In the sprawling universe of Disney+ Star Wars series, most have struggled with episodes that feel far too brief, diluting their overall impact. “Andor” and “Obi-Wan Kenobi” are exceptions, but Ahsoka’s recent installment, Episode 3, sadly, isn’t. Ironically titled “Time to Fly,” this 30-minute segment feels rushed and leaves viewers yearning for more.
Setting the Galactic Stage
Picking up where “Toil and Trouble” left off, the episode provides us with Sabine Wren, portrayed by Natasha Liu Bordizzo, engaging in a training session with Huyang, played by David Tennant. Although this session doesn’t offer anything revolutionary to the Star Wars narrative, Steph Green’s direction makes it captivating.
However, what’s striking is the episode’s portrayal of Hera’s (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) brief skirmish with New Republic politics. Hera’s urgent discussions about her discoveries at Santhe Shipyards and the potential return of the notorious Thrawn are brushed off by unimpressed senators, revealing underlying tensions in the New Republic’s political landscape. A brief but poignant encounter between Hera and her son Jacen (Evan Whitten) gives a nod to Rebels fans but may feel disconnected to others.
Questioning Jedi Loyalties
Despite Ahsoka’s deep roots within the Jedi Order, the episode sees a lot of contemplation around the very concept of Jedi. While Sabine shows potential with her lightsaber skills, she doesn’t consider herself on par with Ahsoka’s force sensitivity. The narrative seems uncertain about its stance on Sabine’s possible path as a Jedi, giving viewers a disjointed feeling.
The action picks up during the episode’s latter half. A discovery of a hyperspace ring and a battle against Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno) highlight the camaraderie between Ahsoka and Sabine. As they reflect on their adversaries and recent confrontations, familiar creatures from the Rebels series, the Purrgils, make an appearance, providing a crucial plot point.
However, the episode’s finale seems rather hasty. With Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson) setting his sights on “The Jedi,” it’s curious given the episode’s exploration into who really can be considered a Jedi.
A Swift Journey Through Space
The “Time to Fly” episode, while enjoyable, feels like it was over before it truly began. Steph Green’s direction and a short appearance by Genevieve O’Reilly as Chancellor Mothma stand out, but the rest feels a tad uneven. Despite the best efforts from the cast, the episode leaves us with a sense of incompleteness.
With the midway point approaching, it’s uncertain if Ahsoka will weave together a more structured narrative. One can’t help but wonder if this eight-episode journey is merely laying the groundwork for Dave Filoni’s upcoming film. As we’ve seen with “The Mandalorian’s” second season, there’s always more beneath the surface.
Ahsoka has so far given us a rollercoaster of emotions and plot twists, albeit in a concise format. Perhaps this is tailored to its target audience, a more dedicated group of fans who appreciate its fast-paced style. As it stands, the series continues to stream on Disney+, leaving us to anticipate what the next episode brings to the galaxy.
