In case you missed "Spark of Rebellion," the pilot movie for "Star Wars Rebels," then leave this page, go watch it, and come back. Because while "Droids in Distress" is considered the series premiere, it was the movie that set it all up -- we learn all about the crew of the Ghost, which is set in a "Star Wars" universe 14 years after the events of "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" and five years prior to "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope."
The premiere centres on the rebels, who are short on supplies and money, so they take a job that involves stealing something intended for the Imperials. During the job, the crew grabs the cargo, which ends up being not so good for Zeb, and also wind up with some droids you may be familiar with: C-3PO and R2-D2. So if you're like me and want to turn the protocol droid that's fluent in over six million forms of languages into scrap, then you will be annoyed. But I also knew that, based on the title, we would run into the annoying golden good-for-nothing and his cheeky, beepy, adorable sidekick so I wasn't totally caught off-guard.
But as far as the job itself, the team really pulls together, which is surprising considering Ezra is still a newbie and has to prove himself. I suppose younger viewers would be bored if the crew were anything less than successful, but I would like to see more of a struggle than a seamless transition, particularly between Ezra and Zeb.
Speaking of the muscle of the Ghost crew, we learn a bit about why the Lasat is as crusty as he is. Not only did the Empire nearly wipe out his people, but it was Agent Kallus who gave the order. Of course it's C-3PO's big, fat, annoying mouth that has the Empire attacking the Ghost crew. How neither side didn't hit him forever remains a mystery, but it leads to an epic battle between Zeb and Kallus. Just when it looks like Zeb is about to grump his last grump, he is saved by Ezra.
After proving himself and seeing what the kid is capable of, Kanan is ready to start Ezra's Jedi training. The best part of the premiere episode is Kanan returning 3PO and R2 to their rightful owner, who just happens to be Senator Organa from "The Phantom Menace." Considering his role in the Rebel Alliance, his cameo appearance made sense (though, and no offence to Phil LaMarr -- who also voiced Organa in "Clone Wars" -- but I would've rather heard Jimmy Smits' voice instead).
Despite some minor issues, and a major golden chatterbox, "Star Wars Rebels" continues to be something everyone should watch. You don't have to be a "Star Wars" fan to tune in (though it might help), but when the characters are intriguing, the action is good and the story is compelling, why wouldn't you watch?
"Star Wars Rebels" premieres Sunday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. ET on Disney XD.
