The inaugural installment of the “Ahsoka” mini-series, part of the “Star Wars” franchise available on Disney+, has aptly been named “Master and Apprentice.” This reinforces the franchise’s commitment to its central narrative. Throughout the series, “Star Wars” remains true to its tried-and-true formula of tumultuous mentorship and surrogate parenthood. The story revolves around two pairs of master-apprentice duos. On the side of good, we have the lapsed Jedi Ahsoka Tano (portrayed by Rosario Dawson) and her young Mandalorian protégé, Sabine Wren (portrayed by Natasha Liu Bordizzo). On the opposing side, there’s the former Jedi Baylan Skoll (played by Ray Stevenson) and his gloomy accomplice, Shin Hati (played by Ivanna Sakhno).
These four characters navigate through space, interact with droids (adorable when aligned with the forces of good but ominous when not), engage in lightsaber battles, and harness the force with varying levels of expertise. Their primary objective is to locate Thrawn, an officer serving the evil Empire. If found, Thrawn could pose a significant threat to the budding New Republic, which holds power following the events of the original “Star Wars” trilogy but has yet to encounter the existential dangers witnessed in more recent films.
While this may be of great importance to dedicated “Star Wars” enthusiasts, it may seem insignificant to less invested individuals. The franchise’s colossal scope, spanning across diverse commercial mediums, and the intricate web of subplots make it challenging for casual fans to become deeply engrossed in the intricacies of each new installment.
In contrast, “Andor,” another Disney+ production set in the “Star Wars” universe, attempted to counter this by delving into gritty, politically and historically rich storytelling. Though this initially captivated knowledgeable fans, it ultimately fell short in the long run. Dave Filoni, the creator, writer, and director of “Ahsoka,” along with Jon Favreau, one of its executive producers, opted for a more measured approach in their Disney+ collaborations (including “The Mandalorian” and “The Book of Boba Fett”). They became purveyors of artisanal space opera.
This approach entails fulfilling the canonical narrative requirements of the “Star Wars” franchise, while maintaining a lighthearted detachment from its more sentimental and juvenile elements. Their primary focus lies in meticulously crafting genre elements that can entertain any viewer seeking unfettered enjoyment. In the initial episodes of “Ahsoka,” they achieve this goal with exceptional proficiency, surpassing even the quality of “The Mandalorian,” which mainly served as a vessel for introducing the beloved character Baby Yoda. The primary objective of any “Star Wars” project is to competently execute its tried-and-tested formula, and “Ahsoka” accomplishes precisely that.
The series delivers stunning alien landscapes, ranging from desolate deserts to crystalline cities, as well as breathtaking industrial environments, including the shipyards of Corellia. The presence of endearing droids, portrayed with a distinct sense of humanity, accompanied by the skillful voice work of David Tennant, adds an extra layer of enjoyment. These droids serve as cautious companions, reminiscent of historical figures such as Bert Lahr in “The Wizard of Oz.”
Additionally, “Ahsoka” excels in portraying its central heroine, Ahsoka Tano. Originally created as an animated character, Ahsoka has been featured in previous “Star Wars” animated series such as “The Clone Wars” and “Rebels.” Portraying a cartoon alien in live-action might not appear to be the most invigorating challenge, but Rosario Dawson achieves something subtly magical in her portrayal of Ahsoka. She restrains herself, effortlessly embodying a reserved, wry disdain. This demeanour perfectly suits a character who has seen it all and possesses little patience for her apprentice’s emotional outbursts. While Ahsoka may come across as serious, Dawson’s performance is anything but. Interestingly, it cleverly echoes the two-dimensional nature of the character in the cartoons.
The series also benefits from the expertise of fight coordinator Ming Qiu, stunt coordinator J.J. Dashnaw, and Dawson’s stunt double, Michelle Lee. Together, they lend a palpable credibility to the intense battle scenes.
Supported by the talented late Ray Stevenson, as well as the always-welcome Mary Elizabeth Winstead in her role as a New Republic general, Dawson elevates the viewer’s attention beyond the confines of the “Star Wars” franchise. She even manages to transcend the limitations of Ahsoka’s cartoon appendages, which visually resemble dangling rubber bags. While viewers will undoubtedly face the customary moment of being informed about the construction of a mysterious edifice by “an ancient people from a distant galaxy,” focusing their attention can tune out such details.
In conclusion, “Ahsoka” serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of the “Star Wars” franchise. By staying true to its established formula while infusing it with vibrant creativity and expert craftsmanship, the series enthralls viewers with its visually stunning landscapes, engaging characters, and well-executed action sequences. Rosario Dawson shines as Ahsoka, breathing life into a beloved animated character and truly making her own mark. Those seeking an immersive and satisfying space opera experience will find themselves captivated by “Ahsoka.”
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