With The Mandalorian having finished its third season run, the next adventure in the Mandoverse is Ahsoka, which is scheduled for an August release on Disney+. However, before we can even get to that show, there were hints during Mando Season 3, which saw Star Wars Rebels fans perk up with interest.
In this post, we will review the references that The Mandalorian Season 3 provided that will lead into Ahsoka.
The Purrgil
Having made their onscreen debut in Star Wars Rebels, the Purrgil were seen briefly during the season premiere in their first live-action appearance. They were space whales that inspired the technology for hyperspace.
The purrgil were first referenced in live-action in Obi-Wan Kenobi during a conversation between Leia Organa and her adoptive father, Bail Organa.
Grogu sees the purrgil as he and his dad, Din, travel through hyperspace. While we don’t get a good look at them, the space whales hint at something much bigger happening later on down the road.
The purrgil were what spirited Ezra Bridger and Grand Admiral Thrawn away to the unknown regions of space. It’s possible that the purrgil were somehow bringing Thrawn back, as he was referenced in the second-last episode by the Shadow Council.
Indirect References To Rebels Characters
In episode 2 of The Mandalorian Season 3, there were indirect references to Ezra, Ahsoka Tano and Kanan Jarrus. Bo-Katan Kryze mentions knowing “many Jedi.” This is a reference to the trio mentioned earlier. Obi-Wan Kenobi would’ve been one of these Jedi, too, as he was in love with Bo’s sister, Satine, and the Duchess died in his arms after being murdered in front of him by Darth Maul.
TIE Fighter Tactics
The earliest reference to Grand Admiral Thrawn came when Bo-Katan’s home was bombed by TIE Fighters in Season 3 Episode 3. The squadron that was used had too many fighters to be owned by a warlord. The tactics were the same as those used by Thrawn’s forces in the Star Wars Rebels episode, “Rebel Assault.”
Zeb’s Live-Action Debut
Episode 5 had an unexpected cameo no one expected. Star Wars Rebels fans will have pinpointed Garazeb “Zeb” Orriellos the second they saw him. Though some would’ve thought he was just random Lasat. However, when he opened his mouth and spoke with the voice of Steve Blum, it made people cheer so hard.
Zeb is the first main Rebels character to appear on The Mandalorian. Ahsoka and Bo appeared in Rebels but were recurring rather than leading players.
Mention Of Puffer Pigs
There is a reference in episode 5 to the puffer pig, which appeared in Season 1 of Rebels. This doesn’t necessarily tie in with Ahsoka, but it is a nice callback to Rebels.
A Subtle Reference To Sabine?
In the same episode as Zeb’s live-action debut and the puffer pig callback, the Armorer might have referenced Sabine Wren indirectly, as she’s a Mandalorian whose family is aligned with House Vizsla. However, this wasn’t who the Armorer was referring to when she said Bo would recruit Mandalorians.
Indirect Reference To Anakin
There is an indirect reference to Anakin in Episode 6 when Helgait mentions Count Dooku’s death onboard the Invisible Hand, General Grevious’ flagship in Revenge of the Sith. However, before Helgait can finish his sentence, Bo tasers him.
Grand Admiral Thrawn Is Named
During episode 7, the Shadow Council namedrop Grand Admiral Thrawn, complaining that he’s not present. This is not the first direct reference to him in The Mandalorian. Ahsoka references him in the season 2 episode, The Jedi.
Brendol Hux
Okay, this one is not associated with Ahsoka at all, but we thought we’d throw it in here is the sudden appearance of Brendol Hux, the father of General Armitage Hux. For those who didn’t see the credits, the Brendol Hux in The Mandalorian was played by Brian Gleeson, the younger brother of Domhnall Gleeson, who played Armitage. It is always nice when relatives play each other’s relatives in movies and television shows. For example, Harrison Davis played the son of his dad, Warwick Davis’s character Wicket in Rise of Skywalker, for those who didn’t know.
The Title Of The Finale Reflects On Thrawn?
Could it have been possible the title of Chapter 24: The Return was aimed at Thrawn? Well, the answer to that, in the end, was no, it wasn’t. The literal meaning was the Mandalorians taking back Mandalore. It, in a way, could also see Grogu become an official Mandalorian apprentice and the official adoptive son of Din.
Grogu’s Use Of The Force And Gideon’s Death Mirrors Kanan Jarrus
Finally, we reach the end of this post and are talking about the finale’s last part regarding Din, Grogu, Bo and Moff Gideon. We noticed that Gideon’s fiery demise was reminiscent of Kanan Jarrus’s death in Star Wars Rebels Season 4. However, we doubt anyone will mourn Gideon as the Ghost crew did with Kanan.
Also, Star Wars Only pointed out on Twitter that when Grogu stepped in and used the Force to stop the fireball killing him, Din and Bo, it was the same act that Kanan enacted to protect his friends from the same fate.
