Title: Star Wars – Tales of the Jedi
Director(s): Various
Screenwriter(s): Various
Studio: Lucasfilm
Released: 2022
Runtime: 6 episodes, ~15m–20m each.
Tales of the Jedi is an anthology of 6 short animation films. These stories are set during or before the prequel films.
Each episode is of comparable length to those in the Visions anthologies but the writing in this anthology is more focused and consistent. This is, in part, because five of the six episodes are written by the same writer (Dave Filoni) and all six are centered on Dooku or Ahsoka.
Although the movement in each episode comes across as abrupt, somewhat like a two-act structure, what little plot exists is clear and something relatively dramatic happens in the end. How each episode compares to each individual work in Visions is arguable but the best in Visions are better.
The look and animation of the characters may not be to everyone’s tastes. If one likes or doesn’t mind The Clone Wars and Rebels, then it won’t be a problem. Either way, the environment and backgrounds are very nicely rendered.
The score by Kevin Kiner is in the spirit of Star Wars, somewhat grand and noticeably so but fitting and not jarring.
Three episodes are about a younger Dooku and three are about Ahsoka.
The three episodes about Dooku show his slide toward the dark side, beginning with his discontent with the injustices he sees as a Jedi. Considering how little screen time there is overall, the progression and dramatic tension across the three episodes are handled very well.
The three episodes about Ahsoka are nice additions to her background but lack a plot. These are more like vignettes and a little fan service.
Overall, the production is decent and fans of these two characters would want to see this anthology. But even for those who are not, the episodes about Dooku are interesting considering that he has a big enough role in Episode II and is part of Palpatine’s plans but little of that background is provided in the prequel films.
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