This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
Looking to restore the recent hit-or-miss reputation that has plagued Star Wars (mainly as result of the mixed reception to The Book and Boba Fett and the third season of The Mandalorian) Dave Filoni helms Ahsoka with a newfound urgency. His direction is sleek and subtle; he definitely isn’t taking many chances, but delivers a sure-fire quality scene by scene. The camera is still and patient, and the dialogue shot within it is broken up by remorseful stares and unmoving glares, depending on the character. Regardless, it all feels extremely calculated.
Despite an expectedly solid performance from Rosario Dawson in the lead, the newcomers highlight these two opening episodes. Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s Hera Syndulla is the first surprise; she effortlessly translates the easygoing charisma that defined Hera in Star Wars Rebels, sounding a consistent note of hope in contrast to Ahsoka’s general pessimism. In addition, Natasha Liu Bordizzo debuts as Sabine Wren, and is, thus far, the show’s ace, even beyond Windstead’s lovable turn.
She has an uncontainable bite, energetically opposing both Hera and Ahsoka’s contained aura’s and standing out against the dark tidings that shadow Lothal City. With almost every line, Bordizzo’s delivery is reminiscent of not only her character’s best moments in Rebels, but also that of the franchise’s best cocky, fan-favorite pilots. Shades of Poe Dameron delight in a performance that embraces the influence yet still stands on its own two feet.
On the other side of the saber, the late Ray Stevenson, playing Baylan Skoll, is downright cold-blooded alongside his villainous counterpart Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno). The episode is dedicated to Stevenson who, by no coincidence, dominates the screen every chance he gets.
Sakhno’s Shin works on Skoll’s orders, but makes clear that she’ll be nobody’s prisoner. She’s the polar opposite of Bordizzo’s Sabine, and if their first interaction is any indication, we could be in for an all-time great Star Wars rivalry.
At its best, much like Sabine evokes memories of Poe and her rivalry with Shin reminds of the universe’s legendary rivalries, Ashoka harkens back to the best of Star Wars’ past; ships of great scale crawl through the frame, hiding ominous holograms and ruthless leaders within. Evil is everywhere, and good is scarce and sacred. Even something as simple as the use of a puppet (instead of CGI) here feels comforting, it’s all so very Star Wars. Narratively, Filoni is trying to move the franchise forward, but in doing so, he’s drawing from many of the things that made it so popular in the first place.
Though when it comes to that narrative, there isn’t much to note, at least not yet. The set-up thus far is certainly intriguing and, of course, Admiral Thrawn’s looming return is the most compelling aspect of the plot to this point. But much of the first two episodes is spent deliberating on strenuous details and drawn out interactions. What has so far been revealed of this story could’ve likely been told in a much tighter, straightforward manner in an episode format like Rebels, ironically enough.
Again, it’s impossible to judge it fully based on the first two entries alone, but what’s happened in the way of storytelling would benefit greatly from a more compact structure. The sluggish pacing would open up, too. Ahsoka knows when to pick things up, absolutely, but those moments of vigor only remind you that much of what came before it felt like stalling.
Further, when things heat up and saber meets saber, there is a distinct lack of visual flare. Technically, these scenes are solid. The choreography is lean yet complex; characters brawl in a ballad of meticulous movement. On that level, the sequences live up to the most infamous aspect of the Star Wars franchise in lightsaber dueling. But in capturing those maneuvers, Ahsoka prefers to play it safe, and struggles to reach the heights promised by its technical prowess.
If these two episodes were opening a new season of Rebels, they’d be perfect. This tale of long-lost bonds and the ongoing conflicts that fractured them would fit right in with the rest of the show. In choosing to tell this semi-continuation in live action, some sacrifices are inevitably made. Even still, Star Wars fans will find it difficult not to enjoy seeing some of their fan-favorites in a new form. The character work is on point, and Filoni’s deep understanding of this franchise and its themes is impressive.
Ahsoka is, above all else, a satisfying reintroduction of the Rebels. It allows them their time in the limelight whilst also slyly introducing new characters, who find the time to grow in the shadows around it. The show is teeming with potential, and gives ample reason for optimism going forward with this really solid start.
Ahsoka is now available to stream on Disney+ with new episodes debuting every Tuesday.
Ahsoka is, above all else, a satisfying reintroduction of the Rebels. It allows them their time in the limelight whilst also slyly introducing new characters, who find the time to grow in the shadows around it. The show is teeming with potential, and gives ample reason for optimism going forward with this really solid start.
Movie-loving writer and aspiring filmmaker.
