So now that I have seen the full series of the Star Wars TV series Ahsoka, I can say that it was better than I expected. However, it was pretty slow all the way up until episode 6 when a another galaxy far, far away was introduced.
The first five episodes where slow, predictable, and almost had the feeling of a fan-created film. Everything from the dialogue to the uniforms to the spacecraft was odd. And creating a female-based story that merely mimics earlier tropes, such as the first episode with Ashoka playing Indiana Jones and Sabine Wren playing a disgruntled teenage (much like the younger Luke Skywalker), was a bit too much. Plus, the idea that these women were pining for a lost boyfriend (Ezra) who they needed to save was the cherry on top of a collapsing pile of mess.
The presence of Anakin Skywalker mid-series did not enhance my feelings towards the show. More than anything, I found it confusing. Why is this show trying to resurrect the reputation of a man who slaughtered children in a Jedi daycare and murdered millions by blowing up planets? Did the creators really need a cameo that bad that they would sink to that level?
Only with episode six with the Grand Admiral “Papa Smurf” Thrawn and his Macbeth-like witches did the series become interesting, though I do not know why the storm troopers were unable to wash their armor and the Imperial Star Destroyer was painted up like a hippie van. And did the creatures on the planet remind you of gentle Jawas and warlike Sand People, or is that just me?
Anyway, I will give the show another chance now that I know what is possible, though I would not say this was the strongest showing by Disney. That said, it was better than some of the other Star Wars spin-offs.
Here is my ranking of all the Star Wars live-action series to date:
- Andor
- The Mandalorian
- Ahsoka
- The Book of Boba Fett
- Obi-Wan Kenobi
I have many more comments about the new series, but I will leave it there. I am dropping in a few more comments I found that parallel mine to some degree.
At least we still have “Andor.”
—Ben Travers, indieWire
No matter how hard it strives for widespread accessibility, it’s a sequel that will be of primary interest to established fans.
—Nick Schager, The Daily Beast
At a time when audiences have thinning patience both for super-heroics and too much fan service, Ahsoka will still need to raise its game to prove it’s more than wish fulfillment for longtime Star Wars fans.
—Eric Deggans, NPR
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