It is a dark time in the galaxy as the evil Galactic Empire tightens its grip of power from world to world, ruling with an iron fist. Equally, they resort their efforts to hunting down the last of the Jedi Knights that survived the purge. However, a clever, disparate crew aboard the starship Ghost takes a stand against the Empire. These rebels are leader Kanan, ace pilot Hera, feisty heroine Sabine, tough guy Zeb, mischievous droid C1-10P "Chopper" and 14-year-old con artist Ezra. Set fourteen years after the tragic events of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005), we see the small beginning of the Rebellion during the Empire's height in power, five years beforeStar Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977). Like many others, I was kind of sceptical about Rebels. I am a huge Star Wars fan but despite my love for the franchise I didn't seem much interested in this program. I suppose, like many, I found the animation slightly off-putting, being too childish or nowhere near the quality of the then prematurely cancelled Star Wars: The Clone Wars (TV Series 2008-2020). However, as time passed and Rebels came to its end, I finally picked it up, gave it a go and ... I loved it. Whilst not to the degree of Clone Wars, I came to adore this show in every way. The characters who had such complex stories that grew and flourished over seasons were fantastic, the world-building was fascinating, the cinematography breathtaking, the music phenomenal, the villains exceptional and the stories enthralling. Now the show isn't without its problems. There were a few filler episodes, or some early episodes being more child-oriented as a kid's show, but like every show, Star Wars or not, they can be overlooked or deemed inconsequential. People deemed Clone Wars a kid's show after all, which we all know is incorrect and this show, as it progressed, took a similar stance. Instead of following multiple stories featuring a vast array of characters like CW, we focus on one group of characters, the Ghost crew, in a linear narrative. This rebel group is made up of unique members who come from different backgrounds but despite all of this they become a family. Each member is extremely interesting from the Jedi survivor Kanan Jarrus, skilled Twi'lek pilot Hera Syndulla, Mandalorian warrior and artist Sabine Wren, Lasat Zeb one of few survivors of his race, psychopath droid Chopper to young force-sensitive Ezra Bridger. Every one of these individuals touches one another's stories, guiding their peers in their journey simultaneously with their own. My favourite would have to be Kanan as I found the idea of a Jedi who survived Order 66 as a padawan using his lesser training to become a Knight and take on a padawan, Ezra, who is equally gifted but lacks training. Zeb offers some superb quips and banter, Chopper is psychotic as he kills thousands throughout the show in a shockingly humorous manner, Sabine embraces her art by painting her armour or hair and Hera acts as the mother of this family who happens to be one of the most skilled pilots in the galaxy. However, their mission is frequently put in jeopardy by a roster of villains ranging from Agent Kallus, the Inquisitors (dark force users tasked with hunting remaining Jedi), Darth Vader, Governor Pryce and Grand Admiral Thrawn. Some spectacular moments derive from these antagonists as they face one another throughout the series. Along the way, we encounter many systems, planets and characters both new and old with many recognisable faces from the movies and, most especially the Clone Wars, which is a big highlight of this show. I also love how the show gets much darker with each season as things take a more sinister turn, especially leading up to the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016). Overall, I adored Rebels and despite its minor issues, the show is practically on par with Clone Wars. It takes many leaps into some outstanding adventures that tie neatly with many other properties whilst becoming a unique and important product in its own right. I'd highly recommend this show to all fans, as you may be just as pleasantly surprised. For more of the Ghost crew check out Ahsoka (TV Series 2023-), set around 10 years after this show.
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