Annlyel James 
I haven’t been this invested in an episode of a Star Wars series since the final episode of The Clone Wars’ seventh season. With STAR WARS: AHSOKA, I feel the power of this franchise again! says Annlyel James
STAR WARS: AHSOKA delivers! Like a lot of fellow Star Wars fans, I’ve loved the saga for as long as I can remember. I can recall a fond memory of watching Return of the Jedi with my mother as a toddler and faint images of seeing Revenge on the Sith on the big screen when I was seven. When I was little, I watched the prequel films practically every day. And then once we got the original trilogy, I added those movies to my daily cinematic routine. In short, the essence of Star Wars has been ingrained in my soul.
For the last few years, there have been Star Wars projects. But then there’s “STAR WARS.” That unmistakable feeling when you watch something, and it feels like you’re a little kid again. Whether it’s the music or the characters. The way the dialogue is crafted or the way the lightsaber fights inspires that feeling of joy. Or maybe it can be something as simple as a location that makes you stare in awe at the screen. It’s these seemingly simple things that make Star Wars what it is, and it has been sorely lacking.
ANDOR
Andor is an incredibly well-written, powerful show that constantly surprises with its concise and brilliant storytelling. But it doesn’t feel like the Star Wars we’re used to. Take away the Stormtroopers, the Empire, and other familiarities and it could be any other sci-fi series. That choice to be so vastly different but yet be inherently Star Wars is why I love it so much. But there’s nothing like that feeling of nostalgia and apparently, it is not easy to capture.
The last time I felt that same magic that I used to feel when I watched Star Wars was the very first episode of The Mandalorian. When the episode came on and the shot opened with Mando’s hand holding that beeping transponder a wave of excitement and nostalgia came over me. Sure, it was something brand new, but it felt like the very essence of Star Wars.
There are only two other Disney live-action properties that have made me feel that way: Rogue One and The Force Awakens. That is…until now.
MAJOR SPOILER TIME!
STAR WARS: AHSOKA took a little bit to grow on me. Its first two episodes were good but had me a bit skeptical about the overall season’s chances of being as amazing as I may have hoped. The third episode was much better, delivering interesting dialogue-based scenes and an action scene that left my jaw on the floor. Today’s episode, however, was the turning point. I haven’t been that intensely invested in an episode of a Star Wars series since the final episode of The Clone Wars‘ seventh season. The dialogue was engaging, the extensive lightsaber fights were phenomenal, and the high stakes were built beautifully. But most importantly, I’ve got to talk about that ending.
Ahsoka’s defeat at the hands of Baylan Skoll was already a bit shocking. But it was a nice storytelling decision. Especially, considering that it led to the imminent reveal of Anakin and Ahsoka which is a moment we Star Wars fans have been waiting for! And they’re in the World Between Worlds of all places! The emotions I felt watching that scene, the emotions I’m feeling writing this, I feel the power of this franchise again and I am so happy.
Dave Filoni, thank you for bringing this moment to life and allowing us to see this moment in live action, no less.
Star Wars: Ahsoka is now streaming on Disney Plus.
Future of the Force will cover the series from every angle. And that begins with our customary in-depth review that will drop within hours of each episode. And if that isn’t enough, our traditional poster and concept art coverage will keep you entertained as we build the hype for the latest episode. Subscribe to our newsletter at the top of our homepage to stay up-to-date with all the latest news and reviews from Future of the Force.
Annlyel James is a Senior Correspondent of The Future of the Force. She is passionate about Star Wars and Marvel but loves a wide variety of movie genres. Aside from her role with Future of the Force she also writes for her blog: annlyelonline. Follow her on Twitter where she channels the Force frequently!
