Phil Roberts 
Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is yet another masterpiece from Dave Filoni. The exceptional series showcases the visionary director’s ability to raise the bar whenever he gets behind the camera.
After the tremendous success of “Tales of the Jedi,” Dave Filoni is returning to Star Wars animation to create six new episodes under the “Tales of the Empire” banner. The new series comprises six episodes that focus on two significant characters of the saga. This season, Filoni emphasizes the narrative of Barriss Offee, the fallen Jedi Apprentice, and Morgn Elsbeth, the dark and twisted Dathomir Witch. Both characters are given a magnificent three-episode story arc, but unfortunately, it is too brief. I assure you that this series will leave you craving for more.
Elsbeth became known as Grand Admiral Thrawn’s envoy in The Mandalorian and later became a significant adversary in Star Wars: Ahsoka. Through her mastery of Dathomir magic, Elsbeth channeled the power of witchcraft and was a formidable opponent for Ahsoka Tano. But where did her story begin? This series answers the question and delivers a backstory worthy of its place in the annals of the saga. In contrast, we finally learn the fate of Barriss Offee. Last we saw, Barriss was incarcerated on Coruscant after framing Ahsoka Tano for murder. However, until now, her fate remained a mystery. Here, we finally get our answers. But can a six-episode series capture the essence of the saga and deliver a worthy story for the Force?
THE FALL OF DATHOMIR
Don’t worry, fans of the Force, because Tales of the Empire is another exceptional work by Dave Filoni and his talented team. While I once considered Ahsoka his most outstanding achievement, this series is almost as impressive. However, limiting each character to only three episodes seems like a major injustice, but it is a testament to the incredible storytelling that leaves you yearning for more. This is the mark of a visionary at the top of their game. The cinematography is stunning, the animation is flawless, and the Kiner family’s score is exceptional. However, what truly stands out is Filoni’s affection for the characters. The meticulous care and attention he bestows upon them is extraordinary. I, for one, am eagerly looking forward to watching more episodes from the series.
As soon as the title card fades, we are taken back to the time of The Clone Wars and General Grievous’ invasion of Dathomir. Filoni successfully recreates the atmosphere and immerses us back into the familiar territory. The show feels eerily familiar but still manages to present us with something new and exciting.
MORGAN ELSBETH
Amid the destruction, we encounter Elsbeth. She is a young Dathomir witch and one of the many escorts tasked with protecting the coven’s leader. However, when Grievous and his droid army arrive, there is no defense. One after the other, her sisters fall to the forces of the Separatist Alliance, with the cunning Cyborg leading the charge.
Grievous’s involvement is a stroke of genius. He appears at his most deadly, relishing in his victims’ demise with cackling laughter. While The Clone Wars and Revenge of the Sith portrayed him as a cowardly and sly adversary, the series takes a different approach here. Grievous is now unrestrained, and his brutality makes him all the more captivating. Fans of Clone Wars may recall that the invasion resulted in the destruction of Elsbeth’s coven. Consequently, she is left to confront an uncertain future alone, having made selfish choices that caused more harm than good. But those decisions only intensify her thirst for revenge and fuel her desire for power.
DESTINATION CORVUS
This quest takes her beyond Dathomir, and as the story skips forward, we meet up with her several years later as the magistrate of Corvus. It is lovely to see the planet fully realized in animated form. Its live-action counterpart was dark, gritty, and devoid of color, but here, before Elsbeth plundered the beauty of its natural resources, the planet is a semi-idyllic paradise. However, we quickly learn that the enslavement of her people started very early in her reign.
Her role quickly brings her into contact with the Empire, and the implications will have far-reaching consequences for the band of Rebels struggling to liberate the galaxy from under Imperial rule. Her ambition leads to a chance meeting with Grand Admiral Thrawn, and the birth of their relationship is witnessed. Regarding Thrawn, it is glorious to see him presented in “The Clone Wars” animation style. The cartoonish look of Rebels has been banished, replaced by a sleek, beautifully rendered version of the character that is as striking as it is imposing.
A THRAWN IN THE SIDE
As expected, Lars Mikkelsen’s distinctive voice steals the show in this episode. He delivers every line of dialogue with his customary cold and calculating tone, resulting in a brilliantly chilling performance. The character’s piercing red eyes stand out against Corvus’ gloomy backdrop, making him an imposing figure. As the episode draws to a close, Thrawn’s alliance with Elsbeth is solidified, and their grand strategy is set in motion. As we conclude Elsbeth’s story, we witness the devastation of Corvus and the loss of hope for its people. When her three-episode arc ends, we see the fully realized and brutal character we have come to know and love.
Her journey begins with pain and suffering and climaxes with her returning it in equal measure to everyone she encounters. No longer seen as a witch but a tyrant, Morgan Elsbeth, the cold and calculating dictator, stands tall and ends her involvement in a blaze of fire and fury.
Morgan Elsbeth’s storyline is a true pleasure to witness. Diana Lee Inosanto, who voices her animated counterpart, delivers a remarkable performance. It’s wonderful to see her character taking center stage. I would love to see more of her in the future and explore her character in greater depth. Her role in the larger saga is even more significant after this, and she rightfully earns her place as a crucial figure within the Empire.
BARRISS OFFEE RETURNS
Fans have been eagerly waiting to learn about Barriss Offee’s fate between the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Empire. Tales of the Empire finally fills in the gaps. The story begins with Barriss locked in her cell after Order 66 is activated while the Jedi Temple burns in the distance, marking a significant change in her world. The trailer has hinted that Barriss becomes one of the Imperial Inquisitors, and the first episode delivers on that promise.
Given a choice between life and death, Barriss is taken on an Imperial vessel to Nur, the watery world where the Inquisitors have their stronghold. Upon arrival, she meets the Grand Inquisitor, who offers her the opportunity to join the ranks of the Inquisitors. Barriss accepts and begins training, ultimately embracing the dark side and abandoning her Jedi ethics.
DARTH VADER & THE GRAND INQUISITOR RETURN
The latest trailer for the series teases the return of Darth Vader, who appears briefly in a glorified cameo. However, his presence is significant, as shown in the new animation style of The Clone Wars. The animation is flawless, and Vader is presented as close to live-action as we have ever seen. The animators have done an exceptional job of making the scene feel like a live-action moment, and it is the highest tribute one can pay to them.
It is worth noting that the return of the Grand Inquisitor, played again by Jason Isaacs, is a welcome addition. Like Vader, he has undergone an animation upgrade, greatly enhancing his appearance. His sharp, refined features are impressive, and his intimidating expression is unforgettable. Fortunately, he receives more screen time than Vader, and Rebels fans will be elated with his role in the story, particularly the training sequences depicting Barriss’ decline into darkness.
THE FOURTH SISTER
Fortunately, the return of Darth Vader and the Grand Inquisitor is not the only highlight of the series. The Fourth Sister, who briefly appeared in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, is given more depth in this installment. She is portrayed as a fallen Jedi, well on her way to becoming an Inquisitor, and she quickly takes Barriss under her wing. The relationship between the two women becomes the story’s central focus, offering a fresh perspective on both characters. Dave Filoni has done an excellent job of developing these characters, making them more relatable and tangible than ever before.
Through this character exploration, we gain a deeper understanding of the choices made by the characters throughout their journey. This helps us connect with them personally, making them characters we can rally behind. Our investment in their journey is rewarded with meaningful events and outcomes as their story arc unfolds. Unfortunately, the story becomes predictable and follows a formulaic approach. However, considering the nature of the Force, deviating too much from the overall story wouldn’t be appropriate. Despite that, the story quickly aligns with the opening of the Obi-Wan series, which keeps it relatable and grounded while exploring the choices Barriss made on her journey.
HIGHLIGHTS
Aside from the spectacular animation, the series also boasts another powerful score from Kevin Kiner and his family. Joined by Sean Kiner and Deana Kiner, Kevin brings fresh ideas and energetic tones that rejuvenate the score, similar to their work on the final season of The Bad Batch. Grievous’s attack on Dathomir and the opening of Barriss Offee’s story arc are particularly memorable. The themes from Kiner’s past work on Clone Wars are haunting and refreshing, and the composer deserves all the praise. Kiner has been successfully stepping into John Williams’ shoes for decades, making him the true heir to the Star Wars symphonic throne – and long may he reign.
VERDICT
Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is yet another masterpiece from Dave Filoni, with only a few minor issues towards the end. The exceptional series showcases the visionary director’s ability to raise the bar whenever he gets behind the camera. The animation style, cinematography, and action sequences are outstanding, building on Filoni’s previous work on Clone Wars, Rebels, and The Bad Batch while maintaining their quality and tone.
This isn’t just another animated series; it’s Star Wars at its absolute best. Tales of the Empire is another brilliant creation from a seasoned visionary in the prime of his career. Get ready to immerse yourself in six animated shorts set in a galaxy far, far away. This is the ultimate way to celebrate Star Wars Day, so grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and enjoy!
STAR WARS: TALES OF THE EMPIRE debuts all six episodes on Disney Plus on May 4th, 2024.
Phil Roberts is the owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. He is a huge fan of Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies.
If he’s not in the cinema he’s probably streaming something equally awesome!
