In the latest episode of Ahsoka, the characters continue their journey to uncover the plans of Morgan Elsbeth, who is working to bring back Grand Admiral Thrawn. The episode is action-packed and reminiscent of Star Wars: A New Hope, offering a fresh take on the Jedi apprentice storyline.
The majority of the episode takes place aboard Ahsoka’s shuttle, with Ahsoka, Sabine Wren, and the droid Huyang in pursuit of Elsbeth. The dynamic between the characters is reminiscent of Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi aboard the Millennium Falcon, with Ahsoka and Huyang taking the opportunity to train Sabine during their travels.
The episode draws inspiration from samurai films, particularly in the Jedi blind-fighting technique named after the blind warrior Zatoichi. Dawson and Bordizzo deliver a fluid and captivating performance that showcases Sabine’s combat skills and her determination to impress Ahsoka, while also exploring the challenges she faces as a Jedi apprentice.
Huyang brings humor to the episode as he points out Sabine’s limitations and lack of natural Force talent. His character combines the matter-of-factness of C-3PO with the pessimism of K-2SO from Rogue One. Despite Ahsoka’s frustration with his honesty, Huyang continues to speak his mind and highlight the unconventionality of Ahsoka as a Jedi.
Ahsoka provides an opportunity to expand on the message of The Last Jedi, which was abandoned in the new trilogy. Her efforts to break from tradition and offer training beyond the ancient Jedi rules could change the course of the galaxy in ways that sticking to tradition cannot.
The scenes involving the New Republic serve as connective tissue between Ahsoka, Star Wars Resistance, Andor, and Rebels. The inclusion of Hera’s son Jacen adds a nice touch, as he follows in his parents’ footsteps and aspires to become a Jedi like his father.
With the New Republic not acknowledging the Imperial remnants problem, Ahsoka’s crew is on their own. The dogfighting sequences are reminiscent of A New Hope, although the stakes feel somewhat low. However, the action is visually stunning, with the shuttle diving, spinning, and ultimately sustaining damage.
Ahsoka and Sabine showcase their effective teamwork, hinting at a previous fight that strained their relationship. Ahsoka’s decision to fight outside the incapacitated ship in a spacesuit is a bold move, reminiscent of her master Anakin Skywalker. Huyang adds levity to the situation, urging them to get closer for scans and eventually surrendering to Jedi protocol.
The highlight of the episode is the appearance of the Purrgil, the creatures that carried off Thrawn and Ezra Bridger in Rebels and were seen in The Mandalorian. The atmospheric battle with the tentacled whales adds a sense of strange beauty to the action.
Shin Hati continues to be an intriguing antagonist, with her dismissiveness of Elsbeth’s attempts to stop Ahsoka. It will be interesting to see how her master Baylan Skoll handles the pursuit of Ahsoka in the next episode. Additionally, the prospect of venturing into a different galaxy and discovering the status of Thrawn and Ezra adds further excitement.