The first episode of "Star Wars: Ahsoka" Season 1, titled "Part One: Master and Apprentice," unfolds amidst the chaotic backdrop of a galaxy still reeling from the fall of the Empire. The narrative is set in motion with a daring prison break, orchestrated by the enigmatic Baylan Skoll and his apprentice Shin Hati, who use an old Jedi clearance code to deceive a New Republic vessel. Their target: Morgan Elsbeth, a cunning and resourceful individual with a personal vendetta against Ahsoka Tano and a quest for "the map" that could lead to the elusive Grand Admiral Thrawn.
The episode opens with a tense standoff as the New Republic ship, under the guise of a friendly hail, is boarded by Skoll and Hati. Their Force powers and lightsabers make quick work of the ship's defenses, freeing Elsbeth and setting the stage for a cat-and-mouse game across the stars. Elsbeth's escape is not without consequence, as she reveals her intentions to pursue Ahsoka, who holds the key to the map and knowledge of Thrawn's whereabouts.
Ahsoka, meanwhile, is on a mission of her own, retrieving a map that is crucial to her quest. Her journey is fraught with danger, as she must fend off a platoon of droids. In a thrilling sequence, Ahsoka outmaneuvers the droids, only for them to initiate a self-destruct protocol, forcing her into a hasty retreat. Her escape is aided by Huyang, her lightsaber-crafting droid, who is well-versed in the protocols of the High Republic and the Jedi Council.
News of Elsbeth's escape reaches Ahsoka, and she is greeted by her old friend, Hera Syndulla. The two former comrades discuss the map and the possibility of finding their missing friend, Ezra Bridger, who disappeared alongside Thrawn. Hera suggests enlisting the help of Sabine Wren, another friend from their past. Sabine is introduced in a poignant scene, avoiding responsibilities at a monument unveiling that honors Ezra's sacrifice. At home, she watches a video message from Ezra, who explains his decision to undertake a mission that a Jedi would prioritize, putting the mission above personal safety.
The narrative takes a darker turn as Baylan, Shin, and Lady Morgan regroup at her former home, now in ruins. Morgan's intuition tells her that Ahsoka possesses the map, and she instructs Baylan to send Shin to Lothal. Despite her skepticism about Morgan's true nature as a Nightsister and witch, Shin is eager to follow the lead to Lothal, where both Sabine and Ahsoka are.
On Ahsoka's ship, the two friends reminisce about their pasts and their plans to find Ezra. Sabine requests to take the map to a more comfortable place to think, but Ahsoka is reluctant to let the map out of her sight, as it is not just a map but also her home. Huyang informs Ahsoka that he has analyzed the sabers wielded by their adversaries and recognizes the craftsmanship of Baylan Skoll, indicating a master and apprentice relationship.
As the plot thickens, Sabine returns to her home to compare the map with her notes and findings, unaware that she is being tailed by Shin Hati. Ahsoka, in a moment of introspection with Hera, realizes that she has a habit of walking away when things get tough, a pattern she has followed with Anakin, the Jedi Council, and now Sabine.
Sabine, in a race against time, manages to unlock the secrets of the map just as droids and Shin Hati attack her. She calls for Huyang and grabs her lightsaber, engaging in a duel with Hati. Ahsoka and Huyang rush to their friend's aid, but they are too late. In a heart-wrenching twist, Shin Hati slices through Sabine's torso, leaving her severely wounded and fleeing with the map.
"Part One: Master and Apprentice" is a gripping start to the season, filled with action, betrayal, and the enduring bonds of friendship. It sets the stage for a journey that will test Ahsoka's resolve and her connection to the Force, as she navigates a galaxy where the line between ally and enemy is often blurred.