One of the most highly-anticipated Star Wars releases of recent years has finally arrived – and diehard fans can rest assured that Ahsoka does not disappoint.
This week, episodes 1 and 2 of the new TV series are released on Disney Plus, with Rosario Dawson leading the cast in a tale brimming with nostalgia, complex relationships and spectacular lightsaber action.
Ahead of the show’s launch, some viewers less familiar with the titular character might find themselves asking what they need to watch before catching up with Ahsoka, or when the story takes place in the Star Wars timeline.
However, whether or not you’ve seen the animated series The Clone Wars or Rebels, or your first introduction to the protagonist was in The Mandalorian, you’ll still undoubtedly become utterly absorbed by this captivating, intergalactic tale.
Now, a bit of essential background information on Ahsoka, for those of you who have some catching up to do.
The character has been around in the Star Wars universe since 2008 when she made her debut in the film The Clone Wars as a precocious 14-year-old, before appearing in the animated show of the same name and Star Wars Rebels from 2014 to 2018.
Trained in the ways of the Jedi, Ahsoka (nicknamed ‘Snips’) became the Padawan to none other than Jedi Master Anakin Skywalker, who – as everyone knows – would eventually turn to the dark side of the Force and become the fearsome Darth Vader.
By the time we meet Ahsoka in her eponymous series, she is now a former Jedi Master and is searching for the menacing Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen).
Thrawn was an Imperial military leader who was presumed dead, but whose survival could lead to the remnants of the evil Empire regrouping and sparking all-out war once again. So, all in all, huge stakes for our heroes to contend with.
When Ahsoka made her incredible entrance in The Mandalorian season two, she went up against the merciless Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto), who was ruling a city with fear and the threat of horrifying punishment as the region’s magistrate.
With the help of the Mandalorian Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), she was able to defeat and capture Morgan… but this villain isn’t done yet, as she makes her return in the new Ahsoka series as a key as a former ally of Thrawn’s.
For the Star Wars fans who have seen Clone Wars and Rebels, Ahsoka will feel like a direct, faithful continuation of those stories, simply in live-action form rather than animated.
Some moments in the first couple of episodes might feel slow at first, but the world-building that takes place in the opening instalments is crucial for mapping out the characters’ relationships, allegiances and aspirations for the rest of the season.
For newcomers, there are a host of new characters to familiarise yourself with, from Ahsoka’s former apprentice Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), to New Republic General Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), as well as David Tenannt in an amusing turn voicing the droid Professor Huyang.
Ray Stevenson, who died earlier this year at the age of 58, arrives as former Jedi-turned-mercenary Baylan Skoll, whose powerful apprentice Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno) assists in the battle against Ahsoka in her search for Thrawn.
Considering Ahsoka is set in a time where the galaxy should be in a state of relative peace following the fall of the Empire, the entrance of the new antagonists is extremely intriguing to watch unfold, especially when the characters launch into stellar lightsaber duels.
We can only wish we boasted Ahsoka’s skills with not one, but two bright white lightsabers, as well as her cool, calm and collected demeanour!
One of the focal points of Ahsoka is the lead character’s fractured relationship with Sabine, who is mourning the loss of revolutionary leader Ezra Bridger following the events of Rebels.
Ahsoka discovers that Ezra might still be alive after he helped to bring down Thrawn, prompting the events of the series as the former allies team up once again, despite going their separate ways several years previously.
If you somehow didn’t already think Rosario was perfect as Ahsoka, her performance in the first two episodes of the new Star Wars series superbly seals the deal.
We’re fascinated to discover more about Ahsoka’s backstory amid reports of another actress playing a younger version of the role, while crossing our fingers for a cameo from Hayden Christensen as Anakin.
Natasha, Mary, Ray and Ivanna are all scene-stealers from the get-go, and the series manages to merge the classic Star Wars feel with a fresh take on already-beloved characters.
A spectacular start with the promise of many more jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring moments. Consider us hooked!
Ahsoka premieres on Wednesday August 23 on Disney Plus with new episodes released on Wednesdays.
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