Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld Review – A Deep Dive into Ventress and Bane

by

The animated series “Tales” from the Star Wars universe has been a delightful addition to the expanding library of canonical content. Conceived by Dave Filoni, each season comprises six episodes that delve into two separate storylines. It made its premiere in 2022 with “Tales of the Jedi,” enriching the backstory of prequel-era characters such as Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku. The following installment, released in 2024, was “Tales of the Empire,” concentrating on the intricate characters Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee.

The “Tales” series is primarily designed for dedicated “Star Wars” enthusiasts who are well-acquainted with characters like Ahsoka and Dooku, both of whom have rich backgrounds within the franchise. However, “Tales of the Empire” focuses on less familiar characters with weaker connections for more casual fans. While I found this to be no issue, Season Two may have been a difficult watch for those not as deeply invested as myself, given that it featured one particularly strong storyline compared to the other.

The upcoming series, titled “Tales of the Underworld,” is nestled in the middle of its run. It focuses on two characters beloved by fans of Filoni, who might be unfamiliar to those only acquainted with Star Wars films. However, if you’re a fan of Star Wars animation, you’re probably aware of Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane. Ventress, voiced by Nika Futterman, was once a Jedi who switched allegiance to the Dark Side before eventually quitting the Sith to become a bounty hunter. Cad Bane, with Corey Burton providing his voice, was a relentless bounty hunter and a constant annoyance for the Republic during the Clone Wars.

The initial three episodes focus on the character Asajj Ventress and delve into intricate details that will excite fans with a deep knowledge of Star Wars lore, particularly those who have read Christie Golden’s 2015 novel “Star Wars: Dark Disciple”. The first episode commences with Quinlan Vos and Obi-Wan Kenobi returning the deceased Ventress to her home planet, Dathomir. After placing her body in a burial pool, they depart, but she is subsequently resurrected by the spirits of the Nightsisters. The narrative then unfolds as Ventress leads an off-the-grid life where she unexpectedly shelters a young Jedi in hiding.

Over the next three episodes, we delve into the backstory of the notorious bounty hunter, Cad Bane. The narrative commences by portraying his early life as a homeless boy wandering through the lawless cityscape of Duro, accompanied by his loyal companion Niro. Their friendship is tested when they are tempted by a captivating criminal named Laszlo, who coerces them into assisting him. However, during one mission, the two friends become separated. Cad manages to flee with Laszlo while Niro gets apprehended. Fast forward through the years, and the duo cross paths once more, but this time as adversaries. Their encounter sets a series of events in motion that will indelibly shape Cad Bane’s future career as a bounty hunter.

Both narratives hold equal intrigue, each with its unique twist. The Ventress storyline presents a fresh chapter, leaving room for further exploration in the future. It subtly expands on Ventress’ character, last seen in “The Bad Batch”‘s final season. On the other hand, Bane’s narrative serves as an engaging origin story, skillfully establishing the foundation for his future development. Drawing inspiration from classic spaghetti westerns and the iconic 1952 film “High Noon”, Filoni and screenwriter Matt Michnovetz weave a captivating and surprisingly mature arc.

In typical fashion for Lucasfilm productions, “Tales of the Underworld” delivers high-quality animation that maintains their unique style. The voice acting and sound design continue to impress, while the storytelling adds layers to the backstory of its characters in unique ways that might only appeal to dedicated fans. For those unfamiliar with the series, understanding these connections may require effort, but I’m content knowing that such engaging content is still being created, enriching the rich tapestry of the Star Wars universe.

Read More

2025-05-06 19:09