Ahsoka premiere reviewed by a Star Wars fan: Visually stunning and emotionally satisfying
Ahsoka blasts her way back into the Star Wars universe, immersing viewers in a period of galactic upheaval. In a time when the Galactic Empire's evil has been replaced by the New Republic's new normal, the series teases us with the age-old question: is it easier to rebel and tear things down or play the grown-up game of building from the ashes?
Swapping the iconic yellow text for a blood red opening crawl, Ahsoka dives right into action. The Galactic Empire may have bitten the space dust, but needless to say, some pesky agents are still causing cosmic chaos for the fledgling New Republic. Enter Ahsoka Tano, former Jedi with a grudge, chasing the notorious Grand Admiral Thrawn, who's angling to be the New Republic's worst nightmare.
Echoing the tone of The Mandalorian, the series transports us to a time when the New Republic is struggling to establish control in the wake of the Galactic Empire's collapse. This sets the stage for a thrilling adventure, centred on Ahsoka's quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding Thrawn and his sinister plans.
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But it's not all just lightsabers and blaster fire any longer. Ahsoka gives us a deep dive into the aftermath of war, how hard it is to move from rebel to respectable citizen, and the complex nature of rebuilding. It's like they're peeling back layers we've always wondered about. What's the galaxy like after the Empire's gone? What are the challenges of governance and justice? The series is as much about exploring the uncharted territory as it is about the characters we adore.
The show is attempting to navigate the intricacies of the era in a way that The Mandalorian never could, exploring the dichotomy between tearing down the old order and the challenge of constructing a new one. The transition from rebel to respectable member of the New Republic is no easy feat, and Ahsoka doesn't shy away from depicting the complexities of this transition.
However, what truly anchors this series premiere is its characters. Rosario Dawson brings more than just her live-action lekku head-tails to the party. Her performance captures Ahsoka's inner battle-scarred warrior, blending perfectly with her phrasing, pacing, and the dance-like precision she brings to her sabre combat moves.
Dawson does her very best to bring out Ahsoka's haunted past and contemplative self, adding greater depth to her every action and word, than Ashley Ekcstein’s more jovial side to the character that fans are accustomed to.
READ MORE: The definitive guide to Ahsoka Tano before watching Ahsoka on Disney+
What's really thrilling is that Ahsoka goes beyond the norm. Non-humans are front and centre of a live-action story for the very first time, and it's led by an all-star female cast. It's a powerful move that proves that a galaxy far, far away is a place of diverse brilliance and feels like a fresh take on the familiar - a blend of the old and the new in the best way possible.
The premiere further unveils Ahsoka's connections, notably her reluctant partnership with Mandalorian warrior Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo). Ahsoka's keeping her feelings locked tighter than a Death Star trash compactor, while Sabine’s charging in with all the grace of a wampa in a china shop. And caught in between is General Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), the nurturing glue that holds this intergalactic Scooby-Doo gang together.
The pilot, aptly titled "Master and Apprentice", hinges on this relationship, providing a lens through which to examine Ahsoka's growth and struggles. Her interactions with Sabine and Hera highlight the contrasting approaches to their joint mission, mirroring the overarching theme of navigating the complexities of change.
The aftermath of war and loss is palpable, serving as a driving force for the characters. Ahsoka's dedication to her mission is rooted in her need to repay a debt to Ezra Bridger, a Jedi apprentice who disappeared while bringing down Thrawn. The sentimentality to the narrative not only provides Ahsoka with a clear objective but also taps into the broader Star Wars themes of redemption, sacrifice, and camaraderie that fans have craved since Rebels last aired in 2018.
Visually, the series dazzles with its attention to detail. From the meticulously recreated planets to the lifelike animatronic creatures, every frame is a testament to Lucasfilm’s age-old commitment to visual excellence. Noteworthy is the stunning portrayal of Lothal, capturing its highways, spires, and a familiar mural that will have fans tearing up, in all their shining glory.
With our beloved Dave Filoni, the Jedi Master of Star Wars animation, at the helm, and sharp cinematography complemented by Kevin Kiner’s fantastic score, Ahsoka doesn’t just squeeze into the Star Wars saga; it's more like it was custom-designed for it.
Seeing Dave Filoni's name all over this just feels right. He's the architect behind Ahsoka, and his love for this universe oozes from every frame. It's a journey back to familiar lore, a warm hug for longtime fans. Even if you're not a Jedi-level Star Wars expert, Ahsoka takes care of you. It's like a gateway drug into the rich tapestry of Star Wars.
For fans deeply familiar with the Star Wars universe, Ahsoka offers a satisfying return to the lore they hold dear. It stands as a testament to the growth and evolution of Lucasfilm's live-action projects. The series manages to be both accessible to newcomers and rewarding for devoted fans who have followed Ahsoka's animated origins.
For someone like me who's been a die-hard Star Wars fan since as long as I can remember, Ahsoka is that extra helping of blue milk that makes everything better. It's a return to a galaxy we hold dear, a continuation of stories we cherish, and a celebration of the universe that's been our home for so long.
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New episodes of Ahsoka stream every Wednesday on Disney+ Hotstar.