For me it was a case of the Empire hardly featuring - and so missed the premise of being a good opportunity to tell some intriguing stories from the perspective of those in the Empire. Both storylines could/should have been told some time ago - and would fit in well in TCW and Rebels series
(or the Mandoverse live action series re Morgan)... with neither bringing much characterisation, or adding to the wider lore. Both storylines had an all too familiar feeling of vagueness and lacking in depth or quality... where the viewer probably expected more. The 4th episode, the Barriss opener, is probably the best of the bunch, being simply a set-up episode, yet is let down by the following instalments. Oh, and the key-jangling appearance of Vader was just that - feeling shoed-in - and added nothing. Blink-and-miss cameos from Grievous and Thrawn too. Kids and fans who enjoy fan service / easter eggs will likely enjoy this far more than I did. I'd love to say more positive things about this, but TOTE simply doesn't warrant it.
I'd still like to see a Tales Of The Empire series - it seems a good concept with many characters and stories to pull from. Instead we're still patching backstories from TCW/Rebels characters
(much like TOTJ did for Ahsoka and Dooku; but with far better execution) or characters who have already died and somewhat underwhelmed in their recent appearances.
TOTE is all a bit familiar, safe, vague and lacking
(much like reviews for The Bad Batch finale!) - with some decent-good moments sprinkled sparingly throughout... yet was ultimately disappointing.
It is a pity many of the creatives behind the Visions stories haven't been asked to do more animated stories in the GFFA - taking risks, bringing something fresh, and memorable to the Star Wars universe.
This will likely be a more positive, insightful, in-depth and informative take on the TOTE... (and if anyone likes or enjoyed TOTE - all power to you, I'm happy some people did)...'
Tales of the Empire BREAKDOWN - Every STAR WARS Easter Egg You Missed + ENDING EXPLAINED!' - a 27 minute video from ScreenCrush:-
https://www.youtube.com/v/bv6Pf074TFo^
or click here to watch - www.youtube.com/v/bv6Pf074TFo