The hype surrounding “Ahsoka” is palpable, a testament to the enduring fascination with the character who emerged from the animated world of Star Wars: The Clone Wars and into the live-action realm with The Mandalorian. The eight-episode series dives into the complex life of Ahsoka Tano, voiced by Rosario Dawson, as she embarks on a quest to protect the New Republic from the return of the formidable Grand Admiral Thrawn, portrayed by Lars Mikkelsen. But “Ahsoka” doesn’t simply exist in a vacuum; it builds upon a rich tapestry woven from the animated series Star Wars Rebels and invites new viewers to delve into the intricacies of a galaxy far, far away. With two episodes already released, the anticipation is building as we wait for each new installment to unravel the intricate plot threads and reveal the series’ full potential. As we eagerly anticipate the unfolding story, let’s take a journey through the best Star Wars shows currently available, ranking them from most captivating to… well, still enjoyable, but with certain caveats.
Andor
“Andor” transcends the typical Star Wars formula, emerging as a thrilling spy thriller that resonates with mature audiences. Set five years before the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the series follows Cassian Andor (played by Diego Luna) as he dedicates himself to the rebellion against the oppressive Galactic Empire. His mission involves meticulously planned operations—from infiltrating enemy territory to orchestrating the theft of crucial Death Star plans, all while navigating the perilous world of espionage. “Andor” offers a stark contrast to the “Star Wars” movies, introducing a sense of realism absent from other modern entries in the franchise. This is achieved through a deliberate departure from ILM’s StageCraft technology, which utilizes giant digital LED screens to generate virtual backdrops. Instead, “Andor” relies on filming in real-world locations and meticulously crafted, large-scale sets—an approach that emphasizes the characters’ vulnerability amidst the vastness of the galaxy.
Cassian Andor‘s journey intersects with the enigmatic Luther Rael (played by Stellan Skarsgård), who has been discreetly observing the young rebel and sees potential for him to join the Rebellion. Andor, with his characteristic nonchalance, presents a simplified approach to infiltration: a uniform, some dirty hands, and an Imperial toolkit. He advises simply walking into enemy territory with the confidence of a seasoned insider, as if he has always belonged. “Andor,” created by Tony Gilroy (known for his work on the Bourne trilogy), boasts a powerful ensemble cast. Genevieve O’Reilly reprises her role as the senator Mon Mothma, while Adria Arjona plays Bix Caleen, a romantic interest for Andor, and Denise Gough portrays the formidable Imperial officer Dedra Meero.
The Mandalorian
For those seeking a nuanced exploration of fatherhood, The Mandalorian offers a compelling story. The lone bounty hunter, Din Djarin (played by Pedro Pascal), takes on the task of retrieving The Child, also known as Grogu, a Force-sensitive being from the same species as the beloved Yoda. The unlikely pair forge an unbreakable bond amidst their adventures, while facing the relentless pursuit of the genocidal Moff Gideon (played by Giancarlo Esposito). Gideon seeks to exploit Grogu’s Force abilities for his own sinister purposes, setting the stage for a thrilling clash between good and evil.
The Mandalorian excels in its thematic approach, drawing inspiration from classic space Westerns without becoming entangled in intricate Star Wars jargon. This allows the series to stand on its own, building upon the foundations of the original Star Wars trilogy. The series features a cast of memorable characters, including Carl Weathers as the enigmatic agent Greef Karga, Gina Carano as the fierce mercenary Cara Dune, and Emily Swallow as The Armorer, the leader of the traditional Mandalorian warrior tribe. Jon Favreau, the creator of The Mandalorian, embraced ILM’s StageCraft technology, producing impressive results and eliminating the challenges associated with traditional blue screens. The show’s inaugural season earned recognition at the 2020 Emmys, receiving a nomination for Best Drama Series.
Star Wars: Visions
Star Wars: Visions stands out as a bold and visually stunning experiment, offering a platform for animation studios from across the globe to showcase their unique perspectives within the Star Wars universe. Season 1, a groundbreaking foray into Japanese anime, features an anthology of shorts, each depicting the galaxy in a fresh and imaginative way while maintaining the core elements of Star Wars storytelling. The influence of Akira Kurosawa, a renowned Japanese filmmaker, is readily apparent and adds a unique depth to the series.
Season 2 expands beyond anime, incorporating styles from studios worldwide, including 88 Pictures from India and Cartoon Saloon from Ireland, renowned for their Oscar-nominated film Wolfwalkers. This diverse approach showcases the vast creative potential within the Star Wars universe and invites audiences to experience the galaxy through a multitude of lenses.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Obi-Wan Kenobi delves into the poignant aftermath of the Clone Wars, where the once-unwavering Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, portrayed by Ewan McGregor, struggles to cope with the fall of his beloved apprentice, Anakin Skywalker (played by Hayden Christensen), who has become the fearsome Sith Lord Darth Vader. Living in seclusion under the alias "Ben," Obi-Wan Kenobi watches over a young Luke Skywalker, hoping to train him in the Jedi ways, despite facing the reservations of Owen Lars (played by Joel Edgerton), who fears the consequences of Obi-Wan’s presence.
A critical mission throws Obi-Wan back into the fray as he embarks on a perilous journey to rescue Anakin’s daughter, Leia, from the clutches of the Galactic Empire. This perilous undertaking forces Obi-Wan to confront Imperial Inquisitors and even Darth Vader himself. The abduction of Leia serves as a calculated move to lure Obi-Wan out of hiding, forcing him to rely on his exceptional swordsmanship to survive, as his Force abilities have waned over time. Deborah Chow, best known for her work on Flowers in the Attic, directs all six episodes of Obi-Wan Kenobi, which boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Rupert Friend (known for Homeland) as the Grand Inquisitor, Kumail Nanjiani (of Silicon Valley fame) as the cunning con artist Haja Estree, Benny Safdie (known for the acclaimed film Good Time) as the surviving Jedi Nari, and Moses Ingram as the formidable Third Sister.
The Book of Boba Fett
The legendary bounty hunter, Boba Fett (played by Temuera Morrison) takes center stage in the The Book of Boba Fett, a seven-episode series that expands upon his character arc and explores the intricate world of crime syndicates and underworld gangs. Joined by his resourceful companion Fennec Shand (played by Ming-Na Wen), Boba Fett returns to the scorching sands of Tatooine to reclaim the territory once ruled by the tyrannical Jabba the Hutt. To fully appreciate the complexities of The Book of Boba Fett, it’s recommended to watch it in tandem with The Mandalorian, which established the dynamic between its protagonists.
The Book of Boba Fett struggles with structural issues, particularly in its poorly integrated flashback sequences, which resemble The Mandalorian’s narrative in terms of themes and plot—a questionable choice, given the storyline’s ultimately predictable trajectory. A portion of the fandom expressed disappointment with Boba Fett’s lack of helmet usage, but that’s a minor quibble—the series ultimately felt like an unnecessary addition to the Star Wars franchise.
Conclusion
This ranking represents a subjective view based on each series’ impact, narrative intricacies, and overall quality. While some may disagree with the order, it’s undeniable that the Star Wars universe continues to expand and captivate audiences with compelling stories, fascinating characters, and innovative storytelling techniques. From the gritty realism of Andor to the thrilling escapades of The Mandalorian, the galaxy far, far away continues to be a source of endless entertainment and exploration. As we eagerly await the exciting new installments of Ahsoka, the future of Star Wars on the small screen remains promising, full of potential for diverse narratives and impactful storytelling.
