‘Ahsoka’ Episode 6 Review – The Calm Before The Storm

Despite moving into the “final stretch” with episode six, per say, Ahsoka seems to be remarkably unaware. The fifth episode focused on Ahsoka and the rest of the good guys almost exclusively, only hinting at the activities of the other side; better left unsaid, if you will. The most recent episode is the inverse. Aside from the opening moments spent with Ahsoka and Huyang, the runtime this time around is dedicated to the bad guys.

With that, finally, Admiral Thrawn has arrived. His entrance is an instantly memorable one; not only does it continue the trend of the show’s incredibly striking score, but his slow walk into focus through a sea of unflinching stormtroopers, the infamous red eyes staring directly at you before you can even make out the rest of him, makes for the best villain introduction (perhaps re-introduction) Star Wars has seen since Kylo Ren in The Force Awakens.

What’s even better is his soon-after interaction with Baylan Skoll, who maintains his straight-up, formal demeanor and holds his own in a war of words with Thrawn. Lars Mikkelsen and Ray Stevenson carry the tension with an unbelievable swiftness, neither stopping for breath unless they’re trying to intimidate the other. All the while, Ivanna Sakhno’s Shin Hati soaks it all in from a distance, clearly trying to figure herself out regardless of what she’s been told. Ahsoka’s villains are seriously so good, and could each carry a series all on their own.

But between them now is Sabine. Her journey, though a tad confusing, is the series’ current driving force and cardinal focus. We’re not really sure what she’s after, but her occasional whispers and general stubbornness (as well as the episode’s ending) assure us that she’s been moving on the other side for a good reason. Still, her journey is fragmented, and despite the obvious hints that she’s up to something, it’s relatively hard to track regardless.

Further, without spoilers, there are a few moments in this episode surrounding her journey that make very little sense if the finale is to be believed. She’s gone through so much thus far, and has been given very little slack by any of her enemies, but now… it’s odd.

This predicament feels like it could be building to something sensible, yet all the same seems to be strewn out to the fullest extent. All the pieces are on the table, but there’s no real indication of how they got there. The result is neat, but from the lack of origin comes a sense of unearned disappointment that is out of place with the rest of the show’s consistent, consequential narrative.

Even so, Ahsoka continues to be a strong, engaging, and revitalizing effort in the Star Wars ethos. At worst, it’s an inconsistent good; at best, it ranks among the more recent franchise highlights, proving the overall value of both Rebels and the potential value in telling these stories in the controversial Disney + format. Where even The Mandalorian has failed, Ahsoka (at least thus far) succeeds. The narrative is well-paced, ditching filler in favor of an undying dedication to the story. It feels more intentional, and for perhaps the first time since Disney acquired the franchise, like they have a plan.

Heading into the final two episodes, fans should expect a heaping helping of fan service (the good kind), a ton of payoff for all the setup, and more than likely, a hint for what more is to come. If how far they’ve pushed Ahsoka thus far means anything at all, we’re all in for an unforgettable intergalactic ride in these next two weeks. Buckle up.

Ahsoka is now available to stream on Disney+ with new episodes debuting every Tuesday.