REVIEW: ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’ Is Powerful, Raw, And Important

Tales of the Jedi transforms into the darker and more mature Tales of the Empire, presenting six short but impactful episodes in the animated Star Wars universe. Season 2 of the project ventures beyond the familiar territory of Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku, opting instead to explore the untold stories of Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) and Barriss Offee (Meredith Salenger).

While Ahsoka could carry an entire series on her own, expanding the focus is a wise move for Tales of the Empire. Anthology shows thrive on the potential to delve into unexplored narratives. This season seizes that opportunity. Offee’s and Elsbeth’s arc stands alone. Don’t expect a recap of their adventures, in The Clone Wars and the Mandoverse respectfully. These are characters who have long-standing fanbases itching to know more about them. Thankfully, each episode functions as a self-contained story, requiring no prior knowledge.

Morgan Elsbeth emerges as a captivating figure whose journey from a young Nightsister to a devoted Imperial commander is explored with depth and nuance. Tales of the Empire provides a poignant backstory, offering insight into the events that shaped her into the formidable woman we see in Ahsoka. At the outset, Morgan is depicted as a resilient and determined individual, fiercely loyal to her Nightsister clan. Her early days fighting alongside her sisters against General Grievous (Matthew Wood) reveal her strength and courage in the face of adversity.

These formative experiences lay the groundwork for her eventual allegiance to the Empire. As the series unfolds, Morgan’s character is further developed through careful glimpses into her past. Each episode peels back layers of her persona, revealing the motivations behind her unwavering commitment to the Imperial cause. While her actions may appear villainous on the surface, the series avoids simplistic portrayals, opting instead to present a more nuanced exploration of her character.

Barriss Offee undergoes a much darker transformation as she navigates the aftermath of her arrest for the bombings at the Jedi Temple in The Clone Wars. Unlike Morgan, Barriss’s arc is uncharted territory, as she is recruited into the Inquisitorius, Vader’s legion of Jedi-turned-Jedi hunters. Tales of the Empire delves into her struggle for survival under the new Galactic Empire, showcasing her internal conflict and emotional journey.

As Barriss grapples with her uncertain allegiance and confronts the consequences of her actions, the series explores themes of identity and redemption. Despite her involvement with the Sith, Barriss is portrayed with nuance. Her character arc reflects the complexities of moral ambiguity within the Star Wars universe. We have waited a long time for this as fans and they nailed it. Barriss must confront her own beliefs and grapple with the consequences of her actions, making her journey an exploration of moral ambiguity and personal redemption.

In contrast to the pairing of Ahsoka and Count Dooku in Tales of the Jedi, which centered on their strained ties to the Jedi Order, the union of Morgan and Barriss in this anthology serves a deeper thematic purpose. Rather than being linked by circumstance or allegiance, they are united by their shared response to the upheaval that shattered their worldviews. Star Wars often shares the Jedi perspective, but Tales of the Empire delivers that story for the Empire with nuance.

Barriss, once a devout Jedi, finds herself disillusioned by the Order’s failure and betrayal during the Clone Wars. She goes down a path of uncertainty and moral ambiguity. Meanwhile, Morgan, a former Nightsister warrior, grapples with the loss of her clan and seeks purpose in service of to Empire. Despite their disparate origins, both women face the challenge of rebuilding their identities in a galaxy consumed by conflict and oppression.

Their parallel journeys offer an exploration of resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity. As they navigate the complexities of their new realities, Barriss and Morgan confront their inner demons, wrestling with questions of morality, loyalty, and personal agency. Their evolving perspectives provide a rich tapestry of character development, highlighting the universal themes of loss, redemption, and the search for meaning in a galaxy ravaged by war.

Tales of the Empire offers a refreshing departure from the Star Wars franchise’s typical narrative focus. While other tales often revolve around galaxy-shaping events and high-stakes conflicts, this anthology series shines a spotlight on characters who exist on the periphery of the larger narrative. By delving into the personal journeys of figures like Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee, Tales of the Empire provides a nuanced exploration of themes such as pain, loss, and healing within the galaxy far, far away.

Through its anthology format, Tales of the Empire demonstrates the power of storytelling on the small screen. Building on the foundation laid by Tales of the Jedi, this series further establishes the anthology format, as well as animation, as an essential means of continuing and expanding the Star Wars saga. Through two lesser-known characters, the series offers a nuanced portrayal of resilience, loss, and the search for identity amidst the turmoil of galactic conflict.

Barriss Offee and Morgan Elsbeth may not occupy the spotlight as main characters in the universe, yet, their narratives within Tales of the Empire are undeniably powerful. The series affirms the equal importance of their journeys within the rich fabric of the galaxy far, far away.

Tales of the Empire is streaming exclusively on Disney+ on Saturday, May 4, 2024.