Ahsoka Season 1 Episode 2 Review: Part Two: Toil and Trouble

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.

With Ahsoka Season 1 Episode 2, “Part Two: Toil and Trouble,” the series dives deeper into the relationship between Ahsoka and Sabine. While the primary purpose of this episode is to find Baylan and the map, the proper focus is Huyang and Hera working hard to bring Ahsoka and Sabine to the same page.

As mentioned in the review for Ahsoka Season 1 Episode 1, “Part One: Master and Apprentice,” the former master and apprentice have many years of hurt to work through to be a functioning team once more.

This emerges strongly in the first moments when Ahsoka tells Sabine she’s done enough. And it carries through to the end when they finally reunite properly.

This episode is written by Dave Filoni and directed by Steph Green.

Hera’s Logic and Sound Mind 

One of this episode’s most vital points is Hera Syndulla’s presence. Her ability to keep a level head no matter the situation is the perfect foil for Ahsoka and Sabine’s stubbornness.

Hera loves and respects them both for different reasons, and because she is a third party, she can see what they both want and need. This makes her the perfect person to stand there and reason with each party as they navigate their new normal.

Hera has spent years watching Sabine fight for the rebellion and then lose her closest relationship because of it. She knows and understands the pain that Sabine keeps under lock and key.

Therefore, she can look the young woman in the eye and tell her that what she perceives about Ahsoka isn’t entirely true. She manages to get under Sabine’s walls because she’s never walked away, and the warrior can trust Hera to have her back.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead nails the softer, more reasonable side of Hera to a T. The way that Winstead can turn from General to closest confidant and friend on a dime is worthy of being commended.

The acting choices from both Winstead and Bordizzo make the Hera/Sabine bond much more believable. It shows a history that doesn’t need explaining or repeating.

While the familiarity between Hera and Sabine is similar to that between Hera and Ahsoka, there are still distinct differences. After all, Hera approaches Ahsoka more from her general persona than from a more personal one.

Sure, there is familiarity in how she informs Ahsoka that her stubbornness is getting in the way of her ability to truly lead Sabine. But, overall, she’s approaching as a general speaking to a colleague about a situation they need to gain control of.

It’s not the wrong way to approach things because, above all else, Ahsoka is a Jedi warrior focused on protecting the galaxy. She isn’t going to react as favorably to a friend angle, and Hera knows that.

This creates a nice look at each character’s motivations and hesitations without it being about their mutual conflict per se.

Huyang’s Light-Hearted Approach

The purpose of Huyang is to simply be there as a sounding board for the people around him. He’s a droid, but like most droids in the Star Wars universe, he has his own personality. 

Ahsoka is giving Huyang a chance to have more of an impact on the stories revolving around him. His role with Ahsoka is central to the story; therefore, his care about Sabine also plays a part.

Fans of the animated series that these characters come from initially are delighted to see Huyang take more of a central part in this series. His light-hearted, sassy nature is much needed when the tension is as high as it is.

The way he manages to get Sabine to head in the right direction — coming back to the Jedi — is genius. It’s also something that only he could get away with accomplishing.

Sabine looks to Huyang as a technologically savvy equal and, therefore, listens to what he has to say. So, when he tells her that she should come back — in his backward way — she considers it.

Who knew all it took to get Sabine to want to learn under Ahsoka again was a snarky comment that she has no real Jedi skill?

The character provides much-needed levity for all around him but also provides a sage reminder of who the Jedi genuinely are. It’s not as strongly conveyed before Star Wars: Ahsoka, but it is essential to keeping the plot focused on what matters.

Stray Thoughts

• Did the republic believe that taking over Morgan’s operations would turn her workers to their side? Probably one of the weakest plot points
• Despite being on the Imperial side of things, Morgan is cool. Her magic is fun to watch, and her drive is inspiring.
• I’m still not sure how much I care about Baylan and Shin, and now they’ve added another guy.
• The episode’s best moment goes to Huyang and Hera for “I say go for it!” “Because you’re a hologram!”
• Hearing Ahsoka call Sabine her Padawan there at the end is BEAUTIFUL!

 

What did you think of this episode of Ahsoka? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Ahsoka airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on Disney+.

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