This was a surprise to see announced, randomly a few weeks before Celebration. Though it made sense. A month before Star Wars Day would provide Tales of the Underworld to us. Showing the rise of Cad Bane and return of Asajj Ventress. It was said during her appearance in The Bad Batch that the story of how she came back would be told in the future. And it starts with a scene from a novel brought onto the screen.
Yes, Dark Disciple has been cemented in canon with Quinlan Vos returning Ventress to her birthplace. The bond shared between the two is easy to see with this scene. First with Vos’ point of view, then with that of Ventress. Who is given a choice. Stay within the spirit realm, or return to life by using the power of that love. Though it seems that Vos will no longer remember the love he had for her.
With that scene out of the way, there’s a jump in time to the early days of the Empire. Where Ventress is keeping herself hidden. What follows is the peace being disturbed by a Padawan trying to get away. I admit to thinking that across this journey, Ventress would be training this Padawan across the next two episodes. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case. There’s a bond that forms between the two as they survive the galaxy under the Empire.
There’s some good character moments between the two, and with those they encounter. The second episode puts trust to the test, while the third solidifies it. There’s some good action among the three episodes, too. Where things go from here, I couldn’t even guess. Ventress’ story felt like it had the perfect conclusion with Dark Disciple, yet there’s plans for her. I can only hope that reason is worthwhile.
Bane’s story shows him as a kid, getting a taste of what it would mean to no longer be homeless. To have the money to afford anything he wanted. Alongside his friend, the two do get a taste when a hat-wearing Duros takes an interest in them. That investment, as he calls the two, sets things into motion the day after. Sets the two friends apart and onto their different paths.
This feels a very personal story for the two, with the focus being very much on that relationship. How the events across the years affect them. This rise in how Cad Bane became a criminal is mirrored by his friend’s rise as a lawman. One only cares about the quality of their living, while the other cares for that of everyone’s living. It eventually comes to the expected conclusion in this personal battle.
Of the two character arcs that Tales of the Underworld presents, this is the one I enjoyed more. The western stylings of it are well captured. There’s many more character moments to enjoy with it. And it also feels classical Tales of… in being three pivotal moments of a story rather than one continuous story. While that shouldn’t matter, I feel these stories work better as the former. And also when they dive into personal growth of a character.
Tales of the Underworld is another great Star Wars mini-series. Though I feel for those not fans of the characters, it won’t feel as great as some full series. However, it is still one I can easily recommend. The great visual style, fun action scenes, and plenty of great character moments make it worth the watch.
Images Taken From:
Tales of the Underworld | Official Trailer | Star Wars
