Why Couldn’t Emperor Palpatine Manipulate Ezra Bridger? Bad Writing in Star Wars Rebels?

[@aaronjohnson6835]

The one advantage Ezra had over both Dooku and Anakin was the Ghost crew. They became his family not just his companions and friends, they grew together as a family with each of them learning to trust, love and care for each other. It gave Ezra a strong support group that he would never have received in the Jedi Order, they helped him cope with loss and adversity. As a result by the time Palpatine tried to manipulate Ezra, he had become a strong grounded young man capable of seeing through the manipulation.

[@cynicalbear8686]

Dame dude your cook'n

[@luulasmene7786]

A thing Anakin never had, even tho he had lots of people who deeply cared about him, Anakin grew up on the Jedi Temple, a place where emotions were encouraged, but not attachments. For a child like Anakin it was difficult to separate what is love and what is attachment, and let's be honest, Ezra doesn't have nearly as half of Anakin's mental issues, he was being torn apart by years of war and had been loosing faith on the Jedi pretty much since he first stepped on the Temple.

[@mreszotnik]

I think the key reason Ezra was not turned by the Emperor is this: in previous episodes Ezra learned to let go of what he loved. Ezra had the opportunity to save Kanan but doing so would invalidate his sacrifice and put others in danger. Similar thing would have happened if Ezra decided to abandon the fight for the comfort of his parents - others would have suffered. Ezra learned his lesson ahead of time so that when the moment came he was not easily swayed by Palpatine. Add to that the realisation that ultimately it was Palpatine who was responsible for what happened to Ezra's parents, and you have an elegant explanation why Ezra was not fooled.

[@CharlieHepp]

his lesson ahead of time so that when the moment came he was not easily swayed by Palpatine. explanation why Ezra where he had succeeded with Anakin Skywalker and Count Dooku ultimately it was Palpatine who was responsible for what happened to Ezra's parents, and you have an elegant explanation Ezra's Gamble, a prequel novel to the Rebels short film Changes which were requested by Lucasfilm included changing an evil clone of Obi-Wan Kenobi to the new character of Joruus C'baoth, and the renaming of Rukh's species from Sith to Noghri In order to provide him with existing worldbuilding material, Lucasfilm supplied Zahn with supplementary content from the tabletop RPG Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game Ezra appears in the Star Wars Forces of Destiny episode "A Disarming Lesson in which Ahsoka Tano provides Ezra a lesson in finding his inner strength and trusting in the Force was a kid did just for make in for now crosshair did find him from his parents - others would have suffered good idea i see it happen for now.

[@phillipschmidt6295]

I entirely agree. Ezra knew his parents would always be with him. He didn't need the Emperor for that. That was the final lesson Kanan taught him.

[@BirdNerdFilms]

Agreed! Ezra lost and gained so much!

[@benjaminkeenan8174]

I think Palpatine was able to manipulate Anakin because of the fact that he had been grooming Anakin from a young age since the end of the phantom menace. Anakin came to view Palpatine as a father figure and could even confide in him what he did to the Sand People. That level of relationship gave Palpatine a lot more control over Anakin where as Ezra only knew the Empire as evil and responsible for his losing his parents. So when he met the Emperor who is responsible for all the death and destruction including his parents it’s more likely that he would refuse.

[@STARWARS_FANATIC]

Exactly the conclusion I came to. But there’s also the Count Dooku factor, who was not groomed at an early age.

[@benjaminkeenan8174]

Yes, that’s true I think Ezra knew his parents would want him to keep fighting especially for the people who couldn’t fight themselves, and he knew they would want him to go on rather than make a deal with the devil. Btw awesome video StarWarsFanatic I enjoy watching your videos

[@STARWARS_FANATIC]

@@benjaminkeenan8174 thank you so much. I really appreciate it

[@DaleESkywalker]

Many have theorized if Palpatine created Anakin from the tragedy of his master in the theater. That speculation was overruled, but there is a comic showing Sidious manipulating and influencing Anakin in the womb as a fetus. He sensed him, even before he was born, but he could not find him. Ezra, he knew nothing about, but he almost had him. Darth Plagueis and Darth Sidious were both influencing the known Jedi, mostly on the council, but a few who were powerful and had an influence on the others. They began to corrupt their minds to control the Jedi Knights. Dooku was strong-minded, but once he started to see the corruption, he didn't have anything else to look forward to. He tried to leave the order, but I think Sidious had already had enough influence on him to step in and make Dooku kill Yaddle with the promise of shared power. Which we all know, Sith do not share their power.

[@benjaminkeenan8174]

@@DaleESkywalker that comic was awesome, and there was a rough draft of Revenge of the Sith where Palpatine and Anakin are at the space opera where he spins the Legendary Tale of Darth Plagous the Wise. In that scene George Lucas had thought that revealing Palpatine to be Anakins father through some obscure Force manipulation would be too much because there’s already the famous “I am your father” from ESB. But that comic is my favorite I’m glad you mentioned it

[@johncunningham4820]

Also , Ezra had become Remarkably Strong in the Force in quite a short time . And he had some unusual Force Abilities . A Beast Master . Highly Empathic and Intuitive .

[@phil9879]

Was thinking exactly that. I think his connection to animals that’s higher than most jedi influenced him more than people think. Animals have very good instincts, they easily sense danger and deceit, which rubbed off on Ezra and with that he understood that Palpatine could not be trusted

[@ironthunderbolt]

Ezra is no fool. Palpatine had already tried to kill or capture him in the world between worlds.

[@jaredontv]

a lot of things you said in this video makes perfect sense.. I also believe that Dave Feloni has a lot of big plans for Ezra Bridger coming up in live action shows and wants to promote a powerful Jedi not to be underestimated by the fan base... I think we're gonna see a Star Wars version of Justice League start to take place that would consist of Din Djarin, Luke Skywalker, Grogu, Ahsoka, Ezra Bridger and Sabine Wren in live action...

[@G_Dagh]

Why Palpatine couldn’t control Ezra to join the dark side. It’s because he knew his biological parents were already dead , at the same time he already had a family that loved him, and helped him unlock and achieve his full potential.

[@mattheweaton9111]

Ezra ad let his parents go years earlier with no hope of seeing them again. He knows they died. So he knows this is a trick.

[@STARWARS_FANATIC]

But he knew the World Between Worlds could alter time.

[@JokerCat9]

Don’t forget that he already met the Emperor in the world between worlds.

[@lukedalton]

as many pointed out is a mix of many factors, 1) Palpy is not only overconfident due to his past success but so full of pride to not even consider that he lack a lot of the advantages that he had with Anakin (grooming from young age and basically having become a trusted father figure, jedi not really good to deal with older kids with trauma and Anakin fear and emotional problems) and Dooku (political idealism that can be turned in fanatism and a clear understanding that the order and the repubblic are falling) 2) the crew of the ghost are Ezra surrogate family (with Rex and Ashoka as honorary uncle and aunt) and it's clear that they deeply love each others and have a strong connection, giving the young Jedi the support that neither Anakin and Dooku had 3) Ezra had never really experienced the Old Repubblic decline and the Jedi Order fall from grace but only the Empire brutal dominion, no grey conflict like the Clone Wars or Corporate tyranny enabled by a corrupt and flawed senate, everything has been much more black and white with the shades of grey created by what was necessary to survive but even then it was clear who was the very bad guy. 4) the teaching of Ezra parents, while he had let go the pain of losing them he had taken to his core the lesson of life that they have tried to teach him, that you need to fight for the defenseless regardless of your personal sacrifice 5) Ezra previous brush with the Dark Side after Kanan was blinded, while never fully gone dark he had really learned his lesson regarding how dangerous and tempting is the Dark Side

[@karlrovey]

IMO, Palpatine didn't know Ezra well enough, though he might have succeeded if not for Ezra's previous interactions with Maul. He spent decades manipulating Dooku. He had 13 years to corrupt Anakin. With Ezra, he gets a single interaction after he has already shown his true self.

[@theprofburg]

If Ezra not turning to the dark side because Palpatine was a master manipulator counts as bad writing then Luke not turning when the Emperor tempted him must be atrocious. Anakin's turn was on an account of many events that correlated with each other. While Ezra and later Luke really didn't have much that Palpatine could exploit. Which was one of the reasons for his downfall. The new generation that lived under the Empire were not there when the Clone Wars happened so they have no reference on how things used to be. So it's hard to control those that never experienced what came before.

[@Bas-TB]

Good comparison. I didn’t think of it, but it now seems so obvious

[@Net-Zombie]

"Hey, But this is Star Wars ", I agree , I am a long time Star Wars geek since I saw the scroll back in 77 . Your content is great, informative , not afraid to speculate , thoughtfu and yours narration voice is unique and easy to listen to. Keep up the great work

[@STARWARS_FANATIC]

Thank you so much! I’ve also been a fan since 77’

[@sambrown8578]

Once again another good question. I must say your channel is my favorite .. Now Palpate and Skywalker add a life with him. Ezra was growing up under the oppression of the Empire. Like always really enjoy the different look. Have a go one when I start working again I will join

[@STARWARS_FANATIC]

Thank you!

[@soularprimestudios5930]

Because unlike Anakin Ezra learned to let go to answer your question.And unlike the others Ezra saw threw Palpatines bs lol knowing what he truly was.

[@wardlafferty5022]

Ezra’s connection to the Force…& destiny has yet be fully explored…Ahsoka still has a major role to play in Ezra’s life…not just finding him…also guiding him in their shared destiny whatever that may be.

[@Blazecap]

This may sound silly but I think a factor would know a thing or two about deception and how to trick people who he wouldn’t fall for those as easily.

[@shoresean1237]

I think Luke called it a few years down the line; Palpatine had developed massive overconfidence. He literally forgot that his triumph in the last era was not actually winning the war; it was setting himself up to run both sides. Yeah, give me both controllers and the skills to convincingly use them online, and I'll make you think I'm a fighting game champion. Also, he had been grooming Anakin endlessly opposite mentors who basically kept telling him not to have the emotions he had. Ezra's mentors were not perfect, nor did they pretend to be - Kanan often said what he could teach him was limited by his own cut-short training. Anyone as brusque as Mace would have been shut down hard by the Ghost crew. Also, one of Ezra's deadliest lessons was taught when he sensed the fear emanating from Palpatine's current apprentice. I have to wonder if Palps had any more supreme manipulator triumphs after the one depicted in Bad Batch 2-8. By the time he met Ezra, Palps was a ruler, not a true schemer, and his easy advantages were gone. Not saying he wasn't dangerous as all hell, but those past triumphs had enabling factors galore. Besides Ezra's hard realization of what altering the past would do, he probably also realized unconsciously that the Empire still being out and about meant that he and his parents could end up dying in any other number of ways. Lastly, anyone Thrawn saw fit to introduce him to would likely have raised some red flags even in the most naive hero ever born.

[@marknovak6498]

there were certain techniques shown in the original trilogy like the Jedi mids trick that was fun in the first movies that could have pointed to underlying corruption that led to mistrust of the Jedi order over time. I wished they had should an order that was wrapped up in some this trickery which led to them not being believed by the Emporer

[@Bas-TB]

The controversy is new to me and I still don’t fully understand why it exists. Ezra has no reason whatsoever to trust Palpatine, with Dooku and Anakin he became friends first. And build his plan step by step. With Ezra this wasn’t the case, he wasn’t even in the room with him. And he was giving what Ezra wanted all at once, he might even have rejected if it was a true offer from a friend.

[@robertwhite97477]

cos ezra learned after he was manipulated from Maul that he shouldn't join the dark side

[@MarcoAspaas]

Why? Because Ezra may be the Chosen One (theory). He may be the only one (or Ahsoka) with the experience and perspective to bring balance to the Force. Reasoning being, remember he and Luke are only a day apart in age, so by the time Kenobi starts training Luke, Ezra had gained the knowledge of the Jedi and Sith Holocrons, mastering his control over the Light and Dark side of the Force and he knew the way of the Bendu (Grey side Jedi). He lost his Jedi Master, to only gain a Force spirit guide. Rebuked Maul as his Sith Master. He's overcome a spell of the Force-sensitive Nightsisters and he experienced the World Between Worlds. He also mastered the rare Force ability of beast control. Ezra had discovered and gained more knowledge of the Force than Luke may have ever discovered, certainly before Luke even knew about the Force. I think Ezra could be the strongest Jedi yet. I'm looking forward to his storyline being continued by Filoni and seeing what he does with Ezra's character arc in upcoming D+ shows.

[@achuris77]

It makes sense, if you're paying attention. He couldn't manipulate Ezra because he was already known to be a evil bastard. And while Palpatine took him off guard with the wise gentle grandfather act, Ezra knew he was evil. And Palpatine never got to groom him like he did to Anakin. And Ezra also had a more healthy mindset. He wasn't as selfish and possessive in his relationships as Anakin. The End.

[@Darkwintre]

Initially I believe it was Ahsoka's presence that thwarted the Emperor's manipulations. Given his brush with the dark side, he should have been more vulnerable, but his new family proved stronger than Palpatine's efforts. Anakin was a former slave who lost his mother and due to poor handling I suspect because Ob-Wan wasn't ready to be a teacher like they showed Anakin becoming due to Ahsoka. Ahsoka had left he was alone and visions of losing his wife was the turning point even Mace Windu recognised too late his mistake. Ezra however still has his family and couldn't be turned sacrificing himself to save his family and deprived the Empire of victory on Lothal in the process. But for the Rebel Alliance's success that might have changed but it didn't. I assumed Ahsoka's presence was the difference and would be used to reveal why the Sequel Trilogy is an alternate Star Wars canon so without Ahsoka there the Emperor succeeded and had access to that realm allowing him to survive leading to the ST, BUT because Ahsoka was there that thwarted that Trilogy. I doubt they'd go that route but its the easiest way to handled this mess. I can't see Iger doing that and can't help wondering how long will Favreau stick around if Iger doesn't course correct his mess fast!

[@madpoet]

Dude thanks for posting, as always great content.

[@STARWARS_FANATIC]

Thank you! I really appreciate it

[@evanmcnemar5241]

Hope you hit a million!

[@STARWARS_FANATIC]

That would be amazing!

[@mkhud50n]

He’s a Jedi and able to let go of attachments that would endanger his purpose. Also he has street smarts and knows a lie/scam when he hears one. He knows they are gone and it was an illusion/trap.

[@kingisgree6257]

I’m new to you channel and I’m loving what you do

[@STARWARS_FANATIC]

Thank you! I’m glad you like it.

[@Daniel78852]

He was not the embodiment of the Jedi, he was plagued by the death of his mother and being helpless. He was plagued with future death of his wife, he deals with hiding a relationship, the Jedi are overly proud and are a greater dangerous if not equal danger as the Empire. So many other issues

[@starwarsfacts2806]

I think it's really simple we all watched Ezra be trained I believe it's cause he was a true Jedi.

[@STARWARS_FANATIC]

So Count Dooku wasn’t?

[@starwarsfacts2806]

I don't believe so he was a Jedi of the old order and when the galaxy wouldn't live by his standards he tryed to force them a true Jedi I believe does not turn to evil because the universe does not been to there will they try to make it better by trying to change things for the better idk if this rant of mine makes since but I believe that there are true Jedi and most of the Jedi from the prequel level were not true Jedi they were afraid

[@starwarsfacts2806]

@@STARWARS_FANATIC I wanted to tell u also that I really respect your videos your one of the voices I think star wars needs

[@STARWARS_FANATIC]

@@starwarsfacts2806 thank you for that. I just love the franchise. And I actually agree about Dooku

[@elderliddle2733]

That’s the major problem with that part of many fanbases. They assume that when someone says “master of X” that they are just automatically successful in that area. Jensaraai is a great example. He believes that because Dooku is immune to MOST poisons, he’s automatically going to succeeed in suppressing a poison he had never encountered. Funny thing is that Jensarrai doesn’t understand how poison immunity works. You have to maintain that immunity throughout your life through regular dosage such as mixed into your food or drink. Meaning Dooku constantly had poisoned food to maintain that immunity. Envelope masters of x are not immune from failure.

[@shanehudson3995]

Anakin was getting gassed by Palpatine for years, providing a source of comfort and understanding that the Order did not. Ezra found a new family that supported him, and to embrace his original family was to betray the new.

[@Net-Zombie]

Thanks!

[@STARWARS_FANATIC]

Thank yo so much!

[@tonywright9906]

Ezra is not as weak as Anakin was. And Palpatine can’t manipulate any and everyone.

[@yunusemreselcuk2128]

I agree with your reasoning. This is the way.

[@maadtee6281]

He was trained by the goat Maul and he comes from a long line of stubborn masters starting with windu

[@evanmcnemar5241]

0:50 peak #advertising

[@matttmillerr]

It’s been a while since I last watched Rebels, so anyone please correct me. Anakin was compromised by the power that Palpatine promised could save Padme, and Dooku by the current Jedi hypocrisy and his political nature, but both were confronted by the Sith when it was thought to be “extinct.” Ezra on the other hand had significantly more experience dealing with the dark side than Anakin and Dooku, especially overcoming the temptations with the Sith holocron. My thought is that those previous interactions with dark side influences helped make the choice a lot easier for Ezra.

[@Crea_TV]

Poor writing maybe or just the simple fact that this was a cartoon aimed for children, Filoni might've wanted it to be good and he might've made it pretty decent but he was hired to make a cartoon on disney channel. To make something they could market to kids under 5, and you can't do that for a main character that goes bad. Especially in star wars where going bad means you die no matter what, then there's the messaging, which they low key actually care about, but it's mainly the money lol.

[@jeffersonbrooks728]

Yeah it took years to convince all the people you mentioned I believe if same amount of time with Ezra he would've been able to turn him

[@12bigredd]

quite simply Ezra is no Jedi so he didn't know what to do to bring him to the darkside....

[@kylebolt1951]

Palpatine had years to stoke anakin. Only had a few moments with Ezra. They where dead and he knew that to his core. 😊

[@crackin2000]

That whole scene was right out of Harry Potter and kinda the same thing had to happen. It's also from the ancient Greek story of Tantalus.

[@Canes2311]

Palpatine spoke with Ezra what like once? It took him what a decade to turn Anikin? Is everyone forgetting he failed with Luke as well? Hell Maul completely turned against him and tried to get others to turn against him as well

[@STARWARS_FANATIC]

Dooku…a seasoned Jedi

[@evanmcnemar5241]

Nice armor in the background

[@STARWARS_FANATIC]

Thank you!

[@empireofengland6039]

Adding to your words. Ezra also saw Emperor in the world between worlds. He even says that to him. I know how you you really look like. God,he even saw Emperor using force and full Azula mode to enter into this demension

[@boom8474]

I don't see this as lore breaking at all. Ezra just met him. He didnt groom him over time like he did Anakin. Again, he just met this kid, and still, he got pretty close. But Ezra had a found family that he loved and cared about.

[@StrykeSZN]

because ezra is insanely strong

[@mikec3820]

palpy is the poppy 😂

[@defresh3339]

Bc Ezra did not grow up with Palpatine as a father figure like Anakin did... End of story... 😁 But for real, Ezra spent VERY little time around Palpatine, where Anakin was around him very often growing up. Additionally, the people had voted Palpatine in, so, he didn't quite trick everyone as much as they just had to take him at his word as the new leader of the empire...

[@STARWARS_FANATIC]

Not arguing against your point, because I agree. But Dooku wasn’t mentored by Palpatine.

[@defresh3339]

@@STARWARS_FANATIC yeah, I think Dooku more naturally leaned in the direction of the dark side as he grew tired of the ways of the jedi council. Ezra more naturally leaned toward the light, especially after joining up with the Ghost crew, for sure. Also, Dooku is a bit an enigma, as he seemingly meant to do right by people as a jedi, then grew tired of the jedi council's decisions, then just flew right off the handle into the darkness to join Palpatine. I feel like he took less convincing for Palpatine to puppet than others might have. Idk though, just sort of thinking out loud here.

[@empireofengland6039]

Yeah,I hear it from every youtube video,but your its just different. My plesure to like your videos.

[@td3214]

Go Bengals!

[@STARWARS_FANATIC]

Who-Dey!

[@brittanyjtaylor2638]

I say plot armor 😤 They better give Thrawn a happy ending this time around….

[@zcorpalpha2462]

Thrawn is the enemy, he must die, horribly

[@schroder1972utrecht]

How strong is Ezra Bridger anyways

[@Gary-cheese-man]

I hated how they killed off thrawn. Just some whales kill him pretty lazy

[@STARWARS_FANATIC]

He isn’t dead

[@Gary-cheese-man]

@Star Wars Fanatic still not a fair defeat

[@mkhud50n]

@@Gary-cheese-man he got out-tacticted Fair play. He ain’t dead, that was a way of saving him for another show. We wouldn’t get more Thrawn if that didn’t happen like it did. Also explains why they aren’t present during the movies.

[@fdsajfldaskjf]

Because people aren't always easily manipulated? I feel like people are just throwing around "bad writing" as yet another buzzword at this point. It means about as much as saying something is "objectively bad" (Still an oxymoron btw) at this point. It's all just smokescreens so that people can LARP as intellectuals and shit because it makes them feel good. If you want to be an intellectual I'm sorry but the Star Wars fanbase is simply the wrong place for you. Maybe Star Trek will take you, I don't know. But Star Wars, disregarding the expanded universe, is a fantasy monomyth set in space. It's not science fiction and never was. Yes, the EU was more science fiction. But George Lucas didn't write that, did he? He advised it, sure. But he didn't write it.

[@STARWARS_FANATIC]

You must not have watched the video.

[@dancingvalkyrie]

Star Wars Rebels is a very badly written show. It was made for babies after all.

[@Psalm23_Javie]

I don’t think Palpatine had to dig much for Anakin to switch sides. He was already on the edge and just needed a push. He was cocky and angry and selfish, but Palpatine is a bad ass manipulator.