Star Wars: Rebels introduces audiences to Kanan Jarrus, a former Jedi Padawan who narrowly escaped the devastation of Order 66. Although Kanan’s past experiences are partially revealed throughout the series, the comic series Kanan: The Last Padawan provides an in-depth look at how he managed to evade capture during this tumultuous period.
Kanan, originally known as Caleb Dume, plays a vital role in Star Wars: Rebels, where he embarks on a journey to reclaim his identity as a Jedi after years in hiding. Embracing his role, Kanan becomes a mentor to Ezra Bridger and significantly influences the battle against the infamous Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Kanan and His Master, Depa Billaba, Recovered on Kaller Prior to Order 66
A Well-Deserved Respite
The storyline of Kanan: The Last Padawan opens with an adult Kanan aboard the Ghost. Faced with a mission on Kaller, he becomes overwhelmed with memories of his time there. During this flashback, we see Jedi Padawan Caleb Dume and his master, Jedi General Depa Billaba, concluding their victorious engagement on Kaller.
Following a recent skirmish with local leaders, Kanan, Billaba, and their team of Clone Troopers set up camp to rest and recuperate. Around the campfire, they discuss the horrors of war. When Billaba questions Kanan about his feelings towards their military involvement, the spirited young Padawan insists he is meant to fight in the trenches. Billaba’s objections to the Jedi’s role in the conflict baffle Kanan, leading to a lighthearted moment that is abruptly shattered when they receive the fateful command: Execute Order 66.
The Consequences of Order 66: Kanan’s High Price for Survival
A Burden of Guilt
The chaos unleashed by Order 66 reverberated throughout the galaxy, as Clone Troopers turned against the Jedi. Kanan, in disbelief, struggles to comprehend the betrayal by those he considered allies. Recognizing the futility of resistance, Billaba urges him to escape, knowing they are outnumbered. Initially defiant, Kanan relents but watches in despair as his master falls to the Clone Troopers, propelling him into a frantic flight to survive.
Successfully blending in with local civilians, Kanan evades capture but is haunted by the image of his mentor’s death. He seeks refuge in Plateau City, scavenging for sustenance and reminiscing about the Jedi Temple in Coruscant. His life transforms into one of survival as he grapples with immense loss and shame.
The Relentless Pursuit: Clone Troopers Track Kanan
The Challenge of Evading Capture
During his time on the streets, Kanan encounters a criminal named Janus Kasmir, who provides him with food and temporary shelter. Despite his initial kind offer, Kasmir’s ulterior motives soon become clear. In an attempt to return to Coruscant, Kanan commandeers Kasmir’s ship, only to be met with Obi-Wan Kenobi’s last message warning against returning to the Temple, deeming it a trap.
Despairing and with nowhere to turn, Kanan reluctantly joins Kasmir in unethical activities. He trades his lightsaber for a blaster and adopts a new, less Jedi-like appearance as he grows entangled in a criminal underworld. Yet the Clone Troopers are always on his trail, motivated to dispatch the sole surviving padawan.
The confrontation is inevitable and culminates with Kanan’s capture aboard a Clone ship. Despite their betrayal, he still perceives the troopers as comrades, leading to a poignant discussion regarding their past loyalty to Billaba. In a moment of clarity, one trooper challenges the mission’s morality, ultimately liberating Kanan just as the ship becomes a scene of explosion, propelling him back into the galaxy.
The Heartbreaking Significance of Kanan’s Hairstyle
A Tearful Transformation
In the poignant episode “Jedi Night” from Star Wars: Rebels, as Kanan prepares for a mission he knows may be his last, he purposefully cuts off his iconic ponytail. This act is symbolic, representing his acceptance of his past as Caleb Dume and a farewell to his ties to that identity.
Kanan’s narrative illustrates the resilience he exhibited throughout his transformation from a scared padawan to a noble hero, emphasizing the contrast between surviving Order 66 as a novice and later emerging as a significant figure in the battle against the Empire.The journey of Kanan Jarrus underscores the devastation and personal growth that followed the chaos of Order 66, shaping his ultimate commitment to fighting against tyranny.
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