"Ronin" was an excellent way to kick off the series. The Jedi / Samurai parallels have been there since the beginning of the saga. Just look at the Cantina fight scene in ANH. The way Obi-Wan drew his lightsaber and dispatched Ponda Baba and Dr Evazan was immediate and decisive - just like how a Samurai would draw his katana only to strike and then sheath the weapon again.
I actually really enjoyed the black and white animation with only the lightsabers providing the color. The setting was pure Japan, through and through, as were almost all of the characters. As for the era this took place in? I would judge it to be after the events of the sequel trilogy, considering the armor and equipment the bandits had. But I think trying to place any of these episodes within the accepted timeline is kind of missing the point.
The Ronin seemed interesting, and he lived up to the name. He had a code, but was not beholden to any master. And I thought the way his droid was realized was interesting. The lightsaber parasol was something unexpected, but pretty cool. The flying actually reminded me a little of the Inquisitor lightsabers. And the way the Ronin was collecting the crystals? That was surprising, too, as if he was hunting Sith.
When I checked out that episode I saw some of the others, but I want to re-watch them and give them my undivided attention.
