Following on from Time to Fly, the episode delivers some heart-pounding lightsaber duels and plot twists, it also suffers from stiff performances and bland dialogue. The episode seems to be grappling with its identity, caught between being a live-action extension of Star Wars Rebels and a standalone series that caters to fans of The Mandalorian. It's as if the creators are trying to serve two masters, and the strain shows.
Character Dynamics
The episode dives into the complex relationship between Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), and Huyang (David Tennant). The trio's interactions feel repetitive, rehashing their conflicting motivations without adding any new layers to their relationship. Huyang, the droid, wants Ahsoka and Sabine to form a cohesive master-apprentice team.
Character Dynamics
The episode dives into the complex relationship between Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), and Huyang (David Tennant). The trio's interactions feel repetitive, rehashing their conflicting motivations without adding any new layers to their relationship. Huyang, the droid, wants Ahsoka and Sabine to form a cohesive master-apprentice team.
However, Ahsoka's unwavering commitment to the greater good creates a palpable tension with Sabine, reminiscent of her relationship with Anakin Skywalker in The Clone Wars. The episode misses an opportunity to deepen these relationships, leaving viewers wanting more.
The episode could have done a better job at referencing the overarching plot involving Ezra Bridger and Grand Admiral Thrawn from Star Wars Rebels. Ahsoka's vague mentions of the dangers posed by Thrawn feel like a disservice to viewers unfamiliar with Rebels. It's as if the episode is caught in a narrative limbo, not fully committing to its roots in Rebels or its connections to The Mandalorian. This lack of clarity dilutes the stakes and leaves new viewers puzzled.
General Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) makes a questionable decision by taking her young son, Jacen Syndulla, on a perilous mission. This choice feels inconsistent with her character, who led a group of rebels with calculated risks in Rebels. Her line, "Once a rebel, always a rebel," comes off as a forced callback to Rogue One, lacking the emotional weight it should carry.
It's kind of cheap fan service.
The absence of Zeb Orrelios, a key character from Rebels, is glaring, especially when The Mandalorian's Carson Teva is included in her team.
Maybe Zeb will turn up later...
The episode shines brightest during its action scenes. The duel between Ahsoka and Inquisitor Marrok in a visually stunning red forest is a highlight. The fight is a nod to samurai films, echoing Ahsoka's live-action debut in The Mandalorian (The Jedi).
The episode shines brightest during its action scenes. The duel between Ahsoka and Inquisitor Marrok in a visually stunning red forest is a highlight. The fight is a nod to samurai films, echoing Ahsoka's live-action debut in The Mandalorian (The Jedi).
Sabine's duel with Shin Hati is equally compelling. Sabine's use of a Mandalorian wrist dart as a substitute for the Force showcases her ingenuity, reminding us of her training with Kanan Jarrus in Rebels. These moments capture the essence of Star Wars, blending character development with thrilling action.
Ray Stevenson's portrayal of Baylan Skoll adds much-needed emotional depth to the episode. His dialogue with Ahsoka during their duel brings out the complexities of both characters. Baylan questions Ahsoka's past decisions, including her relationship with Anakin, adding layers to her character that we haven't seen before. The duel becomes more than just a physical battle; it's an emotional and philosophical confrontation that elevates the episode.
The episode ends on a high note with a series of plot twists. Sabine's so-called 'betrayal' by handing over the map and Ahsoka's fall into the World Between Worlds leave viewers on the edge of their seats. The poor CGI de-aging of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker might be a point of contention, but it sets the stage for intriguing possibilities. However, the episode's reliance on nostalgia, while emotionally resonant, raises questions about the series' creative direction.
"Fallen Jedi" is a rollercoaster of an episode that delivers on action but falls short on emotional and narrative depth. While we may sound a bit grumpy within this review, it's the best episode of the series so far, it also highlights the show's ongoing issues.
The episode seems to be at war with itself, torn between its Rebels roots and its need to appeal to a broader audience. As we look forward to the rest of the season, one can only hope that the series finds its footing and delivers a more cohesive and emotionally resonant story.
The episode encapsulates the challenges facing modern Star Wars storytelling. While it excels in action and introduces intriguing plot twists, it also leans heavily on nostalgia. The return of Anakin Skywalker, though a crowd-pleaser, underscores the franchise's struggle to move forward creatively. "Fallen Jedi" is enjoyable but leaves us questioning whether the Star Wars universe can break free from the gravitational pull of its past to chart a new course for the future.
The episode encapsulates the challenges facing modern Star Wars storytelling. While it excels in action and introduces intriguing plot twists, it also leans heavily on nostalgia. The return of Anakin Skywalker, though a crowd-pleaser, underscores the franchise's struggle to move forward creatively. "Fallen Jedi" is enjoyable but leaves us questioning whether the Star Wars universe can break free from the gravitational pull of its past to chart a new course for the future.
The title of the episode has double meaning - Ashoka has fallen at the hands of Baylon Skoll and Anikin Skywalker is a fallen Jedi himself...
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