- Title: Star Wars Rebels – Zero Hour
- wiki: link
It is a dark time for the Rebellion. Using his knowledge of Agent Kallus‘ (David Oyelowo) treachery, Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) springs his trap and sends the fleet to Atollon as the Rebels prepare to attack Lothal. Using an Imperial blockage complete with Interdictors, Thrawn traps both Phoenix Squadron and General Dodonna‘s (Michael Bell) Massassi Group at Atollon as his forces push their advantage. In a last-ditch effort, Ezra (Taylor Gray) manages to escape the blockade and seek help from an old friend.
After giving us glimpses of Thrawn’s expertise, the two-part season finale finally shows us the man in all his glory. If not for a subordinate’s disobedience, the unexpected intervention of the Bendu (Tom Baker), and last-minute aid from Clan Wren, Thrawn might have delivered a crushing blow to the Rebellion. As it stands, his plan still cripples Phoenix Squadron, leaving the Rebellion with less resources in their fight against the Empire.
With Thrawn finally in command of the action and the return of Sabine (Tiya Sircar), the season ends on a high note. Although Thrawn’s plan ultimately fails, as many of the Rebels are able to break free of the planet, it comes at great cost to the Rebellion with the loss of several ships and crew including Commander Sato and Phoenix Home. Given the dire circumstances, the absence of the B-Wing is noticeable, but the Rebellion throws everything else they’ve got against the Imperial blockade and only barely manage to survive. The fallout of the season likely means another shake-up for our core characters and Agent Kallus now opening living as a Rebel. With Maul‘s story coming to a close last week and the end of the Rebels’ time on Atollon, the season wraps up most of the show’s lingering storylines… although the fate of Ahsoka isn’t addressed.
Wow! What a finale. I agree the end would had more impact if Thrawn had done more damage. What I can’t figure out is how close they are to the Rogue One and New Hope timelines now. It would seem the next season would have to butt up against them at some point.