Like last year's Tales of the Jedi, Tales of the Empire examines the duality of light and dark, even if everything appears dark at first. Once again showcasing what makes Star Wars storytelling standout, these six shorts are compelling and thrilling, perfect for fans of all ages.
Tales of the Empire Review
Created by Dave Filoni, Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is a six-episode journey into stories of the Galactic Empire never before told. Experience the corruption of the Dark Side through the eyes of two warriors, set on different paths but mirror each other in a way that showcases how one's choices define their destinies. After losing everything, a young Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) walks the path of vengeance as the Empire expands its chokehold on the Galaxy. In another era, former Jedi Barriss Offee (Meredith Salenger) does what she must to survive in the aftermath of Order 66. Their lives, despite being separated by many years, are intertwined and fans will watch how differently these two formidable beings approach their futures.
Tales of the Empire is another Star Wars animated triumph. These character-driven narratives are compelling and thrilling, accentuated with incredible animation, a beautiful score, and imagery that is not soon to be forgotten. This series spotlights the machine of the Empire and how it failed even the ones who embraced it. Those failures might turn an ally into an enemy or make a ruthless fighter even more deadly by giving them an excuse to dwell in eternal rage. The action sequences continue to wow but they never threaten to consume the episodes. They are there to punctuate what is happening because it is and has always been the dialogue that remains king for these powerful and insightful stories.
The first three shorts focus on the story of Morgan Elsbeth, a character we have seen quite a bit of recently in the live-action Star Wars universe. These all take place before her appearance in The Mandalorian. In “the Path of Fear,” Morgan watches as General Grievous and his droid army wipe out her people, the Nightsisters, and her home on Dathomir. While the Nightsisters have never been on the side of light, it is easy to see how witnessing such an atrocity could drive a young witch to commit unspeakable crimes. The path to the dark side is generally shown as something one comes to almost reluctantly or with at least a smidge of trepidation. Morgan however boldly makes her choice, consequences be damned.
Episode 2, “The Path of Anger,” sees Morgan working for the very Empire that caused the destruction of her life. She is using her considerable intelligence to attempt to aid the Empire. Those familiar with the Thrawn book series will instantly recognize what she is trying to sell them. But being the Empire, they don't want her help but they do want the considerable resources from the planet she currently calls home- Corvus. She returns there and you can see the wheels spinning as she tries to figure out how to stop the Empire. I won't say she is a just ruler, but in her own twisted way she cares enough about the planet not to see it meet the same fate as Dathomir. Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) shows up and reaches out to her, connecting with her on an intellectual level. This lays the groundwork for explaining why she was so insistent on finding him in the Ahsoka series.
Concluding her stories, at least for now, is episode 3 “The Path of Hate.” Taking place after the formation of the New Republic and before the events of The Mandalorian, Morgan still reigns over Corvus. Despite everything the Imperials did to her, she remains steadfast in her hatred for essentially everyone and everything. The dark side takes center stage completely here and Inosanto gives a chilling performance. There is no hope here and what Filoni has put together here is reminiscent of how it felt watching The Empire Strikes Back for the first time.
“Devoted” switches gears to Barriss Offee, a former Jedi, who like Ahsoka before her, became disillusioned with how the Jedi were operating. She was locked up however and that is where episode 4 begins. The sounds of Order 66 can be heard but she isn't killed, she is taken to a place where those deemed “special” are given another chance. A chance to join the dark side. This is the first canon explanation as to what happened to Offee after Order 66. She was never confirmed to be killed as Filoni was said to have plans for her character. Turns out those plans put her on a path to becoming one of the Grand Inquisitor's (Jason Isaacs) cronies, one of the sisters that fought by his side. Her skill with a saber was easy to prove, her loyalty however can only be assured by her facing a friend. It's either her or him. There is a surprise at the end of this episode I won't spoil but it is perfectly used.
The last two episodes, “Realization” and “The Way Out” follow Offee as she takes on her role as a weapon for the Grand Inquisitor before ultimately showing how she makes the choice Morgan Elsbeth did not. When enough is enough, the former Jedi once again turns her back on the path she chose in order to follow her conscience. Her story also shows how one person's choice can be what helps others turn back from the abyss of rage to seek the light. Oh, and look out plushy fans, there is a signature cute creature waiting in “The Way Out!”
I can't end this review without addressing the stunning quality of the animation, particularly in the fight sequences. Episode 2 is just jaw-dropping as Morgan, already wielding the Beskar Spear, successfully defends herself against an assassin. It is amazing what can be choreographed in animation, to the point where it makes you forget you aren't watching two living people face-off. Aside from the big set pieces, the overall animation drives home that these are stories of the Imperial plague. The lightning is harsh at times, stark reds slash through darkness, the environments are full of sharp edges–it is as unfeeling as the Empire itself. The Kiner family, who continually kill it with their scores, delivers something that is both haunting and commanding. The Emperor would be most pleased.
Tales of the Empire is another win for Star Wars fans and the Galaxy's legacy of storytelling. Dave Filoni continues to show why he is a master in the Star Wars universe. These stories pack a punch, getting the most out of their short runtimes to deliver something compelling, thrilling, and exciting. I don't know where Filoni and co want to go from here, but here's to hoping we get another Tales of the… next year.
All six episodes of Tales of the Empire are available to stream on Disney+ beginning May 4.
Watch me and Big Gold Belt Media's Nagier discuss what we loved about this Star Wars series
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