The highly anticipated Tales of the Jedi is finally streaming in its entirety on Disney+, offering yet another installment in the esteemed legacy of Star Wars animated anthology series that delves deeper into the franchise's iconic characters and settings.
This brand new series expands on the stories of Count Dooku and Ahsoka Tano during different points in their lives, asking what it truly means to be a Jedi. Throughout its six episodes, Tales of the Jedi offers several thoughtful quotes and meditations that will stick with fans long after their first watch.
"You Must Face Death, Ahsoka. Do Not Fear It."
Pavi-Ti Tano, "Life And Death"
In the premiere episode of Tales of the Jedi, fans are treated to seeing the birth and infancy of Ahsoka Tano, a Jedi whose career they have followed for years. While on a hunting expedition with her mother, Pav-ti, Ahsoka looks away from a dying animal, only for her mother to encourage her not to be afraid of death.
Pavi-ti's words would prove all too prophetic, as Ahsoka would be exposed to more than her fair share of death in her adulthood, as almost everyone she ever loved was taken from her. Later episodes show how she dealt with this loss, both by looking away and, later, by facing the pain.
"No, We Serve The People Of This Republic."
Count Dooku, "Justice"
In the second episode, "Justice," a young Count Dooku and his Jedi Padawan, Qui-Gon Jinn, engage in a tense standoff with a corrupt senator who calls upon their sense of duty to the Senate. Dooku, however, asserts that the Jedi's duty is not to the Senate, but to the people it represents.
This single line illustrates much about Dooku's core character, as he became disillusioned by the Jedi Order upon his revelation that they blindly served the Senate. As a man for the people, Dooku would eventually betray the Jedi Order and found the Separatist movement, all under the watchful eye of Darth Sidious.
"You're A Much Wiser Man Than I, Qui-Gon Jinn."
Count Dooku, "Justice"
During the final moments of "Justice," Dooku praises his Padawan, Qui-Gon Jinn, for saving the day by returning the senator's kidnapped son before further blood could be shed. Having struggled with his own rage during the conflict, Dooku commends Qui-Gon for his wisdom.
Dooku was indeed correct regarding his apprentice's wisdom, for Qui-Gon, though he sensed many of the same follies among the Jedi Council that his master did, never succumbed to darkness in order to restore order. Despite his early demise, Qui-Gon remained one of the truest Jedi Knights in the Order in its waning days, a testament to what the Jedi were supposed to be.
"Your Devotion To Rules Is Sometimes Maddening."
Count Dooku, "Choices"
The third episode of Tales of the Jedi follows Count Dooku and Mace Windu as they investigate the mysterious death of a fellow Jedi Master. During their mission, the two Jedi frequently clash over differing ideologies, with Dooku at one point remarking about his friend's "devotion to rules," which he finds both admirable and irritating.
Whereas Mace Windu is known for playing things by the book, Dooku inspired a line of Jedi who broke the rules in order to get results. He, his apprentice, and later Anakin Skywalker, would frequently test the limits of the Jedi Council, both to their benefit and detriment. Tales of the Jedi plants the seeds for this generational heresy in a meaningful and somewhat amusing manner.
"The Galaxy Will Not Be Remade Without Sacrifice."
Darth Sidious, "The Sith Lord"
"The Sith Lord," the fourth episode of Tales of the Jedi, takes place during the events of The Phantom Menace. When Dooku confronts Darth Sidious about the death of his former Padawan, Qui-Gon Jinn, Sidious callously replies that sacrifice is necessary in order to remake the galaxy.
Sidious's words, though meant to twist Dooku's noble desires, could not have been more true. While he intended to remake the galaxy in order to serve his devious goals, it would be the noble sacrifices of countless others that would eventually foil his schemes and restore order and justice to the galaxy.
"Already So Many Have Suffered For What You Call Order."
Yaddle, "The Sith Lord"
Tales of the Jedi certainly surprises fans by featuring Master Yaddle, a member of the Jedi council during the events of The Phantom Menace, in a major role. Voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard, Yaddle discovers Dooku's treachery and confronts him in an unsuccessful attempt to help her friend see the error of his actions.
Like Dooku, Yaddle had seen the faults of the council but had chosen to voice her concerns by resigning her seat rather than betraying the Order entirely. In her final moments, the wise Jedi Master offered a far lighter path than the one Dooku had chosen for himself, calling out the newly arisen Sith Lord for his own hypocrisy.
"You're Right On Time."
Obi-Wan Kenobi, "Practice Makes Perfect"
Beloved Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi makes a brief appearance in Tales of the Jedi, engaging in banter with his former apprentice, Anakin Skywalker after he is late to Ahsoka's training exhibition. Obi-Wan makes a wisecrack implying that Anakin's version of "right on time" is actually incredibly late.
This brief exchange once more revisits the slightly dysfunctional but ultimately entertaining relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan. Anakin even repeats Obi-Wan's words to Ahsoka at a later point in the episode, showing just how much he mirrors the training technique of his former master, though Anakin would never admit it.
"The Best Way I Can Protect You..."
Anakin Skywalker, "Practice Makes Perfect"
The fifth episode of Tales of the Jedi flashes forward to the events of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, during Ahsoka Tano's time training under Anakin Skywalker. After a series of brutal training exercises, Anakin explains his methods as a way of ensuring that Ahsoka knows how to protect herself, voicing his own concern for her well-being.
Though unorthodox, Anakin's training technique proved vital to Ahsoka's survival during Order 66. His concern for his Padawan outlived his own devotion to the Jedi Order, ironically protecting Ahsoka when he himself sought her death.
"We Have A Duty, Don't We? An Obligation To Uphold..."
Bail Organa, "Resolve"
In the season finale of Tales of the Jedi, Ahsoka reconnects with Senator Bail Organa, who encourages her to continue fighting for Republic ideals. Though she is wary, Organa's conversation with some nearby Clone Troopers helps to convince her, with the senator fully aware that the former Jedi is listening to his every word.
This exchange perfectly illustrates Bail Organa's character, who is willing to put his life on the line in order to fight the good fight, even after everything that has happened in the galaxy. It is this resolve that would eventually help inspire the formation of the Rebel Alliance--and motivate Ahsoka to get back in the fight.
"And Who Might You Be?"
Inquisitor, "Resolve"
The finale of Tales of the Jedi sees Ahsoka Tano confront a mysterious Inquisitor after he burns down a village in an attempt to find her. Face-to-face with his quarry, the Inquisitor utters a meaningful question, asking who Ahsoka is as the village burns around them.
The Inquisitor's question was more meaningful than he could ever know. At this point, Ahsoka had spent years hiding from the Empire's hunters, running away from who she really was. Though she does not answer, her response is nonetheless clear by the end of the episode. She is, and always will be, a Jedi who fights to protect those who cannot protect themselves.