Like last year's Tales of the Empire, Tales of the Underworld once again examines the duality of choices, specifically in choosing the light vs the dark. For both of these characters, their pasts are troubled but it is the decisions they make during pivotal points in their present that set them on a path to redemption or further damnation. These six shorts look deeper into the backstories of two fan-favorite characters for an interesting and compelling addition to the anthology series.
Star Wars Tales of the Underworld Review
Created by Dave Filoni, Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld is an all-new addition to the anthology series that began with Tales of the Jedi in 2022. This time, the six-episode journey focuses on some well-known criminals in the galaxy: former assassin and bounty hunter Asajj Ventress (Nika Futterman) and outlaw Cad Bane (Corey Burton). Both come into contact with their pasts but with very different outcomes. For Ventress she has a chance at a new life, while Bane refuses to let go of his anger in order to become whole once again. Their stories are similar yet different as they traverse the hardships thrust upon them by the galaxy and their own paths.
Tales of the Underworld is another win for Star Wars animation and extended lore that has been brought to life over the years through this medium. These character-driven narratives are fascinating, featuring fan-favorite characters that we have long wanted to know more about. This time around, the series spotlights the crime that runs rampant in the galaxy and the younglings that are swept up in it oftentimes through no fault of their own. Redemption is a funny thing. For one it means correcting their past mistakes in order to be a better being. While for another, it means exacting revenge on those they believed wronged them. The interesting and compelling storytelling is once again elevated by the animation, the Kiner family's score, and of course action scenes that bring the tension as well as the fun.
The first three episodes follow Asajj Ventress from the moment of her death and resurrection at the hands of Mother Talzin to her path of helping others escape from the Empire's clutches. Not giving in to death's embrace, Ventress is somewhat cursed. She is alive but the cost is her heart's desire. In “A Way Forward,” she is attempting to live a quiet life. But as we know, trouble is never far away in the Galaxy. She encounters a young Jedi (Lyco) on the run and makes the choice to help him. This begins her on her path to redemption, one that takes her from being Dooku's former assassin to using those skills to protect those in need. There is a fight with an Inquisitor here that is brief but fun to watch. For anyone sad there isn't more saber battling here, I'm just going to remind you that with these shorts action is secondary because story is king.
In “Friends,” Ventress tries to teach Lyco the lesson that no one can be trusted, but in the end she learns something important. Something that shifts her world view further. In her last episode, “One Warrior to Another,” we finally see her begin to open up and grow *slightly* softer, at least in the same way any reluctant mentor does with their young proteges. She comes face-to-face with another former soldier but unlike Ventress he still wants to choose a side. “You’ve just been fighting so long you know no other way,” she tells the old man. Futterman gives an amazing performance throughout but especially here, sounding war weary yet semi-hopeful thanks in-part to the young Lyco (even if she won't admit it).
Episodes 4-6 turn their attention to another outlaw, Cad Bane. Bane has popped up recently in The Bad Batch and even made his live-action debut in The Book of Boba Fett. But in Tales of the Underworld, we are taken back to Bane's childhood to see just how he became the infamous, cowboy hat-wearing gunslinger we know him to be. “The Good Life” introduces us to Colby and Niro, to friends who steal in order to survive on the streets. One day a tall gangster named Lazlo gives them some credits and employs them to help him and his gang. The orphans eagerly agree but the fun doesn't last long. Niro is caught by the police while Colby escapes with Lazlo and his crew. This sets the two friends on very different paths but ones that will inevitably lead back to each other.
After a time jump, “A Good Turn” follows a grown up Colby aka Cad Bane. Lazlo is killed and Bane wants revenge. His quest to find those responsible for Lazlo's death brings him face-to-face with Niro, who is now an officer of the law. The inevitable explosion from this reunion simmers through this episode and into the next, with emotions running high going into “One Good Deed.” The showdown between Niro and Cad (Colby) isn't so much high energy as it is heart-wrenching. Niro knows he likely won't win this, and Cad is so blinded by rage he can't see the person who used to be his friend standing across from him. When the dust settles, Bane has a moment of regret. It's subtle and brief, but the animators capture the pained realization he experiences perfectly.
Verdict
Tales of the Underworld once again wows with its character-driven stories that not only diver deeper into fan-favorite characters but also act as a foil to the other. Dave Filoni has done it again. He's strong in the force, and that force being his knowledge and understanding of the Star Wars lore. Both Ventress and Bane's story pack an emotional punch, one more of relief while the other hits right in the heart. These shorts make the most of their 14-17 minute runtimes, allowing us a deeper understanding of these two while also asking us to look at our own motives and choices. I know I said this last year, but I will say it again. I don't know if Filoni plans on more of these but I hope we get more Tales of… next Star Wars day. With so many characters and time periods barely explored, I think there are plenty of options. Just saying Dave!
All six episodes of Tales of the Underworld are available to stream on Disney+ beginning May 4.
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