In the fourth installment of "Star Wars: Tales of the Empire," titled "Devoted," we delve into the tumultuous aftermath of the Clone Wars through the eyes of Barriss Offee, a former Jedi Padawan whose story has long been shrouded in mystery. This episode not only ties up a loose end from "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" but also offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of the Inquisitorious, providing a rich addition to the Star Wars lore.
The episode opens with a stark and somber scene: Barriss Offee, imprisoned in the Republic Military Base, watches the Jedi Temple burn in the distance, a visual testament to the unfolding tragedy of Order 66. The palpable sense of loss and betrayal is only heightened by her inability to intervene, as she demands answers from the clone guards who mockingly inform her of the Jedi's impending extinction.
The narrative takes a dark turn with the arrival of Lyn, now known as the Fourth Sister, who acknowledges Offee's earlier accusations against the Jedi and extends an ominous invitation for her to join the dark side. Offee's acceptance leads her to Nur, where the Fortress Inquisitorious is under construction, and where her journey into the ranks of the Empire's new enforcers begins.
Upon arrival, Offee is introduced to two other former Padawans, Dante and Ahmar, by the Grand Inquisitor, voiced once again by Jason Isaacs. He outlines the Empire's vision for a new order to protect the regime and tasks the trio with proving their worth. The Grand Inquisitor's advice to remain in their quarters until needed is a clear indication of the uncertainty and danger that lies ahead.
As the three former Padawans are led to a cell, Ahmar's skepticism about the Empire's intentions leads him to leave, despite Dante's pleas. Offee and Dante remain, awaiting their fate, until the Fourth Sister returns to take them to the Grand Inquisitor, who reveals a brutal truth about the cost of failure within the Empire.
The training that follows is a brutal exercise in shedding the Jedi teachings and embracing the ruthlessness required of an Inquisitor. The Grand Inquisitor challenges Offee to attack him unarmed, only to demonstrate her predictability and limitations. His harsh methods, including breaking Offee's nose and using the Force against her, are a stark contrast to the discipline she once knew.
The training culminates in a fight to the death between Offee and Dante in a chamber with a shrinking force field, a grim test of their loyalty and a macabre echo of the trials faced by Jedi Knights. Offee's reluctance to fight is tested by Dante's aggression, leading to a tragic and decisive moment where she must choose between her former principles and her survival.
The episode's climax sees Offee, now donning the armor of an Inquisitor, standing alongside Marrok, the Sixth Brother, and the Fourth Sister as they bow before Darth Vader. The Grand Inquisitor's proclamation, "Long live the Empire!" resonates with the dark triumph of the new order and the tragic loss of a once-promising Jedi.
While Offee's commitment to the Imperial regime may not be entirely convincing, "Devoted" offers a brief but intriguing window into the training and indoctrination of the Inquisitors. It is this exploration of the dark side's allure and the cost of falling to it that keeps the episode engaging, even as it provides predictable answers to Offee's fate post-Clone Wars. This chapter in "Tales of the Empire" is a testament to the complexity of the Star Wars universe, where even the most devoted can be led astray by the shadows of power and ambition.