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Star Wars Rebels: Series Finale ‘A Fools Hope,’ and ‘Family Reunion and Farewell: Part 1 & 2’

Star Wars Rebels ends it indelible run tonight, after four seasons and 75 episodes on Disney XD. This scrappy band of rebels, who were truly a family have faced innumerable odds. They’ve experienced a roller coaster of adventures and most recently, the death of one of their own. So, to say the least, these final episodes proved to be exciting, powerful and yes, incredibly emotional.

SPOILERS AHEAD

The final 90 minutes of the beloved series sets itself up with the episode ‘A Fools Hope.’ then culminates with the last hour long 2 part episode ‘Family Reunion and Farewell: Part 1 & 2.’

Their final mission, to liberate Lothal, Ezra Bridger’s home. This is an attempt for these freedom fighters, these rebels, to make Ezra’s world better and offer hope during a time when the Empire’s grip is so strong. Hera, Rex, and Kallus head to Seelos to meet up with Wolffe and Gregor along with Ketsu Onyo, Hondo Ohnaka, and Melch.

There’s a double cross within the team and a battle ensues. One of the most striking things, are the battle scenes. They are some of the most beautifully directed and designed, I’ve ever seen. Reminds me of old John Woo movies. The carefully choreographed action sequences that are balletic in spirit. Even though there’s a the rawness of fighting, it’s balanced with a certain fluidity thats enhanced with Kevin Kiner’s sweeping score.

Then the wolves. Oh, yes…the loth-wolves make an exciting appearance when Ezra unleashes them into battle.

The plan to infiltrate the Imperial dome works, thanks to precise teamwork.  Every single character has a standout moment, that is incredibly satisfying and feels like a well-rounded, complete story that leaves you with questions, but only because you want more, not because there was anything lacking. The Rebels broadcast Protocol 13 to get everyone into the Dome and out of Lothal.

Ezra makes the poignant, and selfless decision to give himself up to Thrawn. Hera tries to change his mind, knowing that there must be another way, but Ezra quietly sneaks off as everyone else begins to plan. Only Sabine notices and helps him leave by distracting the others. Understanding that that distraction is what’s needed for the rebels to have any chance in succeeding.

Thrawn delivers the young Jedi to the Emperor, doing what he does best. Playing on Ezra’s greatest wound and the thing he wants most, to be reunited with his family. But he realizes that he already has a family. Cue tears.

Then we find out that Ezra a a secret plan. A secret, secret plan that reunites us with The Purrgil. That’s right, the space whales. They’ve come to assist Ezra one last time, to take down Thrawn and hyperspace jump to some unknown, with Ezra selflessly sacrificing himself. In a moment that could have been marred by a creature that was made fun of, quite a bit, since they were introduced, it was quite moving.

The rebels launch the Dome and escape just in time to watch the enormous explosion. The streets of Lothal are filled with celebration and as the crew watches from above, they can hear the cheers of the crowd.

Jump to the future, and this is when the sobbing began, Hera has a child, a son with Kanan, who loves flying just as much as she does. Then the final reveal, Sabine herself, joins Ahsoka Tano to find Ezra Bridger. Which means a Sabine/Ahsoka show?! It’s what the people want!

This series was masterful in its explanation of The Force. That it wasn’t just force power, or tricks. That it is the thing that connects us all. To nature and to each other. Thank you to the cast and crew, including Dave Filoni, Kevin Kiner, Vanessa Marshall, Steven Blum, Tiya Sircar, Taylor Gray, and Freddie Prinze Jr.

What did you think of the series finale of Star Wars Rebels? Are you sad to see it go? We want to hear from you! Leave us your parting thoughts in the comments below or tweet us @LegionofLeia!

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Claudia Dolph

Claudia Dolph is a performer, RYT-500, dog-mom, Dallas Cowboys fan, lover of tacos and queso (texmex style) and prefers mint mocha latte to pumpkin spice latte. She host's the podcast's 'Dating Dolph' and 'Project C' and was a founding member of Geek Girl Authority. Claudia also loves Waterworld. So what.