TFN Rebels Review: "Stealth Strike"

So far in season two of Star Wars Rebels, we have gotten a lot of character-driven episodes that add to overall development of the crew of the Ghost. Finally, after episodes revolving around Kanan, Sabine, and Hera's backstory, the team delivers an action packed episode that leaves you at the edge of your seat for all 22 minutes.

In this episode, we see Ezra and Commander Sato on a mission when Ezra senses a disturbance in the force that sets the course for the meat of the story. The Empire has constructed new technology that rips ships out of hyperspace, and they have used it on Sato and Ezra. Now, Kanan and Rex have to team up in an episode that will define their relationship moving forward.

WHAT WORKED:
There was a lot to love in this episode. Not only did it have action and adventure, but the subplots happening parallel to the action really kept your eyes and ears locked for the duration of the story. The animation was beautifully done, and the way the animation team handled hyperspace was some of the best looking work on the show.

The fact that Ezra and Sato were on a mission together added an element to the overall arc of the season that was badly needed. It was nice to see a member of the Ghost crew branch out with a member of the fledging rebellion, and it made the cause feel like it has been growing. The way Sato communicated to the rest of the Ghost crew was dramatic, and to see how Ezra was going to step up to find an escape was something that drew you in right away.

The Kanan and Rex storyline was something that was much needed. We saw from the beginning of the season that Kanan was going to have a hard time looking in the face of a clone and working together with him. After all, men with that same face betrayed him and killed his master at a young age. The tension you feel between them is palpable from the jump, and the way it was resolved was triumphant in nature. I found myself rooting for these two to get along, and the way Rex nods to Kanan near the end was an applaudable moment.

The humor in this episode was also great, and it was cultivated by seeing Rex in a stormtrooper uniform. That was something I imagine all Star Wars fans got a kick out of.

WHAT DIDN'T WORK:
Being completely honest, there was very little that didn't work in this episode. The action was great, the animation was top-notch, and the character building subplots were interwoven with great technique.

If I had to find a complaint, it would be the lack of Hera we get in this episode. Although she is the one who demands Kanan go with Rex, we got the same old stuff with her character always staying behind. I think the show would benefit from her going out and kicking some butt now and then

FINAL THOUGHTS:
This may be might favorite episode of the series so far. The way they tied the gravity wells to Sabine's past was just another great way to tie the action to development. I was entertained from start to finish and this reminded me what Star Wars is all about.


This review was done by Fan of TheForce.net Ryan Donoho. You can contact him at donohonba@gmail.com.

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