Ahsoka Review “Dreams and Madness”

We have reached the penultimate episode of the Disney+ series, Ahsoka, and as can happen, there are many more questions than answers. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thrawn is moving the chess pieces in place, Ahsoka prepares for the next phase, and Hera meets with the New Republic. Let’s take a closer look at “Dreams and Madness”.

Reunions and Mysteries

Sabine and Ezra catch up on what has been happening since they last saw one another years ago. It’s a brief but fascinating recap and it is nice to see them interact on screen. We also get a little from Baylan and Shin but this is where things get a bit unclear. This is by design, and as mentioned above, opens up more questions than answers, but it is fair to wonder how this will be wrapped up in the final episode.

(L-R): Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) and Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi) in Lucasfilm’s STAR WARS: AHSOKA, exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

Chess

Thrawn is one of those villains that is hard to figure out. This is part of the brilliance of his exegesis. But is also part of why he nurtures anxiety in the characters on screen as well as with the audience. If you are confused about some of his commands and decisions here, that’s okay. With Thrawn, it is never easy to discern what he is up to but he never rests and prides himself on outsmarting everyone.

(L-R): Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) and Huyang (David Tennant) in Lucasfilm’s STAR WARS: AHSOKA, exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

Ahsoka’s Journey

Ahsoka is in a unique spot, story-wise. On the one hand, she has gone through her apotheosis and is heading towards (presumably) a final confrontation to achieve the ultimate boon (an essential step in the Hero’s Journey). There is a zen-like moment in the beginning that I will not spoil here. But it does confirm Ahsoka is in a good place. She will need to be, in order to confront Thrawn and Baylan Skoll. More on that below.

(L-R): Lieutenant Beyta (Dawn Dininger, seated), C-3PO (Anthony Daniels), Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and Captain Carson Teva (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) in Lucasfilm’s STAR WARS: AHSOKA, exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

Baylon’s Perspective

Perhaps the most befuddling aspect of “Dreams and Madness” is the confusing exchange between Baylan and his apprentice, Shin Hati when they choose to split up. It is unclear what Baylan’s motivation is for his unexpected decision regarding Shin, but my hope is it will be brought to light in the finale. There is some ambiguity here that is not wholly satisfying, but we shall see.

(L-R): Huyang (David Tennant) and Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) in Lucasfilm’s STAR WARS: AHSOKA, exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

“Dreams and Madness” is a fascinating episode with some great cameos, fight sequences, and reunions, but also one that feels like it is holding back. As the penultimate episode, it feels more like a setup for the finale than an integral part of the series so far. But, it is compelling and enchanting, as we have come to expect from this magnificent series.

Part Seven: 3 1/2 out of 5

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