Post by mrx on Jan 16, 2017 11:32:27 GMT -5
With Rogue One out in theaters featuring the surprising return of Saw Gerrera, Saw's recent appearance on Rebels, and the fact that this is pretty much where I stopped, I figured I would at least get to this Onderon arc which originally brought us the Gerrera siblings. As you may recall, this was actually the second episode of season 5, but since I believe "Revival" was part of the Maul four-part arc, I've decided I'll watch it that way as I believe that's how it was originally conceived before it was moved up to the season premiere, both to boost ratings with another Maul episode and as a quicker follow up to Season 4's amazing finale and semi-cliffhanger. We have no urgency here (clearly, given my posting rate), so instead we start with the Onderon arc! Not something I was really looking forward to as I don't remember being a big fan originally (even compared to the later droid-centric four parter). But without further ado...
Cookie: "Fear is a malleable weapon." At first blush, this seems like it's addressing the tactics used by the Separatists and the new usurper king. But with the "rebels/insurgents" vs. "terrorists" language used in this episode, the cookie might have more complexity than you would initially believe. Though that seems to be more of an issue in later episodes than this one, especially as the Gerreras and company bring the fight to the droids, much to the alarm of Iziz's inhabitants. I don't think any of them intentionally use fear as a weapon, though it may be part of their case regardless.
Of course, later in the arc, the Separatists blatantly use fear as a tactic, particularly Kolani. But perhaps both sides do use it to some extent.
The new king really knows how to slouch.
Welcome to Onderon. So much Legends history here.
Lux!!! For some reason.
Terrorism vs. insurgency language. Interesting. Also, terrorists vs. rebels.
Of course, much of this is all about laying groundwork for future rebel cells.
Also, the Jedi are referred to as military advisors. A lot of contemporary language in this episode.
Onderonians remain beast riders, providing Steela with a dramatic introduction.
More fantastic beasts (and where to find them)!
Nice goggles, Rex.
Oooohhhhh, Lux is from Onderon. I didn't remember that.
The early Ahsoka/Lux/Steela triangle rears its head.
Some shades of Empire's most infamous element as Saw's rivalry with Lux makes the idea of a possible love square come to mind. It's not until the second or third episode you discover Saw is Steela's brother.
Love that Ahsoka already notices an attraction between Lux and Steela. Saw stepping in seemed like his own move at first.
"Perseverance". And probably a touch of the Force.
"Impressive. Most impressive," says Anakin.
"We can only protect them, we cannot fight this war for them!" Obi-Wan, remembering his lessons from Qui-Gon well.
Using the beasts to win the battle against the droids. Old Onderon trick.
Steela takes charge, steps right into leadership. She's a natural!
The droids are even worse at security checkpoints than weak-minded stormtroopers.
I don't know if it was so much a "good plan" as it was extremely incompetent security. Much like the First Order's single stormtrooper guard inside the cell of the Force-sensitive prisoner technique.
Next time, we try to catch the "Front Runners"!