Movies

Star Wars Rebels at 10: Appreciating long-form storytelling

BBG News

As a lifelong Star Wars enthusiast who’s seen more than one parsec worth of intergalactic action, I can confidently say that “Star Wars Rebels” has managed to carve out a unique niche within this sprawling universe. Unlike some other shows that feel like they were hastily assembled in the junkyard of Tatooine, “Rebels” is a masterclass in long-form storytelling, weaving together character arcs with the precision of a Loth-cat’s claws.

Regardless of one’s opinions about Star Wars TV content, there’s no arguing that there’s an abundance of it nowadays. If you’re seeking intense action, you can immerse yourself in the thrilling episodes of The Mandalorian. Families and younger audiences can delight in the escapades of Young Jedi Adventures. This past summer, The Acolyte pushed our understanding of the Dark Side and Jedi ethics to its limits. And let’s not forget about the misadventures of The Bad Batch or Cassian Andor’s early journey toward becoming a rebel leader – projects that offer unique takes on this expansive universe.

Previously, I’ve shared thoughts on “Star Wars Rebels” as a fresh viewer, but today let’s delve into its impact from a more comprehensive standpoint. Why does this series resonate deeply and leave fans yearning for more thrilling journeys?

My buddy frequently commends endeavors with a broad scope. Essentially, these are productions that demonstrate the ability of storytellers to create details on a modest scale, hinting at a grander vision they’ve envisioned.

Simply stated, I’ve developed a fondness for the Rebels, as it offers an expansive narrative. In the original Star Wars trilogy, time skips were unavoidable. For instance, Luke Skywalker was essentially a high school graduate in the beginning, but by Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, he had three years of war experience under his belt and had significantly grown as a pilot, becoming an efficient commander. Leia showed maturity and effectively utilized her leadership skills on Echo Base. Han Solo remained unruly, but learned to harness his resilience. Reading the Marvel comics provides additional insights into their character development and ongoing adventures. Nevertheless, some personal growth aspects were somewhat overlooked.

The rebels have the advantage of gradually unfolding their development, much like Andor in its first season where Cassian was initially unskilled at his later specialty, learning through tough experiences. We can overlook Ezra’s occasional cluelessness as a youngster. When Kanan isn’t the most patient mentor for a budding Jedi, we should consider the impact of his troubled past on his adulthood. Similarly, Sabine often shows signs of impatience, and discussing Zeb brings to mind an unwanted roommate. The main cast is well-prepared for both exciting journeys and unexpected misadventures.

The narrative unfolds, showing us how the characters’ circumstances evolve, making them seem almost unrecognizable compared to their initial beginnings. Their journey leads them to become a powerful force, and we have no doubt they will rise to any challenge that comes their way because of their impressive progress thus far.

Happy 10th anniversary to Star Wars Rebels.

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2024-10-03 17:51

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