Star Wars Rebelsended its four-season run only a few years ago, but it continually adds to the expansive mythos and storytelling from the Star Wars universe. With the new showAhsokacontinuing various storylines fromRebels, there has been even more buzz surroundingRebelsand its unique storytelling. Both shows' executive producer, Dave Filoni, is also slated to direct an upcoming Star Wars film that will connect various storylines from both shows andThe Mandalorian.
Rebelsis deeplyinspired by Ralph McQuarrie’s concept artfor the original Star Wars trilogy, with direct connections and visual nods to his art. The planet Lothal is even pulled directly from McQuarrie’s various planet designs, along with an older concept idea for Chewbacca being utilized for the character design of Zeb.
Throughout the show, various story arcs were told across multiple episodes and sometimes seasons, makingRebelsan expansive stand-alone project as well as a perfect addition to the ever-growing Star Wars universe. Here are some of the best arcs throughRebels' four seasons.
11The Start of the Rebel Alliance
The show’s major strengths lie in the ever expanding additions to previously told stories, andRebelstakes a deep look into the beginning stages of the Rebellion, making a well crafted and sound addition to the Original Trilogy. From Chopper Base to Yavin 4,Rebelsrecounts the hardships the Rebellion endured as well as the small victories that lead up to the Battle of Yavin. Important characters from the Rebellion like Bail Organa and Mon Mothma are scattered throughout various episodes, and their presence only increases as the show goes on. Leia even makes a brief appearance in an episode and teams up with the Ghost Crew.
10Chopper Base
Chopper discovers an outer rim planet suitable for a Rebel base, except for one slight problem: giant, spider-like creatures called Krykna overrun the base. But, with a bit of advanced, defensive tech, the Rebels are able to establish a well-functioning, protective system that allows them to operate undetected long enough to grow and prepare for an attack later on. When Thrawn discovers the location of Chopper Base, however, the Rebels must stand strong and endure a massive attack from Thrawn and his forces that results in a search for a new base, Yavin 4.
9The Old Republic
Filoni masterfully weaves in remnants of the Prequel era intoRebels, specifically in reference toThe Clone Wars. With multiple characters returning from the TV show as well as the Prequel movies, there really is a huge homage to the Old Republic era. Most notably, Captain Rex, Ahsoka, and Maul return and actually further the story as well as tie up some loose ends in their own stories.
The audience learns about Maul’s fate through his duel with Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Empire’s involvement on Geonosis, what happened to many decommissioned battle droids as well as clones, and various political leaders turned Rebels or Imperial Officers. This is just another instanceRebelsestablishes its own story and connects it to the greater Star Wars Universe depicted in films, novels, TV shows, comics, video games, etc.
8Mandalore
Mandalore has always fascinated fans, andRebelscentered multiple episodes on the planet and its people. Even more mythos and history were established and built on through the show. With a Mandalorian being a part of the Ghost Crew, a focus on Mandalore was always in the works, and the show did not disappoint, paving the way forThe Mandalorian’s popularity in the future.
BeforeRebels, Ahsoka’s fate after leaving the Jedi Order was unknown, so when she first appeared on-screen in the first season’s finale, fans were thrilled. It was an epic return and an epic battle between her and her former master in the season two finale. Ashley Eckstein’s return to the character was highly anticipated and definitely lived up to the hype.
When Ezra saved her in the World Between Worlds in season four, it solidified a longer future for Ahsoka that would go into the original trilogy, as the series finale teased a Sabine-Ahsoka team-up.Titular Ahsoka-centered episodesin the series even specifically lead up to events to be chronicled in the TV showAhsoka, with the hunt for Thrawn and Ezra being a major plot point in the latest Star Wars show.
Related:Star Wars: Ahsoka’s Best Clone Wars and Rebels Episodes to Watch
For season two, Filoni got toreturn to the character of Anakinin the era after his fall to the dark side and in his new identity of Darth Vader. A truly fearsome Vader was depicted, and James Earl Jones even reprised his role for the few episodes in which Vader was featured. The final showdown between Ahsoka and Vader was a huge moment in Star Wars history and is in the top duels of Star Wars.
Darth Maul’s return inClone Warswas epic and a fan-favorite arc from the series, and his second return inRebelsis no different. It advanced the character into a state past the Sith, and his vengeance against Kenobi, the Sith, and Palpatine fueled his every move. The final showdown between Maul and Kenobi in season three may be one of the shortest, but is one of the best duels in Star Wars. Maul finds a final resolve before death as his rival finally defeats him. The Chosen One prophecy is brought back up, with the ambiguous answer of whether Anakin truly was the Chosen One.
Ezra’s home planet of Lothal and the Ghost Crew’s home base for the majority of the show is a unique planet created specifically for the show from old concept art for the Original Trilogy by Ralph McQuarrie. In true Star Wars and Dave Filoni fashion, nothing is ever wasted.
The idea to make the central location of the show a previously unknown planet was a clever decision, as it allowed for unique storylines as well as explanations and connections to larger and more explored arcs in the Star Wars universe. Lothal is revealed to be an important outpost for the Empire as they expand their arsenal with various weapons and ships, employing the people of Lothal.
The impact of Empire Day is also heavily explored on Lothal and the concealed brutality of the Empire shines through their feeble cover-up of the Empire’s glory. Lothal slowly changes through the seasons to indicate the negative impact the Empire has. At first, it’s a minimal occupation, but it leads to an extreme overtake and lockdown of the planet. But, after the Empire is defeated and driven from the planet, Lothal finally shows blue skies, and after the time jump, Sabine looks out over a restored planet.
Related:Rebels: Why the Animated Star Wars Series is a Must-Watch TV Show
When Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012, many storylines and characters were eliminated from canon and declared Legends. While this was a strategic and correct move in the long run, many fans were disappointed in the loss of fan-favorite Star Wars elements, including Grand Admiral Thrawn. But, season two reintroduced fans to the feared villain, re-canonizing the character.
Thrawn’s presence in the latter half of the series brought huge stakes and intense scenes that fully displayed the power and fearsome demeanor of the Grand Admiral. Because of his return, Thrawn regained his popularity as one of Star Wars' top villains. There is adeep history with the character of Thrawnfrom Legends, and while the show doesn’t bring back every part of the character’s backstory, a new canon series was released by the original author from the book trilogy in the ’90s, Timothy Zahn. The character of Thrawn will return inAhsoka.
2Kanan’s Sacrifice
Kanan’s death in one of the last few episodes of season four hit the Ghost Crew and fans alike hard, as a well-loved character sacrificed himself for his family, Lothal, and the Rebellion. The majority of season four led up to Kanan’s sacrifice, and the payoff is heart-wrenching, but it inspires Ezra to make a similar sacrifice in order to remove Thrawn from the playing field.
The repercussions of Kanan’s sacrifice are truly heartbreaking as audiences watch the Ghost Crew attempt te heal and recover from Kanan’s loss. Sabine and Zeb react in anger and revenge, Ezra feels lost without his master, and Hera seems defeated and confused on the next steps for the Ghost Crew, Lothal, and the Rebellion.
