We finally got a couple of the things we’ve been asking for. Hera got out of the pilot’s seat and into the action and Sabine played a major role. But did the episode live up to our expectations?
Story/Plot
Aaron: I don’t know if it’s because I liked the last two episodes so much and I just had the bar set too high, but this one kind of fell flat for me. Nothing really important happened. I guess it is to be expected that not every episode will have major ramifications but this one just seemed a bit pointless. And I might be getting a little tired of the Ezra/Zeb/Chopper antics. They were a little over the top this episode and the jokes just weren’t landing.
It was good to see Hera and Sabine on an adventure together and there were some nice reveals. We now know there is someone or some organization called Fulcrum who is giving Hera direction. We also have confirmation that Sabine went to the Imperial Academy on Mandalore. I’m guessing Fulcrum will become a bigger element in upcoming episodes and I’d love to learn even more about Sabine’s past.
The monsters that Hera and Sabine faced had a nice design and it was cool to see Clone Wars era ships broken down in the hanger. I was a little disappointed by the idea that the monsters could only come out in the dark. That trope has just been used so much. The action scene toward the end wasn’t very dynamic and got repetitive. Shoot some monsters, blow up some barrels. Repeat. And I really would have liked to see Hera and Sabine get out of the mess without needing to call the boys for help.
Teresa: I was consumed by work last week and just could not get to the review so this week I was very excited to get to write about the first all-girl episode. Sadly, I was disappointed. The episode felt forced and did not have the natural flow that the others have had. It felt like the creators knew they needed to highlight the women so they tossed in an episode.
The strength of the episode was definitely with Hera. She held the entire episode together which was fitting since that is her role on the team. I was very excited to get to see more Sabine. Soon after I got more I wanted to back pedal and return to what we had seen prior to this episode. I hate to say that, and I really wish I had loved this episode, but as I said before it missed the mark. I think part of this was that my expectations were very high. I wish they had been lower so that I could have just enjoyed the episode.
As much as I love Zeb and Chopper the continued jokes, teasing and beating up on each other and Ezra has reached its peak. I don’t need to see it in every episode. I also wish that the girls did not have to call the boys for help. I knew when Zeb didn’t read the diagnostics that it meant the boys were going to have to come rescue the girls. I did like the twist that the boys had no real idea how to save the girls and that Hera and Sabine ended up saving everyone. The monsters were interesting but I could have done without them and would have preferred a much different and more intelligent story. The introduction of Fulcrum says a lot without saying anything…I am sure they (he) will play into the future of the show.
Characters
Teresa: Sabine was characterized in my eyes as a very whiny 16 year old that was not getting her way so she pouted about it. Yes, in the end she learned the error of her ways and learned some patience, but I wish they would have waited to show this side of her. Let us fall in love with her first then show us her flaws, and we won’t care because we already love her. The one part with her that I loved was when she finally started coming up with a plan and using her skills as an explosive expert. This was what I wanted to see from her.
Hera impressed me in this episode with how she never budged on her mission to keep all of the others in the dark about things. We did learn why she was doing it and I think that was much needed. I think she also did a good job trying to appeal to Sabine but I wish she would have reprimanded her more. I do like that Hera let Sabine show her strengths in creating a plan and trusting her. I think this proved Hera’s point and helped Sabine see that Hera does trust her.
Aaron: This was really the first episode of the season where Ezra, Zeb, or Kanan weren’t the main focus. In fact Kanan played the most minor role. Considering he is my favorite character I was disappointed, but it was nice to see some other characters get the spotlight. Sabine has had some great moments in the season so far, but this episode was the first time we got to really spend a lot of time with her. I was a little surprised by Sabine’s interactions with Hera. I expected a little more camaraderie but instead it seemed like they just got on each other’s nerves. Sabine came across as much more immature than I expected. More room for character growth I guess.
I usually enjoy the comedy relief Chopper, Ezra, and Zeb bring, but this episode it was a little much. I’m hoping it is toned down in future episodes.
Outstanding Moments
Teresa: The EXPLOSIONS were stunning and probably my favorite part of the entire episode.
Aaron: I really enjoyed the moment when Ezra and Zeb realized they messed up and went to tell Kanan while he was meditating. They were speaking outside his door and did not realize he can hear everything they are saying. Very funny and very well written.
Another great moment was when Ezra took out a few monsters while attempting to save Sabine and Hera. He was initially successful but his arrogance got him into trouble. Sabine had to use her impressive marksmanship to ultimately save him instead.
And what was up with that marked crate that Hera was acting weird about? Very interesting…
Favorite Quotes
- “There isn’t a pilot in the Imperial Fleet that can outrun me.” – Hera
- ““There we go. I knew there had to be a way this was my fault.” – Kanan
- ““How do you find a way of answering questions without giving any answers?” – Sabine
“Do you really want me to answer that?” – Hera
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