Star Wars: Ahsoka Episode 7 Review – Dreams and Madness
Star Wars: Ahsoka Episode 7 Review – Dreams and Madness
Star Wars: Ahsoka Episode 7 Review – Dreams and Madness
Ahsoka Episode 7, titled “Dreams and Madness,” presents a compelling setup on paper but falls short in execution. Despite featuring key moments like extended screen time with Ezra and Sabine, Thrawn’s tactical brilliance on Peridea, a thrilling space chase in a Purrgil graveyard, and a cameo by C-3PO, the episode doesn’t quite deliver the impact it promises.
The Episode’s Shortcomings
The episode’s issues aren’t due to a single major flaw but rather a series of minor creative missteps. For instance, while C-3PO’s intervention in the courtroom to save Hera and Teva is enjoyable, the scene lacks tension and predictability, failing to create any real suspense. The repetitive nature of Hera’s bureaucratic battles with the New Republic, though significant for establishing Thrawn’s threat, falls flat. Even Chop’s humorous reaction to Xiono’s comment about droids can’t save it.
Training with Anakin and the Purrgil Graveyard
Ahsoka’s training session with an Anakin hologram feels awkward and unnecessary, adding little to what was already covered in “Shadow Warrior.” The minefield sequence and chase through the Purrgil graveyard, while visually reminiscent of the asteroid field in The Empire Strikes Back, lacks originality and emotional weight. The treatment of the Purrgil, being hit by magnetic mines, comes off as unnecessarily harsh.
Thrawn’s Strategy and Dialogue Issues
Thrawn’s scenes, meant to showcase his strategic genius, suffer from uninspired dialogue. His plan to “put [Ahsoka] on a path of our own choosing” is confusingly contradictory. Thrawn’s habit of overestimating his adversaries and preparing for worst-case scenarios sets him apart from typical Star Wars villains, but the execution here doesn’t fully capture his intellectual prowess.
Ezra’s Return and the Noti Tribe
Ezra’s return should have been a momentous event, but his interactions with Sabine feel superficial. There’s a lack of the deep, emotional catch-up one would expect after such a long separation. Despite Eman Esfandi’s excellent portrayal of Ezra, he still feels more like a supporting character. The introduction of the Noti tribe, however, is a bright spot, with their design and peaceful nature adding a fresh element to the Star Wars universe.
Action Sequences and Musical Score
The big fight scene featuring Ezra, Sabine, Ahsoka, Shin, and the Night Troopers is intriguing in theory, as it showcases the characters’ unique fighting styles. However, the action overall is underwhelming. Even the anticipated rematch between Ahsoka and Baylan doesn’t deliver the emotional punch it should, ending on a cliffhanger without much buildup.
Surprisingly, the score by Kevin Kiner, usually a highlight, falls short in this episode. The music fails to elevate the action sequences, lacking the dramatic weight needed to enhance the on-screen events. Compared to iconic scores like “Duel of the Fates” or Thrawn’s eerie organ theme from previous episodes, the music here feels lackluster.
Conclusion
Ultimately, “Dreams and Madness” doesn’t build the momentum needed for a compelling lead-up to the season finale. The episode hints at the urgency of stopping Thrawn from leaving Peridea but doesn’t emphasize it enough. Ezra’s hope of returning home feels muted without a strong sense of urgency or impending doom. The episode ends without the climactic tension necessary to set the stage for an epic conclusion, leaving viewers wanting more from the penultimate installment of Ahsoka.
