“Ahsoka” is an eight episode show directed by Dave Filoni currently streaming on Disney+. It features Rosario Dawson (Ahsoka Tano), Natasha Liu Bordizzo (Sabine Wren) and David Tennant (Huyang). Characters from “The Clone Wars,” “Rebels” and the prequels made many appearances that made me genuinely excited to watch this franchise again. This show takes place right before season three of “The Mandalorian,” explaining her absence in the Mandalore arc.
Contrary to popular belief, I loved this show. Watching it brought back so many memories of my brothers, my dad and I crowded around the television watching “The Clone Wars.”
I remembered catching up on the latest “Rebels” episodes with my dad. I remembered watching the seventh season of “The Clone Wars” during quarantine. I remembered being so excited to see Ahsoka in “The Mandalorian.” Ahsoka, as a character, has revolved around my childhood since 2008. I have always loved to watch her on my screen, even in the awful “Rebels” animation style.
In this show, Ahsoka tries to prevent an ex-Jedi, his padawan and a Dathomirian witch from traveling to a new galaxy to bring Grand Admiral Thrawn back to restore the Empire. She gains help from “Rebels” characters Hera Syndulla and Sabine, who are immediately clouded with the want to save Ezra Bridger.
Many have pointed out that Dawson’s Ahsoka seems bland and stale. However, I believe those who believe that do not have a true understanding of Ahsoka’s character. The maturity and experience Ahsoka has gained since being Anakin Skywalker’s padawan is portrayed well in Dawson’s performance.
In this show specifically, her character is given much more depth than in “The Mandalorian.” Ahsoka is shown to have actively battled with the dark side of the Force and has truly become the embodiment of a Gray Jedi. For those who do not know, a Gray Jedi is a force user that is not affiliated with the Sith or Jedi, but who strives to keep a balance between the two sides. While Ahsoka has literally become one with the light side of the Force, as seen in the Mortis arc in “The Clone Wars,” she still has separated herself from the Jedi. But we’ll talk more about the Daughter in a moment.
Now, this is long-time Ahsoka fan talking, but why did she not have her iconic reverse grip technique with her lightsabers? Why was that removed in the live-action version of her character? The technique slightly appeared toward the end of the show, but I would’ve loved to see it since her entrance in “The Mandalorian.”
Episode five was probably the best piece of production that has come from the “Star Wars” franchise in years. Every second from start to finish was a masterpiece. If I could discuss it with someone for hours, I would. It was phenomenal. I will not say much more about this episode, as no written words would give this episode justice.
Bordizzo did an excellent job in her performance as Sabine. She was a great match for not only Sabine’s looks, but mannerisms as well. I think her choice to give Baylan Skoll the map was, in all honesty, exactly what I expected her to do. Her motivation to see Ezra again clouded everything else. I love how they never explicitly defined Ezra and Sabine’s relationship. It’s left unspoken whether they have a platonic or romantic relationship, and I don’t believe that is seen enough in today’s media.
What I am massively confused about is Ezra leaving Sabine and Ahsoka behind with a smile on his face. Ezra grew to become selfless in “Rebels,” and this choice to have him leave the two behind was very out of character. I do not believe “Rebels” Ezra would have done this, and I am disappointed in Filoni’s choice.
The frequent appearance of the Daughter, the embodiment of the light side of the Force, was so cool to see as a long-time fan. The Daughter takes on the form of an owl, who is frequently seen throughout the ending of “The Clone Wars” and many times in “Rebels.” It, to me, symbolizes Ahsoka is where she is supposed to be. The final appearance of the owl almost tells me Ahsoka’s story has been completed. I am not sure what Filoni has planned for her character in the future, but this seems like the end.
Hearing Ahsoka’s theme at the end paired with Anakin’s Force ghost appearing genuinely made me tear up. I’m not ready to let her character go yet. I began watching her on screen when I was only four or five years old. I’m 18 now. I believe my love for this show is because of the nostalgia factor. Her character grew up with me.
I wholeheartedly believe this show, and many other new “Star Wars” projects, have had such harsh reviews due to the standard old fans hold to the franchise. Of course the original six movies will always live near and dear to the heart of every fan, but fans are no longer able to just enjoy this content anymore.
Despite popular opinion, I believe “Ahsoka” was the best project this franchise has put out in years. It made young Veronica smile.
