Ahsoka review – more bad Star Wars in a galaxy too far away to care about

As the Star Wars TV shows continue to expand the franchise, drawing parallels with the Marvel superhero series, there's an evident divide in audience engagement. While die-hard fans eagerly consume every new installment, casual viewers find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content. In this landscape, "Ahsoka" tries to bridge the gap between crossover excitement and fan-specific storytelling, but ultimately struggles to strike the right balance.

After a compelling opening double bill that introduces us to the new adventures of Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), the series veers into uncertain territory. While it hints at the thrilling energy that propelled "Andor" and the early seasons of "The Mandalorian," it falls prey to a common ailment of lesser Star Wars content: an overindulgence in franchise lore at the expense of engaging storytelling.

Our protagonist, Ahsoka Tano, stands as a former apprentice to Anakin Skywalker, avoiding his fall to the Dark Side. However, defining Ahsoka's role proves challenging, as she seems to embody a mix of mentor, vigilante, and fixer. Despite her potential, this ambiguity hampers her effectiveness as a lead character. Set in a time of fragile progress after the fall of the Galactic Empire, Ahsoka's mission is to track down and neutralize Grand Admiral Thrawn, an exiled Empire loyalist. The quest is intertwined with an arcane map, its secrets sought by sinister mercenaries wielding Jedi-like abilities. The resulting chase unfolds at an unhurried pace, a characteristic shared by much of the show.

"Ahsoka" is situated in a galaxy so detached from the maxim of starting scenes late and leaving them early that it can feel ponderous. This deliberate approach is evident in scenes like Ahsoka's exploration of an abandoned underground hub, where each action is meticulously drawn out. While fans deeply invested in Ahsoka's journey from the animated series "Clone Wars" and "Rebels" may revel in these details, casual viewers might question the time spent watching seemingly minor actions unfold.

With time, a group forms around Ahsoka, featuring her former protegee Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) and the capable Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). This all-female trio holds promise for nuanced character-driven dynamics, yet Ahsoka's stoicism and Hera's limited characterization leave room for growth. While the action sequences, including hoverbike duels and chases, inject excitement, the show sometimes forgets the essence of Star Wars: snappy and enjoyable storytelling.

Amidst the potential, there are missed opportunities. Huyang, a droid voiced by David Tennant reprising his role from "Clone Wars," has potential for humor akin to Jeeves or Kryten. However, the show's tendency to overtly explain rather than show hampers Tennant's comedic delivery.

In conclusion, "Ahsoka" struggles to transcend the fine line between pleasing both dedicated fans and casual viewers. While it offers glimpses of its predecessors' successes, it's hampered by a sluggish pace and a devotion to lore that overshadows engaging storytelling. To truly soar, "Ahsoka" needs to embrace the spirited essence of Star Wars and find a balance that captivates all audiences. Only then can it break free from the shackles of formulaic Star Wars content.