CNN
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Animation has been the driving creative force behind the “Star Wars” universe for a while, a state of affairs solid into sharper focus by how live-action sequence Lucasfilm has produced for Disney+ have drawn upon these exhibits. That relationship continues with “Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi,” an animated anthology that gives a possibility to flesh out the tales of peripheral however acquainted lightsaber-wielding figures.
It’s hardly a shock that this newest addition to the mythology comes courtesy of producer Dave Filoni, who oversaw such sequence as “The Clone Wars” and “Rebels” earlier than throwing his fertile thoughts for all issues “Star Wars” into “The Mandalorian” and different live-action fare.
Filoni wrote 5 of the six shorts, that are break up between Ahsoka Tano (once more voiced by Ashley Eckstein), quickly to be featured in her personal live-action spinoff; and Rely Dooku (performed within the motion pictures by Christopher Lee, and voiced by Corey Burton).
Past a glimpse of a child Ahsoka (simply in time for vacation gift-giving, youngsters), in an episode that illustrates her dwelling planet and its warrior streak, the episodes leap round in time. That features further insights into Dooku and his abandonment of the Jedi order to embrace the darkish aspect and Darth Sidious (Ian McDiarmid).
The anthology format creates the chance to drop in at totally different inflection factors scattered throughout the “Star Wars” timeline. The six episodes crisply run anyplace from 10 to 17 minutes, with every deftly including nuggets to our understanding of “Star Wars” lore, weaving in key particulars and occasions that helped forge these characters. Followers will doubtless be significantly intrigued by a number of the gradations surrounding Ahsoka, her relationship to Anakin Skywalker and the aftermath of the Clone Wars.
In that respect, Filoni and firm have basically crafted inside this animated package deal a condensed model of what Lucasfilm completed with “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” lovingly wrapping these pristine little tales across the flagship motion pictures. Animation has additionally turn into a car for larger experimentation, as witnessed within the “Star Wars: Visions” anime shorts that premiered final yr.
Granted, the knock on these productions is that they quantity to a form of super-service for the “Star Wars” trustworthy, rekindling outdated flames, and comfortably submerging them previously, whereas Lucasfilm has been comparatively cautious by way of lighting new sparks.
It’s a good criticism broadly, however considerably faraway from the query at hand right here. As a result of when you take it as a on condition that “Star Wars” goes to bask in what’s derisively known as “fan service,” then by all means, do it as effectively and as slickly as this.
“Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi” premieres October 26 on Disney+.
