Warning: The following contains spoilers for Star Wars: Tales of the Empire Episode 6.
Many years after the previous two episodes, Star Wars: Tales of the Empire Episode 6 introduces a family (Steve Blum, Anna Graves) on an unknown, blizzarding planet. They’re in search of a healer and are greeted by a mysterious creature, Father, who brings them to their leader, “The Wise Mother.”
The healer is introduced to be none other than Barriss Offee (Meredith Salenger) who welcomes the family into her home. They reveal their child is not sick, but other healers have been terrified after examining them. Barriss explains to the family that their child is Force sensitive and offers them her aid. Check out our entire Tales of the Empire Episode 6 recap so you don’t miss out on any details!
The Fourth Sister Seeks Vengeance in ‘Tales of the Empire’ Episode 6
In undoubtedly the most exciting moment of the final episode, Barriss reveals to the family she has an old friend who will understand their situation and can help them. This is likely Ahsoka Tano who would presumably be working as “Fulcrum” in the rebellion. Alternatively, it could be Asajj Ventress, or any other number of Force users involved in the Path, a secret route used to harbor refugees and Force sensitive beings away from the Empire.
Barriss sends the family off with her allies through a cave to safety when she senses a dark force approaching. The Fourth Sister (Rya Kihlstedt) is still alive and well and arrives to kidnap the child. However, in order to do so, she’ll have to get through Barriss Offee.
Barriss Offee Is More Powerful Than Ever in ‘Tales of the Empire’ Episode 6
Without a weapon or fear for her safety, Barris easily takes on the Fourth Sister, stalling so the family can escape. Similarly to her encounter with the Jedi in the previous episode, she attempts to persuade the Inquisitor formerly known as Lyn to see things from her side and renounce the Empire.
Unfortunately, her pleas are rejected, and she allows the Fourth Sister to enter the cave and go after the family, knowing she will never find her way through. The inquisitor immediately gets lost in her search, all the while Barriss taunts her from the shadows. She loses her composure and starts swinging her lightsaber with wreckless abandon, severely injuring Barriss in the process.
‘Tales of the Empire’ Episode 6 “The Way Out” Is an Anti-Climactic End to a Strong Series
The apparent death of Barriss is too much for Lyn to take. She emotionally cares for her former sister’s body, carrying it out of the cave. It’s unclear whether or not Barriss actually died, but it certainly appears that way.
If that’s the case, it’s an odd choice for Lucasfilm to choose to tell this story. However, if she’s alive, it’s almost certain she will appear in another project in the future. Star Wars: Tales of the Empire Episode 6 finishes in an abrupt and confusing way, concluding an otherwise great series of animated shorts.
All six episodes of Star Wars: Tales of the Empire are now streaming exclusively on Disney+.
'Star Wars: Tales of the Empire' Episode 6 "The Way Out" Review
2.5/5 Total Score
The Good
- Barriss' skills with the Force prove she's someone to be taken seriously.
- Fans of the character get a heartfelt goodbye (I think?).
- References to "The Path" and potentially Ahsoka Tano.
The Bad
- It's an odd choice to return to Barriss' story if she won't be alive moving forward.
- A massive time jump left me wondering what happened in between.
- An anti-climactic finish to the series.
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