Ahsoka: the First Two

So I watched the first two episodes of Ahsoka, and I loved them. The first episode starts off with a jail break of Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto), the villain who was captured by Ahsoka (with help from the Mandalorian) in "The Jedi," which was Rosario Dawson's debut as Ahsoka in the second season episode of The Mandalorian. This opening scene gives us an impressive first look at Baylan Skoll (the late, great Ray Stevenson) and his apprentice Shin Hati (the wonderfully intense Ivanna Sakhno), two force wielding mercenaries who easily take down the entire crew of the New Republic battleship that was transferring the imprisoned Elsbeth.

Meanwhile, Ahsoka reconnects with Hera Syndulla (the perfectly cast Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and Sabrine Wren (a superb Natasha Liu Bordizzo) as they all try and get to the bottom of what this new group of Big Bads are up to (hint: it ain't anything good). Even if you've never seen Star Wars Rebels--the animated series from which Ahsoka continues its storyline--don't worry, because the Ahsoka series is its own unique beast that quickly comes together in a self assured manner within the first two shows (although fans of SW: Rebels will be tickled pink at all of the Easter Eggs). The result is that we're promised a sprawling, epic story ahead of us that truly feels like a worthy sequel to the classic Star Wars saga.

The production values look great, with Ahsoka's personal ship being a highlight (I love the dining room table, and chairs, that emerge from the floor), and the cinematography is cinematic in its look and style. Kevin Kiner's marvelous score wonderfully re-creates the grand, orchestal John Williams soundtrack that elevates the proceedings nicely. Of course, this is just the first two episodes, but if the remaining six episodes uphold this level of quality, then Ahsoka will be a keeper.