Star Wars: Tales Of The Jedi out on Disney Plus, created by Dave Filoni and gives character backstories on key individuals in the Star Wars universe. While the episodes, themselves are short (15 minutes each), the stories give us so much detail in character motivation that was missed in the live-action movies and other shows. The setting of the series takes place both before and during the prequel trilogy, so you might want to watch those projects (ESPECIALLY The Clone Wars! Can’t recommend it enough!) Before I continue, SPOILERS AHEAD!!!! CONTINUE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!
The series mainly covers two characters: Ashoka Tano and Count Dooku. With Ashoka, we see her birth, her training as a student under Anakin, and how she dealt with the aftermath of the rise of the Empire. Ashoka has come a long way, from the brash Padawan of Anakin Skywalker to the experienced warrior we see later. Her arc seems to deal with overcoming her arrogance in her own abilities. As an infant, Ashoka has been gifted with The Force. An example of this is when she is an infant and Ashoka stops a wild animal from killing her with a Jedi Mind Trick. Another example is when she passes a basic training exercise, involving blocking blaster fire with her lightsaber. Anakin sees the flaw in this, saying that she has to do better. So, Anakin makes her train with actual clone troopers to improve her skills. While failing repeatedly, Ashoka learns from Anakin that her survival is his responsibility. To survive the Clone Wars, she must be better than any droid with a gun. We later see the fruits of her labor pay off when she does survive Order 66 due to Anakin’s training. We also see Ahsoka’s weariness of being a warrior, when on the run from the Empire. With all her friends either dead or in hiding, Ashoka attempts to leave it behind her and become a farmer. But, when a Sith Inquisitor arrives, she realizes that she can no longer stand by and let innocents be hurt.
Jedi Master Dooku’s arc is something that fans have been waiting for, for years. At first glance, in the Prequel Trilogy and in Clone Wars, it looks like Dooku is just some evil aristocratic guy who thinks he’s better than the Jedi Order. But with his stories in this series, Dooku shows viewers why he became fed up with the Jedi Order. While still in the Order, Dooku notices how the Jedi are becoming more complacent and only dealing with issues politicians deem necessary. When investigating a corrupt Senator, Dooku sees the corruption firsthand, by witnessing all the residents of that planet starve. The Senator’s own son criticizes his father’s actions while being kidnapped. After saving the son, Dooku stands his ground in protecting the townsfolk, even against the orders of the Senate. On another mission, investigating the death of a missing Jedi Knight, Dooku (teamed up with Mace Windu) insists on discovering why the Jedi was murdered. Windu, on the other hand, wants to stay on mission and report back to the Jedi Council. When they both discover how the missing Jedi was murdered, Dooku wants justice. After dispatching the corrupt soldiers, the Jedi discover that they were holding a Senator for ransom, in exchange for a better quality of life, and that the Jedi only answer to the Galactic Senate, not the people. Even after the soldiers are arrested, Dooku sees their point, agreeing with their motive, if not their methods. This also causes a strain with Mace and the Jedi Order, itself. Are they peacekeepers for the galaxy, or just for whom the Senate deems worthy? After hearing of his mentee, Qui-Gon Jinn’s death, it seems it was the last straw for Dooku. We see that Dooku meets with Darth Sidious (Senator Palpatine) and they discuss the future plans for the galaxy. Dooku is upset that he must prove his loyalty, after what he’s done. Sidious plays on his emotions, saying that it’s all in for the greater good. Unfortunately, a Jedi Master followed Dooku, leaving him no choice but to commit to his and Sidious’ plans. Killing Master Yaddle, Dooku fully embraces the Dark Side and serves Darth Sidious.
Ashoka’s story feels a bit shorter, but it’s worth it to see more signs of her growth. As a student, Ashoka aces a training exercise, much to her teacher, Anakin’s dismay. Anakin tells her that the exercise is not a real test for battle. Wanting to prove herself, Ashoka begins training with actual Clone Troopers, trying to deflect blaster fire. While failing several times, she questions the validity of the training. Anakin tells her that she is his student, and his responsibility to train her to survive. We’re later shown the results of Ashoka’s training pay off when we see her, and Commander Rex survive Order 66. A brief time jump occurs, and we see Ashoka at Padme Amidala’s funeral. Senator Bail Organa (Princess Leia’s adopted father) asks Ashoka to join the oncoming fight against the rising Empire. Ashoka, however, is tired of war. Going into hiding, Ashoka tries to blend in, becoming a farmer. While in hiding, a family becomes in danger, being held by a Sith Inquisitor. Killing the Inquisitor with ease, Ashoka realizes that her fight isn’t over.
For fans of The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, this should be right up your alley. If you’ve been disappointed with the live-action shows that Disney has given us, then this is the show for you. Even if you like any type of Star Wars, you should watch this. We finally get answers as to why Dooku left the Jedi Order, told in a beautiful fashion that only Dave Filoni can describe. And any story with Ashoka in it, is bound to be a treat. I would give this a 10 out of 10, but the episodes are way too short. So, 9 out of 10. Post your comments and thoughts below, and till next time fellow blerds!
The season finale to She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is here, and it left quite the impression!!! Multiple cameos, easter eggs, 4th wall being obliterated, and more! But, as always, SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!
Jen is locked up in a similar cell that Emil Blonsky was in, by Damage Control. Her friends arrive and tell Jennifer that she can be released only on the condition that she doesn’t transform into She-Hulk. Begrudgingly agreeing, Jen wears a power regulator, loses her job, and now lives with her parents. While slightly depressed, Jen refuses to give up on finding out who Intelligencia is. Suggested by Nikki to relax some, Jen reaches out to Emil at his resort cabin. Meanwhile, Nikki and Pug create a plan for Pug to infiltrate Intellengencia’s hideout and clear Jen’s name. With Nikki outside, Pug pretends to be a member, and discovers that one of Jen’s dates runs the group! Todd Phelps (the creepy dude with the power fetish) is the leader and he hired Abomination as a motivational speaker!
At the resort, Jen discovers that Blonsky is working with Intelligencia, and then Bruce shows up out of nowhere! So does Titania! And Todd stole Jen’s blood, so he has powers now. Then, in the show’s best moment, She-Hulk breaks the 4th wall again, going into the Marvel tab on the Disney Plus app and going to Marvel Studios. Wanting a better ending, She-Hulk asks the writers who’s in charge. They tell her that K.E.V.I.N makes all the decisions, so she makes her way toward him. When she finds K.E.V.I.N, (Knowledge Enhanced Visual Interconnectivity Nexus) a machine that designs Marvel projects, she’s explained that the show needs more action. Jennifer complains, however. Stating that the episode has a cliché, in the villain gaining the hero’s power (which, ironically is a plot point for a lot of Marvel films. Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Captain America: The First Avenger, The Incredible Hulk, Ant-Man, for example). Instead, she wants the plot a little neater. While name-dropping other projects like the X-Men, Jen asks for certain moments changes. No battle royale, no Titania, no Hulk, and more Daredevil. Instead, Blonsky returns to jail for his involvement with Intellengcia, Todd is sued by Jen, Daredevil shows up out of nowhere and stays for a family cookout, where Bruce shows up! Bruce also makes a bombshell announcement, introducing his son, Skaar! We also see Wong break Emil out of prison again, apparently some sort of agreement between the two. With that, the ending of She-Hulk: Attorney of Law has concluded!
Ever since the show first aired, people have been criticizing She-Hulk, saying things like it’s “woke” or it’s the worst of MCU’s Phase 4. I say this, the critics are missing the point. While the show isn’t perfect (the sudden arrival of Skaar felt like it should be in a film, rather than a series, and some of the CGI looked a little iffy.), it can be clearly shown that this isn’t the typical action-packed MCU project. Its central focus is on comedy and how Jennifer can balance being a lawyer and a Hulk. I also see some critics saying that shows like Iron Fist is better than She-Hulk…. what show were they watching!? The show is also self-aware, mocking the trolls and itself. Basically, It’s Seinfeld and Ally McBeal mixed with superheroes. There were some subplots that I felt could have been rushed, and some that could have used more exploration, but I doubt this is the last we see of She-Hulk. I give the show 7.5 out of 10. Tell me your comments below, and till next time fellow blerds!
Werewolf By Night is a tv special on Disney Plus, directed by Michael Giacchino, based on the same Marvel Comics title. This film is different from the other MCU movies, as it’s mainly a horror film. Or, as much of a horror movie as Disney will allow! Filmed almost entirely in black and white, the story follows a group of monster hunters in competition for a mystic relic, while hunting a Man-Thing! The cast features, Gael Garcia Bernal as Jack Russell (the Werewolf), Laura Donnelly as Elsa Bloodstone, and Harriet Sansom Harris as Elsa’s stepmother, Verussa. SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
I totally forgot about this little project by Marvel! A horror special with werewolves, the occult, old-school black-and-white horror vibes, and some gore! (The black-and-white choice was well done!) The whole film felt like a cross between Underworld and The Mummy Returns! Some classic horror mixed with humor, adding some comic book characters that aren’t as popular as others. Seeing Man-Thing and Werewolf by Night in the MCU is a treat for die-hard fans. As is the introduction of Elsa Bloodstone, a Lara Croft/Relic Hunter-type character who was family issues. While Elsa is ordered to kill Jack and Man-Thing, she chooses to help Jack free his friend, “Ted” (who is the Man-Thing). By using the Bloodstone on Jack, it makes him transform into his werewolf form. Together, they defeat the rest of the hunters in grizzly fashion.
As I said, a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one! Marvel has been hit or miss with its projects, recently. Thankfully, this is a hit! Original, funny, creative, and a welcome change of pace. 9 out of 10, for me. Post your thoughts below, and till next time fellow blerds!
