Star Wars Rebels: Steps into Shadows - Parts 1 & 2
September 24, 2016 6:54 AM - Season 3, Episode 1 - Subscribe
Star Wars Rebels returns with the crew of the Ghost continuing their fight against the Empire. Both Kanan Jarrus and Ezra Bridger deal with the aftermath of last season's events and the Empire turns to a new commander to deal with the rebel problem.
So that was a fun episode. I love all the new redesigns of our characters. Sabine's hair. Kanan's mask. And Ezra is all grown up. I'm also glad that we explored more of Ezra's dark-side. It'll be interesting to see how deep Ezra dives into the Sith side of the Force. Also, Hondo!?! He continues to be my favourite.
Apparently this season of Star Wars Rebels will also connect with Rogue One in a major way. Various characters from that film universe will be animated into this one. That'll be a great way to jump into the film. I wonder if we'll see someone like Sabine or Hera in the background of Rogue One. Doubtful, but one can dream.
That this season will likely be the last one for Rebels is sad to me, but it looks like it'll be ending in a glorious big bang?! I'm excited.
posted by Fizz at 7:18 PM on September 24, 2016 [1 favorite]
Apparently this season of Star Wars Rebels will also connect with Rogue One in a major way. Various characters from that film universe will be animated into this one. That'll be a great way to jump into the film. I wonder if we'll see someone like Sabine or Hera in the background of Rogue One. Doubtful, but one can dream.
That this season will likely be the last one for Rebels is sad to me, but it looks like it'll be ending in a glorious big bang?! I'm excited.
posted by Fizz at 7:18 PM on September 24, 2016 [1 favorite]
The Bendu was voiced by Tom Baker. Yes, that Tom Baker.
That was certainly a bang of a start! There's a lot to be excited about this season. I'm curious to see how Ezra's flirtation with the Dark Side continues. He certainly went to a very dark place early in the episode, but seemed to have drawn back from it by the end. We know Maul will be back this season so undoubtedly he will continue to lure Ezra in that direction, holocron or no.
I know Thrawn only by reputation – never read the books – but his introduction was very chilling and intriguing. I'm becoming ambivalent about Hondo, though, to be honest; his character in TCW was more piratical and even cruel, while Hondo in SWR seems more comic relief. Perhaps he's lightening up in his later years....
As for this being the last season, Freddie Prinze Jr recently said (tweet, or interview, I can't remember) that Disney has already picked up Rebels for the rest of its run. I don't think we have to worry about it going anywhere anytime soon.
posted by The Nutmeg of Consolation at 4:54 AM on September 25, 2016 [3 favorites]
That was certainly a bang of a start! There's a lot to be excited about this season. I'm curious to see how Ezra's flirtation with the Dark Side continues. He certainly went to a very dark place early in the episode, but seemed to have drawn back from it by the end. We know Maul will be back this season so undoubtedly he will continue to lure Ezra in that direction, holocron or no.
I know Thrawn only by reputation – never read the books – but his introduction was very chilling and intriguing. I'm becoming ambivalent about Hondo, though, to be honest; his character in TCW was more piratical and even cruel, while Hondo in SWR seems more comic relief. Perhaps he's lightening up in his later years....
As for this being the last season, Freddie Prinze Jr recently said (tweet, or interview, I can't remember) that Disney has already picked up Rebels for the rest of its run. I don't think we have to worry about it going anywhere anytime soon.
posted by The Nutmeg of Consolation at 4:54 AM on September 25, 2016 [3 favorites]
I'm glad to hear that Nutmeg, I had heard differently. I'm more than ok with two or three more of these Seasons because they're written/directed so well.
posted by Fizz at 1:25 PM on September 25, 2016
posted by Fizz at 1:25 PM on September 25, 2016
I know Thrawn only by reputation – never read the books – but his introduction was very chilling and intriguing. I'm becoming ambivalent about Hondo, though, to be honest; his character in TCW was more piratical and even cruel, while Hondo in SWR seems more comic relief. Perhaps he's lightening up in his later years....
Thank you for this, I was really curious how Thrawn's introduction would come across to those who weren't already familiar with him! I'm kind of in the middle, I read and completely loved the Thrawn Trilogy back in the day...but that day was so far back now, I don't remember too much. Erm.
As for this being the last season, Freddie Prinze Jr recently said (tweet, or interview, I can't remember) that Disney has already picked up Rebels for the rest of its run. I don't think we have to worry about it going anywhere anytime soon.
I think there was an initial belief that once Rebels ran into the A New Hope timeline, it would come to an end, since we know the story from that point on. As time has progressed with the show's success, I've noticed a shift in the Lucasfilm powers that be in how they approach the show's rebels and the original trilogy. In short, there's an argument that the rebels we see in the original trilogy just represent one part of the whole, and that the activities of the group under Commander Sato's governance represent another fight against the Empire going on elsewhere. This was kind of touched upon in this episode when we learn the Y-wings are going to General Dodanna, who will be using them in about two years to attack the Death Star. This division also kind of reflects why they can introduce the A-wings (or at least their predecessors) with our rebels' group now, even though they don't appear until Return of the Jedi - if the Battle of Endor is the Rebellion throwing everything they have against the Empire, then they draw in the resources that have the A-wings and the B-wings. (I'm not awake enough to wave my hand at the Battle of Yavin, other than they sent only as many ships as they felt was needed - since a large assault would fail.)
I over all enjoyed the premiere, though I apologize, the correct title of the episode is "Steps into Shadow," not "shadows." I kept adding that 'S' everywhere with Shadow this weekend. Argh. I thought Thrawn's introduction was anti-climatic, but that's okay, because this episode is really all about the Jedi and their fate following "Twilight of the Apprentice." I was pretty chilled by Ezra's Sith mind trick against the pilot of the AT-DP on the landing platform, it was just...so not right and dark. It was very Sith'ish. Given everything that Kanan has overcome, it was a bit surprising to learn he'd kind of pulled himself out, but losing one's sight is also dang traumatic. I'm glad they laid down the problem as one that happened between seasons and didn't make it run that long into the third season. And of course, I loved the introduction of the Bendu. Tom Baker did a great job, and to a degree, the Bendu kind of represents the Doctor in a way, he's not always a "good" character, either. One touch I liked was his eyes, which were both light and dark at times.
The final act also drew upon something for Ezra, that despite his confidence, he's still not ready to go at it alone and I liked that humbling of the apprentice. But man, I hope those shuttles that fit into the Ghost aren't too hard to find, cause geez, the Phantom! Also, if I was Sabine or Zeb, I'd be kind of irritated that some Lothrat of a kid gets promoted and put in charge of the missions. Sure, he has the Force and a lightsaber, but he lacks the experience that they both have. Rex, I can forgive, because of the crazy leadership issues of the Jedi in the Clone Wars. Bottom line, however, the FORCE DOESN'T EQUATE REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE IN ANYTHING OTHER THAN THE FORCE. Ahem.
For the basics, Kevin Kiner brought the music, and the pacing, framing and animation all were what I'd come to expect from the show. I'm pretty excited to see Thrawn's plan unfurl, and I have to admit, not as excited about Maul's return. I know he's basically around so the Force users have another Force user to run up against since the Inquisitors may be a little burnt out (given their number identification, there must be more...unless the other ones were already dead).
Yah, though, I love me some Rebels!
posted by Atreides at 9:35 AM on September 26, 2016 [1 favorite]
Thank you for this, I was really curious how Thrawn's introduction would come across to those who weren't already familiar with him! I'm kind of in the middle, I read and completely loved the Thrawn Trilogy back in the day...but that day was so far back now, I don't remember too much. Erm.
As for this being the last season, Freddie Prinze Jr recently said (tweet, or interview, I can't remember) that Disney has already picked up Rebels for the rest of its run. I don't think we have to worry about it going anywhere anytime soon.
I think there was an initial belief that once Rebels ran into the A New Hope timeline, it would come to an end, since we know the story from that point on. As time has progressed with the show's success, I've noticed a shift in the Lucasfilm powers that be in how they approach the show's rebels and the original trilogy. In short, there's an argument that the rebels we see in the original trilogy just represent one part of the whole, and that the activities of the group under Commander Sato's governance represent another fight against the Empire going on elsewhere. This was kind of touched upon in this episode when we learn the Y-wings are going to General Dodanna, who will be using them in about two years to attack the Death Star. This division also kind of reflects why they can introduce the A-wings (or at least their predecessors) with our rebels' group now, even though they don't appear until Return of the Jedi - if the Battle of Endor is the Rebellion throwing everything they have against the Empire, then they draw in the resources that have the A-wings and the B-wings. (I'm not awake enough to wave my hand at the Battle of Yavin, other than they sent only as many ships as they felt was needed - since a large assault would fail.)
I over all enjoyed the premiere, though I apologize, the correct title of the episode is "Steps into Shadow," not "shadows." I kept adding that 'S' everywhere with Shadow this weekend. Argh. I thought Thrawn's introduction was anti-climatic, but that's okay, because this episode is really all about the Jedi and their fate following "Twilight of the Apprentice." I was pretty chilled by Ezra's Sith mind trick against the pilot of the AT-DP on the landing platform, it was just...so not right and dark. It was very Sith'ish. Given everything that Kanan has overcome, it was a bit surprising to learn he'd kind of pulled himself out, but losing one's sight is also dang traumatic. I'm glad they laid down the problem as one that happened between seasons and didn't make it run that long into the third season. And of course, I loved the introduction of the Bendu. Tom Baker did a great job, and to a degree, the Bendu kind of represents the Doctor in a way, he's not always a "good" character, either. One touch I liked was his eyes, which were both light and dark at times.
The final act also drew upon something for Ezra, that despite his confidence, he's still not ready to go at it alone and I liked that humbling of the apprentice. But man, I hope those shuttles that fit into the Ghost aren't too hard to find, cause geez, the Phantom! Also, if I was Sabine or Zeb, I'd be kind of irritated that some Lothrat of a kid gets promoted and put in charge of the missions. Sure, he has the Force and a lightsaber, but he lacks the experience that they both have. Rex, I can forgive, because of the crazy leadership issues of the Jedi in the Clone Wars. Bottom line, however, the FORCE DOESN'T EQUATE REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE IN ANYTHING OTHER THAN THE FORCE. Ahem.
For the basics, Kevin Kiner brought the music, and the pacing, framing and animation all were what I'd come to expect from the show. I'm pretty excited to see Thrawn's plan unfurl, and I have to admit, not as excited about Maul's return. I know he's basically around so the Force users have another Force user to run up against since the Inquisitors may be a little burnt out (given their number identification, there must be more...unless the other ones were already dead).
Yah, though, I love me some Rebels!
posted by Atreides at 9:35 AM on September 26, 2016 [1 favorite]
Oh, hey, the complete episode guide is now up for "Steps into Shadow!"
Trivia!
posted by Atreides at 2:26 PM on September 26, 2016
Trivia!
- Zeb's new Season 3 outfit includes an illustration of the joopa creature which ate him in Season Two's clonetrooper episode.
- Sabine's armor added an illustration of the convor owl described to her by Ezra (seen sitting on the Bendu during the episode, also).
- Hera officially wears the rebel rank badge of captain on her outfit.
- An unused version of Hondo Ohnaka's reaction to seeing the Ugnaught Terba's death was to remark breathlessly, "They can fly!"
- Ezra's use of "44 scoop" references the rebels' preference for coded tactics used since Season One, when Kanan ordered a "22 pickup."
- Officially, about six months have passed since "Twilight of the Apprentice" and "Steps into Shadow."
- Ezra's quarters feature an old podrace competition poster featuring Ben Quadinaros, a very similar one was found in Anakin Skywalker's personal quarters in The Clone Wars.
- Plans for the Bendu went back to "The Mystery of Chopper Base," with a much, much larger sized Bendu. In that planned idea, the rebels unknowingly build their base on the Bendu's back and return to find it gone due to the Bendu moving elsewhere.
- The Bendu's name harkens back to the original story treatment by George Lucas, in which he referred to the "Jedi Bendu," as well the terms Ashla for the Light Side and Bogan for the Dark Side.
- Commander Brom Titus was last featured in "Stealth Strike," as the commander of the Interdictor project.
- The writer who pitched the idea of destroying the Phantom received the amusing nickname of "The Phantom Menace," for the rest of the season.
- The Y-wings captured in "Steps into Shadow," are indeed the same Y-wings that make up part of Gold Squadron in A New Hope..
posted by Atreides at 2:26 PM on September 26, 2016
In Rebels related news, the soundtrack for Season 1 was released a couple weeks ago, and the soundtrack for Season 2 is supposed to be released this Friday, coinciding with "Rogue Friday." These are entirely digital, by and by.
posted by Atreides at 1:09 PM on September 28, 2016
posted by Atreides at 1:09 PM on September 28, 2016
I would LOVE LOVE if they introduced a whole other rebel cell just to show us Thrawn wiping them out.
A format challenge of Rebels is it's really a kids show, much more so than clone wars (the body counts there omg) but it still wants to play with Darth Vader and Tarkin and Thrawn. And it's hard to portray murders and architects of genocide in a kids show. At least to portray them in a way that doesn't make them seem hapless and non threatening.
Anecdote regarding this: I watched some of rebels with a 5 year old and they were too scared to watch anything with the grand inquisitor in it. But fine with Vader and the season 2 inquisitors because quote "they're not going to hurt the rebels, they never hurt anyone"
posted by French Fry at 1:04 PM on October 14, 2016 [1 favorite]
A format challenge of Rebels is it's really a kids show, much more so than clone wars (the body counts there omg) but it still wants to play with Darth Vader and Tarkin and Thrawn. And it's hard to portray murders and architects of genocide in a kids show. At least to portray them in a way that doesn't make them seem hapless and non threatening.
Anecdote regarding this: I watched some of rebels with a 5 year old and they were too scared to watch anything with the grand inquisitor in it. But fine with Vader and the season 2 inquisitors because quote "they're not going to hurt the rebels, they never hurt anyone"
posted by French Fry at 1:04 PM on October 14, 2016 [1 favorite]
I would LOVE LOVE if they introduced a whole other rebel cell just to show us Thrawn wiping them out.
That would be great. If the Season 3 trailer isn't too misleading, it seems as if the Twi'lek rebellion under Cham Syndulla gets hit pretty hard by Thrawn (and presumably, that may be happening this Saturday).
I honestly think that to a certain degree, Thrawn will successfully wipe out a lot of our own rebel cell's capacity to fight, leading to Palpatine sending him off on some mission in the uncharted territories in line with his reappearance in the old EU. We already have established there's other cells (when the Y-wings are sent off), so it could be that Thrawn completely wipes out Commander Sato's fleet.
posted by Atreides at 1:18 PM on October 14, 2016
That would be great. If the Season 3 trailer isn't too misleading, it seems as if the Twi'lek rebellion under Cham Syndulla gets hit pretty hard by Thrawn (and presumably, that may be happening this Saturday).
I honestly think that to a certain degree, Thrawn will successfully wipe out a lot of our own rebel cell's capacity to fight, leading to Palpatine sending him off on some mission in the uncharted territories in line with his reappearance in the old EU. We already have established there's other cells (when the Y-wings are sent off), so it could be that Thrawn completely wipes out Commander Sato's fleet.
posted by Atreides at 1:18 PM on October 14, 2016
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posted by Fizz at 2:09 PM on September 24, 2016 [1 favorite]