This is a spoiler-free review of Star Wars: Ahsoka
Star Wars: Ahsoka serves as a live action sequel to the beloved animated series Star Wars Rebels. While it’s exciting to see these characters and worlds come to life in a new format, the first two episodes of Ahsoka suffer from a slow pace as they try to catch new viewers up on the events that transpired after the fall of the Galactic Empire.
One of the challenges is that the characters lack the same vibrancy they had in their animated counterparts. The emotionally muted series premiere, written and directed by Dave Filoni, reunites Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) with her former allies, Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo). Dawson’s portrayal brings a flatness to Ahsoka’s character, making it harder for viewers to connect with her as a protagonist. Even the performances of Winstead and Bordizzo feel stiff as they cryptically allude to past events without exploring the details of what drove them apart. The returning actor, Clancy Brown, delivers the best performance as Ryder Azadi, providing continuity and depth to his character from Rebels.
Star Wars: Ahsoka – Live-Action vs. Animation Character Comparisons
While the performances may be underwhelming, the visuals of Ahsoka are absolutely breathtaking. The stunning recreation of the highways and spires of Lothal, as well as the intricate details of the mural depicting the heroes, showcase the meticulous attention to detail. The animatronic Loth-cats are adorable and lifelike, adding a touch of charm to the series. Additionally, the fight scenes featuring Ahsoka are a highlight, seamlessly blending ground and aerial combat with exciting lightsaber duels.
Ahsoka promises to explore new and intriguing aspects of the Star Wars universe, diving into ancient civilizations and the enigmatic Witches of Dathomir. This focus on unexplored areas of the galaxy sets Ahsoka apart from other live action Star Wars shows. Furthermore, the show delves into the philosophical and mystical foundations of the franchise, examining what it truly means to be a Jedi. The character of Ahsoka, who received her training during the Jedi’s time at war and witnessed its fall, brings a unique perspective to the role of a wandering hero with a Force-less apprentice.
While Ahsoka shines when it explores cosmic themes, its foray into practical matters falls short. A subplot involving corruption at a Republic shipyard feels forced and lacks depth, with Ahsoka providing a simplistic explanation for the perpetrators’ actions. This resolution pales in comparison to the nuanced portrayal of those serving the Empire in the series Andor.