Ahsoka (TV Series) Part Two: Toil and Trouble (2023) User Reviews

Pretty Decent and on Par With the First

[MamadNobari97 · 7/10 · 23 August 2023]

So far, the first two episodes have done a pretty decent enough job of keeping me interested in the series but hasn't been that amazing or memorable yet.

I gotta admit, for a show called Ahsoka, I feel like we're getting more screen time and characterization for other characters and know more about them than the titular character. I think she needs a lot more characterization and they shouldn't rely on people having watched Clone Wars to know her.

While the pacing is this episode is faster and the episode has a shorter runtime than the first, I still find some scenes to be way longer than they should be. I'm all for slow-burn scenes. Andor knows how to do them, but I don't think it's Dave Filoni's style or strength as a writer to do that. Slow-burn scenes should be meaningful. Dialogue-driven scenes aren't done that great and that's why I think some scenes feel longer than they should be. When two people are sitting in a room talking, and do nothing else or the camera movement and editing don't do much and are minimal, then that scene is boring.

Sometimes dialogue alone is written so well that keeps you invested, like Andor. But this show's dialogue is just competent enough not to roll your eyes, it's not strong or anything memorable enough to singlehandedly carry a scene and not make it boring. So I think with better directing and editing they could definitely make this show feel better paced and not make some scenes be as long as they are where characters are just staring at things and nothing happens.

Also, thank God we're not on Tatooine again or another thousandth sand planet just like every other Star Wars show. I just noticed that we're not spending 90% of the show on a sand planet, so that alone at least gets a thumbs up for me for a Star Wars show.

I also like that we're at least getting some decent screen time from the villains though they aren't that well established much yet. It's still a 100 times better than Mandalorian's 3rd season where we didn't even know there was an antagonist until like 80% into the season. So that's good too I guess.

Overall, these two first episodes have been good enough to keep me interested and have a pretty good production. But they haven't been that memorable or amazing that would make you want to binge all of it. I think it's a pretty good show so far, but I don't understand all the 9s and 10s it's getting in the overall show's review section. I don't understand people giving the whole show a rating, low or high, when only 25% of it has come out and it could go either way in the next 6 episodes.

In my opinion, the show hasn't been horrible enough to warrant all the 2s and 3s, and it hasn't been so well-written and amazing to warrant the 9s and 10s either. It's decent enough, but nothing bad or great either. We'll have to wait and see how it goes.

The journey begins!

[and_mikkelsen · 9/10 · 23 August 2023]

This episode was another good episode to set the tone and the story! We also get an idea of the arcs for our characters such as Ahsoka and Sabine who both shared a heartfelt moment!

Just like the previous episode, I appreciate the time dedicated to the interactions between the characters, as well as setting up the plot and story! Some may find it slow, but I think a slow build up is better, as long as it pays off later! At this point I think only more is gonna happen from here!

This show also has potential to introduce us to some of the more mystical elements of Star Wars, like the animated shows did at times!

The fight scenes were great as well and didn't pull me out of the experience!

The entry was average and I'm a little sour about it

[movieturtle2013 · 7/10 · 23 August 2023]

I doubt that a new audience that isn't familiar with Ahsoka and the ghost crew will have an easy time getting into it, not because it is complicated necessarily, just vague when it comes to the characters and their history. It kind of expects you to know a lot of things. But for the fans of Ahsoka, who followed her from moment one, it was a real treat. Still, there are some things I want to talk about.

This review is for the first two episodes.

I love Ahsoka's character and her journey. The jump from animation to live-action was alright. I gave the handling of her appearances in the Mandalorian/Book of Boba a pass because she only had limited screen time and wasn't really at the centre of the story. But now that she has her own show, she still feels like a secondary character in a certain way.

The first two episodes of Ahsoka were rather boring and predictable. Perhaps it is because the promotion and trailers relied heavily on showing the footage before the episodes were released and caused these key moments to be less impactful. But it isn't necessarily the action that I found lacking.

The dialogue was extremely stiff, and I found most of the acting stale, especially Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka. I loved Sabine, though.

After Andor, Star Wars will have a difficult time living up to that level of quality, and as of now, it is difficult to tell if Ahsoka will get close. So far, the story setup is rather average and a safe play (how come there are always convenient maps leading to places where major characters are; like how?). I hope it gets more interesting and engaging (at least by the time Thrawn appears).

It could've definitely been better in terms of dialogue and chemistry between the characters, which in my opinion, was virtually almost non-existent.

Overall, I found the entry to Ahsoka to be average. Entertaining. Nothing special.

To point out the positive: the score was great, the visuals were so good and cinematic. Baylan Skoll and his apprentice can make for two interesting antagonists and I can't wait for the story to dive into their characters more.

I really love Ahsoka and I want this show to be good!! I hope/think it will get better.

Andor>Ahsoka>Obiwan+Boba

[Kutalpm · 27 August 2023]

I was little skeptical but I watched the second episode and I liked it.

• I really liked the score. It catches the vibes of the old one and mixes it with modern elements.

• Special effects are for a tv show excellent.

• Acting of Ahsoka and Witch are little off but still ok. - I liked the sith duo. Well chosen actors.

• Story, so far so good. At least not another death star :) . I don't think it will be as good as andor but still interesting.

• Please hire someone good for the fight scenes with light sabers and let the actors train more. If the actors can't do it, make it shorter but more impact full. This episode it was little better but still there is room for improvement.

Great second episode

[namob-43673 · 9/10 · 23 August 2023]

Another very solid and very good episode. This is even better than the first since it did not need to set up so much and get the show started. The choppy editing is consequently gone which make the flow of the episode a lot better. I also feel the actors have got more used to their roles and perform better.

Very few complaints about this episode. Perhaps it felt a bit short, and perhaps a couple of minor issues like "the eye of Sion"... like, what? Really? That is the name you give your ship? And I still feel this is more made for those who loved Rebels because the nostalgia and feel of the show is very much a follow-up of that cartoon - which is nothing wrong, it is just that Ahsoka almost get to sit in the backseat on her own show.

But this was excellent and two episodes in a row with high quality and good performances. Perhaps Star Wars is not yet dead.

A weak 9/10 but this is starting to look very good and promising. Lets see if they can keep it up.

Fun, exciting and heartfelt

[ha77y73ad97 · 9/10 · 23 August 2023]

2 part premier didnt disappoint! Theres going to be a depth of knowledge that all casual viewers are going to have to catch up on. So far the story has moved at a prefect pace

With Hera taking centre stage with Ahsoka in this episode we yet again have action and story interwoven to an episode that keeps Rebels spirit alive. Hera and Chopper are going to be great in this, their relationship is even funnier than in Rebels. If Chopper ever translates there are going to be war crimes on the mic. Switching between CGI and puppetry throughout the episode of for Chopper is a masterstroke yet again. Really gives me the feel of the Original Trilogy. The Loath Cat as well is a marketing heavy hitter with being so adorable as a puppet.

Im still so sad to think that Balon Skoll will only be apart of series one, hes a presence on screen that commands respect unlike the 3rd sister throughout the Kenobi series. One tiny detail that i think has to be addressed are the lightsabers that the force users wield. I have a feeling that Hoils lightsaber is Kanans lightsaber with that distinctive imitter that detaches.

2 episodes down 6 to go with the ending of the episode showcasing the final Rebels scene in live action where we are yet again treated to seeing such a poignant moment for both Ahsoka and Sabine.

Relationships matter

[inttruderquattroworld · 9/10 · 24 August 2023]

I've not followed any of the animated series, so I am pleased that the backstories are revealed, carefully. This also means that instead of light/speed storytelling, I can keep up with the material and reflect on it real time.

The stories are crafted to allow an appreciation for the (perhaps best) graphics, while forcing you to hear all the dialogue and follow the rhythm of the stories. Even the personal combat scenes seem to flow a bit differently from previous material, perhaps there is some Zen in Filoni's writing.

In any case, the first two episodes let me fill in a lot of blanks, without either losing momentum in the characters' silences, or losing track in piecing together the canon with this new set of characters brought to life.

Think of this as more a Shakespearean experience than a spaghetti western. Enjoy the discoveries if you're not strong on cannon. And be patient.

Let's go

[Trey_Trebuchet · 9/10 · 25 August 2023]

A couple of things I forgot to mention in my review for the first episode;

I'll be very curious to hear from people watching this that haven't seen all of Rebels. It's so closely knitted to where that show left off, even leading RIGHT in to the closing shot of the series finale, which I loved. I don't think this will be hard to follow for newcomers, but the context definitely won't make 100% sense.

Sabine is evidently force sensitive and was training with the force? And with Ahsoka, a "former" Jedi? Very unexpected turn for both characters. Wouldn't have imagined Ahsoka as a jedi master or Sabine as a Jedi at all. I'm not totally sure how I feel about it, but I do genuinely like their relationship and I think it could potentially be a highlight of the series if done right.

And who doesn't want to see a Mandalorian Jedi? Could be cool!

I'm also very curious to see what becomes of Baylin and his apprentice. This could be a very fascinating master-apprentice relationship as well!

This episode was still pretty great though. I'm sure it'll be one of the more uneventful episodes of the series, but there were still some decent character choices here, the action and cinematography is pretty solid, and again, I like the casting quite a bit.

I'll be very curious to see what Filoni does with this. Sure, not all of his Clone Wars and Rebels stuff is great, but a majority of it was in my opinion, some of it being the best Star Wars to date! I do feel this series will only get better from here.

I really don't feel like nitpicking another Star Wars series either. I've seen it done enough times that I'm just annoyed at this point. We're only two episodes in, folks. Give it a chance. Don't hate just to hate.

Although I do appreciate the actually constructive criticism I'm seeing too.

Nobody should be able to survive a lightsaber wound

[suvechhabose · 6/10 · 24 August 2023]

Steph green , the one who directed bobf 's episode 2 I would have Sabine to coma or put her in an emergency bacta tank for next 4 episodes.

What on earth is this? I am pretty sure Dave isn't even allowed to look at other directors respectively made episodes . From Prequel point of view & i am a prequel fan

It is a Massive problem.

Episode 2 was also bit lacky. Marrok or the new Inquisitor , he doesn't feel bad enough. Other Jedi would have toy with him . That apart , Why Baylan started believing in Empire? How Baylan found a disciple? Why they have a orange lightsaber? How does he know Elsbeth? No answers.. There's no detailing, Which was present in Andor.

I do feel terribly sorry writing this But i was expecting it to be a lot better than this disjointed rebel storyline. Half the characters aren't even here & Thats might be a reason it doesn't feel that way anymore

What is left to appreciate? Sabine cutting her hair? Seeing favourite characters in live action which we have already witnessed before in Mandalorian universe?

Bad guys have no chemistry between them . Its just Shin taking orders , Baylan following Elsbeth blindly cause she's a nightsister? Literally a lot less powerful than Merrin then ( her powers were visible / cgi are easily applicable to a game ) . A badguy named marrok who looks cool but that's just it.

A master jedi can beat these 4 & You know this , if you're a fan , you know.

Powerful Enemies could make story really tense.

I hope Baylan's backstory, a fully made backstory as why he's doing all of these . Right now he doesn't seem completely dark enough, not really that big of a threat . I think it will be really interesting cause he looks phenomenal, acts phenomenal & a jedi turned Dark 's past is really what this story should consist of. ( the dark jedi in visions season 1 episode 1 , Jorus c' baoth & Jedi Survivors antagonist ) there are much more. The story could reunite so many weird concepts but

It rather seems to be pretty simple, ordinary, average & Disney(sque) as of yet .

Next episode is 30 min.

As long as thrawn doesn't appear & makes any move . No terror, no thrill.

Interesting characters are Baylan & Marrok , we ll watch their career with great interest. & Please for God sake , dont kill bad guys that easily. I hope Marrok has got an interesting journey & Baylan gets more tough.

I love it

[marianciobanuz · 10/10 · 24 August 2023]

I am not a fanboy or not even a super hardcore Star Wars fan, because i could never get into computer generated animation from the animared tv series (i am a fan of 90's Disney classic style of animation, Batman TAS or Japanese '90's style), i was more of a trekkie back in the 90's, so i have no reason to lie or to overrate this episode, but it is a pretty decent episode for Star Wars as a franchise,probably this would never be enough to please the fans of Star Wars' more cerebral books from the legends, but i really had a great time watching the episode because i just love to see a great light swords battle, the last ones from the sequel trilogy were not too great and not even the ones from Kenobi were not very spectacular and the ones drom Mando were great but were something very rare, i love to see the Jedi and ( i hope) even a Sith lord , ( i remember how much i liked the order 66 scene with Grogu) and i like to see a funny scene with a droid from time to time and in this episode the dumb scenes are totally missing.

I'm definitely locked in for future episodes, but it wasn't a perfect start

[poseyfan · 6/10 · 23 August 2023]

I enjoyed the first 2 episodes. The standout was definitely Baylan and Shin along with finding Thrawn. I'm excited to see how that develops. It does feel a lot like Rise of Skywalker though in the way that good and evil are trying to find the bad guy with the Macguffin - for better or worse.

The casting is still great, and Chopper is my favorite.

The atmosphere and planets are great. No Tatooine in sight!!

The fight scenes are good

A few things that could have been done better/could have gone without:

I wasn't the biggest fan of Sabine getting stabbed. It didnt hit any vital organs but I'm just getting sick of people getting stabbed without consequences.

Ahsoka is really stoic. Maybe that was supposed to be a character choice for the beginning episodes and she will loosen up a little bit later? Not sure, but it threw me off a few times because Rosario Dawson seems a little... bored? Not sure if that's the right way to put it.

I was pleasantly surprised by this show, but I hope it continues to improve.

Better and gaining traction

[horseshoeatombomb · 8/10 · 26 August 2023]

This episode was an improvement from the first and felt like it flowed a lot better. The only issues I felt were important to point out were.

Droids although entertaining have taken over the good male roles, which included some droidsplaining while handing over a lightsaber. All other male actors are bad, weasels after money, or still secretly working for the Empire.

Evidently a lightsaber to the belly is survivable even though a battle droid could not survive it when Ahsoka used the same move during the battle at the shipyard docks, not to mention Qui Gon Jinn. The wound comes out looking like a large cigar burn than anything made by a weapon no part of your body should ever come in contact with. Please stop normalizing the lightsaber like it's found lying around in random boxes similar to a pistol or knife. This weapon is meant to be so powerful it invokes fear and shock when drawn on the enemy because it can only be wielded by those trained to do so. When it stabs or hits you there is instant death or you lose a limb.

I feel bad pointing this out because it is in no way Rosario Dawson's fault having to wear the costume in an action scenes must of been rough. The initial battle action between her and the battle droids at the docks looked like my 70 year old aunt attacking a wasp nest with two broom handles. CGI should of been used for this opening move so that it looked more like a Jedi and less arthritic.

Last and what I had the most issue with was you have a ship point blank firing at another tug boat ship with two dual cannons at distances between 50-1000ft and they can't hit it? Even the great Millennium Falcon took hits with a better pilot for sure. It was very Fast & Furious like and not in a good way.

Okay episode with some standout moments

[snoozejonc · 6/10 · 26 August 2023]

Ahsoka attempts to pick up the pieces following the loss of the star map.

Starting off positive, I love how it looks and sounds. Everything from the sets, costumes, makeup and props feel part of the Star Wars universe and the musical score enhances it all.

When the action springs to life, it is very good. One droid character is used especially well to generate both humour and excitement. It finishes in a way that makes me want to see the next episode, so "mission accomplished" for the overall production.

Unfortunately, I struggled with the pacing of this one, mainly because the material does not intrigue me enough. The plot device feels similar to those used the sequel trilogy and the tension between Ahsoka and Sabine has little dramatic impact for me. It might be different if I had watched Rebels, but I find it difficult to invest in their relationship so far.

Andor was slowly paced but I enjoyed it far more because of the world building it does on foundations laid by the original trilogy, the tension it developed in the run up to certain events and the way the writers and actors made the characters feel like real people. However, it is still early days and Ahsoka may have its best moments to come.

Some of the performances has been criticised, but I think this is harsh. Certain actors have not been challenged by the material, so there has been little to do other than look the part, deliver exposition dialogue and swing lightsabers.

Only review you need to read.

[marzucvker · 5/10 · 28 August 2023]

Imagine if an AI took an episode at random from the Clone Wars series and made it all live action. That's pretty much this.

Lots of filler, characters staring at their feet. Weird choice of casting for the surviving witch of dathomir as the witches were literally tall and purple and is now a 40 year old Asian woman. Half of the characters have a permanent smirk for some reason. You'll get through a scene of 50% staring and 50% talking about stuff that doesn't matter and you'll sit there feeling a little empty, that's because you just watched a whole lotta nothing.

Budget: Through the roof Creativity: In the toilet.

Family Reunion - And Farewell

[SHU_Movies · 8/10 · 23 August 2023]

Going into the first episode, I was very anxious about how this series would follow-on from the Rebels finale, which is one of my favourite episodes in TV animation. Fortunately, it's not disappointed me yet, and these first two episodes have been really great, faithfully continuing the story and characters from Rebels. If the rest of the series follow-suit, this could honestly wind-up being one of the best things we've gotten from Star Wars in a while!

The action was great, the story was great, the characters are great, the visuals are great... And just everything about this episode was great. Can't wait to see how the series continues!

A real Filoni tale, fresh and interesting

[flinsenbert · 8/10 · 23 August 2023]

Where the first episode was lame and boring, this one was fresh and creative. The boring McGuffin turns out to be something more. We get ancient artifacts that are neither Jedi nor Sith, nor anything else we know (hopefully). There is sense of wonder, interesting dynamics between the characters, actually new stories and worldbuilding instead of cardboard characters and rehashing the usual Star Wars tropes and characters. This was a really interesting episode, fresh and well made. I still hope we will one day get a Star Wars series without the Fight-of-the-Week(tm).

Overall this makes me want to see more. And i am happy that this series now is on a good track, after the disappointing first episode.

I fall in love with Hera

[dasistderweg · 10/10 · 26 October 2023]

Mary Elisabeth is amazing and the walking scene you know what I mean !!! Rosario delivered an amazing choreography and stunts !! We love you Rosario !!! Natasha was better then in episode 1 !! I can't complain this show does justice to the characters from Dave !! Hera was as sassy as in Rebels ,which was a really good scene !! Marrok is an interesting character aswell as Shin hati (everyone has only eyes on shin hahahah ) . Wow fantastic written female characters so much better then Rey !!! We want more story's with good characters . Hope we get to see Rex soon ,that would be epic !! I love this episode.

Wednesdays are my fav now

[moviesfilmsreviewsinc · 9/10 · 4 October 2023]

Ahsoka, a live-action series by Dave Filoni, is a challenging task due to the complexity of character development and lore from other Star Wars shows. The first episode of the series falls short in achieving this, but the second episode shows promise. The show's second episode needs more breathing room, such as settling into the role of Ahsoka more, reducing lingering looks between the three women, and better depicting Sabine and Ahsoka's dynamic. Sabine, who was killed by Shin Hati, is alive and well in a Lothal hospital bed. Ahsoka can hear Sabine's dreams, which are taking her back through the fight with Shin. Her disappointment in her former Padawan is palpable, and the fraughtness of their relationship becomes more clear. The show's drama between Sabine and Ahsoka is evident in the second episode. Ahsoka, a former Jedi master, heads to Ezra's Tower, where Sabine lives as a hermit Lothcat lady. She discovers a droid sent to retrieve the map has lingered behind, and Rosario Dawson physically embodies Ahsoka. The hospital scene showcases Ahsoka, Sabine, and Hera's dynamic, with Sabine's stubborn streak and Hera's knowing glances. After Sabine nearly blows up the hospital trying to reboot the droid head, they discover it originated from Corellia, the home planet of Han Solo. Ahsoka and Hera meet there, and they discuss their relationship. Morgan Elsbeth and her guard dogs (Baylan and Shin) have the map and head to Seatos, a moody new planet in the Star Wars universe. Elsbeth is a Nightsister, a member of an ancient sect of witches that plays a central role in the Clone Wars animated series. The scene on Seatos is visually striking, with thousands of glittering stars and constellations projecting onto the environment around them. The reliance of the Star Wars TV series on The Volume, a massive, immersive soundstage, is not a fan favorite, but the scene on Seatos is visually striking. The scene on Seatos is visually striking, with Ray Stevenson and Ivanna Sakhno carrying the scene enough to make it work. In the series, Ahsoka and Hera arrive at Corellia, where Mary Elizabeth Winstead's garish makeup and costume give the first real scare. Winstead's portrayal of Hera is believable and believable, despite her appearance. As the two rebels tour the Corellian shipyard, Hera asks Ahsoka if she will consider bringing Sabine back on as an apprentice. Ahsoka refuses, stating that Sabine needs to be ready before she can fully embrace the process. This hesitancy is a crucial look into Ahsoka's inner machinations, which are heavily influenced by her own experiences. Sabine is still at the hospital, inspecting a scar from Shin's lightsaber. Huyang finds her lightsaber, which was once Ezra's, and asks if she's kept up with her training. She says she hasn't, and Natasha Liu Bordizzo is portrayed as the best out of the three women. The hesitancy to accept Sabine back into the fray is a testament to Ahsoka's inner machinations, which are heavily influenced by her own experiences. The series explores themes of guilt, guilt, and the importance of embracing one's own emotions and experiences. In the new republic, Hera and Ahsoka encounter issues with hiring former fascists for work. They are attacked at the shipyard after asking too many questions about the hyperdrive core and the HK Assassin droids working there. Ahsoka tries to catch the transport ship that is taking the hyperdrive core with it, but faces a bad guy named Marrok, a former Inquisitor working with Shin and Baylan. Marrok has an HK Assassin droid with him, so Ahsoka faces a fight. Dawson showcases her physical aptness for the role, and the lightsaber fight is snappy and exciting. Hera chases the transport, peering down at it from the sky. Rebels fans get to see Chopper, the maniacal, murdering droid in live-action glory (voiced by Filoni himself). Winstead shows off her acting chops as she and Chopper argue over whether she touched his stuff. The ship gets away, but Chopper fits it with a tracking device, continuing the chase. Ahsoka stops to pick something up before the chase ends.

Part Two: Now That 'That's' Out of the Way

[milesrdavis · 7/10 · 23 August 2023]

**Day of Release** I put that notice there so when the reviews start to average out over time I'll get to see where I landed amongst the popular opinion. Anyhoo...

This episode was marginally better. At least there wasn't a three-twist puzzle cube that took the seasoned and wise titular character across the galaxy to solve. Weak sauce, Filoni.

One plus about this episode is that it closed up what I was expecting to be annoyingly drawn out, that being the mutually reluctant characters coming back to a master/apprentice relationship. As random and as bizarre that particular story arc smelled like it was going to stretch half the season.

Dynamite! The series explodes

[paulanthonyconwell · 10/10 · 7 October 2023]

The second episode, got us all glued, am i right, Sabine recovers from a knock to her pride, Ahsoka always the chilled, emotionally and intellectually intelligent beyond her years, tries to build a bridge between her and Sabine, trying to comfort her in one way, but focussing her padeone learners mind on the task ahead. You could feel the tension of a intelligent young angry mind, trying to refocuss her energies on becoming much more than she ever thought possible. Ahsoka still not fully confident herself in the master role, tries different ways of reaching that hidden talent inside her once very close friend. I really did get every moment, of their new relationship.

Again i did not feel anyone fully stole the show, everyones acting talent, complemented each others. I love that, when actors work in tandem and not try to be better than the other person.

I have had a revelation

[tomblakey-27156 · 6/10 · 20 September 2023]

Genuinely, Sabine being stabbed was probably the worst thing that could've happened as its not mentioned ever again afterwards.

What should have happened instead is she should have lost her arm. Imagine it. A life changing injury, given a stab wound through the chest isnt for some reason (probably the only thing this franchise took from David Benioff and D. B Weiss), would change so much for her character. Her previous demeanor could change to that of depression and disappointment in herself. She'd be more determined to master the force this way, pushing to make herself worth something after the event that scarred her for life.

So much better than nothing

The rest of the episode was fine too though.

building up to something interesting?

[nerrdrage · 8/10 · 7 November 2023]

I heard a lot of complaints about the pacing of Ahsoka but because I'm interested in the characters, new and old, and in the quest for Ezra, it doesn't seem to be a problem for me.

I loved the shipyards on Corellia. They sure poured a lot of money into this thing. And of course there are Imperial loyalists around. Ahsoka may be selling them short to say it's just "greed." Where are the Imperial remnants getting all the cash from to pay everyone off?

Less successful: the plotline about Ahsoka training Sabine to be a Jedi. Makes no sense. If regular people with no particular connection to the Force could start using telekinesis and the rest, it would be far more common than it actually is.

Plenty of people would undergo any amount of rigorous training in order to have mind control powers! Half the galaxy would be Force users. That would be utter chaos of course, like a space based version of The Boys. Fun idea, but not Star Wars.

Show great promisse to an expanded films/series Universe, but I have some nitpicks

[eunbi0530 · 7/10 · 25 August 2023]

How can Sabine sit up after being impaled on episode 1? Can droids even understand non-verbal communication, like the nod Hera gives to Huyang? What about Morgan's magic, why doesn't she use the characteristic green hue magic inherent to Nightsisters when she is handling that orb? Notice that the green thing that lifts the orb isn't coming from Morgan, hence it isn't her magic, or it isn't how Nightsister magic work. Back again to Sabine's wound, why is her wound no where close to where she was stabbed? Her injury was supposed to be closer to her chest rather than her lower abdomen. Why is Ahsoka's fight so poorly choreographed? For instance, there is the usual 2 vs 1 trope "let me wait you pay attention to me so I can attack you" or how her robes keep on touching her lightsaber and they are intact or how she just let her enemy escape, why not force pull him? Or force push so he misses a step?

I'm rating it better than it deserves because of the actors

[dariusjthomson · 3/10 · 26 October 2023]

My GOD this was terrible. It was like watching a soap opera masquerading as a Star Wars property. It was day-time television level direction, just god awful.

The writing was bad, but the director somehow took talented actors and made them look like amateurs. All the scenes with Ahsoka, Sabine and Hera were the worst. What happened?

The techno-babble explanations were a distraction and who were they written for? How did they further the story? Were they trying to pad this for TIME?

So many cliches... "What happens we find Thrawn?"

Answer, "For some, war. For others, a new beginning?"

And for us, "POWER!"

C'mon, man! This makes George Lucas prequel dialogue look like groundbreaking prose.

Part Two: Toil and Trouble

[lassegalsgaard · 7/10 · 23 August 2023]

A lot of signs led me to believe that this was essentially going to be very much connected to the events of "Star Wars Rebels" and that anybody who doesn't necessarily know anything about those shows would be a bit lost. The first episode was exactly that, but for someone who already knows these characters, it was a thrill to be reunited with them. I do think the show has to understand that not everybody has seen "Rebels" and manage to create its own thing. This episode does do that a little better, building off of the first episode to a more widely accessible result.

The episode starts off giving a little more characterization to our antagonists. While they proved themselves to be formidable in the first episode, not a lot set them apart from other villains we've met before. However, in this episode, they manage to show some of the things that are underneath and unearth their motivations a bit, which quickly makes them far more interesting than if they're simply good with a lightsaber. And the episode is generally there to give a bit more motivation and development to its characters, which was missing a bit in the premiere. That's always nice to see, even if it does get replaced by action sequences towards the end. And while the visual style of the previous episode was its least interesting quality, Steph Green comes in and provides a more refined look, providing us with more dynamic action sequences and a pace that doesn't feel slowed down by dull cinematography. It feels good to have someone who isn't just set in this universe actually provide it with some vibrancy and it made for a very entertaining spaceship sequence. There's still a lot of questions regarding where the show is going and while we understand what the antagonists are trying to do, the overall plan is still very much in the shadows. It's slowly being informed to us and it wouldn't be surprising if the next episode starts really going into it and getting the story on its tracks. A solid beginning that has fueled my excitement for the overall show.

"Part Two: Toil and Trouble" fixes some of the visual troubles of the first episode, but continues to follow a sparse and secretive narrative line. It did give us some very entertaining action sequences and some needed motivation for the show's antagonists, but there's certainly still a lot to be desired, especially from its narrative.