[SPOILERS DOWN BELOW]
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So the next Star Wars Disney+ series has finally arrived. Beforehand, I think many of us can say that expectations for this series were on the down low, maybe as a result of how previous shows performed or just regarding this particular story. The trailers won me over a bit and I became more excited, although I did keep my expectations in check. After this two episode premiere, I can say that it was a lot of fun and quite wholesome. They leaned heavily into the 80s aesthetics, and I’m for it as it pays a bit of homage to the original trilogy, but also offers something new amongst the latest releases. Overall, I’d give both episodes an enjoyable 7.5/10.
Episode 1: I think this might’ve been my favorite of the two just because of how different it felt. I know that the suburban design of At Attin bugs some people, but I honestly dig it. In a galaxy as big as this, I’m all for making planets feel unique from one another, even if this one hits a bit too close to home. The four leads were pretty entertaining and I’m sure we all knew kids who behaved exactly like them growing up. Neel was definitely my favorite of the four, but I am interested in each of their respective growths. I get the feeling most people might become annoyed of Fern for her rude behavior towards the boys, but it definitely feels like a cover for her own insecurities and she’ll come to care of them. As for the big mysteries surrounding At Attin, some have suggested that it could be frozen in time, but my guess is the planet broke away from the Republic and the rest of the galaxy to become isolationist, maybe hundreds of years ago.
Episode 2: I quite enjoyed this one as well, but do wish it was a bit longer. It was quite fun to see the kids begin their exploration of the wider galaxy, only to start at a pirate outpost full of scum and villainy. It’s worth noting that we see Vane from Mando S3 among the pirates. Aside from him, there will probably be a few other connections to the Mandoverse, but I do hope the story is mostly self contained. Brutus the Wolfman looks like he’ll be a fun antagonist. In addition to Neel, I’m also loving SM-33, but I imagine he’ll end up sacrificing himself by the end of the series. Now, we “officially” we meet Jude Law’s Jod Na Nawood (definitely not his real name), but he was absolutely the pirate captain betrayed by his crew in the opening minutes of the premiere. I imagine the reveal itself isn’t meant to be of major significance, but the focus will be how it impacts his eventual friendship with the kids. Now, as for his force sensitivity, I hope he has no affiliation to the Jedi and isn’t an Order 66 survivor, but simply a force sensitive scoundrel who will eventually come to use his gifts selflessly.
