





What do you do when you have more thoughts about Star Wars Rebels than you know what to do with? Make a list of your favorite moments. Welcome to Ranking Rebels.

Star Wars Rebels has had some amazing episodes, but “Shroud Of Darkness” topped them all for me. I laughed, I cried, I gasped in shock…basically, I had a lot of feelings all at the same time. Here are my 10 favorite moments from the episode.

1. The opening fight.

Starting the episode in the middle of a fight is an immediate window into how Ezra’s training has been progressing and how he and Kanan are finding a rhythm in fighting as Master and Padawan. The banter as they battle the Inquisitors, both between themselves and Kanan’s little talk with the Seventh Sister, are both signs of the confidence they both have in their abilities.

2. Taking a leap of faith.

When Ezra says jump, Kanan jumps. Not only does it reinforce the connection between Kanan and Ezra, but it highlights Kanan’s belief in Ezra. Kanan has no idea what the “plan” is, but he trusts that there is a plan. The resulting ride on the tibidee and Kanan’s “This was you?” are both a compliment to Ezra, and it’s nice to see him thank their ride as they jump on the Phantom.

3. Ahsoka and Ezra talk about Anakin.

How many emotions is it possible to have all at once? Because I’m pretty sure I had a lot. It’s been a long time since we saw this side of Anakin: calm, centered, teaching younglings. Learning that Ezra’s been training with these videos is another glimpse into his growing skill set, but the real emotional punch is all about Ahsoka. Her memory of him juxtaposed with the holo is an idea of what might have been had things been different — and a reminder of what Ahsoka (and we) have lost.

4. Kanan’s path.

One thing young Caleb Dume and Kanan Jarrus have in common is the immediate desire to come to the defense of someone he cares about. Whether it’s defending Master Billaba or his Padawan Ezra, Kanan won’t let anything bad happen if he has anything to say about it.

5. Yoda, Ahsoka, and Ezra’s path.

While Yoda may have been commanding armies in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Attack of the Clones, this is the first time we’ve seen him in Rebels. Ahsoka’s description of him and Ezra’s pure joy at seeing the Jedi Master is a wonderful way to meet him again — even when he’s giving Ezra some pretty hard truths.

6. Ahsoka’s path.

Ahsoka Tano made the choice to leave the Jedi Order for a number of reasons, but it doesn’t mean she didn’t care deeply about her Master, Anakin. While we know what happened to Anakin, Ahsoka is coming to that realization slowly, painful, and not without guilt. The Anakin she faces in the Temple is one she doesn’t know, but we know all too well, and watching her realize what Anakin has become is heartbreaking.

7. Kanan Jarrus, Jedi Knight.

As wired as he is to be a fighter, it’s only when he surrenders and Kanan understands that there are alternatives to fighting (thank you, Obi-Wan), that Kanan becomes what he’s always aspired to be: a Jedi Knight. There were tears, I can tell you. Lots of tears.

8. The Grand Inquisitor

How amazing was that? The knowledge that the Grand Inquisitor was a Jedi was a mindblower, but to see him turn around and defend the Temple against the Fifth Brother and Seventh Sister was equally satisfying.

9. Yoda’s wave to Ahsoka.

After Ahsoka’s shattering moment of doubt, there was something so touching about Yoda’s little wave and accompanying smile. Not only was it nice to see Ahsoka have a moment with her former teacher, but it also reminded us of another classic Lucasfilm moment.

10. Malachor!

With one word, fans of KOTOR II suddenly cried out (not in terror) and wondered what the mention of a once destroyed planet (unless you made a different choice) could mean in official canon. The name raises more questions than answers, but questions are always interesting in the Star Wars universe. While we must have patience, we know that all will be revealed in time.

What was your favorite moment of “Shroud of Darkness”? Let us know in the comments.

Geek Girl Diva is a longtime Star Wars fan and a diehard Rebels lover. She also thinks Poe Dameron’s hair has magical properties.