Review: Star Wars Rebels “Empire Day”

And here I am, sitting here, thinking the Sith were above holidays. Boy, was I wrong.

Spoilers Below

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems that these episodes are going faster and faster each week. When Rebels started, it was rather slow, kind of like the first act of any Star Wars movie. But last week’s “Out of Darkness”, as well as “Empire Day,” seem to pick up steam faster than any act two. There is a lot more going from opening to closing. Before I know it, the episode ends, and the credits are rolling. How in the hell can this be going on from the molasses crawl from the first couple of episodes?

Now, this is purely by comparison, because the pacing seemed fine when they aired. However, this pacing has to plateau at some point, because there will be some things others will miss. That said, I am enjoying this pacing a lot better, because more plot can be shown. I think I am enjoying this pacing, and it is fitting like an actual Star Wars movie. So, it seems that it may be cyclical on how the episodes run going forward. I’d hope so, because I am digging the movie feel to Rebels.

Now for “Empire Day.” The episode brought out the big guns for what turns out to be a two parter. Both Agent Kallus and the Sith Inquisitor make an appearance, but don’t do much until later on in the episode. Kallus manages to catch up to the fleeting Rebels crew, and almost stopping them. It’s pretty sad that  However, the Inquisitor is in his improved TIE Fighter, setting up what can be an explosive second half next week. Well, that’s my prophecy, anyway.

I was hoping for more before the episode cut, but hey, I can’t complain. We have a whole 30 minutes next week to resolve the the bombing that the Rebels planned. Not to mention the major plot point that involved Bridger family friend, Tseebo. I’m happy to see that they finally decided to address Ezra’s seemingly celestial spawning out of nowhere, and give him actual parents. Then again, that goes against every bit of mythos in the Star Wars universe. But hey, maybe that will get retconned into Shmi being a ho or something in Episode VII. Anyway, we get to wait until next week to see what the plot bomb actually is, because Disney wanted us in a cliffhanger.

In essence, “Empire Day” is just a set up to what’s going on next week. Keeping that in context, this was a great episode. The pacing was there, the action was great, and there was a gripping story with Tseebo and the Bridger backstory. It was something I was waiting for, because we kind of need it. I am hoping for more for the other characters going forward. Kanan needs it the most, because the story of a Jedi that evaded Order 66 is a tale that needs to be told. Hopefully, we can go deeper with Kanan and the rest of the crew. As for this week, watch “Empire Day.” It’s a great episode.