Star Wars: Ahsoka (Disney+)

[Cheesebeef]

Last couple episodes have been fantastic.

This show really is inside Star Wars baseball though.

 

[Covert Rain]

This show really is inside Star Wars baseball though.

I know they are trying to bill it as you have not needed to watch the animation. I agree if your goal is to just watch an entertaining show. However, IMO, the show is completely next level if you are familiar with Clone Wars and Rebels.

 

[Cheesebeef]

I know they are trying to bill it as you have not needed to watch the animation. I agree if your goal is to just watch an entertaining show. However, IMO, the show is completely next level if you are familiar with Clone Wars and Rebels.

It’s really not much for this viewer who hasn’t.

 

[Covert Rain]

It’s really not much for this viewer who hasn’t.

My wife is not a Star Wars fan and never seen the animation and she thinks it’s pretty good. She really likes the characters in this compared to the other recent shows.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

This one has a strong stat warsy feel to it.

 

[Yuma]

The force is strong with this one!

 

[Town Drunk]

I’ve not watched any of the animation Star Wars but I’ve seen all the movies. Am I going to get lost if I start this?

 

[Yuma]

I’ve not watched any of the animation Star Wars but I’ve seen all the movies. Am I going to get lost if I start this?

My son saw all the animation. My wife and I didn't. All three of us like this. I feel it stands on its own. It does get better as it goes along, too.

 

[Chaplin]

I started Rebels and it’s actually pretty good.

 

[JerkFace]

I’ve not watched any of the animation Star Wars but I’ve seen all the movies. Am I going to get lost if I start this?

Im in the same boat and I’ve enjoyed Ahsoka.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Man… all those years waiting and that was the Thrawn they gave us? A monologuing bad guy, who shows zero next level evil/mastermindedness?

What a letdown.

Also, what the hell was the end of that Baylin arc? Or lack thereof.

 

[Ronin]

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[Yuma]

Man… all those years waiting and that was the Thrawn they gave us? A monologuing bad guy, who shows zero next level evil/mastermindedness?

What a letdown.

Also, what the hell was the end of that Baylin arc? Or lack thereof.

Oh obviously this was barely part 1 of 2. I kinda got the impression that he was a genius mastermind who learned from previous mistakes, which made him more dangerous than just an angry strong villain. He was playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers. He was also very patient to let things play out. Using pawns to keep the Jedi away from him while he was able to successfully leave his exile.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Oh obviously this was barely part 1 of 2.

Yeah… that’s fine. I understand the idea of answering one question only to ask another leading into next season. But that sure as hell didn’t happen with Baylan. Nothing was answered there in any way shape or form. Which is too bad because he was the most interesting character on the show and sadly, died, so who knows if they even continue that storyline.

I kinda got the impression that he was a genius mastermind who learned from previous mistakes, which made him more dangerous than just an angry strong villain. He was playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers. He was also very patient to let things play out. Using pawns to keep the Jedi away from him while he was able to successfully leave his exile.

I don’t know. What was the alternative to “using pawns (aka soldiers) to slow the Jedis”? Just let the Jedis come get him unabated? Not sure I saw next level genius there.

The show also just glossed over real sources of inner conflict amongst the heroes. In essence, Sabine made Ezra’s sacrifice in Rebels completely meaningless. And would Ezra really have been cool knowing Sabine just took a Royal dump on his sacrifice by setting plans in motion to let Thrawn escape? The “it’s complicated” brush off of everything there and with Ashoka was just really lazy, surface level, first draft writing for a show that set up what could have been really interesting conflict and then just decided… screw it… lightsabers!

 

[puckhead]

Yeah… that’s fine. I understand the idea of answering one question only to ask another leading into next season. But that sure as hell didn’t happen with Baylan. Nothing was answered there in any way shape or form. Which is too bad because he was the most interesting character on the show and sadly, died, so who knows if they even continue that storyline.



I don’t know. What was the alternative to “using pawns (aka soldiers) to slow the Jedis”? Just let the Jedis come get him unabated? Not sure I saw next level genius there.

The show also just glossed over real sources of inner conflict amongst the heroes. In essence, Sabine made Ezra’s sacrifice in Rebels completely meaningless. And would Ezra really have been cool knowing Sabine just took a Royal dump on his sacrifice by setting plans in motion to let Thrawn escape? The “it’s complicated” brush off of everything there and with Ashoka was just really lazy, surface level, first draft writing for a show that set up what could have been really interesting conflict and then just decided… screw it… lightsabers!

You seem very convinced none of this will be addressed in the next season or on other series/movies that are taking place within this timeline. Star Wars does have some history with cliffhangers. Even though I'm eager to have these and other questions answered, it seems reasonable to give them the chance to do so before assuming they're just dropping major storylines willy-nilly.

That said, I think you have other problems with the show that have led you to your opinion, which is fine of course.

 

[Covert Rain]

Man… all those years waiting and that was the Thrawn they gave us? A monologuing bad guy, who shows zero next level evil/mastermindedness?

What a letdown.

Also, what the hell was the end of that Baylin arc? Or lack thereof.

When I first heard about his involvement I thought he was going to be the main antagonist. However, a later announcement revealed that he would be the main bad guy in Filloni's movie. So, I had very limited expectations other than an introduction of the character after that. That's what I expected. We got a taste of his ruthlessness (towards his own troops) and his calculation.

In terms of Baylin's arc? I was expecting something a bit more but seems to me they are setting up Season 2. Seemed like a very regular type cliff hanger if that is the case.

For Sabine, I think they showed exactly what you complained about. She had inner conflict about saving her friend knowing the risk that was being taken by her actions. It's no different then when Luke turned his back on his training to save his friends knowing he very well could doom the entire rebellion or be turned to the dark side. Had his friends known what he was doing they would have likely told Luke don't do it as well. Yoda and Obi told him not to do it knowing it could risk everything. They would have been right had the trap for Luke worked.

Overall, was a great series. It also can setup some intersting new story arcs being in a galaxy they are unfamiliar with. Planets they are unfamilier with. Plus, some lore to discover that is not tied to the Emporer or the Skywalkers.

 

[Cheesebeef]

When I first heard about his involvement I thought he was going to be the main antagonist. However, a later announcement revealed that he would be the main bad guy in Filloni's movie. So, I had very limited expectations other than an introduction of the character after that. That's what I expected. We got a taste of his ruthlessness (towards his own troops) and his calculation.

Lol… yes, using troops to defend yourself is ruthless! My mind continues to be boggled by this take. Leaders always use troops to defend themselves.

Again, what was he supposed to do with the Jedi approaching? NOT send troops?

And I barely expected Thrawn to show up until the end. The fact that he did earlier and during three episodes the scariest thing you can point to is… he let his troops do their job… is a major failure of the series.

In terms of Baylin's arc? I was expecting something a bit more but seems to me they are setting up Season 2. Seemed like a very regular type cliff hanger if that is the case.

An entire season arc… to set up another season isn’t a season arc. It’s bad writing, especially to those who have no clue what those statues were because we haven’t watched every cartoon ever made of Star Wars.

For Sabine, I think they showed exactly what you complained about. She had inner conflict about saving her friend knowing the risk that was being taken by her actions.

Except she really didn’t. She had zero reckoning with herself and more
Importantly, there was a complete and utter white washing of her terrible deeds by the people most directly effected by them, all completely avoided by “it’s complicated.”

It's no different then when Luke turned his back on his training to save his friends knowing he very well could doom the entire rebellion or be turned to the dark side. Had his friends known what he was doing they would have likely told Luke don't do it as well. Yoda and Obi told him not to do it knowing it could risk everything. They would have been right had the trap for Luke worked. .

Totally wrong and you know why? Because there were actually those moments where he was chastised by Yoda and Obi Wan. They actually PLAYED the conflict between characters on screen. They didn’t just brush them off as if “well, you left me for dead and are THE reason the big bad is able to get back and terrorize the galaxy… but no biggie!”

To be honest, Sabine came off as a total coward for expressly NOT facing the consequences of her actions. Doing everything she did to betray Ashoka and the Galaxy at large and blowing it off was beyond lame. As was the plot armor that wrapped itself around Ezra who was just coolio with her actions giving Thrawn the chance to wreak havoc on the galaxy again… because… you know… “it’s complicated.”

 

[Covert Rain]

Lol… yes, using troops to defend yourself is ruthless! My mind continues to be boggled by this take. Leaders always use troops to defend themselves.

Again, what was he supposed to do with the Jedi approaching? NOT send troops?



An entire season arc… to set up another season isn’t a season arc. It’s bad writing, especially to those who have no clue what those statues were because we haven’t watched every cartoon ever made of Star Wars.



Except she really didn’t. She had zero reckoning with herself and more
Importantly, there was a complete and utter white washing of her terrible deeds by the people most directly effected by them, all completely avoided by “it’s complicated.”



Totally wrong and you know why? Because there were actually those moments where he was chastised by Yoda and Obi Wan. They actually PLAYED the conflict between characters on screen. They didn’t just brush them off as if “well, you left me for dead and are THE reason the big bad is able to get back and terrorize the galaxy… but no biggie!”

To be honest, Sabine came off as a total coward for expressly NOT facing the consequences of her actions. Doing everything she did to betray Ashoka and the Galaxy at large and blowing it off was beyond lame. As was the plot armor that wrapped itself around Ezra who was just coolio with her actions giving Thrawn the chance to wreak havoc on the galaxy again… because… you know… “it’s complicated.”

LOL. No that's not what I meant. I meant he had no problem sacrificing his troops without hesitation even if it meant only a short term win. He had no problem with them not returning from engagements. He had no problem leaving troops behind or sacrificing them to the sisters. Without hesitation he has no problem sacrificing the person that helped him. That is the very definition of being ruthless.

A season Arc is not defined by one character Baylan for me. That might be a thread in the new season but I think it's more about being a different galaxy, different species, and new lore to discover. This really feels like a reset of sorts to chart a new direction for this part of Star Wars. What Baylan is doing is a single thread in the new season Arc. I could be wrong but I see a bigger picture than that one part of the arc.

Unfortunately, their choice might be costly since Ray Stevens died. As I stated, I wish they had expanded on that more what he was doing at the end. It wasn't enough for me either. I have no idea how they finish it now. This is probably my biggest issue with the series. I agree we should have gotten more here.

I never said anything about it being complicated. I didn't find her choice anymore complicated than Luke's. It came down to the need to help out friends without looking into the bigger picture of the ramification of those actions. Ahsoka warned Sabine about her personal feelings similar to Yoda/Obi. This is an echo of similar decisions from characters in the verse before. Simply couldn't disagree with you more in this regard.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Also, as to the “ruthlessness” of Thrawn to use stormtroopers to defend him, uh… beyond the obvious, how ruthless is it really considering those soldiers are FREAKING ZOMBIES who can be resurrected and appear to have been time after time judging from how destroyed they all look?

Oh the horror… won’t Thrawn think of the children!?

 

[Covert Rain]

Sacrificing the person who is responsible for getting you home without hesitation and emotion is pretty benign. Now that I think about it, all the Star Wars movies sacrificing so many troops through the years and writing them off as pawns isn't ruthless at all. What else would you expect to do with disposable clones and later the people or kids you conscripted against their will to replace the clones later. Pffft.

 

[puckhead]

Sacrificing the person who is responsible for getting you home without hesitation and emotion is pretty benign. Now that I think about it, all the Star Wars movies sacrificing so many troops through the years and writing them off as pawns isn't ruthless at all. What else would you expect to do with clones and later the people you conscripted against their will to replace the clones later. Pffft.

I hear next season Thrawn takes the gloves off and goes straight for live disembowelments and immolation just to counter his soft image.

 

[Covert Rain]

I hear next season Thrawn takes the gloves off and goes straight for live disembowelments and immolation just to counter his soft image.

Anything less than Mortal Kombat style executions is unacceptable.

 

[Stout]

Yeah… that’s fine. I understand the idea of answering one question only to ask another leading into next season. But that sure as hell didn’t happen with Baylan. Nothing was answered there in any way shape or form. Which is too bad because he was the most interesting character on the show and sadly, died, so who knows if they even continue that storyline.



I don’t know. What was the alternative to “using pawns (aka soldiers) to slow the Jedis”? Just let the Jedis come get him unabated? Not sure I saw next level genius there.

The show also just glossed over real sources of inner conflict amongst the heroes. In essence, Sabine made Ezra’s sacrifice in Rebels completely meaningless. And would Ezra really have been cool knowing Sabine just took a Royal dump on his sacrifice by setting plans in motion to let Thrawn escape? The “it’s complicated” brush off of everything there and with Ashoka was just really lazy, surface level, first draft writing for a show that set up what could have been really interesting conflict and then just decided… screw it… lightsabers!

Definitely some really bad writing in the series, although there have been some ups to the downs, and some solid show in there amongst a lot of boring plots. I feel bad about the writing, as a buddy of mine is good friends with Filoni (sp?), but I can't ignore it. "Oh no, Sabine is having trouble defeating the local minions! Wait, there are now dozens of storm troopers? No worries, she's a stone-cold killer." And the deus ex machina at the "trial" was just pukeworthy.

For anyone wanting a laugh at my expense, all the early season talk of Thrawn had me picturing exactly the wrong Imperial officer--I kept thinking about Grand Moff Tarkin. Then I wondered why they made him blue

 

[Covert Rain]

Definitely some really bad writing in the series, although there have been some ups to the downs, and some solid show in there amongst a lot of boring plots. I feel bad about the writing, as a buddy of mine is good friends with Filoni (sp?), but I can't ignore it. "Oh no, Sabine is having trouble defeating the local minions! Wait, there are now dozens of storm troopers? No worries, she's a stone-cold killer." And the deus ex machina at the "trial" was just pukeworthy.

For anyone wanting a laugh at my expense, all the early season talk of Thrawn had me picturing exactly the wrong Imperial officer--I kept thinking about Grand Moff Tarkin. Then I wondered why they made him blue

I am a huge Star Wars fan but to be fair the verse always had mixes of good and bad writing. I mean Luke appears to train for a mere days before taking on Darth Vader (the biggest badass in the Universe). As great as Rogue One was and cool as the final scene with Vader was it broke continuity. Vader goes from being a badass at the end of that movie to an old dude pushing a stick in ANH. I can come up with many examples.

In terms of your Thrawn mistake? Honestly, he was an expanded universe character and they were skirting a fine line between what you did and didn't need to know for this series (knowing the animation and expanded universe Thrawn books). I think they did a decent job but average fans missed out on may of the references. So, I don't blame you a bit. There are a bunch of people watching all this stuff and don't know the difference between a Clone Trooper and Stormtrooper.

 

[Yuma]

"Lol… yes, using troops to defend yourself is ruthless! My mind continues to be boggled by this take. Leaders always use troops to defend themselves."

They kept the woman leader who came to get him playing this up. She kept going let's leave. Let's put more assets to kill them off, etc. She kept seeming to be impulsive, while Thrawn was more measured, and even said at now point, he learned from previous Jedi encounters, to be more patient. He saved more assets not throwing the whole kitchen sink at them. IDK, from my viewpoint, it showed he wasn't the normal stereotyped Darth Vader, etc. He kept his eye on the bigger goal.