Ahsoka Season 1 (2023) Review

Ever since her live action debut in The Mandalorian Season 2, I have been hyped to see Ahsoka get her time to shine in her own show and yesterday the final episode of the first season of Ahsoka came to Disney+ so it is time to review it. The premise of the show sees Ahsoka on the hunt to locate Grand Admiral Thrawn and prevent his return, others are looking for him too both allies and enemies of the former Jedi. 

Main Character

Rosario Dawson is once again back as the titular character and she is really good. I have seen some people complaining about her stoic behaviour but I think that is all to do with where her character is during this story. Dawson, has that playful nature that we know Ahsoka has but it is fascinating seeing how she has grown over the years and where she is in terms of her faith in the Jedi. I really liked Rosario in the role and felt she encapsulated what Ahsoka is like for live action. 

Supporting Characters

This is a big cast and there are some characters that I am intentionally not going to talk about because of their roles in the show. A major surprise here was the use of Huyang with David Tennant reprising his role from The Clone Wars. I thought this was going to be a minor role but he is one of the most important characters on the show and he is brilliant. He is the perfect partner to Ahsoka and his use of sarcasm is really funny and I am really happy he was included here. 

Natasha Liu Bordizzo takes over the role of Sabine Wren and they do a lot with her character to show progression from her appearance in Rebels. There is more of a defined relationship between Sabine & Ashoka then there was in that show. Sabine has clearly struggled since the finale of Rebels and Bordizzo portrays that really well adding more depth to her character. 

Similarly, Mary Elizabeth Winstead takes over the role of Hera Syndulla and I thought this was a good representation of her. They give her a side story and it was actually pretty interesting and Winstead does a good job as Hera and is solid in continuing this characters legacy from Rebels. 

Unfortunately, before the show came out Ray Stevenson passed away. It was tragic then and after watching this show it feels even worse here as I think his portrayal of Baylon Skoll is the best part of this whole show and he is amazing. Baylon is one of the most interesting antagonists in any film or show in recent years. The way Stevenson carries himself makes himself believable and an intimidating presence but with that sense of calmness and understanding, it is a shame we won't see Stevenson get a chance to show his amazing ability on screen again. 

There are other characters here, especially ones seen in other Star Wars projects and all I will say is that they are all handled really well and I give credit to all the performers who nailed it here. 

Story

The story is really good. The show manages to balance the stories of older characters while bringing in new ones such as Baylon. It opens up new areas for Star Wars and does an excellent job in getting me invested in these characters and the time of Star Wars that we are in which is largely unexplored in canon. However, the only issue is that there isn't really much finality to this season, everybody is set up for the future and it kind of makes this feel like build up to future projects and I think at least a few story elements could have been completed here. 

Script

The show is really well written, I think it balances those who have watched Rebels and Clone Wars and those who haven't. It is funny at times but pretty serious and I like how these characters are developed and the ones who are now live action are as I would imagine from their animated counterparts. 

Style

The show looks fantastic. The action scenes feel new and fresh, there are a few lightsaber duels and they all feel different and all are awesome. It shows areas of Star Wars that we have never seen before and it is shown really well with a very clear big budget. It is also paced well and every episode feels slightly different with a solid structure. 

Overall

Overall, Disney gets plenty of criticism for its handling of Star Wars. But I have really enjoyed a lot of the stuff and Ahsoka is a top tier show that as a huge fan of the lore satisfied me for sure. For me, this is a must watch and one that will deliver for the fans. 

Rating - 9/10

Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi Season 1 (2022) Review

I feel like Star Wars animation has been pretty consistent over the last few years but Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi kind of snuck under the radar and I managed to watch the season yesterday and here is my review for the first season. The premise of the show documents two stories, it shows how Count Dooku became estranged from the Jedi Order and how Ahsoka Tano rose up and survived the events of Order 66. 

Main Character

The great Corey Burton once again voices Count Dooku and he does a tremendous job in this role. This is easily my favourite depiction of the character and seeing him in his role as a Jedi is really interesting. It further enhances his character in the films and does a wonderful job in showing his motivations and makes him a way more interesting character. Ashley Eckstein reprises her role as Ahsoka and she is great of course, her character doesn't get the intrigue and depth that Dooku does but Eckstein could play this role in her sleep and do well and that provides a fun performance here. 

Supporting Characters

The show focuses on the two main characters mostly but littered throughout are iconic Star Wars characters such as Mace Windu, Qui Gon Jinn & Yaddle who get plenty to do. Bryce Dallas Howard voices Yaddle and it was interesting to see this character get more to do and I liked how she was depicted. Seeing Anakin & Rex back for Ahsoka's story is good too and it is done well enough. 

Story 

The story of Dooku's story is fantastic, genuinely one of the best Star Wars stories I have seen in recent memory. Seeing this respected Jedi become more discontent with the ways of the Jedi & Senate and it actually making sense was really great to see. But the Ahsoka stuff just wasn't that great and felt a bit tacked on, I kind of wish the show had just focused on Dooku as I felt the Ahsoka stuff didn't deliver much extra depth to her character. 

Script 

The script is really good, this is a pretty serious and sombre show but it really works. I appreciate that even though it is an animated show it doesn't treat us as children and delves into really serious themes and situations. 

Style 

The animation looks great and there are some fun action sequences. The fact that there is only 6 episodes which are really short makes it a really easy watch too. But again the layout was slightly weird and the Ahsoka episodes felt shorter and a bit less grandiose. 

Overall

Overall, Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi season 1 is a great show that follows on from the solid work of the Clone Wars. The Dooku stuff is amazing and the Ahsoka stuff is okay, it is an easy watch for any Star Wars fan and I would easily give it your time. 

Rating - 8/10

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 7 (2020) Review

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 7 (2020) Review

 After many years and a big buildup we have finally seen the 7th and final season of The Clone Wars and I have finished the season and here is my review. The premise of the season sees Ahsoka attempt to move on from her exile from the Jedi while Captain Rex attempts to prepare his troops for the end of the war. 

Main Character

Even though the first few seasons focused on Anakin Skywalker in my opinion the real main character of the Clone Wars is easily that of Ahsoka as we see her story really develop through our eyes. From the movie where she is introduced as this young padawan to this season where she is more of this conflicted person who isn't exactly sure of her place in this war but also wants to help people and do things the Jedi won't. Her character is so well done this season and I think the way her arc ends this season is done flawlessly and really gives a payoff for really 12 years of a character on this show. 

Supporting Characters

The other original character that gets a great story arc is that of Captain Rex. To see his characrter arc from the movie to now is enthralling. This season alone you see his character go through all types of emotions, I think the point if this show was to make you care about The Clone Troopers and I really cared about Rex this season and thought he had a really interesting story. Maul was a character introduced in The Phantom Menace but in my opinion he didn't become an interesting character till he returned on this show. His character is very menacing but he is a great opposite to Ahsoka and there stories are fascinating, they are both thrust into the limelight away from there masters and you see Mauls own plans and how they affect the story. Anakin & Obi-Wan are in this season less but they are well handled, ties to Anakin's eventual turn are still here and are heavily implied. The relationship between Anakin & Ahsoka is pretty heartbreaking here and again it feels like a worthy payoff for the show.

Story

The show has two great story arcs in it, seeing Rex and The Bad Batch's story was great showing the development of Rex and how the clones really differ at this point. Then Ahsoka's character plot is fascinating, this could be as a bit of a spoiler but the show comes to the point of crossing over with Revenge Of The Sith and the way it is handled is truly emotional. Plus with it being the end of the show is has to have a satisfying ending which this show truly does and it is handled perfectly. Though I have an issue with the story being the middle story with Ashoka hanging out with the Martinez sisters, as much as I like Ahsoka as a character I just didn't care for this story and it takes up way too many episodes with very little payoff in my opinion. 

Script

The script is brilliant this season, the drama feels much more mature this season and there are some truly gutwrenching moments that even though we have been expecting them I thought they were handled brilliantly. Also when used the humour is better this season and makes the characters feel much more human and a more complete package for the characters which previous seasons have lacked.

Style

The style of the show is the best ever for sure, it is crazy to see how the animation has developed from the movie to now. The characters feel more alive and the action scenes are brilliant to watch. The lightsaber fight between Maul & Ashoka is memorable and a great moment which will stand out for many years to come. The show also benefits from having only 12 episodes and it flows much better then any of the other seasons for sure.

Overall

Overall, this is easily the best ever season of the show it ends brilliantly and it really makes the 12 year journey feel worth it and this is easily one of the best Star Wars things around and I think may lead to Star Wars trying to nail more animated shows for sure.

Rating - 9/10 

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 5 (2012) Review

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 5 (2012) Review

 With the new season almost completed I am close to finishing my re-watch of the show and here is my review for the 5th season of The Clone Wars. The premise of the season sees Obi-Wan Kenobi attempt to stop Maul & Savage while The Jedi comes up with ways to keep the separatists at bay.

Main Character

For the previous 4 seasons the main character of the show has been Anakin Skywalker but not this season, it is clear that Ahsoka Tano is the main character. It is really interesting seeing her development across not only the start of the show to now but this season alone, she has some great character development and she is easily the character you are supposed to root for but she also has some conflicted feelings about the Jedi and the war.

Supporting Characters

Obi-Wan Kenobi is the main supporting character and his story arc involving Maul is possibly one of the most interesting one of the season. It also adds depth to his character as you see he has some issues with the rest of the Jedi and it shows he isn't as loyal to the Jedi way as the films make at and he does have more of a unique personality. Anakin isn't a particularly large character this season but he comes into the forefront in the last few episodes and it continues to show his slow dissent against the Jedi and you kind of see his point of view this season as the Jedi do take part in some questionable things. Maul is in more of the forefront this season and I think he is a brilliant addition, you see how much he wants revenge on Obi-Wan but I love seeing him really build up his plan as it shows the mindset of Maul compared to other villains on the show. A shoutout to Hondo who has a bigger role at the beginning of the season and he is always an entertaining fixture and he added some real entertainment during that time of the show.

Story

The story has some truly memorable story arcs this season, the highest highs of this season are truly brilliant you see some really emotional elements to the story and adding to the layers of the characters. One thing I will say is that I feel like we spend a bit too long with some of the less interesting story arcs and that if they had been a few episodes shorter then that would have made sure the story was nothing but top quality, finishing with a truly gut-punching season finale that is expertly executed.

Script

The script has some truly memorable dramatic moments and dialogue this season that really makes you care about the characters and adds real drama that honestly is more dramatic then the entirety of the first two prequel films. The humour in the episodes is used works and I find myself enjoying the slight change of pace that these moments provided.

Style

The style of the show has some great action sequences, it focuses less on the huge battles that previous seasons have and focuses on the smaller more personal battles that for me at this point in the shows run is far more effective. As mentioned though even though this is definitely the best season yet and I appreciated the 2 less episodes I think a few more could have been cut and we would have had an even better season of the show.

Overall

Overall, this is a great season of the show and does a better job adding an emotional wait to the actions that the characters take which is much more effective.

Rating - 8/10

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Movie (2008) Review

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Movie (2008) Review

 After finishing the original trilogy and the prequels George Lucas decided to pursue a passion project in creating an animated series set during The Clone Wars. Now this film is forgotten by most people but it was released in cinemas and was basically a long pilot for the show and introduced Star Wars fans to what the show would look like, I have watched this film tonight and this is my review for it. The premise of the film sees Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin's new Padawan Ahsoka Tano attempt to rescue Jabba The Hutt's son from The Separatists led by Count Dooku & Asajj Ventress.

Main Character

The main character of this film is Anakin Skywalker and similar to what I said in my Revenge Of The Sith review it is nice to see him in his prime as a Jedi leading armies as we never really see it in the films. He still has the edge to him that the character has in the films and it feels like he is not your conventional Jedi and he is getting frustrated more and more which obviously leads to his character in Revenge Of The Sith. The other main character is Ahsoka Tano, she has a lot of charm about her but she is one of those characters that she really rides the line between charming and annoying but I think she just comes across as charming. The relationship between Ahsoka & Anakin develops well for the film and you can tell it will have the legs as the show progresses. 

Supporting Characters

Obi-Wan Kenobi is a more supporting role in the film but I thought he had some pretty funny moments and good one liners to make him feel like the Ewan McGregor character in the films. He doesn't have any character development really, but it is entertaining to watch him in the role and you see why his character has plenty of reputation as a big warrior in the films. This film introduced Captain Rex the clone who leads the groups forces and he is awesome in the film, he distinguishes himself from the other clones with a gruff edge and toughness which makes him a great character to watch with a bit more personality then a regular clone trooper. But there are some characters that don't do anything for me in this film, Padme is literally introduced in the film with 20 minutes to go and she plays an important role but it did nothing for me and it actually feels like what she does doesn't really fit her character at this current time. Also Ventress is pretty much the main villain for the film and even though she has a decent lightsaber fight but she turns up out of nowhere in the film with very little backstory and for this film you know nothing about her and it hurts her role in the film. 

Story

Now it is very clear how they made the story for the film, it seemed to be 3 episodes of the show mashed together to attempt to create a story. The main story of seeing the Jedi and Separatists fight for Jabba's affection is interesting and it is a good development between Anakin & Ahsoka. However, I hated the way this film ends, as mentioned Padme's arc doesn't start till the end and she comes in and fixes everything and it just feels a very cheap way out and clear evidence that this story was meant to be a new episode but they had to force it into this film. 

Script 

The script actually has some more entertaining lines in it then the prequels making these Jedi actually feel like human beings and real people which the films mostly failed to do. However, I felt like the drama didn't quite work, it didn't get me emotionally invested enough to care enough about the situation.

Style

This film is really unique looking and especially in the action and battle scenes it looks fantastic. It really feels like a war is going on and I liked how it gave both armies unique looks and exciting scenes. Though, there are times when the animation doesn't hold up and it feels like it was unfinished and it made me a cringe a little bit.

Overall

Overall this is an above average animated film, it shows the clone wars at its highest and is a good way to show what the show will be about. Though this film doesn't quite work as a film and feels like it could have worked as the first few episodes of the show, if you are a Star Wars fan and haven't seen this film then it could be worth a watch but don't rush to watch it. 

Rating - 6/10