"Have you taught him nothing?"
Aside from just feeling like a stellar return to the Star Wars franchise (everything from the audio to the tone is overflowing with nostalgia), what makes Star Wars Rebels special is the dynamic between Ezra Bridger (Taylor Gray) and Kanan Jarrus (Freddie Prinze Jr.) The student-teacher relationship often paints the Master as wise, noble and patient and the Padawan and rash and arrogant. Here, Kanan training Ezra how to use the force is a mutually beneficial experience. Kanan begins this week's episode unaware of what Yoda's famous "do or do not" line is all about. Ezra also finds it silly and it's funny as they babble about the quote. But when all is said and done, the adventure they experience in this episode helped them understand Yoda's signature dose of wisdom. Kanan may know how to use a lightsaber and the force, but being with Ezra is helping him grow as a person. Luckily for us, it's an entertaining thing to witness!
They're both very flawed and they're both learning. Despite this, the two remain completely likable and you can't help but root for them as they face new challenges and smile as you see them develop. From Kanan facing seemingly impossible odds to protect Ezra to Ezra bluntly saying how he feels about Kanan, this is a relationship that has already grown on me a great deal. I can't wait to see more of their training and adventures because, so far, the bond juggles humor and emotion extremely well.
The Star Wars universe is filled with memorable villains. The Inquisitor? He'll fit right in. We've already seen the pale foe show his face in this series, but "Rise of the Old Masters" reveals why he should frighten us. From the teeth to the confidence he sports while he wields a lightsaber, this fiend is formidable and intimidating. Prior to his appearance in this episode, there was a good dose of enjoyable action (the highlight being Kanan's double clothesline), but the intensity was hugely enhanced when the Inquisitor stepped forward and the duel began. I'm impressed and excited to see what else the show will do with this villain.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
We're now several episodes in and it still feels like Hera Syndulla (Vanessa Marshall) and Sabine Wren (Tiya Sircar) aren't getting any love. They have moments to show their wit and bravery, but it's a little surprising to see neither have really received much of the spotlight. I'm sure that'll change eventually, but it would be nice to see them begin to get more focus sooner rather than later.
Minor gripe: Does anyone else feel like Chopper's unlikable at times? The opening sequence was cute, but there's a scene where you can't help but feel like it's not a cute kind of attitude; it's just downright rude.
"Rise of the Old Masters" is yet another really, really fun episode. There's exciting action as we witness the show's first lightsaber duel and there's quite a few laughs to enjoy. The episode's plot may not be all that elaborate, but it gave the big bad a noteworthy debut and it moved the bond between Ezra and Kanan forward. Zeb gets a few smile-inducing moments as well, but the Hera and Sabine still feel like they're just along for the ride. Also, you can't help but love the charming nature of this show. Even though it dips into darker territory (as it should -- the original trilogy wasn't all sunshine and smiles), the handling of the series makes it all feel joyous and captivating. If you love the original trilogy, I just can't imagine how you wouldn't enjoy this. Some may think the show's going a little too heavy on the references and score, but to me, it continues to feel like a wonderful return to this great universe.
