Ever since its announcement, Ahsoka has stirred up excitement among fans of The Clone Wars and Rebels as they eagerly anticipate the return of the Ghost Crew.
Based on the initial two-episode debut of the Disney+ series, the transition from animated to live-action characters is seamless. The efforts of Dave Filoni and his team ensure continuity with the previous shows. However, the writing and performances also offer plenty to newcomers, allowing them to grasp the essence of these characters and their stories.
Introducing two entirely fresh personas to the narrative are Baylan Skoll (portrayed by the late Ray Stevenson), a survivor of Order 66, and his apprentice Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno). The series commences by thrusting these two characters into action, effortlessly cleaving through a New Republic vessel to liberate Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto). This iconic Star Wars approach promptly showcases the staggering might of the antagonists, immediately placing the heroes in a disadvantageous position within the narrative framework.
The opening crawl, rendered in a captivating red hue, discloses Ahsoka's quest for a map that could unveil the whereabouts of Grand Admiral Thrawn and Ezra Bridger following their enigmatic disappearance at the culmination of Rebels. Rosario Dawson's portrayal resonates with a marked stoicism and precision, a fitting portrayal considering the character's journey across the years. Her confrontation with the HK-87 droids offers a fitting taste of the kind of action that will characterize the unfolding show. Ahsoka's dynamic escape, further enriched by her witty exchange with Huyang, becomes a source of delight.
Sabine (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) maneuvers her speeder bike skillfully in yet another nearly flawless reintroduction of her character. This sequence seamlessly aligns with the tone of Rebels, capturing the essence of her persona. It becomes evident that the show possesses a firm grasp of its identity and comprehends the desires of fans regarding these cherished characters.
Undoubtedly, the most robust element of the series thus far is the inherent conflict between Ahsoka and Sabine. The tension cultivated by Dawson and Liu Bordizzo is palpable, effectively weaving the drama of this show into the previously established dynamics of Rebels. Ahsoka's decision to step away from Sabine's training evidently left a profound impact.
Sabine's determination to decipher the enigmatic orb remains unwavering, driven by her pursuit to locate Ezra. Leveraging her artistic acumen and inquisitive disposition, she unravels the puzzle, triggering the activation of a map. This map, in turn, reveals a secure hyperspace route to... an entirely different galaxy!
In the subsequent episode, it is unveiled that the orb was crafted by ancient beings, bearing profound insights about this distinct galaxy. This revelation carries immense significance, not only within the context of this narrative but also for the broader expanse of the Star Wars universe. While the aftermath of The Rise of Skywalker alluded to exploration, it was widely assumed that Thrawn and Ezra found themselves adrift in the enigmatic Unknown Regions. However, the placement of the Chiss Ascendancy—Thrawn's ancestral domain—within this space renders the Grand Admiral's traversal a less daunting feat.
We are soon transported to Seatos, a world formerly inhabited by the ancient creators of the orb. Here, Morgan Elsbeth reunites with the two dark Jedi, embarking on a quest to ascertain Thrawn's whereabouts. Elsbeth has been gradually constructing a colossal spacecraft boasting formidable hyperspace jump capabilities, driven by her suspicion that her lost comrade resides beyond the boundaries of the known galaxy. However, the essential details to reach him have eluded her. As it turns out, both Ahsoka and the enigmatic witch (a descendant of Dathomir's practitioners of magick) have been on the same trail all along.
Skoll says that they'll find power... unimaginable power. Stevenson's portrayal bears an undercurrent of sorrow, as if the former Jedi bears the weight of regret for his actions during the Empire's reign. Despite the ambiguity enveloping his motivations, he emerges as a captivating antagonist.
As the episode concludes, the Eye of Sion — the colossal starship belonging to Elsbeth — is visibly taking shape above Seatos, indicating that an expedition into uncharted realms draws closer than initially expected. Meanwhile, on the protagonists' side, Chopper successfully implants a tracker onto the vessel that absconded with the hyperspace drive, providing them with a valuable lead.
Sabine, now donning Mandalorian armor, exhibits readiness to forge ahead, even though the prospect of reconnecting with Ahsoka might require some time. Amidst the elaborate tapestry of universe-building and intricate plot threads, the show's essence remains rooted in the relationships between mentors and apprentices. It's abundantly clear that the emotional core of the narrative will revolve around this dynamic. Without a doubt, Ahsoka's growth will hinge on embracing the lessons from her own past and the teachings of Anakin. As it currently stands, this has been a great start to this year's highly anticipated Star Wars show.
