Our third episodic trip to Onderon brings us closer to the political conflict and sees something like a retelling of Robin Hood. A massive public execution is planned for the deposed king and Saw Gerrera (caught during a mission to rescue the former king) and the rest of the rebels, led by Saw’s sister Steela, hide in the assembled crowd, waiting to stop the proceedings.
After three episodes, we’re finally entrenched deep enough into Onderonian politics to give the episode a core of invested emotion that I haven’t felt before now. The scenes of Saw being tortured and interrogated were particularly well written and apt. I think everyone needs to be reminded that resistance can be patriotic.
We’re also shown Ahsoka’s side of the conflict, with her being forced into inaction by the Jedi code and council. It’s a wonderful microcosm of the internal conflicts Anakin has been forced to go through during his time as a Jedi on his path to Darth Vader.
To be honest, it makes me wonder if we’ll see Ahsoka falling to the dark side as opposed to meeting a mortal demise.
Watching this episode in HD, it’s a stunning reminder how far this show has come. There are beasts and pack animals in the backgrounds, and the backgrounds don’t fade in their detail. The costumes and new models for what are, in the grand scheme of things, disposable characters (like the new king or his general) are stunning. The coloring is fantastic and the lighting is incredible.
For me, my favorite moment of the episode was Ahsoka going off her orders and interfering in the rebels’ plight. It was one of those kickass moments that Star Wars does best.
But everything has gone for the rebels so far, and it seems like we’ve got one episode left, meaning we’re going to be in for a major sacrifice on the part of our primary cast. And if they aren’t laying down their lives, will they be laying down their ideals?
We’ll see next week.
I think this might have been the best of the Onderon arc so, far. It’s good, but I can’t wait until we can move on to the next arc.