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Star Wars: Tales of the Empire: The Way Out (2024)
Outstanding!
I've already said my piece in regard to this series as a whole. But feel compelled to add to this episode. Especially since this final one with Barriss has such poor reviews.
I haven't had a reaction to a Star Wars film or show like this since, or actually any piece of entertainment, for so long I can't remember.
This is the finest piece of story telling that Lucasfilm has put out for a long time.
The art, the setting, the music the writing is beautiful. And the character of Barriss Offee... You can tell Filoni absolutely ADORED Barriss as a character. The treatment of her in Tales of the Empire is done with absolute tenderness, it is tragic, beautiful. Absolutely Heartbreaking... I WEPT and felt totally exhausted after watching it.
That is a rare gift from a storyteller. That is Mastery! Tales of the Empire and specifically Barriss' story is the best content Lucasfilm has put out in YEARS! The last time an animated film left me feeling so utterly emotionally spent was the first time I saw Studio Ghibli's Grave of the Fireflies
This is honestly the best episode out of the entire 'Tales of' Anthology Series. And the best content put out by Lucasfilm for a long time.
Tragic, Tender, Beautiful - Outstanding!
((edit)) -
More observation for me... If we look at Barriss as a character and her purpose in TCW she is used by Filoni as a narrative 'Foil' to define and enhance the Character of Ahsoka. Ahsoka would not be the character we know and love, if not for Barris.
What Filoni has done here is Honour the character of Barriss, because of her treatment in the past. She was sacrificed by Filoni in TCW for the betterment of Ahsoka.
The episodes of Barriss here in TotE are an Apology, a Thank You, a Love Letter, an Honouring to her by Filoni for his treatment of her in TCW all those years ago. There is such subtlety and respect here, is it brilliant.
This is the most emotionally raw piece of storytelling that Lucasfilm has made since Kanan Jarris sacrificed himself for his crew in Rebels.
I'd argue, that Barriss' episodes in TotE, as short as they are - which make this even more impressive, are the most sophisticated, well written, and crafted content Lucasfilm has put out in YEARS!
Star Wars: Tales of the Empire (2024)
The Whining Man Children Strike Again...
Never really offer my thoughts here but for this series, especially the final episode - which some have rated the worst of the 6 I feel the need to.
All the negativity and not one comment I've seen here seems to convey understanding of what Filoni has done here. Look at the chapters headings - The Path of Fear - The Path of Hatred - The Path of Anger - Devotion - Realization - The Way Out -
This is a series of two stories woven together with ONE MESSAGE - We all know what happens to Morgan, her hatred destroys her. With Barris, pay close attention to the Wasteland she walks through in the episode - Realization - this is a Metaphor for the destructing and desolation - the same desolation Moran brought upon her environment due to Hatred in the final episode of her arch - that Barris' existence has become. She sees it for what it is and turns away from it. Finally, to be redeemed through selflessness and forgiveness. Firstly, of herself and then of another, Lyn.
I understand that Disney uses Diabolical Marketing Methodology - and ramps up expectations, only for people's expectations to be dashed when the projections of their own wants and needs onto it do not materialize, I'll fault Disney for that. But I implore you, rewatch all of it with open eyes and see it for what it Truly Is! This is a Masterclass in allegorical story telling. The only others to do this through animation is Studio Ghibli. It is THAT GOOD!
It is shocking to me, that so many find this series, lacking. I personally think this is an absolutely outstanding addition to the canon. And I am specifically referring to the episodes dealing with Barris Offee.
Lucas' principles, that are explicitly laid down as the core of the story of Star Wars and its allegorical message, is one of redemption. Through love, compassion, self-acceptance, selflessness, self-sacrifice, forgiveness and reconciliation. And with Barris', Filoni, one of the few that adhere to the principles the Star Wars saga is founded upon, that is continuing this saga, has stayed the course and held true.
I honestly welled up in episode 6. Barris' story is dealt with such tenderness. It is beautiful.
Do not be swayed by the disgruntled whining of those that only see and want to see Star Wars as 'spectacle'. That are so intellectually lazy that all they can do is complain that they didn't get what they want.
9/10. Filoni IS the 'Heir to the Empire'