it's not my favourite Star Wars project, but imo it is better than the majority of the internet "discourse" is letting on. i have suspicions much of the criticism is from people who haven't watched much, or any Star Wars at all, perhaps have only seen the movies, and then there's the ones who've been conditioned over the last decade to dogpile anything and everything, making legitimate critique harder to find online. quite the in-sidious move, that one.
people seem especially upset with episode 3 for "reasons" that seem ill-informed, not to mention fake reviews detailing episodes that have yet to air as of today. 4 episodes have aired, not 6 or 7. curious.
[general plot spoilers below]
the Jedi being tools of the Republic with questionable motives or beliefs is nothnig new, especially during the Clone Wars era; Witches in Star Wars is nothing new if you know the comics, books and animated shows; differing ideas of what the Force is, "miraculous" births, moral choices and clashing ideologies have always been a part of Star Wars going all the way back to A New Hope. nowhere does this show say one idea of The Force or the Jedi and only one idea is the correct one, it merely shows different people across the galaxy have their own beliefs that vary, much like religion here on planet Earth, and everything positive and negative that comes with it.
it may come off a little ham-fisted at times, but i like that it's exploring themes more deeply than the mainline films ever had a chance to, much like Andor did with it's examination of the machinations of the Republic war machine. there's some good in this show to be found, if you actually have an open mind rather than going in with a pre-formed fear-based mindset that clouds the judgment.
the show has its faults, like pacing, plot holes/plot armour, some on the nose dialogue, great acting immediately followed by bad in some scenes and so on, but most of the loudest criticisms i've seen so far are misguided, or led by certain influencers in the online space who make a lot of money riling up their fanbase to farm their outrage for a paycheck, or from people who genuinely and innocently are ignorant to the wider galaxy of Star Wars outside the nine main films & the Mandalorian. overall, four episodes in, i'd give it a 7 out of 10, or a 4 out of 5.
it's enjoyable enough, has some interesting idea threads, i like some of the characters, the visual language, creatures, droids & environments look wonderful and add to the pre-Clone Wars era much like the books and comics, and it also has room to improve as it progresses, and i hope it does. time will tell.
as for the relentless noise from certain online arenas, Star Wars has always been for everyone, and it's always tackled real-world issues of the time in a science-fantasy setting. if one project is not for you, move along. another will be for you, and nothing you already have and cherish has been replaced. Star Wars has always had many demographics, proven by all the different ages, races, nationalities, genders, worldviews of people who love the stories, create their own fan art and films, save up their money to attend Celebration and Comic Con, and share their own stories - the very ethos that led to the amazing Star Wars Visions animated series.
Star Wars has the power to show people a greater galaxy exists, and to bring people together, and this show is at least trying to expand the galaxy far, far away in new and interesting ways, while tapping into the expanded lore of the books, games, comics, animates shows, etc. rather than relying solely on nostalgia and repeating the past. i hope it finds its success.