Top Ten Star Wars Rebels Episodes
At the time of this article's publication, it has been six months since the finale of Star Wars Rebels. To look back on the series, I'm going to present my top ten favorite episodes of the show. Like I said before, when the show hit its mark, it hit its mark. Keep in mind too, this is strictly my opinion, as I imagine every person has their own favorites as well. With that being said, let's begin with the countdown.
10. Trials of the Darksaber (Season 3)
Now, I'd imagine most people would place this episode higher, maybe even in the top five. Don't get me wrong, this is a fantastic episode. I just like the other nine episodes more. That being said, what makes this episode great is that it really explores Sabine's backstory and character growth in a very compelling way. Plus, the final "fight" between her and Kanan is one of the most emotional moments in the show. Great acting, great animation, this episode was a great standalone package.
9. In the name of the Rebellion Part 1 (Season 4)
When I first reviewed this episode, I called it nearly-perfect to me, and I still stand by it. This episode, to me, greatly showed the dynamics and struggles of the Rebel Alliance and other rebel cells. You can clearly see multiple points of view, and the episode doesn't say they are right or wrong. You can sympathize with Erza, Mon Mothma, hell, even Saw Gerrera in a way. The show didn't directly focus on the main Rebel Alliance that much, but this episode certainly put the personal struggles they were going through to great use.
8. The Future of the Force (Season 2)
To me, this episode was just a non-stop thrill ride. It started with an entertaining lightsaber fight between Ezra, Kanan, and the Inquisitors, and ended with Ahsoka kicking ass in a fight against them. The episode had great music and animation, and the concept of the Inquisitors kidnapping force-sensitive children is something that is entirely dark, that is currently being explored in the comics. Overall, this was a fun and entertaining episode, and sometimes that is what you need.
7. Through Imperial Eyes (Season 3)
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have Through Imperial Eyes. While there are a few action scenes, this episode plays more like a detective/thriller movie, and that works to its advantage. The episode mostly follows the Imperials' perspective, to great effect. I was invested in Kallus, I was on the edge of my seat to figure out what was going to happen. Plus, this was the episode that finally cemented Thrawn's place as a great villain for the show.
6. Shroud of Darkness (Season 2)
Even you couldn't tell, I think most of the show's best episodes revolve around the force. This episode was no exception. All three light siders, Ahsoka, Kanan, and Ezra, each had their own compelling journey in the Lothal Jedi Temple, with each experience helping or enlightening them in some regard. Plus, the twists and emotional moments in this episode were some of the best in my opinion.
5. Zero Hour (Season 3)
This episode tends to get lackluster reviews from most fans because they feel Thrawn was "too easy" on the Rebels. I have to respectfully disagree. If Thrawn wanted to, and it shows, he could have simply wiped out every rebel from Phoenix Squadron. However, Tarkin told him to bring back the leadership alive. From there, he perfectly shows why he is such a ruthless and tactical genius. For all that I'm concerned, he won. The main reasons why some of the rebels got away is things that were beyond his control or comprehension, such as the Bendu. To me, it was refreshing to see the Empire win, and it was nice to see Thrawn's brutal tactics mostly pay off after a season of anticipation.
4. A World Between Worlds (Season 4)
The back-half of season four was easily the best stretch of episodes in the show. This episode was easily one of the highlights. I mean, where to begin? The concept of the World Between Worlds is a concept that I've never seen before in Star Wars, both in canon and in legends, and it is something that can easily be explored in other media in the future. It was a great episode full of twists and turns, and was easily the most unique and creative thing that was introduced in the show.
3. Fire Across the Galaxy (Season 1)
The lone season one episode, I'll admit, this episode was mainly on here for the final fight between Kanan and the Grand Inquisitor. However, in my opinion, it was the best choreographed fight in the series. Still, it was great moment and development for Kanan, as well as for Ezra. The rest of the episode was entertaining as well, and was a great way to cap off the first season, and build forward into the future.
2. A Fool's Hope/Family Reunion and Farewell (Season 4)
Yes, this is kind of cheating, but, in all honesty, the three-part series finale is pretty much a TV movie that needs to be grouped together. Still, minus a few nitpicks, I thought this was a near-perfect finale with great animation, music, action, and emotional stakes, especially those surrounding Ezra and Thrawn. Plus, the finale nicely wrapped up the overall story of the Ghost crew on Lothal, while leaving some stories open for the future.
Honorable mentions (in no particular order)
- Brothers of a Broken Horn (season 2)
- Jedi Night (season 4)
- Rebel Assault (season 4)
- The Darth Maul trilogy -- The Holocrons of Fate, Visions and Voices, Twin Suns (season 3)
- Secret Cargo (season 3)
- Legacy of Mandalore (season 3)
- An Inside Man (season 3)
- The Mystery of Chopper Base (season 2)
1. Twilight of the Apprentice (Season 2)
Were you surprised? I mean, I've praised this episode enough as it is, but, even to this day, I think this is the best episode of Star Wars television ever. I loved practically every thing about this episode. It was dark, it was intense and dramatic, it pretty much had every thing you could want from Star Wars. Maul stole the show for me in this episode, Kanan had a great character moment after disaster, and of course, the highly anticipated duel between Vader and Ahsoka, former master and apprentice.
