[100 years before the destruction of the black star] Peace reigns during the High Republic, thanks to the Jedi’s order. But an incredible event occurs : master Indara is murdered. The suspect is quickly identified : Osha, a former padawan who left the order. Master Vernestra of the high council orders an investigation. Sol, Osha’s former master, insists to be a part of it, despite his attachment to the young woman. Sixteen years ago, he rescued her on Brendok, where she had been raised with her sister Mae by a cult of dark witches. All her family died in a fire started by Mae. Osha was eight years old at the time, too old to join the order, despite her capacities, but Master Sol insisted in training the orphan. Now, not only did she escape after succeeding in murdering a Jedi master, but soon, a new murder is committed. Everything is related to the past events on Brendok, that much is certain. But the suspect and her motives are much less simple to apprehend than expected. Another power may hide behind these murders. As the investigation progresses, a new word is heard : Sith…
A series faithful to the canon !
I didn’t expect much from this new addition to the canon, and I was pleasantly surprised. First of all, by the fidelity to the visual and themes of the mythic saga. We’re back to the odd, unique transitions between scenes, exactly as in the very first films. Back also to planets with exotic flora and fauna, rusty ships, droids and cute beings… The sound, the special effects, the themes: everything respects the canon, and the viewer too. One of the strengths of the series is its focus on the Jedi order, their organization and their rules. Kelnacca, a Wookie, Jedi master, is not highlighted enough though. One of the most interesting aspects of the plot is that it takes place at a pivotal moment. When the Jedi order was at its peak and peace reigned, how could it all have become so fragile and then disappeared?
As a bonus, I was thrilled to see actors I love : Carrie Anne Moss, a “natural” Jedi Master, and Manny Jacinto from “the good place“, here in a complex and interesting role.
Two sides of the force, two sisters, the yin and the yang, two sides of Janus ?
Osha and Mae are twins, but with very different personalities -or so it seems. Osha wants to explore the universe and become a Jedi. Mae is selfish and wants to stay on her home planet, with her sister. After the loss of her whole family, Osha struggles with her emotions and fails to achieve her dream. She is not the only one, though. A Jedi Master, Sol is far from being serene. Years pass and he he always succumbs to sadness, guilt, anger, even. When Mae reappears, the line between good and evil becomes blurred. Janus : past and future, peace and war, beginnings and endings… Janus symbolizes choices and passages. Here we return to the roots of the Force !
1 season, 2024, 8 episodes (45 mn). Canceled after one season, shame on Disney+
WITH : Amandla Stenberg as Verosha “Osha” and Mae-ho “Mae” Aniseya, Lee Jung-jae as Sol, Rebecca Henderson as Vernestra Rwoh, Carrie-Anne Moss as Indara, Jodie Turner-Smith as Mother Aniseya, Manny Jacinto as Qimir, Charlie Barnett as Yord Fandar, Dafne Keen as Jecki Lon, Margarita Levieva as Mother Kori, Dean-Charles Chapman as Torbin, Joonas Suotamo as Kelnacca, Harry Trevaldwyn as Mog, David Harewood as Senator Rayencourt.