When fans got a peek at the reported runtime of Ahsoka’s third episode late last week, many voiced their fears of a filler-filled episode system, much like the type unpopularly utilized by The Mandalorian in recent entries. At barely over thirty minutes, the worries were justified on paper. As it turns out, Ahsoka doesn’t have time for that, nor would it be interested if it did.
The series’ third episode is not only proof that Star Wars finally has a plan, but that it is no longer content with simply sitting around and watching the same old stars. Though it isn’t directed by Dave Filoni (we’ll get to that), his hand is still absolutely felt. Similar to last-week’s dual opening, the third episode is a slow burn; Ahsoka has decided to train Sabine, and she has a lot to learn. But if it’s up to her malicious counterpart Shin, she won’t get the chance. Filoni is a remarkably traditional storyteller, weaving his themes through piercing, tell-all looks and sharp, pointed interactions.
The bad guy hunting the good guy down after a close-call battle isn’t a new concept by any means, but in the context of the Star Wars universe, it’s comforting. This is where director Steph Green comes in, because it seems she knows it. She pulls on the nostalgia strings in this episode; from a space battle reminiscent of the prequel trilogy, to environments, framing and dialogue that call back to the originals, episode three takes advantage of every bit of its runtime and (subtly) cranks the nostalgia into hyperdrive.
Green still manages to further the show’s still-blossoming identity in the process, throwing a few loops along the way that continuously cement Ahsoka as more than its inspirations. One specific moment in this episode is a perfect example of this; a concept that has always been possible, and sensible, yet has never been done in Star Wars. Without spoilers, the scene is unbelievably cool, and both successfully expands this show whilst feeling reminiscent of what came before it.
The first three episodes of Ahsoka just spill over with impassioned respect for the franchise in which it takes place. It’s definitely a little too safe at times, but as long as this episode isn’t a fluke, it seems that won’t be an issue for long. In addition to pulling the reins a tad too tight at times, Ahsoka also continues to struggle with casual dialogue.
The intentional conversations are surprisingly well written. Ahsoka is constantly flowing with wisdom and oozing tact; villain Baylan Skull is cut from the same cloth, both precise and thoughtful. Yet when these two interact with their underlings regularly, Sabine and Shin, the words sputter out, and the energy of the exchanges suffer.
They pull on done-in dialogue platitudes, with episode three being a particular offender in that basically anything Ahsoka and Sabine say to each other outside of their training scene is undeniably being pulled from somewhere else. The best of these back-and-forths is tolerable, and the worst would fit right in with your average Marvel comedy-fare. That’s a debilitating issue.
Yet it’s hard not to be positive about Ahsoka still. With five more episodes in the queue and Grand Admiral Thrawn seemingly on the brink of return, the show has already managed to get much of the build-up out of the way, happily hinting at the chaos around the corner. It’s working towards things (and has already delivered on some) that Star Wars fans have wanted to see for a very long time, and the timing is perfect. As weeks go by and more episodes are released, it’s becoming more and more clear that Ahsoka represents a turning point for the franchise. It isn’t a perfect, unabashed creative triumph or anything, but it is exactly what Star Wars needs.
Ahsoka is now available to stream on Disney+ with new episodes debuting every Tuesday.
As weeks go by and more episodes are released, it’s becoming more and more clear that Ahsoka represents a turning point for the franchise. It isn’t a perfect, unabashed creative triumph or anything, but it is exactly what Star Wars needs.
Movie-loving writer and aspiring filmmaker.
