SummaryThe latest Star Wars animated series is set five years before Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. The Imperial forces have been forced to a remote planet where a small group on the starship Ghost seek to end the Galactic Empire's grip on the galaxy.
SummaryThe latest Star Wars animated series is set five years before Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. The Imperial forces have been forced to a remote planet where a small group on the starship Ghost seek to end the Galactic Empire's grip on the galaxy.
This was on the way to be the best season and I praise them for this good entertainment. Sadly the conclusions to many story arcs in the later half are underwhelming. The seasons starts a few months after the conclusion of season 2 and the impacts are still felt. All characters will face serious challenges and the resulting character development is really good. A main selling point is of cause the addition of Grand Admiral Thrawn. For those who do not know the character: He is a fan favorite and one of if not the most beloved character from the expanded Star Wars universe. His story began in Timothy Zahn’s successful Thrawn trilogy. He is a Chiss alien and a genius who combines Sherlock Holmes brilliance with Sun Tzu’s tactical skills. Also he is the rare kind of morally good imperial officer as he avoids bloodshed / losses when ever possible, brings out the best in his subordinates including unmatched loyalty (without fear!) and would have slowly but surly changed the Empire into something better / good. His tactical skills nearly brought the new republic to total defeat and he had far less manpower, ships and resources than his enemies (He favors the Empire because only it had the power to stop serious dangers to the Galaxy and is later proven correct as the new republic was unprepared, unfit and underdeveloped): Back to the review: I like that the overall story arcs, character development and ideas. We get a good combination of old and new characters. Before the final episodes I would have given a 9/10 and did even look for reasons to go higher. Then came the weaker conclusions to some story arcs that felt disappointing. The conclusion to Maul’s arc while fitting is underwhelming especially with this set up. The final climax has a bit of too much Deus ex Machina and I say this as someone who basically really liked a lot of it but it weakened the enjoyment. For Sabine’s story arc I think it is a set up for the next season but if it ends here I add this to my list of disappointments. Before it sounds to negative I will praise Ezra’s and even more Kallus development atop on other things. There are also a lot of good episodes. I will continue with my favorite episodes and then give a conclusion. “Steps into Shadow part 1 and 2” deals with the aftermath of the last season and show Kanan’s and Ezra’s growth and relationship. Also you see Thrawn setting up his plans. “The Antilles Extraction” already spoils the character who will appear. It has an interesting arc, dilemma and Wedge;-). Recommend the classic X-Wing books from Michael Stackpole. “Hera’s Heroes” for the good cat and mouse game, the value of family and reveling how deductive and dangerous Thrawn really is. “The Last Battle” is one of my favorite episodes of the show and can also be seen as an epilogue to the Clone Wars show. Excellent ideas, set up and story (I avoid all spoiler as it would be a crime to reveal more). “An inside Man” for a great twist, the story, reveals and setting up a new good arc. “Ghosts of Genosis part 1 and 2” for the struggles, the guest character and conclusion. Even an old bitter dog can learn something new;-). “Secret Cargo” for the intimidating challenge, story and resolve. “Double Agent Droid” is again a title that spoils too much. Good story and cat and mouse game. “Zero Hour” part 1 and 2” is the endgame of the season. I mostly enjoyed it really well except a part already mentioned that felt a bit forced (Deus ex Machina). Overall I am divided. This season was really good without questions. The already mentioned stuff weakened my final rating a bit. So I decided to give a 8/10 as a lower or higher rating felt wrong to me.
This season is the best season yet (I haven't seen the fourth season as of yet). This season made Ezra Bridger one of my favorite Star Wars character ever. Darth Maul was also an amazing character this season as well as the marvelous villain, Grand Admiral Thrawn. In the end, this is the best season yet.
While it is difficult to overcome or improve on the excellent season 2 for this show, I'll dare say that season 3 of Star wars rebels did a mighty effort to do so. The story moves forward in awesome ways, and goes to darker places than before. The characters growth and development continues to be the best part, and the new characters (Thrawn, Saw Gerrera,etc.) work very well. Unfortunately, the effort is not enough to surpass season 2, mostly because the payoff by seasons's end doesn't seem to grand or meaninful in general, and while I undestrand the restrictions put for darker content in this, it really doesn't finish to evoke the despair of the Empire times. Nevertheless, it is still a good season worthy of watching and keep up good expectations for the next one.