'Star Wars: Ahsoka' has to find its way to success on Disney+ | Review

A colleague sent a primer to me that would allow me to immerse myself in the world of Ahsoka, the latest Jedi to get her own series in the “Star Wars” universe.

It’s a 29-minute YouTube video that recaps Ahsoka Tano’s (Rosario Dawson) backstory. And therein lays the initial problem in investing time in this mini-series that premieres exclusively on Disney+ Tuesday.

It really helps that you’re steeped in the lore of “Star Wars: Rebels,” an Emmy Award-winning, 75-episode animated series that aired from 2014-18. It points to a fundamental problem that can handicap entries into the "Star Wars" canon. You can’t just parachute in and be aware of what’s happening. Such programs and films serve the hardcore fan, a fact that is understandable, but isn’t the goal to also expand fandom?

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Perhaps “Ahsoka” will do that, considering it comes from “Star War” luminary David Filoni (“The Mandalorian” and the aforementioned animated series). However, if the first two episodes are indicative are examples of what’s to come, this chapter in the “Star Wars” saga could prove a slog.

We meet Ahsoka as she’s on a quest to find a stellar map that will lead her to Grand Admiral Thrawn. In the process she reteams with those she served.

Among them: Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) and Gen. Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Wren is in search of someone close to her, while Syndulla’s mission is to guard the fragile peace for an even more fragile republic. They soon learn that something is afoot that can do their cause great harm.

And, of course, the past creeps into the present day as Wren's old grudges and slights come to the forefront and at least one person involved has an agenda that extends beyond their shared goal.

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Unlike “Obi-wan,” which had a beloved, familiar character as its lead, “Ahsoka” will likely have a tougher road to traverse. Of course, there are those who transitioned from the “Star Wars” films to the assorted animated properties who know the character. But there exist plenty of us who didn’t follow the “Star Wars” universe after the films. We will have to be won over.

Although the character isn’t wholly familiar to many, she did make an appearance in “The Mandalorian,” but more importantly she’s portrayed with a playful stoicism by the very familiar Rosario Dawson. That performance is enough to warrant coming back to see how everything unfolds.

George M. Thomas dabbles in movies and television for the Beacon Journal.

Review

Movie: “Star Wars: Ahsoka”

Cast: Rosario Dawson, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, David Tennant

Directed by: David Filoni

Grade: B-

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 'Ahsoka' will have to find its way in 'Star Wars' canon