This is the episode that we have all been waiting for. Kanan, the Force, the Inquisitor and a real Star Wars feel. We finally got to see the Master and the Padawan and exactly what it means to not try but to simply do! Star Wars Rebels is taking us places we have never been in the galaxy and it feels good..
Story/Plot
Teresa: This was the first episode that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. There is something about actually having an intimidating villain challenging our heroes that pulls the episode together. The plot of this episode was a lot deeper than anything we have seen over the past couple of episodes. I would venture to say that it is even deeper than what we saw in the premiere movie. This particular episode didn’t just reference the Original Trilogy it helped explain some of the lore we see in the original films. It shows us how much self doubt Kanan really has in himself and how Ezra is making him a stronger Jedi. In the moments at the end of this episode I saw Anakin and Ahsoka and it made me smile at the possibilities for this show.
The Clone Wars gave something to the Star Wars universe that nothing before it had. Rebels is poised to do the same. The storytelling in this episode was deep, meaningful and Kanan blew me away with his strength. He truly is a Jedi even if he does not believe he is.
Aaron: I’m just going to come right out and say it. This was by far my favorite episode of Rebels so far. I enjoyed the last episode, but the idea of rescuing a Jedi from prison is going to beat out fruit shopping any day.
We had been teased in trailers for the season that there was going to be an appearance of Jedi Master Luminara Unduli, who we had previously seen in The Clone Wars. This was the episode they were going to rescue her. Sadly she ended up just being bait for a trap. When our heroes find her we see it is only her body there, and she is not actually alive. I was very disappointed by this because I was excited by the possibility of some Jedi surviving Order 66 and the team coming across a few of them. But the good thing about the trap was that it was set by none other than the Inquisitor. We finally got to meet the main villain of the series. He did not disappoint. We were treated to an amazing lightsaber battle and some great character moments for Kanan and Ezra.
Characters
Teresa: I am still craving more Sabine and Hera. I feel like we have been a little cheated by getting so little of the ladies thus far. I liked the little we got of each of them in this episode, but I am waiting for the ladies to show their true colors and take over the show! Kanan and Ezra both showed a lot of growth and maturity in this episode and I really like seeing that. Mostly I liked seeing the growth of Kanan and him learning that he can do things that he thought he couldn’t do. The thing is that without the Inquisitor I don’t think Kanan would have figured these things out. Sometimes I think it really does take facing your biggest adversary to discover the strength you have in yourself.
All I can say about the brief appearance of Luminara Unduli is…dang that sucks.
Aaron: This episode really let Kanan show his powers. When the show was first announced and info about Rebels started to trickle out, I pretty quickly thought Kanan might be my favorite character. Even though he had that pony tail. This episode solidified that. I’m glad they are letting Kanan showcase what a Jedi can do. Early in the episode he saves Ezra from falling to his death by levitating him back up to the ship, and not just from a few feet. From hundreds of feet. Impressive. Most impressive. Beyond just his powers we get to see some character growth for Kanan. His doubt in his abilities to train Ezra is evident, but by the end of the episode he gains a resolve to just do and not try.
Ezra is once again a main focus. We get to see his frustrations trying to learn from a Master that he thinks doesn’t care. Through a confrontation with the intimidating Inquisitor, Ezra and Kanan come together. Although they ultimately fail to rescue a Jedi Master or defeat the Inquisitor, the experience helps them reach the conclusion that Kanan is the right person to train Ezra.
It was nice to see Sabine get more screen time. She and Zeb team up for most of the episode and their parts were fun to watch. I am really starting to love Sabine’s personality and some of the best lines of the show are given to her. I still think she is taking a bit of a back seat to characters like Kanan, Ezra, and Zeb and I hope we soon find out more about her backstory.
Speaking of taking a back seat. Let’s get Hera out of the cockpit and into some action!
Outstanding Moments
Teresa: One of my favorite moments, that has nothing to do with the episode really, is when the Loth-cat gets hit in the head with a jug of milk. I know this has nothing to do with the story at all, but I thought it was a great moment of humor to add to the episode. I really liked the opening sequence with Chopper, Ezra, Kanan and Zeb. I really liked them pushing the limits of Ezra’s Force ability. Another great sequence that makes me giggle is in the lift when Sabine and Zeb are talking about Kanan’s ability to make plans and how they just are not very good most of the time.
There were tons of other moments that stand out but I wanted to name some of the ones that may not be as obvious. The pivotal moment that gave me chills and made me cry was when Kanan and Ezra raised the door together as Master and Padawan. Filoni and the rest of the team along with Kevin Kiner made that moment the most EPIC moment we have seen thus far.
Aaron: So many outstanding moments. The opening was really fun with Ezra being trained by Kanan. The whole sequence was some nice comedy relief at the top of an episode that would get pretty serious. The carton hitting the cat thing on the head was a nice touch.
Kanan using his Force powers to take down Stormtroopers had me cheering. His frontflip out of the Ghost was a little showy, but that fits his persona. Ezra trying to mimic him and slamming into the front door of the prison was hilarious.
The highlight of the episode was the introduction of the Inquisitor. What a great character. He was not only intimidating in the way he looked but also in his intellect and his skills with a lightsaber. Kanan was simply overmatched. The lightsaber fight was great but the Inquisitor was essentially toying with him. I am looking forward to more conflicts with the Inquisitor as Kanan and Ezra grow to be more formidable opponents.
Favorite Quotes
Teresa:
- “Do or do not there is no try”- Kanan
“What does that even mean? How can I do something if I don’t try to do it?”- Ezra - “Come on kid do something…amuse me…use the Force!” – Zeb
- “You love birds are attracting too much attention.” – Hera
- “I am the Inquisitor, welcome.” – Inquisitor
Aaron:
- “The hard part is getting out.. because, you know…It’s prison.” – Sabine
- “I’m sorry Chop. We just don’t need your damaged logic circuits on this one.” – Zeb
- “I may fail. You may fail. But there is no try.” – Kanan
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