WHAT IN THE WEIRDNESS WAS THIS!?! *Star Wars: Rebels | S4 Ep 5+6 | Reaction*

[@benspiller]

SPOILER WARNING!!! I am watching all Star Wars in Chronological order; I have seen the Original Trilogy but nothing else beyond the Kenobi so please be careful of spoilers in the comments.

[@liaml.e.5964]

The Loth Wolves are an interesting addition to SW, different but not entirely out of place. Edit1: If you think Lothal has it rough under the Empire, you should see what they did to Kashyyyk... by the end of the Empire's reign, massive swathes of the forest were entirely scorched and most of the wookies were enslaved and hunted for sport. Chewie's heart broke when he saw what they did to his homeworld. Edit 2: Lothal was valuable to the Empire for many reasons, its location in the Outer Rim provided a perfect distributing and administrative center, having access to several hyperlanes. But also because of Doonium (a very valuable and scarce metal pivotal in the construction of Star Destroyers' Turbolasers and Hulls) and lastly the implication that this planet is a force nexus of sorts (hence the Jedi Temple and Vader's/Palpatine's personal interest in it). Edit 3: Having a Navicomouter on such a small starship is a HUGE deal. Generally hyperspace-worthy starships are subject to pre-generated hyperspace coordinates or, at best, have limited range throughout the galaxy. Navicomputers allow any spacecraft to operate independently over large distances (they can chart their own paths throughout hyperspace lanes, just like X-winfs). The TIE Defender having a Navicomputer means it can be sent into scouting or recon missions on it's own, without the need for flagships or escorts, effectively rendering the Rebels' Guerrilla Warfare less flexible.

[@brucechmiel7964]

Yes, exactly the advent of the Tie Defender would allow the empire to intercept rebel strike forces between hyper space jumps En route to their targets. The X wing is a terrific platform, but it wasn’t streamlined. Manufacturing for them was slow and not using the best parts available. The defender by contrast was tailor made for its purpose, and if it was allowed to go in the full production, it would’ve outclassed everything the rebellion had.

[@benspiller]

The Wolf just comes so out of nowhere, but their presence is just awesome! Heard this happens to Kashyyyk really puts into perspective that it isn’t just Lothal suffering so much under the Empire but basically everyone. It’s so scary how much Lothal has to offer for the Empire, lets you know they’re going to try and hold onto this planet tightly. The TIE Defender having this is so terrifying, it’s already an exceptional combative ship but the applications this would provide is insane and the whole galaxy would be suffering a lot with them mass-produced.

[@Ezramando16]

35:30 "What is happening...what is happening?" The complete confusion and expressions of it where golden. 🤣🤣🤣

[@benspiller]

😂😂 The Wolves just broke me!

[@willfanofmanyii3751]

Ben: "What would Thrawn do if Ezra just ran out and started waving at him?" - 1 minute later - Ezra: * posing on the floor, waving at Thrawn * Thrawn: "Fascinating!" Well, you got your wish.

[@benspiller]

😂😂

[@bronzyking8573]

Just realized that Dante Bosco plays that guy, huh

[@abthedragon4921]

It's insane seeing just how much Lothal has changed since the show started. Back in season 1 Lothal was definitely suffering under Imperial occupation, but they still had community, and the people still had ways of dealing with living under the Empire. Here in Season 4, the land is scorched, centers of community are being destroyed either literally or just being taken over and the feeling of hopelessness has never been stronger. It fills you with dread seeing what these people have lost but also a drive to see the planet freed.

[@benspiller]

Absolutely agree, the creators did an exceptional job at capturing how depressing and hopeless this entire planet feels; so much has changed since season one from how people are living to the planet actually burning, makes you so sad about the state of it all while as you said giving you so much motivation to see things get better.

[@Pinkielover]

It begins. From here on out its epic

[@ogTryhard21]

Weve begun the final arc of Rebels. Buckle up, because Dave Feloni was absolutely chefing with this. Its clear he wanted this series to end on a high. Ezra planned to leave the Rebel Alliance, at least until Lothal was liberated and recovered from the Imperial occupation. A big decision, but totally understandable. And also, seeing the Ghost crew not even hesitate to help him is just wholesome. Hera mentioned in season 2 that the Empire was stripping Lothal's resources to fuel its factory. Thats VERY MUCH underway, and they've burned a solid fraction of the planets surface for its minerals and resources. Unfortunately those black clouds are ash and smoke, and it gives the sky a dirty look. Horrible. RIP Old Jho. He was a cool character. Makes sense that he hasnt been seen since season 2. It might mean that he was dead all this time🫤 Told you Ezra and Sabine can't be low-key 😂. Sabine is insane firing at a group of containers knowing full well that Ezra was in there. What if the crate Ezra was behind had explosives in it? Or fuel?? Ezra would've died 😂 Theres no way that hyperdrive doesnt weigh hundreds of pounds. The fact that Ezra and Sabine managed to drag it as far is they did is remarkable. Especially given they could only use one arm each. And they didn't even look that tired😂 Dave Feloni is known for being a big fan of wolves and hes put them in his shows before. They represent a ton of things in different mythologies and cultures, but something that is usually expressed in most of them is that they represent loyalty and security. Stay tuned.

[@benspiller]

I’m so excited to see where this show goes for the final season, it has been so good since the start, and I can’t wait to see how it’ll end. It’s a shame he had to consider leaving the Rebellion to help his home but it’s great at showing the complexity of the situation, absolutely love the rest of the crew didn’t hesitate to join him, goes to show how far they’ve all come and how close they all are. Lothal looks so depressing now thanks to the Empire, really shows off their evil that they’re willing to completely destroy this planet and use it for fuel. This is what I was thinking 😂 It’s insane that she just opened fire on those containers without knowing what’s insane, but I guess the situation was desperate. Gotta give Ezra and Sabine props for carrying that thing all that way, those two are so determined but there’s no way the Empire can’t track them with the marks they’ve left behind. Love that Feloni but his own obsession in this show, makes me know that however they’re used, they’ll be very important and well thought out.

[@willfanofmanyii3751]

Ezra: * returns to Lothal * * immediately surrounded by the cats *

[@garrettwhite5943]

The planet loves him. As it should.

[@benspiller]

He is Loth-boy at this point!

[@garrettwhite5943]

@ That's Loth-MAN lol

[@kronos327-1]

At last! It took four seasons - a Rebels animation style solution for hair, or at least fur. I remember hearing somewhere about Filoni describing the technical difficulty of animating the wolves because the wolf character models had dozens of independently moveable tufts of hair to simulate moving fur.

[@benspiller]

I hadn’t even noticed how improved the Hair is! Really goes to show how well it fits in the show compared to how Wookies looked at the start, but yeah this alone really stresses the importance of the Wolves since so much work went into them to get their look right.

[@blondiedies]

Remember how Ezra is a Disney princess that can talk to animals? Yeah. His affinity to animals isn't limited to space whales and kitties. His strength in the Force is this. Loth wolves, like Loth cats, are important in the mythology of Lothal and the planet's relationship with the Force and the jedi. You'll learn more about this soon enough, but know that Lothal is extremely important, and what happened during episode 6 is, too. If you've seen Princess Mononoke or Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, both excellent Ghibli movies, you'll definitely see their influence in this season. If you haven't seen them, I highly recommend those two!

[@willfanofmanyii3751]

During this year of the Empire, the Rebellion began using the new U-Wing for transport, hence Ryder and Saw using one.

[@willfanofmanyii3751]

Something funny about how the Empire still doesn't know the old tower on Lothal was Ezra's house, lol. Even Thrawn, who assumed it was just a generic spot Kallus used for a Fulcrum message.

[@benspiller]

Thought this two 😂 😂 It’s so odd the Empire’s done nothing with it and considering Thrawn’s been there too, he would have seen everything inside and would have known a child was living there.

[@willfanofmanyii3751]

Says a lot when the areas of Lothal the Empire didn't destroy are the areas where they're showing off their ships.

[@corgiluver9718]

Thanks Ben. Really like the introduction of the mystical elements and the Loth-wolf connecting with Ezra.

[@JamesVirtue-xu7wb]

I don't know if you realized it but another upgrade the TIE Defender Elite has that was briefly shown is that it has missiles.

[@benspiller]

These things just keep getting worse 😭 Feels like they could show up with any new ability when we next encounter them as their potential seems limitless.

[@TheTrytix]

So, fun fact: Dave Filoni, the guy in charge of Star Wars Rebels, same guy who gave us Star Wars the Clone Wars and Avatar: the Last Airbender, wears a cowboy hat BTW, has an affinity for wolfs. So... Wouldn't you know it, in the Clone Wars, Dave created the Wolfpack, 104th clone battalion, under Jedi Master Plo Koon, who, btw, is Dave's favorite Jedi too. The Clone Commander being CC-3636 "Wolffe" (Pronounced "Wolf"). And then, here in Rebels, he's given us the Loth Wolfs, because of course he has. Hell, Dave Filoni HAS had a cameo in a Star Wars show down the line, and his character's name is LITERALLY "Trapper Wolf". Dave Filoni is often viewed upon by fans as George Lucas' perfect heir. The fans love the guy, and no wonder. It's not without reason Dave got promoted some time back into the chief creative officer of Lucasfilm! Though, many fans still think he should replace Kathleen Kennedy as president of Lucasfilm, but I digress.

[@willfanofmanyii3751]

During the small timeskip before these episodes, Sabine changed her armor's paint job again, and washed out her hair dye, instead adding subtle purple highlights.

[@benspiller]

Ah so we’re actually seeing her natural hair with a bit of colour, hear about her armour change having more yellow to go with her family's colour so could her natural hair also be because she’s closer to her family now.

[@Mis7erSeven]

Do you what is actually the weirdest thing in this episode? The rebels in their civilian outfits. Hera was wearing the exact same outfit for the entire show, seing her look different now is crazy. And so is Sabine without armor. Not even starting on Zebs hat. Only Ezra looks normal, he could be Ryders son with this outfit.

[@benspiller]

True!! They all looked so weird, especially Zeb 😂 These episodes really wanted to turn the weirdness level up to 11!

[@drooface1121]

Definitely watch Rouge One when you finish this show. That’s the last pre-OT movie/show left for you.

[@hehu4025]

The Loth-wolves: Let’s start with them. What are they? Believe me, explaining Mortis was easier. In essence, they’re fully sentient and Force-sensitive animals, but not in the way typical Force users are. They possess a unique connection to the Force. And now begins the chaotic attempt to explain them. The simplest way would be to say they’re like Mortis, but that would be a lie. Mortis, or even Bendu, had a clear purpose. Loth-wolves, on the other hand, are living, normal creatures without a grand purpose within the Force-they are not Force constructs. So why can they teleport, speak, and use the Force? This is where speculation comes in, but based on fan analysis, one conclusion seems most plausible: the wolves are materialized spiritual entities. What does that mean? For example, a Jedi-let’s call him Mark-dies, but instead of his connection to the Force dissipating, their essence transforms into a wolf instead of returning to the Force. This isn’t immortality because Mark is dead. What emerges is a new, independent being, though it may retain faint echoes of the person who initiated its existence. “Mark is gone, but from his ashes, a wolf rises.” Wolves themselves may be immortal as spiritual creatures, but we don't know (I hope this makes sense because it only gets more complicated from here.) What’s critical to note is that they have appeared now after so many years, and the first thing the wolf says is: “Dume.” They’re directly referencing Kanan-Caleb Dume. Why? And how the wolves know him. Well, you’ll see. Now Thrawn and Lothal Starting with Lothal, the planet is the embodiment of Imperial tyranny. Tarkin turned it into a living hell and a military stronghold for fighting the Rebellion and cementing Imperial control over the Outer Rim. The only thing that matters is the military, and when it comes to the people… well, it’d be better for the Empire if they didn’t exist at all-fewer problems that way. As for Thrawn, he already knew at the start of the previous season that Lothal would become a target for the Rebellion. That’s why he established the first TIE Defender factory there. It’s well-protected. In the event of suspected Rebel attacks, Tarkin would give him full support to act. This forces the Rebellion to fight on Thrawn’s terms. Then, there was Thrawn’s deadly assault in the Season 3 finale, which made overtly seizing Lothal impossible for the Rebellion. However, Thrawn knows the Rebels won’t give up and will attempt to liberate Lothal. In order to force them to act faster, he took action: "Hey, we have an even better TIE defender, do something or watch your hope die." The Rebellion quickly responded by openly supporting the local resistance to slow down Thrawn’s progress. And as Thrawn likely predicted, the Ghost crew was sent, given their experience on this planet. In the situation with the stolen TIE Defender, Thrawn didn’t hide because he knew he was in a dead zone for its weapons-so it’s still not perfect. He shot at it with a blaster to personally test the shields, but he may have also hypothesized that a blaster could act as a strong anti-air weapon against a TIE in a favorable position. In classic Thrawn fashion, he allowed the Rebels to steal the TIE because he was tempted to test its prototype in combat conditions, gaining more information in the process but in addition he allowed the Rebellion to gain information and encourage them to act.

[@benspiller]

This helps explain the wolves so much and is close to what I’ve been thinking they are, but yeah Morits seems so simple in comparison 😂 😂 I do love that we’re seeing some new type of Force weirdness to expand the known and it’s just so well done to leave you asking questions while also feeling like you should just accept what’s happening as trying to understand it would be a fool’s errand. Can’t believe I missed that the Wolf said Dume instead of Doom 😂Definitely need to start putting Subtitles on! But yeah, all the non-Force stuff this covered was also fantastic, Lothal looks so depressing now with the state of the planet and the people, the Empire just seems to get worse and worse the more we see of them. And Thrawn just proving time and time again that he is an absolute menace! Love how we got to see him use this situation to his advantage to test the TIE and even the tinier details with him firing at it all play into getting information for himself.

[@JamesVirtue-xu7wb]

There was a book set inbetween season 3 and 4 that had Thrawn and Vader team up to battle extragalactic alien invaders.

[@nateperkins9860]

9:50, well they are building it back up. Throughout the show it is shown they had a romantic past. There are a few times in season 1 they come out of the same quarters when people are all getting up. When Kanan talks about having fallen from the Jedi way that is partially what he is talking about, his attachment to Hera. When he started training Ezra he tried to make a little more distance/they were slowing down with being so busy. They were a couple before the show, still during the show though with not much time for it as the rebellion got busier, and then now more so again here at the end.

[@benspiller]

Love that they’re building this relationship back up, it’s so wholesome to see and it goes to show that Jedi can have attachments without it leading them to the Darkside.

[@LadiesmanB007]

The force shows itself in various often small ways. The larger ways the force shows itself the greater the danger to the balance of the force. For the force to show itself so strongly as with the wolves means something must be very, VERY wrong

[@benspiller]

This is what I was thinking, this is such a weird and insane manifestation of the Force so it must mean whatever it’s reacting to is even more nuts.

[@gertboer3458]

He is getting closer to THAT episode😢

[@maxo.9928]

On a side note, the upgraded TIE Defender Elite is the result of Thrawn working with Vader in the canon books and Vader having been behind the controls of the original model of Defender, in the book he specifically tells Thrawn it needs to be faster and more maneuverable, as the original model was actually slightly less agile than the standard TIE (but was still just as fast). The canon trilogy is absolutely worth a read/listen (available as an audiobook), it features characters from Rebels like Governor Pryce and makes references to the events of Rebels, and Rebels even makes references to the books; Thrawn mentions the battle at the end of the book that got him promoted when he tells Constantine that he's now a Grand Admiral (it's actually kind of messed up because Palpatine promoted him after a bunch of innocent people were killed by something another character in the story does, he just liked seeing his officers commit acts of terror against people who didn't like the Empire)

[@benspiller]

Ah this explains why it’s gotten so much worse for the Rebels; Vader’s behind all these upgrades 😂 Leave it to one of the best pilots in the Galaxy to help design a completely unstoppable ship. Heard about these, and definitely want to check them out to just get more info and story on Thrawn!

[@maxo.9928]

@@benspiller I'm happy to relearn it all with ya, love how much thought and time you put into the commentary segments after each episode! You ask all the right questions and pay attention to all the right things.

[@nateperkins9860]

The lead off what he wants to to be about makes me so excited for one particular piece of media

[@TheTrytix]

Gotta love Sienar Fleet Systems honestly. They move to a planet like Lothal, establishes a TIE Fighter factory there, and then just BURN all the grassland in the near vicinity for apparently no bloody reason... Meanwhile, the Star Destroyer producing counterpart, Kuat Drive Yards, has moved their main facilities into a massive orbital ring around the planet Kuat, and wouldn't you know it? The planet is green and lush. Wonder what Sienar got against nature... XD

[@Klaital1]

It was the Mining Guild that burned everything actually.

[@TheTrytix]

@@Klaital1 RIGHT! Right... Right right right... Ugh, me and my memory...

[@IggyStardust1967]

BEN! So happy to see an upload from you today! I replied to the Community post, and don't think anything "distracting" is scheduled yet. So, let's do this! Alright, let's address the "bantha in the room".... the Death Star (or, more accurately, the "secret super-weapon") is still JUST a rumour with VERY little evidence to support it being real. Worse, the "evidence" that DOES exist was gathered by Saw and his "questionable" means. I honestly don't know if you realize this or not, but Saw is not above using torture to gain information. The problem with that is that, under enough torture (depending greatly on the individual being subjected to it) will admit to ANYTHING simply to get the torture to end. To mix a metaphor, "I could get you to swear on every religious book there is that the sky is green if I applied the right amount of pain for a long enough time." This is why most governments (even here on Earth) don't use torture as a means of information gathering. The information is unreliable. Sorry, didn't mean to go on a tirade there... but I had to put it into proper context. 4:25 - Remember something, Ben.... every SMART criminal has a legitimate business to cover for their illegal ones. Gotta launder that cash somehow, right? 7:00 - The Empire has done to Lothal what they've done to EVERY "resource heavy" planet under their control: Stripped it bare and left it a wasteland (though, Lothal's destruction hasn't been completed yet... it's still "in progress"). 8:15 - To be fair, you need resources to build TIE Defenders..... metals of various kinds, "Transparasteel" (as it was called way back in the day.... basically what the windows are made of..... transparent steel for lack of a better term)... 9:45 - Ben........ I just thought of something........ HOW far are you ahead on Patreon? Not that I'm going to post any spoilers...... but I kinda need to know.... 13:08 - "This is SO tense!" .... Ummm.... yeah.... I warned you to "strap in" for this season. You're learning why. Now.... about that box of tissues..... 22:00 - Ben.... let me reintroduce you to... Loth Cats. ;) 22:25 - To be fair, MOST aircraft go through multiple stages of development during that early phase, before they go into actual production. The better designs will even be retrofitted later on when further developments are done. Take the A-10 for example. That plane was going to be retired, but was found to be easily enough retrofitted (and tough enough airframe wise) to deserve it. 24:00 - Something else to mention.... Thrawn's TIE Defender project is competing for financial resources for .... shall we say... "other" projects (no spoilers). Regular TIE fighters are very cheap to produce in mass (which is why they are so prevalent in the Empire), TIE Interceptors cost a good bit more, and the pilots require much more training to handle them. The TIE Defender is still in development, which means the costs associated with it are still WAY higher than the other fighters the Empire is using. It won't be until/if they go into full production that the costs will come down, both in the ship itself AND in training the pilots to effectively use them. Unlike Star Trek (in the TNG/24th century era), money exists in Star Wars, and is used as it is on our own world. But I'm not going to get into THAT discussion... But I did want to point out that if "money" didn't exist in Star Wars, MOST of the people who joined the Empire, likely wouldn't have. Most joined the Empire because it was a means to a paycheck that they could use to take care of themselves and their families. Remember what was said in the Bad Batch. 24:45 - Oh, like those troopers could hit a target with the ability to jump, from that distance.... be real, Ben. :p 25:20 - Notice that there are now Death Troopers escorting Thrawn...... 26:08 - That, my friend... is a Loth Wolf. You'll learn more about them soon enough. Which is all I'm going to say about it. 26:35 - A little bit of "personal" history here..... I am very much like Thrawn right here. While I don't know if it's applicable to Thrawn as well, it COULD be. I've seen SO much in my life, that pretty much nothing "shocks" me, and hasn't since my mid-teens. I can see events unfold in front of me, quickly and almost dispassionately evaluate what is going on, and react to them. I'm one of those people who reacts to dangerous situations in a way that helps those who need it. It is said there the human brain has a "fight", "flight", or "freeze" reaction..... but I honestly think there's a 4th one.... "react". Which could be considered close to "fight", as one chooses to engage the danger, but I see it as non-hostile, hence "react" rather than "fight". This ability of mine has allowed me to save lives of those who would have lost them had I not been there when "shit went down" ("right place, right time"). In any case, I take as little time as necessary to evaluate what's going on, then take the actions I feel are best taken, I also adapt to the situation as it evolves and make decisions "on the fly". In Thrawn's case, he does it for "The Empire", in my own personal case, I do it "to help those in need". 27:25: "SABINE! Are you CRAZY?!" .... they missed a golden opportunity for her to reply, "No, Ezra... I'm MANDALORIAN!" then Ezra say under his breath, "Same thing!" LMAO! (this, harkening back to when they had Fen Rao as a "guest") 27:50 - This harkens back to an alleged incident in North Africa during WWII, where supposedly General Patton stood in the middle of the street, and fired his pistol at two German warplanes who were strafing the town. If you watch the movie "Patton", you can see that happen when he first arrives. Thinking about it, right now.... aside from "intensity" and thinking only about strategic genius..... Thrawn and Patton weren't too far removed from one another. Makes me NOW (that I've thought about it) believe that Thrawn might have been influenced by Patton's reputation for his strategic genius. For the record, all three of my great uncles served under Patton at one time or another. From what I was told (when I was a child), the movie is fairly accurate for content, but not "timeline" (meaning the order of events). I do recommend watching it, if you haven't seen it. Just know that it's only partially historically accurate. 31:55 - Always follow the white Lothcat. ;) 32:35 - Ben.... I kinda wish I *COULD* tell you more about the Lothwolves...... but I can't..... yet. 33:20 - You're on the right track.... and before you go on... I will only say ONE thing...... TURN ON SUBTITLES! 35:00 - lol.... no, it wasn't the Lothwolf's "bad breath" that made Sabine sleep..... 35:10 - Shite.... subtitles would have shown you that the Lothwolf didn't say "Doom"...... but "Dume". Hence why you should turn them on from here until the end of the series. 35:50 - He's not being intentionally cryptic.... he simply isn't able to put the pieces together yet.

[@benspiller]

It’s so scary to think this massive super weapon is still only rumoured at this point and has no concrete evidence of its existence, really makes me wonder how fast the time frame was for the Rebels to find out about this thing to take it out. Lothal feels so depressing right now, seeing the world burning from space is something so powerful and impactful with how it sets the scale of this. Recoding-wise, I have only episode ep 15 left to go, I’m in pain! The TIE Defender was just bad enough as it was and now it’s getting improvements 😂 love the attention to detail though with it going through so many stages of development. The Loth-Wolf just broke me 😂 😂 It just comes out of nowhere and is beyond mysterious with whatever it wants with Ezra and Kanan. Thrawn definitely fits this sense and it’s part of what makes him so powerful, people with this ability are exceptional in tough situations and it’s amazing you’re able to do stuff like you’ve described, my cousin is similar in that she works as a paramedic so while she’s not actively in those dangerous situations, she still has to go to the aftermath, assess what’s happened and respond without getting invested in the moment. I heard that this shot was a reference to Patton which is just so cool, Thrawn’s definitely been influenced by him and it’s awesome that when writing the character the creators of the show went to real-life examples. I keep forgetting to put on Subtitles 😭 😭 I know now though but I really need to start putting them on.

[@IggyStardust1967]

@@benspiller First off, next time you see your cousin, give her a hug from me. It takes a special kind of person to do what she does. When I was in my early 20s, I took an EMT class in college. I had actually thought about doing it as a career, but I seriously lacked "focus" at that young age. Still, the skills I learned in that class have been very valuable over the years (and I don't mean from a financial standpoint). Not bragging, but I have saved several lives because of that knowledge and my ability to analyze situations and "not panic" during events that have other people terrified. I'm sure that your cousin will confirm this: You don't get emotional "in the moment", but you can get emotional afterwards. In the moment, you're simply going on "automatic", following your training and focusing on what needs to be done. Once the situation (or at least, your part in it) is over.... THAT is when the emotions can/do run high. Okay, back to Star Wars... Actually, I have to yank....... (bad choice of word considering I'm an American)...... pull..... something from another franchise here: The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy..... Here's what the Guide has to say about space, "Space, is big. Really big. You won't believe how mind-bogglingly big it is. You might think it's a long way down the street to the Chemist, but that's just peanuts to space." and so on. (minor side note: You should watch the 1980 adaption of that from the BBC..... it's kilometers ahead of the Hollywood adaption of it..... that was a disaster) So, yeah, as large as the Death Star is, it's pretty easy to hide something of its size out in space. Even looking up at night, you can SEE Jupiter (and we both know how big that planet is), but it's only a small bright dot in the sky. The same with Mars and Venus, both of which are smaller, but closer. Those are really only visible to us because of the light from the sun reflecting off of them. Imagine a small moon sized battle station out in deep space, where there is no light source to bounce off of it. You'd never see it. Sensors might detect it, but your eyes wouldn't. About your "recordings"..... okay.... so, you've seen Episode 10. That is the episode I've been warning you about without getting into details. I can't wait to see your reaction to that one. That episode even caught ME off guard the first time I watched it. Lothal IS depressing in its "current" state... and that hit Ezra with both despair, AND a resolution to put a stop to it. But I won't get ahead of myself. It's too easy. =D Anyway..... have yourself a good day! I really enjoy chatting with you!

[@JamesVirtue-xu7wb]

The new vehicle in the first episode is an Imperial occupier tank. It's used to... well, occupy cities mostly.

[@benspiller]

It is terrifyingly effective! The whole design just screams oppressive and I’m just glad they seem to be stuck on the ground.

[@msoundg]

I love how Dave Filoni always voices one of the dumb stormtroopers, lol. Loth animals are amazing! Great reaction!

[@benspiller]

I love how he voices some of these characters 😂 Lets you know how much fun he had creating this show. Loth animals are so cool, can’t wait to get more info on these Wolves as they are beyond mysterious right now.

[@JamesVirtue-xu7wb]

It's a good thing you're watching Rogue One after Rebels, as season 4 came out when it was still recent and so a lot of ideas from Rogue One were introduced into this season.

[@JamesVirtue-xu7wb]

You might already know this but there's more that the Empire wants with Lothal than producing the TIE Defender- something I'd assume not even Thrawn knows about.

[@benspiller]

Been thinking about this, reminds me of what the one Imperial was saying before she died at the start of season 2.

[@thewheatharvester9156]

Thrawn shooting at the Defender, i think, is an homage to the movie Patton. He is being strafed by German planes, and he stands in the open and shoots at them with his pistol. I think it would be a great reaction if you've never seen it

[@ItApproaches]

Why did the Wolf put Sabine to sleep? Cause clearly the Wolf is Force related and so Ezra or Kanan would be the ones it would interact with. Sabine has nothing to do with the Force. Wolf basically was like I'm not here for you, go to sleep.

[@ARandomInternetUser08]

Seeing Lothal like that...that's depressing to see. Used to be such a lively planet. 8:23 A "patriotic" version of the imperial march played when Sabine and Ezra entered the café/bar area. That's what we call propaganda. I think that was played in-universe too. I hate probe droids so much. They really bothered me in the sewer scenes. 😂 How dare those stormtroopers attack the cats!!!! 26:57 Ezra's "hey" followed up by Thrawn's almost confused response was funny. 😂 29:06 you know a ship's fast when it breaks the sound barrier like that with the infamous cloud behind it and the shockwave. 31:59 "I followed the white Loth Cat" That has to be a Matrix reference, "follow the white rabbit". The lore with the Loth Wolves is only going to get better.

[@benspiller]

It’s so painful to see Lothal like this but it really makes you empathetic to the planet which is quite an impressive feat. Love how this is the in-universe anthem for the Empire, it’s so fitting, and it also feels like they aren’t even trying to hide the dark feel they give off. Probe droids are so annoying!! Normally they’re fine but there were so many of them this time in such a small space. This whole scene was amazing and so chaotic 😂 the Stormtroopers were just useless with them going off to chase cats and then Ezra being himself around Thrawn felt so unserious 😂 This ship is so frightening, the more they show of it the clearer it becomes that the Rebellion would not last long if these things get mass-produced.

[@JamesVirtue-xu7wb]

The Force stuff in season 4 is pretty weird, so you better brace yourelf for another acid trip.

[@willydadog2]

Ep 5 this can be considered the start of the last major arc of rebels, there is a mini arc that is kind of happening in the background but will come up a couple times within the major arc.. we return back to lothal. we get some clone humor with rex talking about not having a unique face. ezra gets saved by star wars zuko again and probably the most important part of this episode is the parents getting a chance to be alone from the kids. ezra once again has to deal with the loss of a close friend. old joe was their informant in season 1. just like with when he his parents were killed he got to hear them one last time before looking for ryder he hears old joe before his execution and has to find ryder again. so you know he once again has another person who was close to him last moments running in his mind at 16-17 years old. Ep 6 one of the stormtroopers who shoot and chase after the loth cats are in fact voiced by dave faloni. its not is only VA role in rebels but it is probably the one where his voice really sticks out compared to his more famous character in the show. speaking of faloni the wolves are something that becomes a trademark for him that beyond being is favorite animal is a nod to his time on ATLA but is by far not the only nod he makes to ATLA. again remember what Yoda said in ESB the force resides in all living things so even wolves or cats can be force sensitive or be connected to it on some level. but these wolves are very much tied to the force. one thing to note is only now when the empire is burning lothal do they show up almost like defensive mechanism against what they are doing. they weren't showing up until the empire really started to burn the planet. vs when they would be burning small towns and farms. the whole Thrawn shooting at the defender bit was a nod to the movie Patton where the titular General did the same thing when a german plane was firing at him and missed him, with him just shooting back with a revolver. faloni really took a page of Lucus in that he looked at old movies and decided to add them but with slight Si-fi twist. but in-universe i can see him doing it to show that he either knows that they had no way to fire at him and hit, unerver the rebels with just how calm is was, show the troops around him that he wasn't afraid to be in line of fire, or all of the above.

[@benspiller]

Ep 5 was just so depressing, first seeing Lothal in the state that it’s in is heartbreaking but then seeing what’s happened to the people is even worse. Of course Ezra’s going to take this the hardest seeing as it’s his home but then he has to learn that Old Joe’s died, why can’t anyone from his childhood stay alive! Love that Filoni voiced one of the Troopers who chased the cat, goes to show how much fun he must have had creating the show. Also love his thing with the Wolves now and how he seems to add them into whatever he works on 😂 I’m thinking the Wolves act like an immune system at the minute, the Planet is clearly weird with the Force so the Wolves coming to its defence would be like sending white blood cells to go after bacteria or viruses. Love that Thrawn was referencing Patton, so cool that this means the creators were looking at real-life examples of people to base Thrawn around.

[@willfanofmanyii3751]

Exactly one year before the Death Star plans get stolen now.

[@benspiller]

Crazy this is only one year out!

[@morgantippets3455]

After these episodes comes some of the best Star Wars EVER created. I am so excited for you to see what is to come, buckle in!

[@Thundertron5]

We begin to enter the.... weirder part of Star Wars Rebels. But don't worry, all shall be revealed.

[@benspiller]

This was all so nuts so I can’t wait for it to start making sense! 😂

[@Thundertron5]

@benspiller I'm pretty sure that was my exact reaction upon watching these episodes for the first time xD

[@willfanofmanyii3751]

The episodes' lighting getting darker and darker, representing the Empire's grip is getting tighter, things will soon reach a breaking point.

[@benspiller]

Love how they used lighting in this episode, really captures the atmosphere of the situation and how negative and bleak it feels for the Rebels and the Planet.

[@TheAMcDoom]

This is the point in Rebels that emotions starts to change. Remember in a previous comment I said wait till you watch S4 and that emotions will change and be all over the place. Alot more Dark and sad emotions will start to build quite a bit more from this point forwards. There will be some good and happy things but some big Shockers are inbound. I shall not say more as it would be #Spoilers.

[@benspiller]

Yeah I wasn't ready for what comes next 😢

[@brucechmiel7964]

Funny how you didn’t recognize prince Zuko back in season one.

[@Eva_H]

What I will say about the Loth Wolf is that it becomes important from about episode 11 as a whole pack that’s tied to the cosmic force. I can’t really say any more than that without spoiling, sorry Ben

[@benspiller]

These things are just so insane 😂 Love how they come out of nowhere and are already so important!

[@Eva_H]

@ i’m glad you’re enjoying 🤘

[@lukeleshnitzel327]

The state of lothal is the reason the empire is there. Or at least it’s not just “oooh evil empire!” It’s not only the mining of the materials that are being used in the creation of the TIE-DEFENDER but it’s also due to the planet and her people’s involvement in the Empire. Ezra isn’t entirely wrong, it IS because of them that Lothal’s people are being so strictly controlled and abused, but it’s not their fault. It’s the Empire stripping the planet of its resources, infusing the public with not just propaganda anymore but full imperial plants with the Baron being the bartender. The Empire is the the one that’s enforcing a curfew and killing “known rebels and sympathizers” because of their social significance. They’re systematically destroying not just the planet but the lives and hopes of every person by portraying and ever-present hand of oppression. I love this show and Star Wars SO MUCH!

[@benspiller]

The creators did a fantastic job at capturing the horrors of the Empire with what they’ve done to this planet, just visually it’s depressing considering we know what it has looked like in the past but now it’s so much darker and bleaker. Then the people’s suffering is so extreme, I’m shocked they got away with what this all represents in a kid's show as when you look at this closely it’s so incredibly dark! But I think that’s one of the best bits about Star Wars, being able to make these deep themes work in this kind of style.

[@JamesVirtue-xu7wb]

Everybody please don't talk about the meaning of the word doom in this. It would be spoilers. Edit: Never mind, I think he already knows.

[@benspiller]

I know about it now 😢 don't worry

[@0LadyV0]

Not Doom. 😂

[@benspiller]

Figured it out now 😂😂

[@5353Jumper]

There is 1 dud, but other than that, every episode for the rest of this season will blow your mind. It is absolutely spectacular where this goes and the implications for the entire galaxy. Does that chair have a seatbelt?

[@benspiller]

Glad to hear this! 😂 This show has been amazing and I’m so ready to see where this all ends up!!

[@jasoncaldwell5627]

Ah, you think you're confused now....

[@TheAMcDoom]

now naturally you probably would have started to see some of the shockers on Patrion but there's more.

[@benspiller]

Wait there's even more sadness to come? 😭

[@memoryfoam2285]

10:00 😭😭😭

[@miquelcanosasanteularia1678]

4:28 which he is

[@Flirtz420]

💙

[@miquelcanosasanteularia1678]

Season 4 is special

[@darthdracul8372]

The planet is suffering greatly no more half measures it’s time to make some differences. And “heard as it were the Lord of thunder saw and behold the white wolf” it looks like just got a lot more interesting very interesting.

[@nielgregory108]

Thrawn IS God!

[@garrettwhite5943]

Soon.

[@Klaital1]

The TIE fighter factory isn't even the main reason for Empires interest on Lothal. Have you already forgotten what else is on Lothal that the Empire got their hands on in season 2? Also, about the Loth Wolf, since it seems you have forgotten it, Kanan's real name is Caleb Dume.

[@craigmorris4083]

Dume.