to heed his teachings while trusting her instincts.
Huyang observes as Tano discloses that she has about twenty such recordings. Huyang comments on Skywalker's thoughtfulness, to which Tano affirms Skywalker's excellence as a master. The droid informs her that the purrgil are nearing the end of their journey, evidenced by their decelerating speed. In the cockpit, Tano expresses her determination to locate Sabine Wren. When Huyang questions the utility of their star charts in another galaxy, Tano asserts that she arrived with the enemy and that finding the enemy will lead them to Sabine. Huyang concedes the logic of this plan but fears that the purrgil may have transported them to yet another galaxy or an entirely different world and system. Despite Huyang's pessimism, Tano remains optimistic about their chances.
The pair witnesses the purrgil exiting hyperspace. Huyang activates the scanner, and Tano senses an impending threat. As their T-6 shuttle emerges from the purrgil's mouth, they discover that the pod of purrgil has inadvertently flown into an Imperial minefield surrounding the arrival point. Huyang advises Tano to navigate their ship towards the planet Peridea, where the minefield terminates. Despite Huyang's belief that the space whales will provide cover, the purrgil abruptly jump into hyperspace. Tano skillfully evades the space mines and spots Elsbeth's Hyperspace transport ring Eye of Sion. As the Eye of Sion launches several starfighters, Tano pilots the ship through the debris field. During the pursuit, one of the enemy starfighters collides with debris, resulting in its destruction.
Within the tower on Peridea, Thrawn enters the rotunda, where a hologram of Captain Enoch materializes before him. Enoch reports that the arrival of a pod of purrgils triggered the minefield, as Thrawn had anticipated. Enoch notes the presence of a T-6 class Jedi shuttle among the star whales. Thrawn remarks that Tano is indeed alive. Elsbeth then presents Thrawn with a datapad containing all the information on Tano from the Inquisitorial database. Thrawn's surprise is evident upon learning that Tano's master is General Anakin Skywalker.
Thrawn inquires of Enoch whether the presence of only one starship is confirmed. Enoch affirms that there is only one and that their fighters have engaged the target, pursuing it into the debris field. Thrawn instructs Enoch to withdraw the starfighters and have them stand by, dismissing him thereafter. Elsbeth questions the decision to halt the pursuit. Thrawn explains that there is no need to squander their resources. However, Elsbeth argues that they will lose sight of them in the debris field without pursuit. Thrawn concedes her point, acknowledging the Jedi's adeptness at concealment, honed over years of practice. Thrawn asserts that they are gaining insight into their adversary and that Tano will be unpredictable and dangerous if she resembles her master. Thrawn assures Elsbeth that they will remain one step ahead of Tano, regardless of her actions.
The mercenary starfighters abandon their pursuit. Tano and Huyang subsequently land on a decaying purrgil rib cage. Tano proceeds to shut down all power. Huyang questions how the enemy anticipated their arrival, and Tano attributes it to Thrawn's involvement. Huyang confirms that the enemy has already located Thrawn, and Tano concurs. Huyang proposes a scan to locate Wren.
A caravan composed of the pod-shaped homes of the Noti slowly traverses a plain. Bridger and a Noti pilot the largest pod. The Noti descends, and Wren takes his place. A Noti child waves at Wren. Bridger admits that he is still processing everything she has shared. Bridger recounts the Empire's defeat at the Battle of Endor and inquires about the Emperor's fate. Wren replies that that is what people "said."
Bridger also learns about the New Republic, Garazeb Orrelios's training of recruits, and Syndulla's command of a fleet. When Bridger laments missing everything, Wren acknowledges the passage of time and admits that she was beginning to doubt they would ever find him. Bridger asks how Wren located him, as she has not disclosed the details. Wren replies that it is complicated. Bridger suggests discussing something else.
Wren informs Bridger that Tano has taken her on as her apprentice. Bridger congratulates her, noting that it makes sense given her prior training. Bridger inquires whether Tano is coming. Wren remains silent, prompting Bridger to ask if it is complicated. Wren nods. Meanwhile, Skoll, Hati, and a group of red-armored bandits observe the caravan from a hilltop, all mounted on howlers.
The three red witches enter the rotunda. Thrawn requests their assistance, stating that Tano is hiding in the purrgil graveyard. Thrawn desires the witches to locate Tano. The Great Mothers release their clasped hands, and three floating orbs ascend towards the holographic tactical display. The orbs project red beams of light that converge, forming a triangle over the hologram. Elsbeth chants an incantation.
Aboard Tano's T-6, Huyang reports his inability to locate Wren via scan. Tano asserts that a scan is unnecessary and that there is another way. Huyang questions the strength of her bond with Wren. Tano disregards Huyang and calls out to Wren through the Force. Wren, engaged in conversation with Bridger about his relationship with the Noti, suddenly loses focus. A realization dawns on Wren's face, and a faint smile appears. Wren then whispers Tano's name.
Elsewhere, Great Mother Klothow smirks and announces that she has located Tano in the rotunda. The red beams from the golden orbs then converge into a T-shape. The crossing point descends to a specific location within the projection of the debris field. Thrawn then summons Captain Enoch. Enoch's hologram appears, and Thrawn informs him of the coordinates, instructing him to open fire. Back with the caravan, Bridger asks Wren what is happening. Wren replies that she is uncertain but that it feels familiar.
Aboard the T-6, Tano remains lost in her distant gaze. Suddenly, turbolasers rain down upon them. Huyang expresses concern, but Tano reassures him and states that she knows their destination. Tano then pilots the T-6 out of the ring of purrgil remains, racing towards Peridea. Thrawn commends Enoch on a job well done. Enoch inquires whether they should prepare their defenses. Thrawn declines, stating that they are not the Jedi's primary focus. Thrawn asserts that Tano will pursue Wren, whom they have strategically positioned far away. Thrawn instructs Enoch to contact the fighter group and have them re-engage the opponent. Enoch's hologram nods.
On the rolling plains of Peridea, a Noti spots two mounted figures in the distance. Bridger asks Wren if the figures are allies, to which she confirms they are not. In the distance, Baylan Skoll instructs his apprentice Shin Hati to contact Thrawn and orders her to eliminate Wren and Bridger, promising her a place in the coming Empire. When Hati questions his lack of assistance, Skoll explains that her ambition propels her in one direction, while he pursues a different path. Hati transmits Wren and Bridger's location to Thrawn via comlink. Before they part ways, Skoll imparts a final lesson: that impatience for victory leads to defeat. The red-clad bandits ride their howlers past the two hunters, heading towards the Noti caravan. After a moment of contemplation, Hati rides after the bandits.
Enoch informs Thrawn and Elsbeth of Wren and Bridger's location. The Grand Admiral dispatches two gunships to aid the mercenaries. Unaware of Skoll's true intentions, Thrawn remarks to Elsbeth that if Lord Baylan proves capable, they may yet prevail. Within the hangar of the Chimaera, two squads of Nightroopers board two LAAT/le patrol gunships, which depart towards the coordinates.
The red bandits pursue the Noti caravan. Wren exchanges fire with the bandits, who scatter to avoid being hit. A Noti launches a stone with his slingshot, but the stone bounces harmlessly off the bandit's armor. When Wren inquires about the Noti's weaponry, Bridger explains that they are a peaceful people. Wren concludes that they are defenseless. She continues to exchange fire with the pursuing bandits, successfully taking down several. One of the bandits attempts to hurl a spear at a Noti driver, but two caravans collide with him. Another bandit attempts to damage the repulsorlifts of a caravan, but the driver repels him with stones.
Wren shoots down another pursuer. One of the bandits manages to damage a Noti caravan's repulsorlifts with his spear, causing it to crash. Unwilling to abandon the stranded Noti, Bridger decides to circle the damaged caravan. At Bridger's command, the caravans encircle the stranded vehicle and halt, forming a protective ring. He instructs the Noti to seek shelter while he deals with the bandits.
In the skies above, Tano's T-6 shuttle is pursued by three of Elsbeth's starfighters. While Skoll observes from a distance, Bridger spots Hati approaching with the bandit leader on howlers. The remaining bandits and their howlers encircle the convoy. When Bridger asks about the human woman, Wren identifies her as another Force-user and lightsaber duelist, albeit lacking his sense of humor. Wren and Bridger exit their caravan and instruct the Noti to remain inside.
Meanwhile, Tano resolves to land, but Huyang reminds her of Jedi protocol prohibiting landing under attack. As Tano approaches the gangplank, she instructs him to disengage the stairs, causing her to slide down. Tano lands safely on the plains of Peridea, while Huyang leads the starfighters on a chase. Tano is confronted by Skoll, who expresses surprise at seeing her again.
When Tano asks if he is disappointed, Skoll denies it but asserts that he cannot allow her to interfere. He ignites his lightsaber. Tano retorts that she doesn't have time for this and ignites her lightsabers in response. After a tense pause, Skoll charges at Tano, initiating the duel.
Simultaneously, two bandits approach Bridger and Wren. When Wren offers him his former lightsaber, Bridger declines, stating that he gave it to her. When Wren suggests using blasters, Bridger replies that he doesn't need them either, as the Force is his ally. Wren disagrees, and the two engage the bandits. While Bridger relies on physical combat, Wren employs both her blaster and her combat skills. Tano battles Skoll with her lightsabers, and the two prove to be evenly matched.
A Noti incapacitates one of the bandits with a rock. After grappling with a bandit, Bridger uses the Force to hurl one of the bandits against a caravan. Hati ambushes him from behind with her lightsaber. Bridger dodges her strike, but she manages to singe a lock of his hair. Bridger acknowledges the close call before engaging her in physical combat. Wren fights with a bandit before impaling him with her lightsaber. She then joins Bridger's fight with Hati, who is now outnumbered.
However, Thrawn's gunships soon arrive. Wren urges Bridger to take them down. Hati, however, uses the Force to hurl Bridger against a caravan. While Wren engages Hati in a lightsaber duel, Tano and Skoll continue their fight. Skoll gains the upper hand and knocks Tano to the ground. Before he can deliver the final blow, she deflects his blade with one of her lightsabers. After parrying, Skoll asserts that she cannot defeat him. Tano retorts that she doesn't need to win.
Huyang flies the T-6 shuttle down and strafes the ground, causing Tano and Skoll to scatter. Huyang leads the fighters away while Tano takes advantage of the smoke to escape. Skoll reflects in silence before resuming his quest. Elsewhere, Bridger reassures a Noti that he is unharmed and instructs them to seek shelter. The two gunships land near the convoy and deploy several armed Night troopers. An Imperial drone circles overhead.
Back at the fortress, Thrawn orders the two teams to employ counter-encirclement tactics. While Elsbeth expresses confidence in victory, Thrawn notices Skoll's absence. Elsewhere, Wren and Bridger battle Hati. Wren uses her flamethrower to drive off Hati. Night troopers encircle Bridger and Wren, while the Noti watch in fear and panic. Hati commands the Imperials to destroy the fugitives. Bridger attempts diplomacy, but Hati orders the Night troopers to open fire. Before they can, Tano rides into the convoy on Skoll's howler.
A skirmish erupts, and Hati attacks Tano with her lightsaber. Tano uses the Force to throw her to the ground. Observing from above, Huyang remarks that his friends are reunited and expresses hope for their survival. Wren fights several Night troopers, taking down several with both physical combat and her blaster. Bridger also battles with the Imperials, employing both his Force powers and a stolen blaster. Wren hurls a grenade at three Night troopers, scattering them.
Observing the battle grid, Thrawn acknowledges the combat skills of his Jedi opponents. He orders the recall of the gunships and terminates the aerial pursuit. Elsbeth is surprised, but Thrawn explains that these are unfortunate but acceptable losses in the absence of Lord Baylan. Thrawn believes that, in the grand scheme of things, this fight with Tano was a success. Elsbeth disagrees, stating that she only sees their enemies reunited. Thrawn reveals that the skirmish was a diversion from his plan to transfer the cargo from the Nightsister catacombs aboard the Chimaera. Thrawn states that they will soon be able to depart this forsaken world once the cargo transfer is complete. He surmises that Tano has lost time and that time is now on their side and that he will ensure it remains so.
As the Imperial drone flies away, the surviving Imperials retreat from the skirmish. Wren shoots a retreating Night Trooper, but the others board their gunships. Tano appeals to Hati, urging her to surrender and offering to help her. Hati gives a tense and pained look before fleeing on her howler. Wren starts to pursue Hati, but Tano motions for her to stop.
Tano expresses her relief at Wren's survival and embraces Bridger. The two laugh with joy. When Bridger asks Wren if she thought that Tano was dead, Wren quips that she was mistaken. Huyang arrives in the T-6 shuttle, and Bridger introduces Tano.
The Noti leader signals to his people that it is safe to emerge. Bridger speaks with Wren and Tano, expressing his feeling that he will finally be returning home. The friends and Noti watch Tano's T-6 shuttle circling above.