Ahsoka episode 7 "Dreams and Madness" once again features Anakin Skywalker - but is Darth Vader dead at this point in the Star Wars timeline?

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episode 7.

Summary

• Anakin's appearance in Ahsoka episode 7 confirms that he continues to influence Ahsoka, but there is a definite answer regarding Darth Vader's status.
• The events in Ahsoka take place at least five years after Darth Vader died in Return of the Jedi, as indicated by The Mandalorian season 1's timeline.
• Ahsoka is watching Anakin's final training hologram, similar to the one previously seen in Star Wars Rebels season 2.

Ahsoka episode 7 "Part Seven: Dreams and Madness" features another appearance by Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker, which raises whether Darth Vader is still alive at this point in the Star Wars timeline. With so many Star Wars movies, TV shows, and other spinoff material being added to the canon, it's understandable for some viewers to be confused about when exactly a story takes place. Anakin's appearance in Ahsoka episode 5 "Part Five: Shadow Warrior" would have added to the confusion since he didn't appear as a traditional Force ghost, instead using the World Between Worlds to recreate moments in Ahsoka's life.

While Anakin's return proves that death is not the end for a Jedi, there is a definitive answer about Vader's status in Ahsoka. Ahsoka episode 7 finally confirms when Ahsoka is set in the Star Wars timeline, and while The Mandalorian's timeline has gone through some changes, the show's starting point is still definitive. Combined with Ahsoka's timeline placement regarding Return of the Jedi, it's clear whether Darth Vader is dead in Ahsoka.

Ahsoka Is At Least Five Years After Darth Vader's Death

The Mandalorian season 1 takes place five years after Return of the Jedi, meaning it has been at least that long since Anakin sacrificed himself to save Luke Skywalker. It's unclear exactly how much time has passed since The Mandalorian season 1, as creator Jon Favreau later suggested that the show may span several years. However, Ahsoka episode 7 confirms that the show is now taking place after the Battle of Mandalore seen in The Mandalorian season 3. This means that no matter how much time has passed since Return of the Jedi, Darth Vader is dead, and only Anakin's spirit remains in the Force to guide Ahsoka on her journey.

Ahsoka Is Viewing Anakin's Last Training Holo From The Clone Wars

Anakin left several holo recordings for Ahsoka, explaining his appearance in episode 7. While it seems like the two are nodding to each other, Ahsoka is merely familiar with the recording after studying it for so long. Both Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi demonstrated that Anakin wanted Ahsoka to be ready for anything. This isn't the first time Ahsokahas studied one of these recordings, as she viewed one used by Ezra Bridger in Star Wars Rebels season 2 through a holocron. Ahsoka choosing to remember Anakin as he was before he fell to the dark side reaffirms that Darth Vader is dead in Ahsoka.

Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET on Disney+.