REBELS continues to serve as an entertaining and effective bridge between the Star Wars trilogies
With the acquisition of Lucasarts/Star Wars by Disney, they made a decision that drew the ire of many ardent fans: they dismissed the Expanded Universe. Books, comics, video games, that have since 1977 explored new corners of the galaxy and new characters were removed from Star Wars cannon. Disney were quick in their work to fill the void they created; one such effort was Star Wars Rebels, a series that aimed to bridge the gap between the prequels (urgh) and the original trilogy.
Picking up 14 years after Revenge of the Sith, the series follows a young boy joining a crew of rogues that count among their number a former Jedi Knight. Together they learn the ways of the force, while conducting smuggling and other covert operations in service of the growing Rebel Alliance against the Galactic Republic.
Star Wars Rebels Season 3 Synopsis
Having established a secret base on Atollon, the Ghost crew, now led by a more powerful Ezra, strengthens the Rebel fleet by acquiring new resources and recruits eager to stand against the Empire. However, the Imperial efforts to eliminate the Rebellion are now being led by the coldly analytical Grand Admiral Thrawn, whose strategic, tactical and cultural insights make him a threat unlike any they have faced before. Ezra and Sabine must take on new roles and challenges as the Rebels prepare for their biggest mission yet — a direct assault on the Empire.
With a basic overview of the show in mind, it’s rather well done. There are times that the show relies a little too much on fan service, or maybe leans a little preachy in terms of moral lessons, but for the most part it’s successful in its aims. It conveys a galaxy in peril, the choking hold of the Empire, and how it stirs up a response amongst the populace. With the core crew representing different people and backgrounds, you see the scope of the growing rebellion, different factions dealing with different issues, unifying against a common foe. Also, through its introduction of young Ezra, a force-sensitive boy, and Kanan Jarrus, a smuggler who was formerly part of the Jedi, the show delves into the mythology of the Force, both in terms of the light and the dark sides. It’s visually impressive too, drawing inspiration for new ships, characters, and planets from original sketches from Ralph McQuarrie for the ’77 launch of the franchise.
While the familiar places and faces can seem a little much at times, it’s a very effective tale that bridges the prequels with the Original Trilogy, and with Season 3, takes even bigger steps in entwining the show with The Clone Wars series and even the recent Rogue One, with the re-introduction of Saw Gerrera, even voiced by Forrest Whittaker. There’s even a reserved deployment of Obi-Wan in a rather effective scene that helps wrap up the arc of one recurring character.
While the aforementioned expanded universe was nixed by Disney, the show goes some way to restore it, at least in part, bringing in some of those characters that were dismissed and folding them into the new official cannon. The most notable is fan favorite Grand Admiral Thrawn , a master tactician determined to destroy the rebellion before it fully coalesces. His presence is a defining component of the third season — a strategic man who bides his time, it’s useful to use him as a way to examine the rebellion, the members of it, and their relationships and reservations. He deals a number of blows that squash some of the hope and optimism within the Rebellion. It’s a little bleak at times, but a necessary step in adding weight to the show, an aspect deepened by the continued conflict within Ezra as well as his seeming dalliance with facets of the dark side. It’s not all dark though, with plenty of rousing moments, visual spectacles, as well as a concerted effort to redress the balance of the show, giving the other supporting characters more of a voice. It’s another chapter in what is proving to be a entertaining and effective gap filler in the Star Wars tale.
The Package
Visual quality is impressive. Detail, color, contrast are all excellent. It’s a pristine transfer. The release contains all 22 episodes spread over 3 discs, with a wide array of special features including:
· Return To Mandalore: Explore where Mandalore fits within the Empire’s regime — and whether Sabine can unite her people against the Imperial forces.
· Thrawn: A Legend Reborn: Learn Thrawn’s significance in Star Wars lore, and what the future may hold for this memorable villain.
· Apprentices to Outcasts: Kenobi And Maul: Track two adversaries who’ve clashed throughout Star Wars history, and find out why the time was right to conclude their story.
· The Original Rebel: Saw Gerrera Returns — Extended: Meet the Original Rebel. This exclusive extended version features Forest Whitaker discussing the character he brings to life in both Rebels and Rogue One.
· Five Audio Commentaries: Featuring Dave Filoni (Executive Producer), Justin Ridge (Supervising Director), Kilian Plunkett (Art Director), Keith Kellogg (Animation Supervisor), and Joel Aron (CG Supervisor: Lighting & FX).
· A Rebel Alliance: Discover how the formation of the Rebel Alliance in Rebels ties into the Rogue One timeline — and the exciting story possibilities that lie ahead for season 4.
· Rebels Recon: Go behind the scenes with the cast and crew in 19 entertaining and information-packed episode recaps!
It’s a very robust set of extras that does much to explain the narrative and character choices made for the show, how it nestles into continuity, as well as more technical aspects of the show such as the animation. Much weight is added by these extras, which deepen appreciation for the series.
The Bottom Line
Star Wars Rebels continues to provide a solid bridge between the two eras of Star War trilogies, expanding its scope while continuing to chronicle the changing lives of the crew of the Ghost. It has plenty of nods and insights for fans, while being a entertaining and effective show in its own right. Rebels Season 3 gets a fine Blu-ray release showcasing impressive visuals with a commendable assortment extras.
Star Wars Rebels Season 3 is available on Blu-ray from August 29th.
