Tales of the Empire episode 3 review: The Path of Hate

Episode 3 of Tales of the Empire, "The Path of Hate," delivers a knockout punch as we return to the bleak world of Corvus, a setting that's as familiar as it is haunting for fans of The Mandalorian. It's a gut-wrenching sight to behold—the village, once a bustling hub of life, is now reduced to a desolate wasteland under the oppressive rule of Morgan Elsbeth. But there's something undeniably captivating about seeing it all unfold, a sense of nostalgia mixed with anticipation for what's to come.

What really struck a chord with me was the portrayal of the citizens of Corvus—borderline slaves under Elsbeth's tyrannical rule, forced to toil away nonstop while their oppressor revels in much nicer living behind closed doors. It's a grim reminder of the human cost of unchecked power, and it hits hard. But it's not just the setting that's captivating—it's how the story unfolds. When the New Republic arrives on Corvus, it's in the form of an old resident named Nadura. It's a moment of hope for the village's citizens, a glimmer of light in the darkness. But as we soon discover, hope can be a fleeting thing in a galaxy torn apart by war and conflict.

The clash between the New Republic and Morgan's forces is nothing short of electrifying, a pulse-pounding battle that leaves you on the edge of your seat. While part of me couldn't help but root for the underdog, there was a thrill in watching Morgan and her guards emerge victorious. They fought so well and efficiently.

The unexpected twist of Nadura's demise truly steals the show, a moment that's as exhilarating as it is heartbreaking. As the explosion seals her tragic fate, you can't help but feel a pang of sadness for a character you've come to admire in such a short amount of time.

And when Morgan declares that no one is coming to save them, it's chilling, sending shivers down your spine. It's a stark reminder of the hopelessness that pervades the town under her rule. But perhaps the most poignant moment of all comes at the episode's conclusion, with a scene that echoes the very first introduction to Morgan—a visual and emotional callback that hits you right in the feels.

To finish Morgan's story off, we get an eerily familiar scene of Morgan with flames behind her. This is nearly identical to the first pivotal scene we see of Morgan when she is plummeted into a shroud of hate and darkness by the death of her mother and fellow Nightsisters. I think this is both visually and emotionally impactful because we can see how Morgan has fallen victim to her grief and become the villain of someone else's story.

In the end, episode 3 of Tales of the Empire, "The Path of Hate," is a triumph of storytelling. This ending to Morgan's story is both well-executed and terribly tragic. As a fan, I couldn't be more excited to see where the series takes us next. One thing's for sure: the Force is strong with this series, and the adventure is far from over.