Ahsoka
Ahskoa is streaming on Disney Plus at the time of writing. Not rated. Common Sense says 10.
NOTE:
This review was written after watching the first two episodes of the show. The grades do not reflect the entirety of the season.
STORY: B-
News of Thrawn’s whereabouts swirl about the galaxy. Who will find him first? Will it be the witch and the fallen Jedi? Or will Team Ahsoka win this race?
If you’re a Rebels fan, rejoice. Ahsoka picks up where Star Wars Rebels leaves off. There’s no need to worry if you have little to no knowledge of the fantastic animated series. The story is easy to follow. Characters’ motivations are always spoken out loud. Major plot points are clearly spelled out.
What will make most Star Wars fans feel right at home is that the show recycles oodles of Star Wars tropes and visuals. That choice creates a homey, familiar vibe for lifelong fans, no matter what corner of the Star Wars galaxy you’re coming from. But the show’s overreliance on familiarity might force away fans searching for something new from the franchise (looking at you, fellow Andor-heads).
PEOPLE: B
Rosario Dawson appeared as Ahsoka in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. Those shows stole the “Wow!” moment that seemed meant for this show - the first moment we see a living, breathing Ahsoka swinging a lightsaber. But Dawson’s performance here is more than worthy of a few wows. The heavy makeup and prosthetics can’t mask her luminous emotion and strength.
Natasha Liu Bordizzo shines as Sabine. While Luke Skywalker’s doubts on Dagobah come off as whiny and stagey (which is weirdly part of the original trilogy’s charm), Sabine’s lack of faith feels genuine. Her authenticity offers the audience a bridge. It invites us across and allows us to connect with this compelling character.
FILM NERD STUFF: C+
The show relies so much upon Star Wars mythology, there aren’t many cinematic flourishes. The cinematography is fine, but it doesn’t leap off the screen. The editing is good enough to stand out, but at the same time it’s not good enough to stand out. And the CGI is impressive, but I wouldn’t say. “most impressive.”
IT’S NOT THE DESTINATION … (Elective Class): D
The fragile new republic and the desperate remnants of the decimated empire are pitted against one another in a furious race to find Thrawn (and, possibly, Ezra Bridger). It’s a one sentence summary that force-shoves your booty to the sofa.
If this series were a bus, and its plot were the destination flashing above the windshield, you can bet your bottom credits I’d weasel my way without haste to the front of the ticket line. Finding Ezra and Thrawn? Ahsoka and Sabine reunited? I’d happily endure an eight hour bus ride with faulty AC, screaming babies, and a non-functional restroom to get there.
Alas, television series aren’t buses. I’m honestly wondering if I can endure an eight episode ride to the assumed reunion with Thrawn.
Life, bus rides, and television series all have something in common: it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. The first two episodes are serious, methodical, and a wee bit humdrum. I want fun. I want thrills. I want derring-do. Good golly, am I begging for a little derring-do.
I’m hoping the AC kicks in soon. That the babies fall asleep. And that I can finally take a whiz.
FINAL COMMENTS:
Because I saw the original Star Wars when I was five years old, I am contractually obligated to stay on the bus and finish the final five episodes of this program. But I have a hope. Unfortunately, based on the mediocrity of the last few Star Wars series, it isn’t a new hope.
I’m hoping Ahsoka’s destination is worth the journey.