The Jaw-dropping Ahsoka Episode 3 Review: Prepare to Be Blown Away!

Highlights

"Ahsoka episode 3 is frustratingly short, but it delivers the series' greatest action set-piece so far."

Note: The content has been rewritten below:

"Director Steph Green skillfully showcases her adaptability to cater to the narrative and characters, embracing a vibrant and visually captivating style."

"While the B-plot revolving around Hera and New Republic politics is not as engrossing, it does include an exciting cameo by Chancellor Mon Mothma that is sure to delight fans."

Beware: This review includes spoilers for episode 3 of Ahsoka.

Titled "Part Three: Time to Fly," the third episode of Ahsoka may be disappointingly short, but it offers an undeniably enjoyable slice of Star Wars, featuring the series' most thrilling action sequence to date. In this installment, Sabine Wren resumes her Jedi training under Ahsoka's guidance, while Hera Syndulla engages in negotiations with influential figures within the New Republic government. With a runtime of just over 30 minutes, "Time to Fly" is the briefest episode of Ahsoka thus far, and it certainly feels that way — just as the story begins to gain momentum, the end credits roll. However, this episode lays the groundwork for an upcoming installment that promises more excitement, even if it falls short in terms of advancing the overall plot.

Steph Green, the director of Ahsoka's third episode, previously directed the second chapter. Green is renowned for her work on Watchmen and The Book of Boba Fett, showcasing her talent in adapting to story requirements, character needs, and the distinct style of a new show. Ahsoka has now found its stride with a vibrant and visually appealing aesthetic, striking a balance between high-energy action and intimate dialogue scenes. Dave Filoni, the series' creator and co-creator of the title character, once again writes the script with utmost care and respect for his proudest creation. Ahsoka is portrayed as a seasoned veteran enriched by her past experiences and a formidable warrior eagerly seeking her next adventure.

While the B-plot featuring Hera and the politics of the New Republic lacks the same allure as Ahsoka and Sabine's thrilling space confrontation, Hera's meeting with influential senators in the galaxy, conducted virtually, offers a delightful cameo appearance by Chancellor Mon Mothma. Ever since her portrayal in Andor, where she became one of the Star Wars universe's most intriguing characters, seeing Mon Mothma on-screen brings immense joy.

Not much happens for Sabine actor Natasha Liu Bordizzo and Hera actor Mary Elizabeth Winstead this week. Sabine has a training session with Ahsoka, but it only serves to reference Luke Skywalker's visor from the original Star Wars movie, without providing much character development. The groundwork is being laid for Sabine to tap into the Force by the end of the series, but Bordizzo doesn't have a lot to work with. During her discussion with the New Republic leaders, Hera passionately talks about the friends she has lost, but Winstead doesn't fully convey the emotions. Rosario Dawson, on the other hand, continues to anchor the series with her captivating lead performance. Her warmth and charisma truly capture the essence of Ahsoka's character, transforming what could have been a formulaic Star Wars show into an engaging and enjoyable experience.

The episode centers around an exhilarating space battle, featuring stunning visual effects and high stakes. Upon arriving at Seatos, Ahsoka and Sabine must defend against a fleet of starfighters under the command of Hati and Marrok. Initially, this battle appears similar to others seen in previous Star Wars media, with pilots executing maneuvers, gunners inflicting damage, and explosive spectacles occurring. However, as the sequence unfolds, it introduces never-before-seen elements that captivate fans. Ahsoka, equipped with a spacesuit, ventures onto the wing of a ship, skillfully using her lightsabers to defeat the enemy vessels singlehandedly. With the fleet thinned out, the remaining part of the battle showcases ships skillfully maneuvering amidst a group of majestic space whales. This extraordinary set-piece transforms a seemingly ordinary episode into a thrilling gem of action.

The thrilling cliffhanger ending of "Time to Fly" sets the stage for an even more exciting and substantial episode next week. Ahsoka and Sabine's escape into the woods does not go unnoticed by Baylan Skoll, who is determined to find them. As the new episode of Ahsoka unfolds, a high-stakes manhunt ensues, with Ahsoka and her apprentice constantly on the run, trying to outsmart and avoid capture by the relentless mercenaries. The plot has taken an intriguing turn, although it would have been preferable for this development to occur earlier. Nevertheless, there is still hope for Ahsoka to rise above being merely a good Star Wars series and transform into a pulsating intergalactic adventure.