Star Wars Rebels 10th anniversary: 5 moments that I’ll always cherish

Star Wars Rebels 10th anniversary: 5 moments that I'll always cherish

As a die-hard Star Wars enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the galaxy far, far away, I can confidently say that the emotional rollercoaster provided by Star Wars Rebels is unparalleled. From the heart-wrenching moments of love and loss to the electrifying battles between Jedi and Sith, this animated series has captured my heart and left me in a perpetual state of nostalgia tinged with melancholy.

If you’ve recently started watching the Star Wars animated series or have just finished watching The Clone Wars for the first time, it’s likely that your next step will be to watch Star Wars Rebels.

Star Wars Rebels is set in the time period following Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and preceding Episode IV – A New Hope, offering viewers a glimpse into everyday life during the Empire’s tyrannical rule. Moreover, this series gives us an intriguing vantage point on the lives of covert Rebels as they battle for their survival while the Rebel Alliance works to establish itself.

In this animated series, Star Wars Rebels, you’ll find an eclectic mix of characters like rebels, Jedi, Inquisitors, Darth Vader, pirates, and a few remaining clones. This show is filled with unexpected twists, but what truly sets it apart as a standout is its profound examination of the spiritual aspects of Star Wars. Among all the series, Rebels might delve the deepest into the concept of Force users and the omnipresence of the Force in our heroes’ imagined worlds.

With so much to offer, it’s hard to narrow down the best moments from the series, so I decided to make this a list of 5 moments that will stay with me forever.

1. Ahsoka and Rex’s reunion

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on the heart-wrenching tale shared by Ahsoka Tano and Rex. Through the harrowing ordeal of Order 66, a moment that nearly led Rex to slay his Jedi Commander, it was Ahsoka who swiftly deactivated his inhibitor chip. The aftermath left us both mourning the loss of Rex’s fallen brothers, whom we buried side by side before our paths diverged.

In Season 2, episode 4 titled “Relics of the Old Republic,” Ahsoka and Rex were brought back together by their common acquaintances, the Ghost Crew. This reunion, undeniably, stirred emotions so powerful they could bring tears to your eyes. Despite her attempts to hide it, Ahsoka’s affection for Rex was evident as she warmly embraced him, and he couldn’t help but notice how much she had changed. This heartwarming scene recalled the deep-rooted relationships we came to cherish in The Clone Wars, confirming that beneath Ahsoka’s guarded exterior lies a heart full of care.

2. The Grand Inquisitor’s death

In the final episode of Season 1, Kanan and Ezra Bridger encounter the Grand Inquisitor once more, this time putting Kanan’s young apprentice in grave danger. This intense, nerve-wracking battle culminates with Kanan managing to subdue the Grand Inquisitor. Defeated by Kanan, the Grand Inquisitor chooses to plummet to his death rather than face Darth Vader after such a loss. His chilling final words, “Some things are more terrifying than death,” underscore the fact that even death is preferable to serving under the tyranny of Darth Vader.

3. Kanan’s sacrifice

In Star Wars, love often results in sorrow, as demonstrated by the heart-wrenching sacrifice made by Kanan Jarrus in ‘Star Wars Rebels’, Season 4, episode 10, titled “Jedi Night.” Prior to this tragic event, we were treated to some heartfelt and romantic moments between Kanan and Hera Syndulla. As she watches him engulfed by flames while selflessly shielding her from the explosion, Kanan regains his sight and glimpses Hera one last time before passing away. The departure of Kanan left a profound impact on ‘Rebels’ fans, who struggled to cope with his loss in the subsequent episodes that sought to honor his memory and fill the void he left behind. To this day, I still recall the emotions I felt while watching the final episodes following Kanan’s death.

4. Ahsoka v. Darth Vader

I was really looking forward to seeing The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels for the first time, but I was disappointed when I found out that Anakin eventually fights and comes close to killing his own apprentice, Ahsoka. The duel between them on Malachor was intensely emotional, heart-wrenching, and superbly written. Standout moments include the exceptional voice performance by Ashley Eckstein and the sound team’s clever blending of Darth Vader’s voice with Matt Lanter’s, a technique that would be reused in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series with Vader and Hayden Christensen’s voices.

If you were among those who watched Rebels as it initially premiered, the long wait until Ahsoka’s destiny at the hands of her previous master was finally unveiled spanned years. It likely seemed like an eternity. Despite this, be warned that this episode is rich in emotions, so have a box of tissues handy. Hearing Vader utter Ahsoka’s name is a moment that no amount of preparation can truly prepare you for!

5. Obi-Wan Kenobi vs. Darth Maul

Following the loss of his mentor, Qui-Gon Jinn, and the woman he loved, Duchess Satine Kryze, Maul continued to pursue Obi-Wan Kenobi. Utilizing Ezra as bait, Maul enticed Obi-Wan out of seclusion on Tatooine. Although Obi-Wan successfully retrieved Ezra and reunited him with his companions, this action ignited a showdown between the seasoned Jedi Master and his age-old adversary. Maul aimed to fell Obi-Wan using the same maneuver that had proved effective against Qui-Gon years prior, but Obi-Wan, composed and focused, foreseen Maul’s stratagem and delivered a lethal blow instead.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel my heart wrench when Obi-Wan tenderly holds Darth Maul in his final moments, a moment of Jedi mercy that stands unparalleled. Aware that Obi-Wan is on Tatooine to safeguard someone, Maul, who understands the manipulation they’ve both endured at the hands of Palpatine throughout their lives, ponders if the one Kenobi protects is the “Chosen One.” When Obi-Wan confirms this, Maul breathes his last, harboring the hope that the Chosen One will bring vengeance for us all. This scene encapsulates what makes Star Wars Rebels so unique and will linger in my memory forever.

2024-09-09 18:52

Kate Moss reveals the ONE modelling pose she can’t pull off – and how it has tripped up many of the catwalk greats