Mitchell Stein: After much buildup, we finally arrived at the Rebels episode we’ve been waiting for. I think it’s safe to say that Empire Day was easily the most impressive Star Wars Rebels episode yet, from nearly every aspect. I was completely blown away at what was displayed throughout this episode. Something Rebels is great at doing is showing us the aftermath of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.
Fifteen years following the events of Episode III, the galaxy is celebrating yet another “Empire Day”, a forced celebration that the Imperials enforce. One of my favorite moments is after Minister Tua mentions Emperor Palpatine, and Imperial troops have to force audience members to start cheering for his name. It’s a perfect example of the darkness that ruled the galaxy during that time frame.
But what was really special about this episode is what it’s setting up for the future. It explores stories with incredible potential. This episode is setting up a lot, and it’s the first of the series to have a direct continuation with the next episode which airs this Monday on Disney XD.
All of the villains return in this one episode, including the diabolical Inquisitor. I’m absolutely loving the Inquisitor’s character on this show. He returns at the most unexpected of times, and acts as the vicious and mysterious villain that the show very much needs, and is very much in character to the era of the Star Wars canon that this show takes place in. I’m loving how they’re keeping the Inquisitor in this mysterious role for now, but the other villains, who are can be forgetful and one-dimensional so far need some time to develop. At this point they’re not memorable enough for me to remember their names yet. There’s Minister Tua, the guy with the beard, and long-face guy who seems to conveniently appear wherever the Rebels strike. That part doesn’t seem to make much sense, but perhaps we’ll figure out more about him soon.
But really, this episode was a truly brilliant one, and something that I’ve been waiting for from this series from the beginning. I can hardly wait until part two of this episode, and all I can say is, we’re in for a pretty sweet ride!
Mitchell Stein is a major Star Wars/Disney/Muppet/Marvel fan. He co-operates the website The Mickey Mindset (link: mickeymindset.com) where he celebrates all these and more, daily! Be sure to check it out and like them on Facebook! (facebook.com/TheMickeyMindset)
