Star Wars Rebels the Complete Season One

Animé and Toons
Star Wars Rebels the Complete Season One
By Hervé St-Louis
September 8, 2015 - 10:03

Studios: Walt Disney Studios, LucasFilms
Starring: Freddie Prinze Jr., Vanessa Marshall, Steve Blum, Tiya Sircar, Taylor Gray, David Oyelowo, Jason Isaacs
Directed by: Dave Filoni, Simon Kinberg, Carrie Beck
Produced by: Dave Filoni, Simon Kinberg, Carrie Beck, Greg Weisman
Running Time: 331 minutes
Release Date: September 1, 2015
Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Distributors: Buena Vista Home Entertainment

Set between Star Wars Episode three and four, Star Wars Rebels follows the story of a team of rebels trying to survive in the empire while planning a return of the Jedis. The Jedis have been almost completely wiped out by the empire but young Ezra has the power of the force within, attracting the attention of the empire’s Agent Kallus. Can Jedi Kanan Jarrus train young Ezra to be a Jedi, or will they both face extermination?

Some fans have complained that this series, meant for a younger audience is a reboot of the Star Wars franchise using familiar tropes. Ezra Bridger is like Luke Skywalker. He is surrounded by a strong man, a smart warrior, a droid and oh, two female leads. No, Star Wars Rebel is not like the original Star Wars series from the 1970s and 1980s. It’s inspired by the best from the lore, but it’s a new world.

What Star Wars Rebels borrows is the sense of adventure and the constant quest for something new. However, here, the relationships between characters are stronger. Whole episodes are dedicated with Ezra’s friendship with other crew members. Ezra’s Jedi training is better portrayed than in the original Star Wars series, although Ezra seems more powerful than Luke Skywalker.

What I really like about this series is how the Star Wars Rebel logo appears after the story’s conflict is introduced. The animation is good but the styling may not be up everyone’s favourite. Animation allows Star Wars to introduce more exotic creatures like Zeb Orrelios or the flying manta rays. What I dislike is how the storm troopers are so easily defeated in practically every encounter. They seem more disposable than usual!

The Inquisitor is a good character and fortunately, he is not used to often. Young Justice fans should take note that Greg Weisman was the producer of the first season of Star Wars Rebels. You know it means the series will have strong female characters and lots of action! It does. Oh yeah, Darth Vader, and a few well known droids do appear!

Rating: 9/10