Ahsoka Part Six 'Far, Far Away' Review: A Visually-Stunning Episode that Just Barely Scratches the Surface Storywise

Every episode of Ahsoka is always cinematically stunning. Whether it be the purrgils coming up out of the clouds, Ahsoka in the World Between Worlds, or Sabine battling it out with Shin in the forest, the visuals and audio always pack a punch. Part six of Ahsoka, 'Far, Far Away' is no different. Every shot of the episode is filled with epic and breathtaking cinematography that left my jaw wide open.



However, the episode isn't perfect. Just as the story gets going, the screen turns black, and the credits roll. It's a common criticism of the series that many have stated before, but for this episode in particular, the criticism is extremely felt. The episode also suffers from tonal extremes which wouldn't be much of an issue if it was longer. I enjoyed Part Six of Ahsoka and all its spectacle but wish there was more meat on its bones.



[COLOR=#f20000']Let's get into a full spoiler-filled review and discussion of Part Six, 'Far, Far Away.'][/COLOR]

Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson) in Lucasfilm's STAR WARS: AHSOKA, exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

Let's start with the big blue guy: Grand Admiral Thrawn. Epic. The man certainly knows how to make an entrance. The episode has many visually stunning moments, and his entrance is one of them. With The Chimaera descending on the Nightsisters' tower, Kevin Kiner's roaring soundtrack, the war-like chanting, and all his battle-hardened troopers surrounding him, Grand Admiral Thrawn left the right impression. This is the imposing threat we've all been waiting for. And Lars Mikkelsen transitions perfectly into this live-action version.



And there were so many visually impressive moments like this. From the first shot with the purrgil traveling through hyperspace à la 2001: A Space Odyssey to the first live-action appearance of the Nightsisters and the wide vistas of Peridea in the background. Even the shots of Sabine, Shin, Baylan, and Morgan as they descended onto the planet on the golden ship are all breathtakingly amazing.



Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) in Lucasfilm's STAR WARS: AHSOKA, exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.



But juxtaposed against that is Ezra Bridger and the lobster people. Big emotional whiplash, especially after the threatening introduction of Thrawn. After Sabine is freed, she goes searching for Ezra. She stumbles upon a pod of lobster-like creatures that Ezra has been living with. I think the moment Ezra and Sabine reunite is emotionally impactful. The two have a jovial and touching moment that's undercut by Ezra believing he's about to go home. But Sabine doesn't tell him the truth about how she got there in the first place, and how they might not be able to go home.



The issue is that after the large, grand, and imposing introduction of Grand Admiral Thrawn, the episode focuses on cutesy, sweet little lobster creatures. Does it make sense thematically? I admit that it does. The shells and nomadic lifestyle of these aliens could represent Sabine and her guarded, walled nature towards others, including Ezra. But when placed after Thrawn's dramatic debut, the contrast couldn't be more jarring.



Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno) in Lucasfilm's STAR WARS: AHSOKA, exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.



If the episodes were longer this wouldn't be much of a problem. But because these episodes are relatively short, the uneven contrast is greatly felt. This brings up another question, which is whether or not all the series' loose threads will be wrapped up with only two episodes left. How did Ezra break away from Thrawn? How did the two survive all this time? What about the remaining Nightsisters and their prophecies? This episode even hints at Baylan and Shin having larger plans that go beyond Thrawn, but at the rate the series is going, will we even get there?



These plots will likely continue into perhaps another season and even into Dave Filoni's upcoming culmination film. Die-hard fans will of course stick with it and follow it all. But if there aren't enough answers and wrapped-up story threads, it could frustrate, not only casuals but even some long-time Star Wars fans who may have gotten exhausted by it all. Again, it doesn't help that it's formatted the way it is, with each episode being under an hour and with only one episode each week. Of course, some will feel otherwise, but I personally feel frustrated whenever the episode ends and the credits roll (not a feeling that should occur every week), with so many unanswered questions having to wait another week.



(L-R): Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno), Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) and Baylan Skoll (Ray Stevenson) in Lucasfilm's STAR WARS: AHSOKA, exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.



I want to make one point clear: I enjoyed this episode. A lot of my criticisms are with the formatting of the series and how it's delivered. Many of these issues will probably be remedied once the series is completed and after a full binge-watch. But as it stands, the formatting only hurts the series, producing unanswered questions that frustratingly are scarcely answered.



Aside from that, however, the episode had a lot of big, bombastic moments that helped produce enough momentum to get us into the final stretch. From Thrawn's live-action debut, to Sabine fighting off bandits in the wild, to Shin and Baylan scheming of something larger, these moments were cinematically impressive. Let's hope the last two episodes can provide more jaw-dropping moments and stick the landing.



We'll continue to cover everything Ahsoka and Star Wars-related right here on Star Wars News Net. Feel free to also check out our review of 'Shadow Warrior,' last week's episode. And feel free to join us on Thursday at 8 pm PST/11 pm EST on our YouTube channel for SWNN Live!, a live podcast where members of the Star Wars News Net team sit down to discuss all the latest happenings in a galaxy far, far away.



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