Star Wars Rebels Season 3 Episodes 1-2 review - Steps into Shadow

Star Wars Rebels is back

After a hell of a finale last year, the show is back and ready to introduce us to more amazing things. Let’s see what the opener, steps into Shadow has in store

Steps into Shadow

Well, that was quite a good first impression.

We have a double-length episode and still it feels rushed, that’s quite an achievement but there really was a fair bit going on in this episode.

We’ve clearly had a bit of a time jump between the battle on Malachor and where we are. The basics are explained. Ezra’s been growing in strength, partially thanks to the knowledge of the sith holocron. He’s also grown in confidence, growing into a leadership role in the rebellion and successfully carrying out a jailbreak mission from the return of Hondo, who will continue to be his usual self throughout this season. Meanwhile Kanan has felt kind of lost without his sigh and I’m surprised there hasn’t been a story about anyone attempting to help him, but I digress, he’s been distancing himself, and has unintentionally earned some resentment from Ezra, who blames himself for Kanan’s condition.

I’ll give it this, it’s nice to see Ezra more comfortable with himself, although how he came by/built a traditional lightsabre is beyond me, did he have a spare kyber crystal lying around. Anyway, the show is usually at its strongest when focusing on the pair of them and building their bonds and breaking them down. This episode is no exception to that rule, even if they only spend 2 scenes alone together.

As for Kanan, his path leads him to the Bendu, voiced by a living legend known as Tom Baker. He parts some words of Wisdom on Kanan to get him back to active duty and making him stop killing the wildlife. Since the Bendu exists on the same planet as the Rebel’s new base, it wouldn’t surprise me if we see him return. Probably not for any action though. He’s strong with the force but not especially quick. Great character though, and ready to spout out those EU references they spout out so much.

As for the plot itself. Well pride comes before a fall and when Ezra is set to recon a station with ships they could steal, things go horribly wrong when he pushes his authority too far. Honestly, he wasn’t wrong in acting now, they wouldn’t have gotten any ships at all if they’d waited, the count was going down fast. But at this point they already had an imperial encounter (where Ezra said “no witnesses” – geez, hammering this point home, aren’t we?) so they Empire may have guessed what your up to. And indeed, they do, but I’ll get to that.

Humility is an interesting thing. You have to like the character enough and see past his flaws and here it’s handled very well. Ezra’s feeling guilt and pushing himself to do more to protect the lives of his friends. His guilt and lack of contact lead to an aura of resentment, especially when Kanan finally does come back and scolds him over the sith holocron, speaking of which…

Yeah, I know, but you know, Window’s movie maker…

Ezra isn’t an unlikeable character, he’s grown over the 2 and a bit years we’ve known him but there is definitely darkness within him and it’s on Kanan’s shoulders to help him through that. Fortunately, those arcs are resolved in this episode, although Ezra’s darkness may still be a lingering threat.

On the front of the Empire, we’re introduced to Grand Admiral Thrawn. He doesn’t really do a lot this episode but he certainly has presence. And whilst he’s yet to take any definitive action, it’s clear he plans to play the long game. I like this character a lot, and I’m sure he’ll provide a great threat to them. Having said that, I will miss the inquisitors, they provide a physical challenge to people like storm troopers and walkers just don’t.

With all that stuff in it, this episode does turn out quite rushed. Each of these components could’ve taken an episode in themselves. As a result, Sabine, Hera, Chopper, Zeb and Rex don’t get much time to shine. I think Rex is probably the most shone in the episode. Hera once again is out of the action entirely and Sabine, Chopper and Zeb are just kinda there.

But it’s a strong opener with strong promise for things to come. Let’s hope it does itself justice.

Rating 9/10

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Images/clips used are from Star Wars Rebels and Star Wars episode VI: Return of the Jedi and belong to their respective owners All images/clips in this review are subject to fair use