Author's Note: Yes, I know that's a picture of Shaak Ti and not Ahsoka Tano. Would you believe we still don't have any pictures from the new Clone Wars show available for blogging?

Like many fans out there, I was surprised when, in the lead-up to Star Wars: The Clone Wars, we were informed that Anakin would have a Padawan throughout the series. While I was happy that the show would feature a female Jedi prominently (Star Wars on Trial made me aware of the painful lack of female Jedi in the Star Wars saga), I wondered how Ahsoka's presence would factor in with Episode III. After all, Revenge of the Sith gives us no indication that Anakin has or ever had a Padawan.

So I've been trying to think of how all this might play out. Because above all else, it's pretty obvious that we won't find out for some time. Ahsoka's fate will no doubt be kept hidden from the fans until near the end of the run of Star Wars: The Clone Wars--which could be several years into the future, for all we know. And, whether it's already been determined or not, the number of options seems limited.

The Death of Ahsoka?: One of my first thoughts on Ahsoka's possible fates was that she could be killed before 19 B.B.Y., when Revenge of the Sith begins. This would tie up her story arc nicely and explain why it doesn't bleed into Episode III. However, after having watched half a season of The Clone Wars, I admit that I find it hard to believe Ahsoka's final fate will be death. This show is for kids, and killing off Ahsoka could prove quite tragic and dark--too dark for a kid's show, I would think.

Ahsoka Tano--Jedi Knight?: Another possibility is that Ahsoka could be promoted to Knighthood before the series' end. While this struck me as likely when I first heard of her character, after getting to know her better, I don't find it nearly as plausible. We're told that at fourteen, she graduated to Padawan at a younger age than usual (a note on this later). I highly doubt that Ahsoka would pass from a younger-than-usual Padawan to an extremely-younger-than-usual Jedi Knight, all over the course of less than three years. Certainly the war might accelerate the graduation rate of Padawans, but I just can't see Ahsoka being promoted at such a young age.

The Hidden Padawan?: A third option would be that Ahsoka is still Anakin's Padawan in Episode III, but is for whatever reason absent from the film. Depending on the conditions under which The Clone Wars ends, circumstances could be created so that this makes some sense. However, I just don't think any circumstances could ever have it make enough sense--if Anakin has a Padawan during ROTS, surely there'd at least be some hint, some mention of it.

Ahsoka Tano, Meet Your New Master?: Yet another option would be that Ahsoka is reassigned to a different master during the Clone Wars. It could be because Anakin has put her life in unnecessary danger or crossed a line and been too reckless, or it could be Yoda's attempt to teach Anakin a lesson in attachment and help him let go. Or, it could be some entirely different reason. While this option enters the realm of plausibility, I'm not sure if it would provide a very good conclusion to Ahsoka's story arc. Her story seems deeply intertwined with Anakin's, and to pair her with a new master just might not feel right.

Ahsoka Disgraced?: Perhaps Ahsoka is kicked out of the Jedi Order? This could be because she herself takes a step that is seen as too reckless. However, like killing her off, kicking Ahsoka out of the Jedi Order seems too harsh for a kid's show. Plus, it would certainly not conclude her story arc--we'd want to know what becomes of her.

Ahsoka, Ex-Jedi?: Maybe Ahsoka herself decides to leave the Jedi Order? The commentary for the most recent episode of The Clone Wars suggests that the series will continue to feature "certain people" who challenge the Jedi's belief system. It's possible that Ahsoka could be won over by one of these opposing viewpoints and decide to leave the Order. Of course, Ahsoka didn't seem too receptive the Lurmens' pacifism in the last couple episodes; I'm not so sure a later group will prove any more persuasive for her.

So it seems there are multiple options for Ahsoka's final fate, but no easy answers. Depending on the angle taken, many of the above options might or might not work well. And I doubt any would be uncontroversial.

Here's that quick, promised note on Ahsoka's age: We're told that she's 14, yet young for a Padawan. This would seem to fly in the face of previous Expanded Universe material which says that if an initiate at the Temple reaches the age of 13 without being taken by a master, they enter the Jedi Service Corps. I would argue that there's no real problem here; 13 might be the age at which humans are expected to be chosen by masters, but I would imagine different species age at different rates, and so perhaps Togrutas at age 14 aren't yet expected to have masters.

So, what do you think? Of the above possible fates for Ahsoka, which do you find the most plausible? Or are there other possible futures I've missed? Please, share your opinion in the comments section!