Get ready to explore Star Wars: Tales of the Empire, hitting Disney+ on May the 4th! This six-episode miniseries follows the continuing stories of two familiar characters: Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee. Following the success of Tales of the Jedi, Tales of the Empire promises to be another exciting addition to the animated Star Wars saga.
Morgan Elsbeth’s Journey
The first three episodes of Tales of the Empire focus on Morgan Elsbeth, a character we met in The Mandalorian and Ahsoka. These episodes explore her origins, taking us back to the brutal Clone Wars where she witnesses the destruction of her people by General Grievous. This harrowing scene sets the stage for Morgan’s descent into the dark side, a path we already know from The Mandalorian, and Ahsoka leads her to the Empire.
These episodes answer a key question: How could a Dathomirian like Morgan become part of the Empire? We also see her encounter with a young Grand Admiral Thrawn, hinting at the connections that will play out in Star Wars Rebels, The Mandalorian, and Ahsoka.
Barriss Offee’s Redemption (or Not)?
The next three episodes delve into the story of Barriss Offee, a former Jedi Padawan known from The Clone Wars. We revisit her disillusionment with the Jedi Order and her shocking betrayal of Ahsoka Tano. Tales of the Empire picks up with Barriss imprisoned, eventually recruited by the ruthless Inquisitors.
This arc fulfills a long-awaited continuation for Barriss. We witness her brutal training at the hands of the Grand Inquisitor, forced to embrace the dark side. Unlike Morgan’s story with a known ending, Barriss’s fate remains a mystery – something fans have been eager to discover for years.
What to Expect from Tales of the Empire
Tales of the Empire offers intriguing stories, though some may find that the action begins to wane. The initial episodes for both characters are action-packed, but the intensity lessens as the narratives unfold. While some fans might crave a grand finale for each character, Morgan’s arc serves as a prelude to her live-action appearances, and Barriss’s story reaches a definitive conclusion (though spoiler-free here).
The show’s appeal might not match Tales of the Jedi, which featured established favorites like Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku. Morgan Elsbeth, while intriguing, is a newer character, and Barriss, despite her past notoriety, hasn’t had the same level of fan connection. However, the series provides satisfying answers for these characters, delving into their motivations and destinies that wouldn’t necessarily be explored in a larger series. The shorter format allows us to focus on these supporting characters, offering a unique perspective on the Star Wars universe.
