From the time we knew that the Ahsoka series would serve as a continuation of Rebels, following up threads left by that animated series, I’ve been eagerly awaiting its start. The trailers have given us looks at Hera and Sabine in live action. Showing a rebuilt Lothal. The hunt for Thrawn, and for Ezra. And lately there has been a large focus on the relationship between master and apprentice.

The first episode is even named that, with a large focus given to those relationships. Something happened between Ahsoka and Sabine that drove them apart. They still hold respect for each other, but those past events keep them from wanting to join each other at first. Across these two episodes, each gets a little help to put those past events behind them and give the master and apprentice thing another shot.

On the other side of this chase to find Thrawn are the duo of Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati. These two are formidable foes, proving that when they first infiltrate the New Republic cruiser taking Morgan Elsbeth into custody. There seems to be some distance between the two, however. Still respectful of each other, but in stark contrast to Ahsoka and Sabine. This is a job for Skoll and Hati, and they both seem to be invested in it more than each other.

That infiltration of the cruiser is fast-paced, showing a lot of finesse in how the two work. Their odd orange blades cutting through troopers, with their utilisation of the Force aiding in pushing through them. Skoll also seems to show a lot of trust in Hati to do things alone, with the closing of the first episode proving that trust is well earned. The relationship between these two is something I want to see expanded on throughout the series.

Ahsoka is the next person the first episode focuses on, seeing her facing off against combat droids in her quest for more information on where Thrawn is. So far this whole part of the setup, while interesting in execution, leaves me feeling a bit sceptical about it. As I say, the execution so far is good, and maybe that scepticism will go away as more of the setup and the payoff is revealed. Again, the action here is great. And getting those interactions with Huyang after that action is fun.

Just where Ahsoka found the droid responsible for teaching younglings about lightsaber creation isn’t likely to be revealed here, but Huyang adds some levity with his logical reasonings. Hera is also introduced during Ahsoka’s section of the opening. As a general of the New Republic Defence Fleet, she seems to have kept busy. She’s still in contact with those of the Spectres who remain, as she knows of the situation between Ahsoka and Sabine. And wants to help fix it with her intuitive wisdom.

For Sabine, her introduction is handled great. It reveals her hurt for Ezra’s disappearance, the feeling that she’s helpless to do anything about it. Though she’s still as carefree as ever. Stuck on Lothal, hiding again from events of the past, the call to action is just what she needs. But again, hiding from the past. Her interactions with Ahsoka show as much. I am curious whether the series will reveal more on the past between the two. The setup is there to show them working things out, so hopefully it utilises it when it needs to.

The second episode continues with the quest via a shipyard under the New Republic. Not only does it showcase more great battles, including a bit of teamwork by Hera and Ahsoka, this is where another antagonist comes into play. Marrok is a former Inquisitor who is now a mercenary. Another hire of Morgan Elsbeth to help her find Thrawn, the fight against Ahsoka is another great one. It shows both the skills of Marrok as an Inquisitor and the experience Ahsoka has in dealing with them.

This second episode also gives us some Chopper action! That old crazy droid of Hera’s is still the same as ever, and the interactions between the two are just as amusing as ever. I do hope there’s the opportunity for more Chopper antics as the series progresses, as they were always one of the best things about Rebels. After all, we can’t go throughout the entire series and not see Chopper adding to his kill count.

As a Rebels fan, this feels the perfect continuation of it while adding new things to the universe. Fans of Rebels will love the Lothal parts, with quite a few references and callbacks to the series. For those who haven’t seen Rebels, I feel Ahsoka does a good job of introducing these characters and the quest to them. There’s a deeper understanding behind why these things matter that they’ll be missing, but that should be introduced to them as the series progresses.

From these first two episodes, this is gearing up to be a great series. Already the intrigue is there. Why these mercenaries are working for Elsbeth. Where it is they are heading. What the situation will be when they arrive and who they will encounter. Along with all the questions regarding the relationship dynamics of these masters and apprentices. I can give this series a great recommendation. Give it a watch on Disney+. You might just find yourself invested.

Images Taken From:
Ahsoka | Official Trailer | Star Wars