As with a lot of the different live-action “Star Wars” sequence, “Ahsoka” was filmed on a StageCraft soundstage (generally known as The Quantity), and the digital manufacturing know-how continues to yield combined returns. The sequence’ premiere advantages from using the identical pleasing, earthy coloration palette as “Rebels,” which serves to higher distinguish the present visually from those who got here earlier than it. Filoni’s animation background additionally makes itself obvious within the putting compositions that fill out the sequence premiere, significantly throughout the sequences set on Lothal (Ezra’s residence planet and the first setting for “Rebels,” for individuals who’re not acquainted). Like “The Mandalorian” and “The E book of Boba Fett,” although, the restrictions of StageCaft as soon as once more rear their head right here. There’s nothing to rival the world’s slowest speeder chase from “Boba Fett,” thank goodness, however there are a number of scenes throughout episode 2 particularly the place it is painfully apparent the present’s actors are merely performing in entrance of a digital backdrop.
Is “Ahsoka” price watching? I feel so. As uneven as the primary two episodes are, there’s loads to admire (I am solely now mentioning longtime “Star Wars” animation composer Kevin Kiner’s enthralling rating) and even higher potential for the sequence as a complete. I notice that may sound like damning with faint reward, however I can actually say that is not the case. There is a compelling story being woven right here — one as spiritually wealthy and politically-charged as the perfect “Star Wars” narratives earlier than it — and as issues progress, it could but show simply as rewarding for “Star Wars” animation lovers as it’s for extra informal viewers. To paraphrase an alternate between two key characters in episode 2 as regards to inherent promise, “Ahsoka” itself is the one factor standing within the present’s approach proper now.