Ahsoka is a must-watch for Star Wars and action fans alike

Ahsoka

Photo: Ahsoka's complex character offers a news perspective into the tumultuous political forces of the Star Wars universe. (Image courtesy of Disney+)

Ahsoka's complex character offers a news perspective into the tumultuous political forces of the Star Wars universe. (Image courtesy of Disney+)

Spoilers for Star Wars Rebels are included in the following review.

With a riveting story line pulling from a wide range of Star Wars lore, the new series Star Wars: “Ahsoka” differs from other Disney+ Star Wars series like “Andor'' and “The Mandalorian'' because it draws on Star Wars history. This difference is what keeps fans coming back for more after each episode.

Dave Filoni, the director of the first five episodes of “Ahsoka”, spearheaded “The Clone Wars” and several other successful Star Wars series. He created the original character Ahsoka with George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, and demonstrates the depth of his understanding of the universe by incorporating amazing plot points with stunning detail. 

Ahsoka, age 17, was Anakin Skywalker’s apprentice in The Clone Wars, but she left the Jedi because of distrust within the Jedi Order. The series is set around 30 years after Ahsoka’s exodus. Ahsoka meets one of the main antagonists, Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto). Elsbeth is Grand Emperor Thrawn’s (Lars Mikkelsen) devotee and is dedicated to tracking him down and bringing him back from the far reaches of the galaxy. She is helped by a mysterious Jedi wielding a red lightsaber, Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson), and his apprentice, Shin (Ivanna Sakhno). Ahsoka is worried that if Thrawn returns, he will pull rank and old imperial soldiers will rally around him. To prevent another galactic war, Ahsoka has to stop Elsbeth, and is joined by a leader of the New Republic, Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), and her Mandalorian apprentice, Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo).

The conflict takes them deep into the Star Wars galaxy, creating new lore and expanding on the old. Ahsoka is a peculiar protagonist — her duality makes her unique. She wields two lightsabers, and her sabers are a combination of red and blue, making them white. She has her own rage and demons to deal with, and in turn she is also a conflicted Jedi with a dark side. She even uses a force choke, a Sith technique not practiced by the Jedi, when she loses control later in the series. Baylan, another Jedi, is very obviously evil but is not a Sith, creating yet another complex character. The lack of defined factions as the galaxy goes through this transitional period sparks quality character development that blends the line of good and evil, light and dark, and of Jedi and Sith.

Unfortunately, the acting in the first three episodes is stiff and the lively characters that made Star Wars Rebels great are nowhere to be seen. Rosario Dawon, who plays Ahsoka, can’t seem to replicate the energized, emotional Ahsoka in Star Wars Rebels, played by Ashley Eckstein. Many of the other actors feel lifeless, as if they are reading directly from the script. Baylan Skoll, played by Ray Stevenson, stood out as one of the best actors on the show. He exudes wisdom, intelligence, and strength, all reminiscent of a seasoned Jedi. 

As the series continues, Rosario Dawson, who plays Ahsoka, becomes more comfortable in the role. Ahsoka begins to show more emotion and reignites her old self. Filoni also brings back two droids, Huyang and Chopper, and they offer the familiar sarcastic back and forth characteristic of past droids like C3P0 and R2D2. By the final episode, acting had improved all around, and the characters felt believable. 

Thankfully, where acting lacks, great CGI and soundtrack go above and beyond. The breathtaking detail in “The World Between Worlds” and “Peridia” allows Star Wars fans to drool over hidden easter eggs like Ezra’s scout helmet in Sabine’s apartment and old ships from past series.

Kevin Kiner composed the soundtrack for Ahsoka and is responsible for the majority of Star Wars music. The score is original and doesn’t just recycle past legacy tracks. It comforts viewers with Star Wars like songs while incorporating themes for new characters like Baylan. Kiner’s expertise is evident with the stellar score. 

Ahsoka starts off slow, but makes up for it with later episodes. The storyline is accessible to everyone, even to those who haven't watched past animated series like Star Wars Rebels and Clone Wars. With witty droid talk and exciting fight scenes, Ahsoka is a must watch for Star Wars fans and action lovers alike.