Ahsoka Series Discussion *SPOILERS*

[Taegin Roan]

Alright, first 2 episodes of Ahsoka are out, and I've been thinking about them, and thinking to myself "I wish a had a community I could talk to about them". Then I remembered that I do.😅

So lets get this discussion going. FYI, there will be spoilers in this thread.







***SPOILERS***


So how are we all feeling? Since we first found out that Ahsoka was going to be played in Live-Action by Rosario Dawson it's been my opinion that she's not the perfect choice for Ahsoka. I was willing to give her a chance though, because she's a great actress. However, after seeing her in Mando and Boba, and now the first 2 episodes of Ahsoka, I'm still not convinced. Part of the issue is I don't see Ahsoka, I see Rosario. The other part is that I currently see her trying to act like how she thinks Ahsoka should act, and not truly, fully, embodying Ahsoka. That could come with more time spent as the character though.

However, even with that, I'm able to listen to the words she's actually saying, and see that yes, the writing is that of Ahsoka. If Ashley Eckstein was saying these words, I would believe that it was Ahsoka. So at the moment, I can't criticize that area of the writing.

Some other thoughts though. After watching the first episode, I asked myself "am I interested and engaged in this show because the show is good? Or am I just going to watch episode 2 because it's Star Wars and it's available?" I haven't quite answered that yet. I didn't have time to watch both episodes back to back, so I had a full day in between watching them, and as I was going about my day on Wednesday waiting to watch episode 2, all I could think of was how I felt like I had watched another episode of Star Wars Rebels, and that told me that at the very least, it's doing something right.

Lothal looks fantastic (though the Lothcat does look a bit synthetic), and Huyang is a great addition to the show. It's always good to see different cultures, and I'm specifically referring to the exploration of the difference between Jedi and Nightsisters and their view of the Force. It's barely touched on, but you see it in the interactions between Baylon and Morgan.

And I'll end with this: who do we think Marrok is?
I've seen theories that it's Kanan, or Ezra, or Barriss, or Starkiller. And while I'm not sure, it's hard not to see the similarity between "Marrok" and "Marek" (which, for those who don't know, Starkiller's name is Galen Marek). And Filoni has talked about the idea of bringing back Starkiller as an inqusitor. I don't know what I want from it yet, but I'm leaning towards not wanting it to be Starkiller.

[KaiserSosay]

If you are enjoying the show and are optimistic about the series in general, then don't watch the video I linked! I don't want to dampen anyone's good times.
Sorry I'm always so negative.  I blame Disney.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBH-L87nJUk&pp=ygUxRGlzbmV5IHN0YXIgd2FycyB0dXJuZWQgcXVpIGdvbiBqaW5uIGludG8gYSBsb3Nlcg%3D%3D#

[Maestro Jones]

So how are we all feeling? Since we first found out that Ahsoka was going to be played in Live-Action by Rosario Dawson it's been my opinion that she's not the perfect choice for Ahsoka. I was willing to give her a chance though, because she's a great actress. However, after seeing her in Mando and Boba, and now the first 2 episodes of Ahsoka, I'm still not convinced. Part of the issue is I don't see Ahsoka, I see Rosario. The other part is that I currently see her trying to act like how she thinks Ahsoka should act, and not truly, fully, embodying Ahsoka. That could come with more time spent as the character though.

Honestly, the only actor that I feel correctly reflects the animated version is Ryder.  But then again, it is the OG actor and the original animation was actually modeled after him.  I can't see any of the others as their animated counter parts.  I never felt Dawson embodied Ahsoka, thought supposedly she researched (and lobbied) for the role.

However, even with that, I'm able to listen to the words she's actually saying, and see that yes, the writing is that of Ahsoka. If Ashley Eckstein was saying these words, I would believe that it was Ahsoka. So at the moment, I can't criticize that area of the writing.

I do think the writing is spot on for the characters and the "series" (let's face it, it is Rebels season 5).  But, considering this Rebels (and the character Ahsoka) is Filoni's baby, I wouldn't expect anything less.

Some other thoughts though. After watching the first episode, I asked myself "am I interested and engaged in this show because the show is good? Or am I just going to watch episode 2 because it's Star Wars and it's available?" I haven't quite answered that yet. I didn't have time to watch both episodes back to back, so I had a full day in between watching them, and as I was going about my day on Wednesday waiting to watch episode 2, all I could think of was how I felt like I had watched another episode of Star Wars Rebels, and that told me that at the very least, it's doing something right.

I'm watching it because my wife is a HUGE Ahsoka fan.  She has watched both episodes five times each since they premiered.  If you do the math, that is five times in four days.  She watched them again Tuesday night.  But, I am also interested in the character of Ahsoka.  She is one of the most fully developed characters in SW with a huge amount of growth.  But, for me Rebels is my SW show.  It has a great arc and the character (and the show) grow from the beginning to the end.  I liek to think that this was by design.  Think about it: It aired on The Disney Channel and was geared towards kids.  As the intended audience grew more mature, so did the show and the themes.  Let's face it: "Jedi Night" could not have aired in season 1.

Lothal looks fantastic (though the Lothcat does look a bit synthetic), and Huyang is a great addition to the show. It's always good to see different cultures, and I'm specifically referring to the exploration of the difference between Jedi and Nightsisters and their view of the Force. It's barely touched on, but you see it in the interactions between Baylon and Morgan.

The look of the show is great.  I dare to say it is the best looking show of all of them.  Lothal looks exactly like it did in Rebels, but better. 

And I'll end with this: who do we think Marrok is?
I've seen theories that it's Kanan, or Ezra, or Barriss, or Starkiller. And while I'm not sure, it's hard not to see the similarity between "Marrok" and "Marek" (which, for those who don't know, Starkiller's name is Galen Marek). And Filoni has talked about the idea of bringing back Starkiller as an inqusitor. I don't know what I want from it yet, but I'm leaning towards not wanting it to be Starkiller.

I wouldn't be surprised if they made Marrok Ezra, but it would mess with the narrative of the end of Rebels.  Ezra and Thrawn were lost together.  Thrawn is still missing.  If Erza is Marrok, how did he come back but not Thrawn.  I doubt it is Kanan as that would diminish the last few episodes of Rebels.  Barriss would be a good choice considering her history with Ahsoka.  I don't think they would bring in anyone from the EU/Legends.

[Taegin Roan]

I'm watching it because my wife is a HUGE Ahsoka fan.  She has watched both episodes five times each since they premiered.  If you do the math, that is five times in four days.  She watched them again Tuesday night.  But, I am also interested in the character of Ahsoka.  She is one of the most fully developed characters in SW with a huge amount of growth.  But, for me Rebels is my SW show.  It has a great arc and the character (and the show) grow from the beginning to the end.  I liek to think that this was by design.  Think about it: It aired on The Disney Channel and was geared towards kids.  As the intended audience grew more mature, so did the show and the themes.  Let's face it: "Jedi Night" could not have aired in season 1.

It's sad that as much as I love Star Wars, I don't have a Star Wars show that I consider "my show". Rebels is close, and TCW is close, but neither of them are quite there. I loved Andor, but that's also not there yet. Maybe s2 can bring it. And I doubt Ahsoka will be able to be that for me. A strange choice, but I consider Attack of the Clones to be "my movie". 

Honestly, the only actor that I feel correctly reflects the animated version is Ryder.  But then again, it is the OG actor and the original animation was actually modeled after him.  I can't see any of the others as their animated counter parts.  I never felt Dawson embodied Ahsoka, thought supposedly she researched (and lobbied) for the role.

Glad to see I'm not the only one who thinks this.

[Lord_S_Gray]

I agree Dawson as Ahsoka thus far simply does not work, she doesn't seem at all like the character in Rebels of TCW, and frankly I find her the least interesting part of her own series thus far. 


Baylon and Morgan are actually far more engaging for me, I want to see more of them than any of the others.

There will be many people watching this who have not seen, and will never watch/cannot be expected to watch, Rebels, that is a fact, but the character intros have been done OK to catch people with zero interest in the animated shows up I think overall, albeit it means some scenes (notably Sabine returning to the ship) meant nothing to some people.   

Will see where it goes from here but I'd say its been an 'average' start. The stand out moments have been for me and mine anything with Baylon and co. (arguably not knowing their motives/background/relationships to each other makes them far more interesting as you don't know what to expect), the rest has been nothing exceptional or overly interesting.

[nunya]

Point to Taegin for starting this topic.  I came here looking for this.
My main issues with the first two episodes:
1. A jedi trained individual AND a 25000 year old robot could not solve a three axis puzzle
2. So much spinning (of the body) in fights
3. Living from gut stabs

I am not sure what else to say about the "rubix" sphere except I would hope the writers could come up with a better way to bring in Sabine.

Okay, I know the spinning adds drama. Sold. However, I counted 7 in the one duel on Lothal.  I would lose too if I made myself so dizzy.  Sabine should have been sliced multiple times. Can we please get a good technical fight with limited spinning? 

I am a fan of Qui-Gon so I am getting really irritated with EVERYONE else surviving plasma punches in the poop tubes.  Also, did the wound move from center to side or am I mistaken.

In closing, I am a fan and otherwise curious to see what they do with the rest of the story.   Also, bring me some Zeb already...
 

[nunya]

If you are enjoying the show and are optimistic about the series in general, then don't watch the video I linked! I don't want to dampen anyone's good times.
Sorry I'm always so negative.  I blame Disney.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBH-L87nJUk&pp=ygUxRGlzbmV5IHN0YXIgd2FycyB0dXJuZWQgcXVpIGdvbiBqaW5uIGludG8gYSBsb3Nlcg%3D%3D#

Oh my bad buddy KaiserSosay...I should have known. 
I posted first then watched the review link.  Clearly I agree...but I will still watch the show.   I do not look at crashes when I am driving but stare like a scarecrow when I am a passenger.
Some amputations in future episodes would be a good step toward redemption.

[nunya]

I agree Dawson as Ahsoka thus far simply does not work, she doesn't seem at all like the character in Rebels of TCW, and frankly I find her the least interesting part of her own series thus far. 


Baylon and Morgan are actually far more engaging for me, I want to see more of them than any of the others.

There will be many people watching this who have not seen, and will never watch/cannot be expected to watch, Rebels, that is a fact, but the character intros have been done OK to catch people with zero interest in the animated shows up I think overall, albeit it means some scenes (notably Sabine returning to the ship) meant nothing to some people.   

Will see where it goes from here but I'd say its been an 'average' start. The stand out moments have been for me and mine anything with Baylon and co. (arguably not knowing their motives/background/relationships to each other makes them far more interesting as you don't know what to expect), the rest has been nothing exceptional or overly interesting.

I agree Ahsoka seems dry but I blame the director.  They should have the vision and guide the actor toward it.

[For Tyeth]

I am a fan of Qui-Gon so I am getting really irritated with EVERYONE else surviving plasma punches in the poop tubes.  Also, did the wound move from center to side or am I mistaken.

In closing, I am a fan and otherwise curious to see what they do with the rest of the story.   Also, bring me some Zeb already...
 

Hi there, now I don't have Disney+ so haven't seen Ahsoka but I have heard about the Sabine/Qui-Gon "controversy" and this seems to add to my feelings that QGJ was short changed (even if they tried to make it up to him by making him the first "Force Ghost").

Anyway I can contribute this for you Nunya....

Can you believe I 3d modelled this THREE years ago now?

[nunya]

Hi there, now I don't have Disney+ so haven't seen Ahsoka but I have heard about the Sabine/Qui-Gon "controversy" and this seems to add to my feelings that QGJ was short changed (even if they tried to make it up to him by making him the first "Force Ghost").

Anyway I can contribute this for you Nunya....

Can you believe I 3d modelled this THREE years ago now?

Beautiful!  This should be the next US release.
Point to you and thanks!

[Taegin Roan]

I agree Dawson as Ahsoka thus far simply does not work, she doesn't seem at all like the character in Rebels of TCW, and frankly I find her the least interesting part of her own series thus far. 


Baylon and Morgan are actually far more engaging for me, I want to see more of them than any of the others.

There will be many people watching this who have not seen, and will never watch/cannot be expected to watch, Rebels, that is a fact, but the character intros have been done OK to catch people with zero interest in the animated shows up I think overall, albeit it means some scenes (notably Sabine returning to the ship) meant nothing to some people.   

Will see where it goes from here but I'd say its been an 'average' start. The stand out moments have been for me and mine anything with Baylon and co. (arguably not knowing their motives/background/relationships to each other makes them far more interesting as you don't know what to expect), the rest has been nothing exceptional or overly interesting.

Agreed. Morgan being a descendant of nightsisters (doesn't sound like she was raised on Dathomir) is very intriguing. And Baylon (Ray) just has a gravitas about him that is definitely needed.

If you are enjoying the show and are optimistic about the series in general, then don't watch the video I linked! I don't want to dampen anyone's good times.
Sorry I'm always so negative.  I blame Disney.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBH-L87nJUk&pp=ygUxRGlzbmV5IHN0YXIgd2FycyB0dXJuZWQgcXVpIGdvbiBqaW5uIGludG8gYSBsb3Nlcg%3D%3D#

For some reason I didn't see this originally, but yeah. There is a slight difference between Sabine and Qui-Gon that I'll get to in just a second.

Point to Taegin for starting this topic.  I came here looking for this.
My main issues with the first two episodes:
1. A jedi trained individual AND a 25000 year old robot could not solve a three axis puzzle

The first thing I'd have done when I got the cube globe would've been to start spinning things. But then it took Sabine way to long to figure out that not only did the pieces spin, but how they were supposed to line up. The very first thing you notice about the globe when Ahsoka pulls it out of the soot is that there's a triquetra on it, clear as day.

2. So much spinning (of the body) in fights

I noticed this as well. The occasional spin can look really good, but the fight really just wasn't that impressive. Also the way it was filmed was too many close up shots, and shaky-cam to really feel like the elegant duel it should be. Even with a more scrappy fighter like Sabine.

3. Living from gut stabs

And I knew as soon as I saw this that the Reva Controversy would be restarted.
The problem with Reva was that she was stabbed (twice) and did not received immediate medical attention, only to then teleport to Tatooine and wander around wounded chasing after a certain character, and then wait until Obi-Wan conveniently also arrives at just the right time to talk and wait even longer. She should've been long dead.

With Sabine, she was stabbed in more of the lower right side, and then immediately was able to receive medical attention. So I have much less problem with her surviving, though it's still dumb that they keep doing that.

As for Qui-Gon, after rewatching the stabbing sequence, he is stabbed directly through the middle of his belly and his spine is severed. He then lies there dying for 5ish minutes waiting for Obi-Wan to slice Maul in half. He then willingly "gave up the ghost", a thing that has been established that Jedi can and will do since A New Hope in '77. But his wound was also far more severe than Sabine's was.

I agree Ahsoka seems dry but I blame the director.  They should have the vision and guide the actor toward it.

It's not fantastic. Hopefully it gets better.

[Lord_S_Gray]

Up to episode 4. So far it's OK...the 'villains' are still the most interesting part of it, it has been commented on by others I know who have not watched Clone Wars or Rebels, they don't get why Ahsoka and Sabine are main characters, and were rooting for them to get bumped off so they can see more of Baylon. Episode 4 especially, Baylon is just such a more fascinating character, not even really a villain, his motivations are uncertain but his pragmatism is great.  I'd be really interested to know how other people who haven't watched Rebels feel about this show, I suspect the ending to ep 4 baffled most of them.

[TheDutchman]

Up to episode 4. So far it's OK...the 'villains' are still the most interesting part of it, it has been commented on by others I know who have not watched Clone Wars or Rebels, they don't get why Ahsoka and Sabine are main characters, and were rooting for them to get bumped off so they can see more of Baylon. Episode 4 especially, Baylon is just such a more fascinating character, not even really a villain, his motivations are uncertain but his pragmatism is great.  I'd be really interested to know how other people who haven't watched Rebels feel about this show, I suspect the ending to ep 4 baffled most of them.

While it is LSG's submission(s) that I'm most closely aligned to, I think that almost everything that everyone in this thread has stated has been dead-on balls accurate.

Ahsoka is the very example of "mediocre."  Ahsoka, Hera, and Sabine come off as flat.  I feel bad for anyone who is not familiar/has not seen "Star Wars: Rebels" as there is A LOT of characterization that is lost as a result.  Plus: their live-action counterparts are particularly underwhelming.

That said: Ray Stevenson (RIP  ) is a fantastic actor, one that I've loved ever since he came out in HBO's "Rome."  Unsurprisingly, Baylon IS an interesting character, made even better by the fact that he isn't some 2-dimensional, moustache-twirling villian who is EVUL4THELULZ.  I'm sincerely excited to see what his endgame is.

Also: I'm eager to see Thrawn in live-action, especially since Lars Mikkelsen was very good in "Rebels" and, as a book fan of the original Zahn "Heir To The Empire" Trilogy, I've been waiting almost 3 decades for this 

Maybe (hopefully!) "Ahsoka" will improve significantly.  I have to admit that Episode 5 was better (some nice fanservice but still too many cringe-worthy scenes).

I'm really enjoying reading others' opinions regarding this series!

[Taegin Roan]

Episode 5 was much much better. And while yes, there were a lot of "fan-service" moments, they actually were also in service of the story as well.

I still think Rosario isn't right for Ahsoka, and after seeing episode 5, and seeing Ariana Greenblatt come in and play the character so much better, that opinion is even more reinforced. I was nearly crying during the Anakin scenes though. Hayden just absolutely killed it.

And actually, I kind of liked the stuff with Jacen. Any other world/story/character, and I think I would've hated it, but something about the way it was done, and the legacy of Kanan really worked in that moment for me. And anytime we get a LOTR reference, I appreciate it, so Ahsoka the White isn't a bad thing either.

[ThreadJack]

So far I'm enjoying this series!

Although I have to say, the Purgil are a stupid concept, even by SW standards. That's been my feelings since Rebels and is so far my only major criticism of the Ahsoka series.