Chris Cooper reviews the tenth episode of Star Wars Rebels, ‘Vision of Hope’…
With the end of the first season/series in sight I find myself in a contemplative mood regarding the crew of the Ghost. Though the action, character interaction and ‘Star Wars feel’ have been great, I’d like more. Specifically my craving for progression and explanation beyond Ezra. Sure he’s the main character and the one for the target audience to relate, but there are others I’d love to know more about. I’m looking at you Hera and Sabine. Maybe I’m expecting too much, laying my adult ideas over a kids show. But there are more episodes coming so patience is probably the main requirement.
‘Vision of Hope’ is bursting with references to not only A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, but also The Clone Wars. I didn’t feel as though I was being hit over the head with them, though I can’t say the same for the dialogue which completely betrays the target age range and spells things out rather obviously.
Juxtaposing these moments are scenes of a distinctly adult tone. Water rationing, firing squads and people having ‘accidents’ aren’t your usual Disney fare. In addition there are some harsh life lessons to be learnt by young Ezra, who is displaying a control of the force that mirrors a similarly brazen and cocksure Skywalker. Surely his and Kanan’s lack of mention in the original trilogy means things don’t end well for them? The future is indeed clouded.
I might not know much about Hera, but I like her a lot. She’s a kickass pilot of a really cool ship for starters. But beyond that you get a good sense of how she cares about the others, and whilst sharing the same hope as Ezra, is old enough and experienced enough not to let it get her down when things don’t go to plan.
I have a burning question for…well anyone who cares to listen. Where are the ID numbers on droids? I’ve seen characters peer at them and call out the number, but there is no sign of it. Thinking too much there possibly.
Finally, Ben Burtt would be proud of the sound design on this show. From the blaster fire to the sound of Ezra’s unique lightsaber they’ve done a great job.
This episode may not have been the strongest, but it still does what Rebels does best, mixing action and heart with an undeniable original trilogy feel.
Chris Cooper is a Flickering Myth Staff Writer, and owner of the blog Super Duper Stuff. Follow him on Twitter @SDCCooper or visit the blog’s Facebook page.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszFJHnpNzqHh6gswQ0Srpi5E&feature=player_embedded&v=qqtW2LRPtQY
Originally published February 7, 2015. Updated November 7, 2019.
