This piece was written during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the actors currently on strike, the movie/series/feature being covered here wouldn't exist.
BY ELLIOT LINES OCTOBER 9, 2023
When it comes to Star Wars TV shows, they have largely been a success, especially in the animated form. The Mandalorian kicked off the live action shows and quickly became a favourite, The Book of Boba Fett seemed to be a placeholder while Mando season 3 came, Obi-Wan Kenobi came and went, then they turned a corner with the interesting series Andor. That brings us to Star Wars: Ahsoka, a character favourite from the Clone Wars. Even though at times the titular character takes a step back, to see these Star Wars: Rebels characters reuniting in live action is a sight to behold.
Synopsis
Following the fall of the Empire, former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) looks to investigate an emerging threat to the New Republic and galaxy, with the help from some old friends.
Review
For any fans of the animated series, Star Wars: Rebels, Ahsoka is an absolute treat. For those not so familiar these character relationships may take a little more research. The show isn't afraid of the lore that came before it, actually thriving and relying on said lore to keep you invested. For me, this was no issue, as my knowledge of the universe is more than the casual viewer, but for those casual viewers I can see why this could cause a drop in the quality.
Were knowledge of Rebels isn't necessarily needed, it certainly elevates the show to another level. Along with Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) we are introduced to Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), a Mandalorian and Ahsoka's previous Padawan. Along with her, a reappearance for Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen), other key character from the Rebels series and Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen). Ahsoka spends next amount to no time explaining the relationships between any of the characters, jumping right into the action from minute one.
The series does well to incorporate many, what can only be described as, "Star Wars moments". Large star cruisers gliding across screens, hordes of Stormtroopers and space whales. But Star Wars fans, for the most part, enjoy that low hum that comes with some brightly lit swords, and this series is filled with lightsaber battles. With a couple of lightsaber wielding mercenaries following our heroes' every move its only ever a short journey away before the lightsaber battles commence, certainly thrilling my viewing experience.
Disney clearly believe in the power of the Star Wars universe. It is quite clear that there was no expense spared creating this show. It's not without it's problems on a story stand point, and having knowledge of previous shows is useful. But overall, Star Wars: Ahsoka brings some fun aspects of the galaxy to the table alongside old character favourites.
STAR RATING
