The season premiere of Star Wars Rebels did not disappoint at all, and it included some very familiar characters. We got to see C-3PO, R2-D2, the Tantive IV, and Senator Bail Organa. It was amazing to see them reference classic Star Wars characters so quickly and it definitely was not expected. This episode gave us action, backstory and character growth. If they keep giving us more like this, Rebels is sure to have an amazing first season!
Story/Plot
Teresa: For this particular episode I think the plot was much better. It was very concise and didn’t have a lot of moving parts. It was easy to follow and provided us with some backstory for Zeb. I think we are all clamoring for backstory on these characters and I like how they just used one thing, the T7’s, to lead us into that backstory.
I also enjoyed how we got the backstory with Hera pulling her mom card and calmly telling Ezra about Zeb’s past. I also really loved the side plot with R2D2 and his secret mission he was obviously doing. There were also some references to real life specifically when the droids had to go to the back of the bus…I mean craft!
Aaron: This was a perfect follow up to Spark of Rebellion. Now that the team is assembled we get to see what kind of missions they will be going on. We also see that though they are good guys they will still do shady things, like arms dealing, in order to get by. This story provides some backstory and depth for Zeb. We find out one of his reasons for fighting the Empire. His species has basically been wiped out by the Empire and the weapons used to help wipe them out are the same type that our rebels are about to steal and sell. Makes for an interesting dilemma for not only Zeb but the rest of the team.
Characters
Teresa: We got to see a little more of Sabine in this episode, and I really enjoyed what we got. I am still itching for more from her because I think if they let her loose she will become one of my favorites.
We got a lot of growth with Zeb in this episode and that made me very happy because he is a stand out character. I think it was fitting to see Ezra save him with his undeveloped force powers because it really helped solidify their relationship. We saw more of Hera being a mom and more of the same from Kanan.
We should really get to the meat of it though and all I can say is CHOPPER! He was fantastic in this episode from being an instigator, to a pilot, to a general pain the butt. R2-D2 was fantastic in this episode and he performed his spy role fabulously. C-3PO was his classic over anxious quick to judge self and Anthony Daniels did a great job voicing him. I did not love 3PO though in this episode, but he did serve his purpose.
The one character that has continued to solidify my disdain for him is Agent Kallus. This episode only strengthened that after learning that he ordered the use of the T7’s on Zeb’s people. I hope he comes to a fiery end one day.
Aaron: Zeb was definitely the star of this episode. We got to see a more vulnerable side of the big guy, but he still had his moments to shine. Ezra and Zeb were still at each other’s throats but Ezra lightened up when he heard about Zeb’s past. It will be interesting to see the relationship between these two characters as time goes on. It was a great touch to have Ezra be the one to ultimately save Zeb.
I liked seeing more from Sabine and I love how confident she is. Nothing seems to rattle her. Side note: I know they are probably limited by character models available, but if Sabine was trying to pass as an academy student maybe she should have changed out of her Mando armor.
Chopper was funny as usual. Kanan and Hera seemed to take a back seat in this episode. Hera did have her motherly talk with Ezra. I wonder if we can expect one of those per episode.
Agent Kallus once again showed how utterly evil he is. Now we have even more reason to dislike him for the part he played in wiping out Zeb’s people. He seemed to take utter enjoyment in tormenting poor Zeb. And he uses the weapon of the Lasat people which makes him more detestable. I’m thinking he will be the villain we see the most in the show.
It was nice to see some familiar characters like R2-D2, C-3PO, and Bail Organa. R2 as usual was the droid who knew what was going on. C-3PO just tried his best to mess things up. It was weird seeing him kind of working for the Empire even if he did have the best intentions.
Outstanding Moments
Teresa: My first stand out moment is unfortunately a negative. I do not like the way the show opens. I don’t like that we get started into the episode and then get the title logo. I would much prefer music and and the logo and then the episode starting. The current opening makes things feel awkward and disjointed. I hope they change this eventually.
I absolutely loved the Star Tours reference when they get on the shuttle and the way Chopper keeps poking Ezra. The droid fight between R2-D2 and Chopper is also a fantastic scene.
If I had to pick 2 scenes my first would be the end sequence with Senator Organa and getting to see the Tantive IV. It gave me chills and I started to cry. The second would be the fight between Zeb and Agent Kallus. It was full of emotion and I could feel Zeb’s hurt and anguish through my TV. Props to Steve Blum for his line delivery.
Aaron: Early on in the episode I loved seeing Ezra use his street rat skills to break into the facility. Watching him jump around the rooftops and and dodge traffic while using a bit of the Force to enhance his abilities was really cool.
The appearance of Imperial walkers made me giddy.
Who needs lightsaber fights when you have a battle like the one we got between Zeb and Agent Kallus? It was well choreographed and gives me high hopes for when we do eventually see lightsaber battles in Rebels.
And my favorite moment came at the end of the bo-rifle battle. When Zeb is about to be taken out for good by Kallus, Ezra taps into his Force potential and Force pushes Kallus away. This was a stand up and cheer kind of moment. We can see Ezra’s raw potential and Kanan took notice too.
Favorite Quotes
Teresa:
- “What did he say”- Zeb
“He said Hellllooo Hyperspace”-Hera
“That’s not what he said”- Zeb - “Tell me more about your rebels”- Bail Organa
- “The simplest gesture of kindness can fill a galaxy with hope.” – Bail Organa
- “Isn’t that a Jedi saying?” – Kanan
Aaron:
- ““Oh look. Chopper made friends.” – Sabine
- “Well kid, you pulled it off.” – Zeb
“Was there ever any doubt?” – Ezra
“Yes.” – Zeb and Sabine - “You want disrupters? You gotta come through me!” – Zeb
Rebels has yet to let us down, and based on things we have seen and heard, it seems like we have only scratched the surface of how great this show can be.
For more Jedi News Film and TV reviews, click here.
