Rebels Reflection: "Relics of the Old Republic" (Season 2, Episode 2)
Mindless Philosopher
AHSOKA AND REX REUNION! AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
We now return you to your regularly schedule Rebels Reflection.
Last week I wrote about the theme of purpose, specifically as it pertained to Rex. This week the theme of purpose continued in the episode's characterization of Kanan, as the Empire's arrival forced him to once again assume leadership over a group of clones.
The character development on display here works on multiple levels, as taking the lead in this situation moves Kanan closer to making peace with his Jedi past.
"You have to know where you've been to know where you're going", the old saying goes. And for Kanan to fully come into his own as a Jedi and become the leader of the rebellion Hera wants him to be (re-watch their hallway scene in "Siege of Lothal" again and tell me she's not trying to nudge him into that role), Kanan has to come to terms with the events surrounding the end of the Clone Wars.
The tragedy of these two episodes is that the two characters both looking to reclaim their purpose (Kanan and Rex) are at odds. It's even more tragic that the same event robbed them of those purposes to begin with.
The Revenge of the Sith had many victims...
Questions That Need Answering
Once again, Rex's semi-ambiguous wording causes me to question whether or not he participated (in some way) in Order 66. Of his general (Anakin Skywalker), Rex remarks that he was trusted by him, and that, "I tried my best to keep that trust."
His statement can be taken one of two ways. Either he wanted to keep Anakin's trust and decided that he couldn't when Order 66 came down ("tried to keep"), or he kept that trust and couldn't continue down that path.
Regardless, it's going to be a great story to watch or read one day, I think.
Random Observations
I LOVE the pairing of Zeb and Gregor. When Rebels is over, these two need a spinoff show.
It was interesting to note Admiral Konstantine's immediate attitude shift when he realizes the shuttle was carrying the Fifth Brother and not Darth Vader. The disrespect for most Imperial Force-users from the rank and file is apparent.
Homework
Watch: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (Yes, you're still on a Star Wars website)
Star Trek II's final battle between the Enterprise and the Reliant (occurring inside a nebula where both sides can't see) was referenced visually a time or two during the fight inside the sandstorm.
Read: Star Wars: Empire: Betrayal
This Legends tale (the first story in Dark Horse Comics' Star Wars: Empire anthology series) is my favorite examination of the division between Force-sensitive servants of the Empire and those Imperials not blessed with high-midichlorian counts. It tells the story of a Grand Moff who leads an assassination plot against Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader to save the Empire from as he sees it, "a theocracy of two".
And that's the truth about "Relics of the Old Republic"… from my point of view. What's yours? Did seeing Rex again make you love the episode, or were you dubious that an old AT-TE could take out an AT-AT?
All wings, report in below with your own thoughts and opinions, or talk Star Wars with me on Twitter @TheApexFan!
See you next week for some Inquisitorial goodness!
Related Stories:
TFN Rebels Review: "Blood Sisters"
Rebels Reflection: "Wings of the Master" (Season 2, Episode 5)
Rebels Reflection: "Brothers of the Broken Horn" (Season 2, Episode 4)
Rebels Reflection: "Always Two There Are" (Season 2, Episode 3)
Rebels Reflection: "The Lost Commanders" (Season 2, Episode 1)