TV REVIEW: AHSOKA - Season 1

4/5

Rebels With A Cause.

8 Episodes. Starring: Rosario Dawson, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ray Stevenson, Ivanna Sakhno, Diana Lee Inosanto, Eman Esfandi, Ariana Greenblatt, David Tennant & Genevieve O'Reilly. Created By: Dave Filoni. On: Disney +.

'Rebels' rejoice! If you loved the cult classic, amazing animation that's probably the closest thing in this galaxy far, far away to the original outstanding, terrific trilogy, then 'Ahsoka' is the show that you're looking for. Say it, like the similar sounding Japanese word for, "I see". In this space opera of duelling samurai and wild west themes, nothing beats the excitement of seeing electric emit from the hilt of a lightsaber before battle. And as Natasha Liu Bordizzo draws hers, before cutting her hair and putting on a familiar helmet and blasting away, you know it's on. All for a series that has more neon combat than 'The Mandalorian' has guest spots in other people's shows. But don't expect Mando or Bay Yoda here, this isn't 'The Book Of Boba Fett', even if 'Ahsoka' made her redefining debut in that show. Although you can count on some 'Andor' appearances (no not him, but the great Genevieve O'Reilly) and more classic crossover cameos that have been social spoilt, but will remain hidden here like all the Easter Eggs you should get outside and find yourself. A, souka. 

One thing for sure is that 'Clerks', 'Sin City' and the Claire Temple Night Nurse of Netflix's street-level Marvel universe of 'Defenders', crossing the shows like she does lightsaber streams, Rosario Dawson is perfect as the iconic Ahsoka Tano, looking and feeling the part. Not a dame to kill for, but one who will get the job done herself with two sabres of pure white that match her hair that is what every fan wants to conjure up at the next comic-con. This slow burn of a show may lose steam as it streams and wanders towards its eighth episode conclusion that sets up more stories and spin-off in this novel video game and trading card, comic world building that's all connected. But her powerful presence is what compels you to commit from the start. Especially in a kendo like training sequence that will remind you of all the classics set in a dojo. Dawson's dawn of Ahsoka is accomplished. Looking exactly what you thought the CGI 'Star Wars-Rebels' character would look like all grown up. The only thing that looks closer and more convincing is the brilliant 'Barbie' star Ariana Greenblatt in a formidable flashback that takes you all the way back. Don't get snippy! 

Yet despite the name, 'Ahsoka' is more than Rosario Tano's show. Credit to whoever made that Fett "first time(?)" meme from 'The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs'. But in all this galaxy creation, you'll welcome it. Trust me, you'll have a whale of a time. Especially as these 'Star Wars' Disney + products have seemed to found the sweet spot in this week's season finale. All whilst Marvel are banking it all on 'Loki' season 2 coming this Friday, despite the critically and criminally underrated 'Secret Invasion' for Mickey Mouse's two biggest by-products. In this 'Return Of The Jedi' time, 'The Mandalorian's' Dave Filoni ('Avatar-The Last Airbender') has created a marvellous miniseries. Striking back like the Empire for Lucasfilm with some of the best Stormtroopers you've seen this side of a collector's closet. Netflix's 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword Of Destiny' and 'Day Shift' star Bordizzo co-headlines this show the first time she bursts onto the scene on a bike that rivals young Kirk's high-speed desert chase with the police in J.J. Abrams 'Star Trek' reboot, before a breakout Chris Pine stole the show. Elsewhere, a 'Die Hard', 'Bird Of Prey' in Mary Elizabeth Winstead goes green for the team and counsel. In matrimony with this big-three lead like she is with Obi-Wan Kenobi. Or at least, Ewan McGregor in real life. The 'Death Proof', 'Scott Pilgrim vs. The World', 'The Thing', 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter', 'Gemini Man' and '10 Cloverfield Lane' star has gone from cult rising star, to one of the industry's most inspired. 

Rest peacefully to Ray Stevenson with beautiful episode one dedication for their fallen friend. If only the 'King Arthur', 'Rome', 'The Punisher: War Zone' Frank Castle and 'RRR' villain star could see how well received he is here. 'The Clone Wars' star classic here like his comedy was in 'The Other Guys' ("I've had enough of this joker and his wooden gun"). Especially in a final frame so iconic and heartbreakingly pointing to more. Just like the lightsaber stand of his apprentice, Ivanna Sakhno. The Ukrainian actress from 'Pacific Rim: Uprising' ruling any moment she's in. Stealing the show from a galaxy of stars. Whether battling by sword or ship in these spaced out wars. Add 'The Sensei' of stuntwoman and martial artist Diana Lee Inosanto's witching hour, three Macbeth like characters bringing the most terrifying toil and trouble you've ever seen in a Star Wars product (is this Disney?), and Eman Esfandi's Ezra in introduction, and we really do have a whole new universe on our hands. And if you're looking for those favourite droids and the beeps they say in perfect comic-timing, look no further than 'Doctor Who' himself, David Tennant in his best role since he killed it in 'Jessica Jones'. Complete all this with classic titles to episodes, like the final part 'The Jedi, The Witch and the Warlord', not to mention even more redemption revenge, and the apprentice really has become the master. 'Ahsoka' as a character and show really is in a class of its and her own. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'The Mandalorian', 'Obi-Wan Kenobi', 'Star Wars-Rebels'.