Tales of the Empire: the good side of Star Wars (review)
Two women broken by the Sith, two different journeys and two destinies that meet each other: Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee shine in a new animated Star Wars series that makes sense.
Two years ago, Star Wars told us two Jedi stories, those of Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku, in the series Tales of the Jedi. This Saturday, May 4, on the occasion of Star Wars Day, Disney Plus will release its tales from the dark side from its library. The six episodes of Star Wars: Tales of the Empire aim to tell two trajectories towards darkness, that of the witch Morgan Elsbeth and that of the fallen ex-Jedi, Barriss Offee. Two destinies without a priori connections, but which describe, each in their own way, the temptation of the dark side. Clever, exciting and sublimely staged. Star Wars as we like it. Spoiler alert!
The first part of Tales of the Empire (the first 3 episodes) shows us the evolution of the powerful Morgan Elsbeth, who played a major role in the series Ahsoka in live action last year. We first discover how the massacre of the Nightsisters during the Clone Wars – by Grievous and the Separatist Droid Army – shaped his anger. We then see how she took control of the city of Calodan on the planet Corvus. Now a “Magistrate”, she tries to find a place within the Empire. It is Grand Admiral Thrawn who will see in her a potential allied power. We know that she will remain faithful to him, even when the New Republic regains control of the Galaxy. We will have to wait for the arrival of Ahsoka Tano – in season 2 of The Mandalorian (2020)- for her to be beaten. But not yet defeated…
As interesting as it is, Morgan Elsbeth's journey ultimately corresponds to what we imagined. For more surprise, you have to switch to the second part (the last 3 episodes), the one dedicated to Barriss Offee. Fans of the series Clone Wars will be delighted to find the former Padawan of Luminara Unduli and friend of Ahsoka, who was arrested by Anakin after plotting a murderous attack on the Jedi Temple… Behind bars, she will obviously be recruited by the Empire, to become a sister Inquisitor, under the orders of Darth Vader (do you see the irony?). But his destiny, much more complex, is not limited to a descent into hell towards the dark side. Tales of the Empire prefers more shades and skillfully draws that not everything is black and white. Destiny is never predetermined. Even that of Star Wars. The proof is that the saga still manages to surprise us and show us its good side.
Star Wars: Tales of the Empire, in 6 episodes, will be available on Disney+ from May 4, 2024.
