Disney XD’s Star Wars Rebels
Star Wars Rebels is the second Star Wars animated show produced by Lucasfilm and first after Disney acquired the rights to the Star Wars franchise. The timeline for Star Wars Rebels takes place fourteen years after Revenge of the Sith and five years before A New Hope, during an era when the Empire is securing its control on the galaxy. Imperial forces, such as the Sith Inquisitors, are hunting down the last of the Jedi while the Rebellion against the Empire is taking form.
Where You Should Start Watching:
If you have never seen an episode of Rebels, and are a general Star Wars fan, then start from the beginning. The first season is a slow grind but it will pay off by the end. If you were a fan of Star Wars The Clone Wars animated television show then I would recommend with Season 2, as this season included some of the popular characters from that show. For the Star Wars fans of the movies, only then I would suggest just watching the following episodes as it will help you understand some of the topics not covered in the movies: Season 1 Episodes 8, 14; Season 2 Episodes 1, 2, 3, 11, 17, 20; Season 3 Episodes 2, 3, 15, 22; Season 4 Episodes 6, 10, 13, 14, 15.
Why You Should Watch:
The main reason you should watch Star Wars Rebels is it’s the most complete story from start to finish from any Star Wars movie or television show. While the movies and previous show Star Wars The Clone Wars focused mainly the conflict between the Jedi and the Sith, or the massive battles between the Rebellion against the mighty Empire. This show focuses on six characters rebelling against the Empire on the unimportant planet of Lothal, showing us the spark of the rebellion from individuals not involved with the Jedi or Politicians. From the individual side, this show does a great job of showcasing the best of each character. Each season gives us a deeper backstory of each individual that by the end of the series you feel that everyone has completed their journey. This is something that I feel gets lost in the Star Wars movies or The Clone Wars.
Another great reason why you should watch this show, is that it showcases the villains the best with the three most iconic Star Wars villains in the franchise. Darth Vader, Darth Maul and Grand Admiral Thrawn all have multiple shining moments in this show. Both Darth Vader and Darth Maul make their appearances in the second season, with Darth Vader being the main antagonists of the season; he is sent by the Emperor to stop the rebellion on Lothal. Darth Maul’s story carries from Season 2 to Season 3 exposing Ezra to the secrets of the Sith. In Season 3 the conclusion of Darth Maul’s story is revealed, with the final confrontation between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Maul. The last villain we are introduced to on the show is none other than Grand Admiral Thrawn, which prior to this show he had only been seen and heard about in the Star Wars comics and books. The introduction of Grand Admiral Thrawn has proved to the most pivotal as he becomes the biggest challenge for the Phoenix Squad and their protection of Lothal from the Empire. While the Star Wars movies are great, something that it has always lacked was a really strong Empire Officer. And that’s what we get with Admiral Thrawn who mainly is the villain in Season 3 and Season 4.
While the Star Wars franchise tends to focus on the big picture conflicts, (Jedi vs Sith, Rebellion vs Empire, Galactic Politics) this show does a great job is focusing on the spark of the rebellion which is all we hear about in The Last Jedi. Prior to the new trilogy and this show, this type of story was only available in the comics and books that are no longer canon.
While Rebels focuses mainly on six characters and their battle against the Empire, throughout the show there are stories that give us backstories on very little characters. We get stories like the rise Mon Monthma and how she became the leader of the Rebellion come into power, Wedge Antilles and how he left the empire to join the Rebellion, we get to see all of that in throughout the show.
The last reason why you should watch this show is if you are a fan of the new movies, The Clone Wars, or even just the general fan, you get to see some of the iconic characters come into the show and interact with the Phoenix Squad. Characters like Clone Trooper Rex, Saw Gerrera R2-D2, C-3PO, Princess Leia, Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Emperor Palpatine all make an appearance at one point in time throughout the show. One of the fan favorites from The Clone Wars, Ahsoka Tano becomes a pivotal part of the story. In all, Star Wars Rebels gives you the most complete story, some of the best characters and best character development you’re going to see in the Star Wars franchise.
Where You Can Find Episodes And Seasons Of Star Wars Rebels:
Every episode of Star Wars Rebels is available for cable subscribers on the Disney Now app and website. The Disney Now app is available through iOS, Android, Kindle, Apple TV, and Roku.
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