Star Wars: Visions Presents - The Ninth Jedi, now available on Disney+ and Hulu, offers a refreshing departure for a franchise often perceived to be in a slump. While recent live-action entries have struggled to recapture audience enthusiasm, the animated anthology format, particularly with the follow-up to the shorts from Seasons 1 and 3 of Visions, continues to be a reliable source of innovation.
This new series expands on the futuristic setting and characters introduced in its predecessor. It centers on the aspiring Jedi Lah Kara, who, alongside her allies, embarks on a quest to find her father, Lah Zhima, while confronting the antagonist Nawaam. The primary strength of "The Ninth Jedi" lies in its establishment of a new storytelling era, deliberately distanced from the Skywalker Saga's long-established narrative baggage. Set centuries in the future, it provides a blank canvas for new tales.
Despite the significant time jump, the series draws upon familiar Star Wars tropes. Viewers will find parallels in the archetypal characters: a novice Jedi undergoing training with a seasoned master, a galaxy recovering from war after the near-annihilation of the Jedi, and a menacing, black-armored villain commanding a planet-destroying weapon. Initially, the series leans heavily into these familiar elements, leading to a somewhat sluggish start that highlights the continuity of conflict in this galaxy. Those who found the end of the Skywalker Saga to be an unsatisfactory resolution might find this theme challenging.
However, "The Ninth Jedi" eventually finds its stride, leveraging its unique setting to explore deeper character motivations. The focus shifts from a simple rebellion against an empire to a more nuanced examination of figures like Zhima and Nawaam. They evolve beyond mere archetypes into complex characters with distinct philosophies on the Force and the balance between its Light and Dark sides. Lah Kara herself develops into a compelling protagonist whose journey diverges from the paths of Luke and Rey Skywalker. For the best experience, it is recommended to watch the series in its original subtitled Japanese, as the English dub is noted to be largely flat.
While "The Ninth Jedi" is a non-canon series, it resonates with themes present in other recent Star Wars projects. It explores the democratization of the Force, suggesting that being a Jedi is less about innate talent and more about courage and a commitment to protecting others. The series also delves into the concept of lightsaber colors reflecting a wielder's inner state and morality.
Most notably, the series directly engages with the concept of Gray Jedi, venturing into territory that Lucasfilm's Story Group has been hesitant to explore. The non-canon status allows for a more uninhibited exploration of achieving enlightenment beyond traditional notions of good and evil, questioning whether embracing both Light and Dark sides concurrently is a true path to power or if it must be balanced with compassion. These profound questions are explored throughout the season, offering a satisfying depth to a show that initially appears to tread familiar ground.
The visual style of "The Ninth Jedi" further distinguishes it from traditional Star Wars productions. Animated by Production I.G, the series features unique ship and droid designs, and a more overtly fantasy-oriented aesthetic. This departure from the established visual language is a welcome change, offering a distinct look and feel that complements the new setting.
The score by Nobuko Toda and Kazuma Jinnouchi also contributes significantly, capturing the grandeur of classic Star Wars music without resorting to direct quotations of John Williams' leitmotifs. The music is fresh, unique, and unmistakably Star Wars, mirroring the show's overall approach: a solid metaphor for a series that is both familiar and strikingly new.