





One last lesson…

Our first glance at the last we’ll see of Star Wars Rebels has arrived. The stakes have never been higher, and the fight has never been as perilous.

But the Ghost crew has never been more united. And this trailer balances those growing stakes with their determination to fight the Empire. There are moments of despair, revelation, and hope. These are the six that stood out to me.

1. Ezra’s journey.

More than anything else, Rebels has been the story of Ezra Bridger. And this trailer does a fantastic job of grounding you in his story before offering visions of his future. From his first steps into the larger world of the Force, to his (thankfully) brief dark side temptation, to his growing beyond himself to befriend clones, Loth-cats, and others throughout his travels, the opening to this trailer makes me thankful for such a fantastic Star Wars character, and excited for what’s to come.

2. My Emperor.

My Imperial heart leapt for joy when the unmistakable voice of Ian McDiarmid growled Ezra’s name. Not only is my favorite Star Wars character making an appearance in Rebels at long last, but his presence dramatically raises the stakes for these characters and signifies a larger importance to the proceedings. A man after unlimited power doesn’t get involved without very good reasons.

3. Powerful friends.

In “Twin Suns,” Obi-Wan told Ezra that he had everything he needed. It looks like Ezra finally got the message as friends and allies he’s made over the years (Hondo Ohnaka, Commander Wolffe, Ketsu Onyo, and Gregor) all show up in the trailer, ready to lend a hand in the fight for a free Lothal.

4. Kanera continues.

The galaxy’s greatest couple continues to exemplify the qualities we should strive to show toward the ones we love. Devotion (Kanan does not look like he’s playing in that rescue attempt), confidence (Hera knows those stormtroopers are in trouble and almost appears sorry for them), and honesty (lying to your significant other about their hairstyle never works), are the keys to a healthy relationship.

5. Familiar fowl.

You tell me you didn’t gasp at the convor with a familiar color scheme and I’ll tell you you’re a liar. We all know where we last saw it. We’re all excited to see if we’re right. And we’re not gonna talk about it until it happens.

6. Mortis mythology.

The Father, the Son, the Daughter…and the deepest mysteries of the Force. The mythology of Mortis and the god-like beings that lived there has fueled speculation and debate since they were introduced years ago in The Clone Wars. Seeing Ezra stand before a representation of them that suddenly illuminates brings back all of that excitement. And readies you for a deeper dive into the nature of the Force itself.

Special Thanks

Over the years, the trailers for Star Wars Rebels have grown past simple advertising to become something greater, something more meaningful. They’ve become tone poems. While they show you what’s to come, they also inspire reflection and underscore the feelings you can expect over the course of a number of episodes.

That’s thanks to Lucasfilm senior editor Kevin Yost, who along with Dave Filoni has put together these trailers since the days of The Clone Wars. His artistry in creating these tone poems is always amazing to see, and I can’t wait to see him apply it to whatever’s next in a galaxy far, far away….

What did you see? What parts of the trailer grabbed you and haven’t let go? What are your predictions for the rest of the series? Let us know in the comments below!

Star Wars Rebels returns Monday, February 19, on Disney XD.

Justin Bolger is Lucasfilm’s Star Wars social media strategist and he doesn’t like the Empire…he loves it. Catch him occasionally on The Star Wars Show and talk Star Wars with him on Twitter @TheApexFan.