All About Tales of the Empire on Disney+

Disney+ premiered all six episodes of Tales of the Empire on Saturday, May 4. The series showcases stunning animation, captivating music, and intricate storylines that delve into the lives of two lesser-known characters from Star Wars lore. However, in comparison to its predecessor, Tales of the Jedi, Tales of the Empire falls short in terms of character depth and development.

The Dark Side Perspective

Tales of the Empire explores the Dark Side of the Force, focusing on the falls of Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee. While it attempts to provide an origin story for Morgan and an epilogue for Barriss, the series struggles to fully realize the character arcs of both protagonists.

Morgan’s Disappointing Arc

The episodes revolving around Morgan Elsbeth fail to offer a deep exploration of her journey towards the Dark Side. Despite episode titles like “The Path of Fear,” “The Path of Anger,” and “The Path of Hate,” the series falls short in tracing Morgan’s transformation and mainly serves as a setup for future shows.

Barriss’ Compelling Storyline

In contrast, Barriss Offee’s storyline in Tales of the Empire is more successful in portraying her character’s evolution. The series follows a path that aligns with Barriss’ disillusionment with the Jedi Order, making her transition more convincing, although somewhat rushed.

Creator’s Perspective

Series creator Dave Filoni’s passion for these characters is evident in Tales of the Empire. While the series may resonate with diehard Star Wars fans, it falls short in delivering the deep, meditative stories that characterized Tales of the Jedi. Tales of the Empire feels more like a checklist of character moments rather than introspective character studies.