Star Wars Rebels (S1E6) Review: A Day Of Revelation

The past two episodes of Rebels have been it's best so far by focusing on character and effective atmosphere, two components that have been recurring aspects of great Star Wars mythology. Empire Day, the sixth episode for this series, isn't a revolutionary piece of television, but I feel comfortable in labeling it another successful outing for the show, which is quickly finding it's footing going more in-depth into the world of its characters.

Besides obvious budgetary constraints, setting this show on the planet Lothal never made much sense to me, but this episode at least creates some kind of excuse (albeit a flimsy one) for the show sticking around in that environment; Ezra can't leave behind his home, which contains the last few remnants that connect him to his parents. I've talked about Ezra's weaknesses as a character in the past, but Breaking Ranks was definitive proof that the character had potential to be a fully fleshed personality.

While he still falls into his trappings of being more annoying than anything else in certain moments, he does have one or two effective moments involving remembering his parents. Plus, he's actually helpful to the crew of the Ghost this time around in their endeavor to ruin a parade celebrating the malevolent Empire on the holiday known as Empire Day. Some Imperial officers seen in an opening scene at a tavern feel a bit too over the top in terms of villainy, which does reduce their effectiveness as antagonists. But at least the parade gives the world an upbeat version of The Imperial March, which is fun to hear.

At least imposing foes in the form of The Inquisitor and Callus make appearances, with the show having the courtesy to creating a nice piece of continuity by having Zeb's rivalry with Callus from the first episode cropping back up here. While they're looking for the Rebels, they're main goal is to find a Rodian Ezra used to know, a fellow named Tseebo. He's brainwashed when the Rebels find him, so he's lacking personality that could make him more distinctive, though the headgear he has that makes him an Empire slave is admittedly imposing.

A final chase sequence reinforces how well this episode handles it's action sequences, which includes an earlier sequence that has the feel of a good o'l fashioned heist. The aforementioned chase sequence really impresses in how it handles numerous characters and vehicles in a fashion that never feels cumbersome, instead only heightening the danger of the scene. It's in moments like these that Rebels true moments of glory pop up, and while the shows flaws are most certainly there, I must I'm pleased when an episode like this emerges having more depth, exciting action and a unique take on a beloved piece of Star Wars music.