Could Baby Yoda turn to the Dark Side?

This article contains spoilers for The Mandalorian season 2. 

The Mandalorian's 14th episode, 'The Tragedy' certainly lives up to its name. The worst thing that could have possibly occurred happened - Mando's little green bundle of joy was captured by Moff Gideon. However, there was more than one tragedy in this week's instalment. While in captivity, Grogu used his abilities to force choke two stormtroopers. Sure, it was self defence, but the force choke is a move that has always been reserved for Sith, and Jedi that turn to the Dark Side of the force. He might be adorable, but it's possible that Baby Yoda could be headed down a dark path in the near future.

The force choke is an iconic part of Star Wars history, first seen in the original trilogy. It is hard to forget Darth Vader's nonchalant attitude towards choking imperial officers, and the chilling words that accompanied the act ('I find your lack of faith disturbing' is arguably one of the most quotable moments of the franchise). Since then, the force choke has been used in a way that clearly signposts evil characters, or when good ones begin to turn to the Dark Side. This is especially true of Anakin in the prequel trilogy and Clone Wars animated series. When he chokes Padme towards the end of Revenge of the Sith, it marks the point of no return, when the old Anakin is truly lost. 

But what does this mean for Grogu? Based on the history of the force choke, it seems that he has started down a slippery slope towards the Dark Side. Unlike the Jedi, those who use the Dark Side of the force allow themselves to be governed by their emotions. Because he is still a child, Grogu has less control over them, and this is why Ahsoka Tano refused to train him. He has spent a large portion of his life hiding from the Empire and feeling scared of his abilities. He has also formed a strong bond with Din Djarin, the Mandalorian. The force choke he used on the stormtroopers was therefore caused by fear, but also anger at being separated from the person that he has become so attached to. Ahsoka's warning in episode five about the Child's emotional nature could have been foreshadowing events to come. 

There are also some similarities between Baby Yoda and Anakin Skywalker. It might seem unlikely that someone as cute as Grogu could turn to the Dark Side, but Anakin's fall was equally unexpected for Ahsoka. When she says to Mando that she has seen what feelings can do to the best of the Jedi, she is clearly referring to Anakin, who trained her during the Clone Wars. If someone who used to be honourable could turn to the Dark Side, then is it really so unlikely that Baby Yoda could as well?

Like Grogu, Anakin also began using the Dark Side of the force during moments of distress. From slaughtering the Tuskan Raiders that captured his mother, to force choking people who threatened Padme's safety in The Clone Wars, Anakin started out the same as Grogu, using the Dark Side when he was overcome with emotion. The similarities between the two and Ahsoka's reference to Anakin seems like more than a coincidence. It hints that Grogu struggling against the Dark Side could soon become a major plot point in the show.

We have yet to see what will become of Grogu, or what Moff Gideon's grand plan is, but it's likely that Grogu's fate depends on how well Mando's mission to rescue him goes. If any harm comes to him or their allies, then Baby Yoda might not stay innocent for long. 

The Mandalorian streams on Disney+, with new episodes airing on Fridays.