The Resistance Report: The Disappeared

Coming down on the last few episodes of Resistance’s first season and I’m all kinds of hype! Pun partially intended. Read on for more story analyzing and fun highlights! And hopefully this’ll be a little lighter than the last two Reports; those were kind of exhausting to write…

Contains spoilers from Episode VI, Rogue One, and Resistance episode The Disappeared and other events from the season so far.

I feel I need to dedicate the majority of this post to the Aces. In one short scene with all of them together, I suddenly realized what an amazing group of characters they are, and that I need to see more of them somehow.

I understand why they aren’t as involved in the series as the initial ads seemingly made them out to be. The role of the Aces is very important to the overall story in many ways, perhaps most so in the supposed threat they pose to the First Order, as we see here. However, they aren’t the sole focus. With the exception of Torra, they’re more of (if I’m using the term correctly) an ensemble cast. That’s not a bad thing, though; ensemble casts add color, humor, and often most of all, a sense of community to a story. The Aces have long reminded me of some of my favorite ensemble casts in other series and movies in their wide, colorful range of personalities and character designs. But the best ensemble casts are more than just a group of individuals, it’s who they are as a team. I figured they probably had a relatively strong connection to one another. After all, they’re not just competitors, but the Colossus‘s air force. They have to be able to trust and rely on each other when lives are on the line. But from this one short scene in The Disappeared, I feel I see more clearly now what it is that bonds them so well.

First of all, racing is not just a part of their job, it’s something they genuinely love to do. I have seen that passion before individually in Torra and Hype, but it was seeing the disappointment in the rest of the crew, even for gruff Griff Halloran and quiet Bo Keevil, that convinced me this is so much more than work for the Aces. This common passion and common goal appears to have created a unique kinship among them. When Hype storms off, it’s only Freya keeping Torra from going after him. Torra’s concern for Hype and Freya’s response to that says to me that their bond is closer to that of a family than just as coworkers or casual friends. I think that comes naturally when you have friends of different age groups; some become like parents or mentors, some like siblings, and others like aunts and uncles. And beyond this scene, we learn that Torra and Hype have a really great big-brother-little-sister bond that I never would have imagined in the beginning. Though we don’t know everything there is to know about the Aces, at this point, it’s hard not to imagine them as a crew-family. And so, I can’t help but want to learn more about them! Freya’s clearly the team mom. Is Griff the team grandpa? Is Bo more of a big brother or an uncle? And what do they do when they’re not racing, defending, or chilling in the Tower lounge? (I guess not much, if Bo’s comment is to be believed)

I don’t know what’s next for this vibrant, fearless crew. Novels? Comics? A story-driven video game? A Lego short series? A spinoff animated series? I’d happily take one of each, if I could! But until then, I’m delighted that I got to know them a little better this episode 🙂 And hey, the season’s not over yet!

TWILIGHT’S HIGHLIGHTS

• Isn’t it completely surreal that this episode’s title is the same as a Clone Wars S6 two-parter? Can’t blame ’em for using it twice, though; it adds such an air of mystery!
• A day at the races! Oh, it makes me so happy to see the kids so happy again!
• Y’know, it’s interesting… most Imperial droids were just poor, oft-abused mechs trying to do their job, but FO droids are just plain nasty! They got ‘tude to spare!
• “What, a battle? No, I just like to street-race. The guys I hang with are… a little rowdy.” “Street racing? In a spacecraft??” “Haha, what can I say? I’m a rebel. I mean, figuratively speaking!”
• I realized Neeku always drinks from this econo-size travel mug. Three theories: a) niktos need a larger amount of water than other species, b) Neeku bought the cup as a part of a deal to get free or discounted beverages, or c) Neeku just has a tendency to spill drinks, so he gets the only cup with a lid on it.
• Bravo, Neeku, for thoughtfully considering all the angles to this issue. Think that makes you the smartest in the room right now! Though I’ll cut Kaz a little slack; what happened last episode makes it hard not to be anti-First Order.
• Interesting that Tam and Torra have had such different experiences with Hype. I mean, he may be a dork sometimes, but his interactions with Torra this episode convinced me he really does care for people, and I don’t think it’s just because Torra is part of the “in crowd” and Tam is not. I could be off here, but I love characters like that, who seem shallow on the surface but are kindhearted once you get to know them. Curious to see if we ever get any other answers on this.
• Sneaking around is a Kaz-and-Torra speciality! 😀 Yeah, I so missed their misadventures. They make such a great team! I think CB-23 was a smidge unprepared for the shenanigans, though.
• I don’t know why, but the stormtroopers being attacked by gorgs cracked me up so hard! And the one leaping into the turbolift at the last minute was icing on the cake! XD
• The ridiculous number of FO prisoners in the Lego Resistance Rises short, Poe To The Rescue, makes total sense now.
• And so, these four unlikely heroes will bond in this trying time and become a great set of heroes for the Resistance! Like the Rogues and the bothan spies before them, perhaps any victory the Res has will be in part thanks to the rebellious barkeep, the egomaniac racer, the aleen with anger issues, and… that fourth guy I don’t know his name. We’ll call him “Snag.”
• I keep thinking Kaz will eventually get better at this spy thing. But he never does. At all.
• “You’ve got this, man.” A little surprised he didn’t refer to himself as something more species-accurate (like “rod” maybe?), but I guess that might’ve been confusing to a newcomer. Anyway, I think that answers my older query about whether it’s OK in Star Wars to call a nonhuman guy “man”.
• Wouldn’t surprise me a bit if Z and Maz are besties. Aside from being total rebel bossladies, their bars/cantinas are the homiest in the galaxy — even when they serve the scoundreliest of scoundrels 🙂 Of course, Z could have a different friend on Takodana, but regardless, this makes me all the more certain this squad’s on their way to heroism! Now go put ’em in Episode IX! 😀

Keep the peace,
– Twilight

The Resistance Report: The Core Problem

Things are coming down to the wire on Resistance right now (at least for me, being so late to the party), and I have no doubt it’s about to get really real! Let’s see if a little fanalyzing can clear up The Core Problem… or at least help you enjoy it a little more 🙂

Contains spoilers from Episode VII and Resistance episode The Core Problem, along with other events in this season thus far.

Anyone else find it interesting that Kaz held on to a tooka doll for about half the episode?

Yes, it’s a nifty little Easter egg for longtime animated Star Wars fans like myself (and you too, I imagine), but I take note of this gesture for more than just nostalgia’s sake.

This simple toy is a harsh reminder of the depths of the First Order’s malice. It’s not that we didn’t already know of that, of course. Our first glimpse of the FO in The Force Awakens takes us to a village whose fate is similar to the ruins we see today. And we learned from Kel and Eila that the ravaging on Jakku was nothing new for Ren’s forces. Either way you spin it, it’s gut-wrenching. But there’s something about this lone doll lying under the rubble that brings home the reality of this destruction in a very tangible way. It’s one thing to know that many died or nearly died, but to consider deeply what those lives looked like before they were lost makes the loss much more vivid.

From the instant we see the little city and its beautiful, ancient architecture, it’s clear these people must have been thriving. With the Force temple (I’m assuming) at its center, we gather they were likely a peaceful people. From the tooka doll, we know, of course, that children lived here. But more than that, I get the sense that these children were happy and playful. We don’t know for sure how economically successful these people were, but the fact they could buy or make toys says they had time, ability, and a desire to do so in some way. But whatever the case, whether this city was more like a Jakku village, a rich epicenter like Theed, or something in between, there was a little boy or girl here who had a beloved raggedy tooki. And now that child is gone. Whether prisoner of the First Order or dead by blasterfire, we don’t know. But a profound sense of loss is still felt.

The fact Kaz holds on to the toy for so long, even in the midst of battle, says to me this affected him deeply.

He knows the stories of the children from Tehar (who apparently share some connection to this ruined city), he’s dodged fire from stormtroopers and TIE fighters, he’s found proof of terrible industrial doings, but now Kaz sees the destruction for himself. He sees the lost child behind the tooka, a child who he didn’t have the chance to help like he did Kel and Eila.

I figured he ultimately would leave the doll, or find a place in the ruins for it to rest as a way to honor its owner, like in Mulan. But instead, Kaz carries the toy with him back to the Colossus. I might be way off here, but I imagine this encounter in the lost city was the moment the weight of the war became real. He’s been raised as a defender of good in the New Republic, trained to fight in the Navy, recruited to help the Resistance; he has a pretty firm idea who the good guys and bad guys were/are. But I imagine it’d be easy to be disconnected from what’s really at stake when you haven’t experienced those stakes personally. Our young hero has yet to encounter first-hand the kind of carnage Poe will face on Jakku, but what the little tooka represents is enough. If Kaz was on fire for the Resistance before, he must be a raging inferno now. I know I would be.

Yes, what I talked about last post is still true, you have to be willing to talk, listen, and be considerate to those on the “other side” — those who don’t share your beliefs. But some things, like the value of life, are always worth being on-fire about.

TWILIGHT’S HIGHLIGHTS

• Since Kaz did so well fixing up the Fireball back on Dangerous Business, I would’ve expected he’d be better at mechanics in general by now. But I guess communicators are a totally different ballgame. Stay strong, spyboy-flyboy!
• Are you sure that BB-8 was believing in you, Kaz? Because what I got from those uncertain bwurps was: “Ooh boy, this is it. The kid’s gonna die this time… what’ll I tell Poe?” XD
• “Lone Wolf” is a great codename, but considering the way Poe makes friends, I find it hard to believe it’s all that accurate (probably has more to do with his battle stunts TBH). Whatever the case, wolves are cool and Poe Dameron is cool, so it makes sense for that reason if nothing else!
• Good point, shouldn’t Kaz have a codename too? I like “Green Bean,” but I think that would suit Neeku better. Maybe a shortened form of my nickname for him, “Flyboy”? No, that’s not specific enough. Would “Tooki-Cat” be unfair at this point? The emotional story arc aside, Kaz somehow always manages to land on his feet (figuratively speaking) no matter what curiosity nearly gets him killed 😛
• Man, add “ninja” to Poe’s increasing list of mad skillz!
• We also have more to add to Kaz’s skillset: he knows both his military strategy and his dad jokes! XD
• They’re goin’ gravity well-surfin’! Half of me thinks this looks like great fun, and the other half thinks this would be mortally terrifying.
• Oh dang, it’s baby Starkiller Base! Wait, if Poe’s going to Jakku tomorrow, then how much time passed between that event and its first attack? The FO must’ve done a rush job on the machine or something. But then again, the timespans in-between SW events usually surprise and/or confuse me.
• All I want for Christmas is for Kaz to somehow be in Episode IX so we can get more of this buddy-comedy gold!
• Well, can you blame Kaz for losing focus here?? That probe looks like an evil ice cream cone! It’s very distracting!
• Whoa, I think Poe and I are on the same wavelength here. My reaction seconds before his “Kids! It’s got kids!” was, “Ahh! It has babies!!“
• BB and CB floating past each other in the droidswap struck me with shades of WALL-E :3
• Same here, Neeku, same here. Having BB-8 around so much of this season has been something really special ❤

Keep the peace,
– Twilight

The Resistance Report: The New Trooper

Whoa boy, I’ve got a lot of stuff to write about on this one! I mean, seriously, I think I almost could write two blogs, ’cause The New Trooper delves into everything from galactic politics to space waffles! Let’s see if I can get all this organized right…

Contains spoilers from Resistance episode The New Trooper and elements from the first season thus far. Also some minor spoilers from Episode IV.

Star Wars has taught me a lot over the years; one of those things is that war is complicated. Resistance isn’t the first time we’ve encountered this reality — just watch The Clone Wars or Rogue One, or read James Luceno’s Tarkin. However, this series is the first time in my Star Wars experience that I’ve been able to sit down and really explore the average Joes’ and Janes’ thoughts on war, both the one of the past and the one to come. We’ve seen hints of Kaz’s on-fire Rebel heart and Tam’s respect for stormtroopers in past episodes, but in The New Trooper, we watch these perspectives clash and emotions rise in a surprisingly volatile way I was not expecting.

I think it’s very easy for young people to get caught up in taking sides on an issue without actually knowing all the facts (I certainly have been there). The actual nuances of political matters can be super boring, while the energy of a heated debate can be an attractive force. But fierce passion without knowledge has a tendency to lead to shouting matches and hurt feelings. I know that’s not entirely the case with Kaz and Tam here; they both have strong reasons for believing what they do. Much of the problem is that there’s more arguing going on than there is listening or discussing. But I get it — it’s so much easier to stick to what you know and refuse to even think about there being multiple sides to an issue.

And this growing battle with Kaz and Tam has even more complications than stubbornness alone. Kaz knows things that would support his concerns with the First Order, like their interest in dedlanite and that powerful phase connector, but he can’t say much beyond references to his history lessons. Tam, on the other hand, has family who had a very different experience with the Empire, and her personal experience with the First Order so far has been positive. I can see, from her perspective, how it would seem dumb to accuse the local police of wrongdoing just because a similar set of troops did something wrong decades ago. Were I an ordinary galactic citizen (minus all my experience and knowledge as a Star Wars fan IRL), I might have agreed with Tam. At least, until I was faced with proof that said otherwise. Proof like Kel and Eila. I don’t know about you, but anyone being cruel to children would make me lose respect real fast! And since Tam is friends with these kids, I don’t think she can ignore this red flag so easily. It’ll be interesting to see what impact they may ultimately have on her perspective.

I think the biggest takeaway from this episode is that, no matter how complicated things get, we have to be wise and discerning with whatever we support and fight for. Even when some issues seem awash in a sea of gray, truth is still truth, and we shouldn’t stand quietly if darkness begins to outweigh the light. We have to dig for this truth so we can know when, where, and how to fight for what’s really right. And we need to constantly remind ourselves in every battle we approach, large or small, that the people we disagree with are still human under the bad-guy helmets we mentally assign to them.

Maybe this song will explain this better than I can alone…

TWILIGHT’S HIGHLIGHTS

• Look! Normal, non-zappy fishing (slinging?) poles exist! It makes sense, but still fascinating to learn.
• Look how happy the Tehar kiddos are! They deserve to be happy for a change of pace! So you bucketheads better leave the poor children alone!
• Ah, the old weaponizing-the-food trick! Well played, Padawan Kell. And yes, I’m still on the train of thought that these kids are Force-sensitive.
• OK, I can’t get past the blue jerky right there. It looks more like Fruit by the Foot than meat! Does it turn your tongue and lips blue, too? (Author’s note: I later found out this is puffer pig bacon, so I guess it probably would have the consistency of Fruit by the Foot!)
• You know what, guys? I just realized I’m sitting here watching a Star Wars family breakfast! Kind of like I drew for Rebels four years ago! That’s kind of cool! 😀
• Safe from what exactly, Tam? You’ve never struck me the type to appreciate someone’s protection. Perhaps some connection to her past and family here? I mean, yes, there was a pirate problem earlier, but… how much damage did they really do long-term?
• But forget the deep political discussions we’ve got space waffles again! Yay!!
• I love that the possibility of helping his big sis is the best thing ever to Neeku :3
• Is Yeager eating ration sticks? Do they still make those these days? I guess they’re like granola bars — fast and nutritious. Whether they taste as good as most granola bars, though, I’m not sure. Apologies for all the food talk, but this is fun stuff for me!
• Some days I wonder how Yeager’s Repairs ever gets anything done! I guess it’s just that the boring workdays don’t make it onto the show.
• Wow, those helmets really are useless. Perhaps, like I imagine Palpatine did before him, Snoke is devoting more of the FO finances to his yacht and fancy sweater than strong armor XP
• Oh my gosh. Are we allowed to take stormtrooper helmets off and see their faces before Finn’s came off?! I thought that was a big rule in canon Star Wars! I guess they figured we’re used to the idea by now? It’s not a huge-huge deal, I guess, but I’ve been so used to that element in the storytelling we’ve seen in Rebels (remember how they’d casually angle the camera so you couldn’t see the trooper’s face as Ezra punched the bucket off him?) that it came as a bit of a shock to me. Perhaps there’s more to this decision than I know, though.
• That was a beautiful acting job, Kaz! Just as splendidly awkward as Han’s “how are you?” thirty-odd years back! I give it two thumbs way, way up! And hey, the other trooper fell for it, so he’s not doing a bad job, even without the Ezra-style use of accents.
• We’ve seen a lot of great stormtrooper switcharoos, but I think Kaz is the awkwardest fake trooper we’ve ever had don the armor. I’m kind of amazed the other CSs haven’t noticed the totally non-rigid, noodle-y way he moves!
• Random costume-related question: Kaz is apparently wearing the full bodysuit under his confiscated armor. But the original CS-515 still has a full bodysuit. Do storms wear double layers? Unless this is a continuity error of some sort, it seems to be the case. If so, that answers a lot of questions I had back on Rebels when they were stealing white armor left and right and I was a little grossed out at the thought they were leaving the soldiers, well… not wearing much, let’s just say. So, *phew* that’s reassuring!
• Still having a tough time getting used to a face attached to that voice (as in, the “stormtrooper” voice in general, not Steve Blum!) I mean, yes, I’ve always known there were people under those buckets. But it’s still so easy to forget that they’re human (or more apropos to this galaxy, sentient beings… although stormtroopers are all human far as I know), especially with our (or at least my) limited knowledge of the First Order troops. They’re bred to be perfect, unfeeling soldiers who shoot when commanded to and keep their helmets on. But yet, they do have some personality and opinions on things, like the other CS complaining about his workload from earlier, and of course our good friend TR-8R who was plumb mad at Finn. It gets you thinking, right? I wonder what these guys will do with their lives should Rey and the Res defeat the First Order for good.
• Also there’s something profoundly sweet about the way Kel and Eila try to calm 515. Perhaps they now see the sad soul that was buried in that inhuman armor, and aren’t so scared of him anymore.
• Trust him, Neeku’s a doctor! XD
• My literal response when Kaz successfully beheaded the ball-droid was “oh my gosh!” Partly because I was really expecting Kaz to be the one to suffer a debilitating injury, but also ’cause I felt bad for the little angry dude. But it’s OK, it looks like their heads are detachable anyway. They kind of need to be so they can keep rollin’, I guess.
• I don’t know what in the world Kaz was thinking waving at Torra while undercover, but it cracks me up nonetheless!
• Doza should’ve said “Well then, you can just take your troops out to the snack bar!” Then all the storms would want to go to the snack bar and Pyre would lose all order XD

Keep the peace,
– Twilight

SW Summer Reads: Shipyards of Doom

So this particular edition of Star Wars Summer Reads is pretty special, because this is the first time I’ve written one on a graphic novel — and the first SW graphic novel I’ve ever read at that!

(Credit: Amazon.com)

I know… you’re probably thinking I’m nuts for never having read Star Wars comic books before, but it’s not that I didn’t want to!

When I first got into SW, I was overwhelmed by how many graphic novels were out there and didn’t know where to begin. I thought it would get easier after the canonicity rule came into play, so just like with the novels, I could focus primarily on 100% canon stories. But then there have been so many and they keep coming out so fast! I still wasn’t sure where the best place to start was.

I actually was intending to do a regular young readers’ novel for my SW Summer Reads this year, but the author’s name on this book’s spine caught my attention. With Henry Gilroy of TCW and Rebels aboard, it surely would be a good story! And even though it was written long before the Legends designation, Mr. Gilroy would definitely know how to keep it true to Star Wars form (an issue that’s made me hesitant to read other Legends-era Star Wars stories). Plus, I haven’t watched Clone Wars reruns in a long while, so a tale with Anakin, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, and Rex at the center was sure to be a balm to my prequel-era-loving soul 🙂

And I was right ultimately on all accounts! Filled to the brim with action, drama, heart, and bright spots of levity and laughter, Shipyards of Doom captured that Clone Wars magic I was craving. It also delivered a nice sense of nostalgia, taking me back to the very earliest TCW adventures with some of my favorite heroes taking center stage — even Admiral Yularen, Plo Koon, and Saesee Tiin got some to shine! But it’s certainly not magic and nostalgia alone that make this such a great book. It really does feel like Star Wars, as we see the Jedi faced against an adversary who knows well their “weaknesses” — their ideals — and doesn’t fight fair. And it’s special seeing Anakin and Ahsoka working through their master-padawan struggles and learning respect and honesty with each other this early on. It’s just a great, satisfying blend of some of my favorite Clone Wars elements, and a perfect first SW graphic novel for anyone ready to step into a larger world! No doubt I’ll seek out other titles from Mr. Gilroy in the future!

Yeah, there’s definitely something to this whole newfangled novel-with-pictures thing… 😛

TWILIGHT’S HIGHLIGHTS
(Contains spoilers from Episode II, Shipyards Of Doom, and other story elements from The Clone Wars seasons 1-6.)

• I gotta say, the idea of Yoda and Jabba The Hutt forming any sort of alliance sounds like a truly awesome story. I need to know if that ever happened! Or ever could have happened!! That one panel is a whole new story right there!
• Ghost Squadron is an epic name! Hmm you wonder if that name possibly inspired the Ghost in Rebels later on…?
• “You say something, Master Obi-Wan? I can’t hear you over all these enemy fighters being destroyed!” That’s so Anakin XP
• Ah, a classic Clone Wars moment with young Ahsoka pining away to join the fray! It’s so fun and special revisiting this side of her after all these years :3
• I love that the Invisible Hand (or whichever one of Grievous’s ships this is) looks kind of like an angry shark in this panel on page 10.
• “Is anything in this war ever easy?” “It is for me, master.” Classic! Can I just bottle up this fantastic writing here?! *Feels nostalgia feels*
• Interesting, I don’t remember this sort of theater seating in the Temple before. It makes sense that it’s not the council’s chamber since only a handful of the councilmembers are actually here. But yeah makes me wonder, since this was a 2008 book, if some sets hadn’t been designed for the show yet and the illustrators had to try some new stuff.
• Ah yes, now we’re getting into some shades of the “Citadel” arc in S3! If this particular rescue actually happened, it would make sense why no one questioned the carbonfreezing process in the later episode. But then, it does bring up a question as to how Ahsoka could pull the same “tagalong” stunt all over again… and ultimately learn somewhat of the same lesson, too. Whatever the case, I wouldn’t be surprised if the S3 arc was rooted in some of this novel’s ideas.
• “Don’t worry, Rex, we won’t be frozen long enough for [hibernation sickness] to take effect.” This confirms my earlier assumption that time has a major influence on how the body reacts to carbonfreeze. Fascinating.
• I love that Ahsoka goes into the freezing chamber oozing confidence with her arms crossed! I’m not sure I would be so brave. I mean, from what we know from Episode V, there’s some inherent risk in carbonfreezing. That’s actually a good question though… how come it’s such a worry-free process in TCW, but something worth Boba Fett’s concerns twenty-odd years later? My theory is that there’s a bigger risk if the person being frozen is ill or injured, like how Han had been tortured shortly before. If you’re healthy and strong, perhaps it’s not such a shock to the system. Yay science!
• “The greater our navy, the longer the war will go on, and the more Jedi will die.” Hmm is that really Dooku’s endgame here? Come to think of it, what is Dooku’s endgame, actually? He knows “the Sith control everything”, and wants to destroy this Sith, but what after that? Galactic domination? Retirement on Serenno? I don’t know! Man, I can’t wait to read Cavan Scott’s backstory for this guy. Back on-topic, I guess it’s possible that this desire to eliminate the Jedi might be more of Palpatine’s plan than Dooku’s. Not that he’s a fan of the Jedi or anything, but he’s never struck me as wanting to outright purge them. That’s more of Grievous’s thing. I would love to sit down and chew on this with a fellow SW nerd sometime. Dooku’s a complicated guy.
• Is “plunk droids” an insult or just another word for GNK droids? Pfft, battle droids are so high and mighty.
• Separatists don’t give out medals, Juhm! At least, not when you’re working under Count Dooku and Darth S…
• I love how Mr. Gilroy captures R2-D2’s voice. Artoo talks like Artoo should talk, with very specific lines and reactions. more of a “VWOoo-bwee” than “beep-boop”.
• But disobeying direct orders is just what Ahsoka does! It’s her thing! 😛 I like what Mr. Gilroy did here, though… it’s easy to assume immediately that it’s a good thing Ahsoka tagged along, just like in the Citadel arc. But truth be told, Artoo could’ve helped Anakin, too. We see later on that Ahsoka ends up playing an important part, but at this point, she doesn’t really have a good excuse for what she did. That’s OK though, Snips, your inability to stay still and sit quietly on the sidelines is why you’re so awesomely relatable!
• I would’ve loved it if Juhm hadn’t recognized Ahsoka as a Jedi at first and instead thought she was some kid making prank calls XD
• It’s really interesting watching Rex learning to trust Ahsoka here, and it gives me many feels. Such precious buddies!!
• Saesee Tiin is both a daredevil pilot and a math nerd! Boi got skillllll.
• “Shocker sticks”? Whatchu talkin’ ’bout, muun? I think Juhm legit doesn’t know what they’re actually called.
• Wow, Juhm is not good at this. First, he tells the slaves that the Jedi are murderers, then he tells them the Jedi wouldn’t risk innocent lives in an attack. You’re just asking for a revolt, dude. He’s such a terrible (as in, terrible at his job) villain and I love him XD
• This is brilliant. Anakin and Ahsoka are having a deep meaningful conversation and learning lessons while being tortured! Reminds me kind of that scene in The Incredibles.
• The running gag with the clones betting drinks got me thinking about a TCW element I haven’t thought about in a while: 97’s. I’ve long known it was a clone bar run by clones, but I only just considered how amazing it is to see these guys becoming businessmen, cooks, and bartenders! It says something, perhaps, about their creative ability. Not entirely unheard of (don’t forget fry cook Gregor!) but just kind of cool to me. Maybe these business-clones were army rejects? Or maybe the small business is just a hobby. Have to take some notes next time I watch season 6.
• Real men (or should I say muuns?) wear pink! XD I love muuns you guys, they can be such cartoon characters!
• Also, Juhm has a goldfish and for some reason that cracks me up. Yet he can’t keep his slaves from running out on him…
• “How about the Force backed up by laser cannons?” Wow, Saesee Tiin can be SASSY Tiin! *Respectfully bows to his superior burn*
• Oh snap. Ventress just showed up and killed the guy. Seriously, I didn’t realize she was even in the panels until she was center stage. Good job, artists!
• It’s interesting that Palpatine cares about even the length of the war. He’s got every dark detail down-pat and we should be very concerned.
• Nah, we can’t have Obi-Wan and Ahsoka thinking too deeply about the moral nature of this war, Anakin makes sure everyone remembers “We’re the good guys! The Republic needs us!” Welp, they’re something said for his enthusiasm…

Keep the peace,
– Twilight

The Resistance Report: The First Order Occupation

This episode, you guys! This. Episode! Forgive my giddy fangirling, but The First Order Occupation was a sheer delight, and if I didn’t fangirl a little, I’d probably explode. Don’t worry though, there will be some deeper thoughts in here as I dig into the heart and soul of this exciting-but-sweet chapter in the Resistance story.

Contains spoilers from The First Order Occupation and related events from this season thus far. Also some minor spoilers from Episode V and Rebels episode The Mystery of Chopper Base.

With a title like “First Order Occupation”, I was expecting this episode to go in an entirely different direction. Perhaps something to do with Kaz’s role as a Resistance spy in a sea of growing hostilities and suspicions. And for the first chunk of the episode, it really felt like that’s where the story was going. But Kaz’s kind heart changes the course dramatically as he takes the focus off his own problems and risks everything to help Synara escape. I was expecting an exciting adventure no matter what this episode entailed, but it was this beautiful picture of love that made it so much more.

Yeah, I know… “love” is a rather strong word for an awkward spy boy and a conflicted pirate girl who doesn’t seem terribly impressed with the aforementioned awkward spy boy. But let’s remind ourselves that love is more than romance; it’s taking the focus off yourself and what you want, and thinking of and acting on what others want or need — whether friend, enemy, or someone you’ve never met. I don’t know about you, but Kaz risking his life and his Resistance career for Syn’s safety? That’s love. And then Synara giving up her newfound freedom to help him back? Also love.

Let me expand a bit on these kinds of love. Yes, it’s been quite obvious this season that Kaz has a schoolboy crush on Synara. I won’t deny that it had some effect on his decision-making (I mean, Kaz did make it sound like she single-handedly fought that mama rokkna… a slight exaggeration, I do think), but I’d argue that he would have helped her regardless. His kindness has shone through in so many other ways throughout the series so far. And the very fact he was where he needed to be to rescue Synara in the first place, right back on Signal From Sector Six, is because of a love-rooted truth that he believed in: “When people are in need, we help.” Even when it meant fighting ill-tempered monkeys and a hulking ape-lizard, and even now when it meant saying goodbye, likely for good.

There’s a lot I wish we knew about Kaz and Synara’s friendship. Their initial relationship seemed a bit stilted, obviously since Syn wasn’t trying to make friends while undercover, and I’m sure also due to some of her suspicions about his identity. But by the time we get to The Doza Dilemma, while she still seemed unsure of how to respond to all the kindnesses she’d been shown by Kaz and his friends, it clearly meant the world to her — enough so that she absolutely couldn’t go through with a plan that would hurt a friend. I have little doubt that Kaz’s kindnesses in the past had an influence, even in some small way, on who she became. But regardless of what all happened in between, this last great kindness of Kaz’s seems to have deepened their bond, and it’s not just in that he put himself in danger to help her. I think Synara knew last episode that Kaz didn’t believe her claims, that she’d likely just lost his friendship. The fact he still decides to help her despite her deception, that he still could see the good in her, must have blown her away. It’s an act of forgiveness as well as kindness, and when you’re a pirate… I can’t imagine you get either very often. No wonder she couldn’t stand aside and let Kaz get caught, and no wonder that she seemed reluctant to leave Castilon in the end…

Her world had completely changed. All because of a young pilot who, in helping the Resistance, would ultimately be led to her distress signal.

Indeed, he helped her more than he realized.

More than she realized.

TWILIGHT’S HIGHLIGHTS

• I was a little surprised that the First Order got on Doza’s good side so quickly, but the FO certainly knows how to play their cards. I wonder how much time passed between last episode and now? By Neeku’s comment, it’s at least been a week. Again it fascinates me how fast this show’s moved and makes me wonder what’s gone on in between. Perhaps an opportunity for some comics, youth novels, and Lego shorts? 🙂
• “If ‘thrilled’ is code for ‘nauseated’, then yes, Neeku. I’m extremely thrilled.” XD Man, I wanna write like these guys!
• There is a lesson here in what Kaz is saying, guys. History is super important!
• Aw, Kaz just wants to help the poor guy! 3: Now would be a great time to have a spare com and a penchant for voice acting… oh wait, that’s Ezra’s thing. Um, any chance you’ve got another gorg in that thermos? That could work…
• Nice save, Neeku! Though, yikes, dare I ask how he would’ve finished that sentence? “…and he has been following you all around nonstop since your arrival! He’s that big a fan!”
• You stormtroopers are looking for all the wrong droids! If anyone’s a spy on the platform, well… I’d bet my credits on Garma. Just look at her in the crowd back there, smiling at that guy like nothing about this present situation is concerning! And I can’t remember the episode now, but we’ve seen her steal a crate outright. Actually, maybe she’s working for the FO instead! Perhaps that’s the real reason she’s acted so nice to Kaz! Gotta keep an eye on her, folks.
• Whoa, so this is what it looks like when Kaz gets worked up. Back up everybody! He’s on fire!
• The storms are on to him! Kaz is so toast it’s not even funny! Well, it’s actually pretty funny… mostly because his acting skills are so bad and Yeager knows it.
• OK, so I just noticed that little janitor dude has robotic hands and a tiny hat. So coot!
• Conversational skills are on-point! 😛 Seriously though, I think Kaz got his metaphors mixed up a bit in there.
• Good job not drawing attention to yourself, spyboy-flyboy. That guy back there must think you’re nuts talking to a crate like that XP
• Is the “neekto” in “great-grand-neekto” a nikto word for “mother” or “father”, or someone’s actual name? Either one sounds possible.
• “To the turbolift!!” Well now I’m gonna have to whisper-scream the same anytime I get on an elevator XD
• Hey, we finally get to hear StarWarsian elevator music! Perfect! It makes this moment even more hilarious!
• Of all the heartfelt “sensitive” goodbyes we’ve seen in Star Wars… this is the only one that had me get a little warm and fuzzy and laugh out loud. It may not’ve been an iconic “I love you/I know” or a tender “We’ll see each other again”, but Kaz’s kind heart still shines through — even when being bonked squarely on the head by an escape pod door. Good thing he still had that helmet!
• Aww, look at Synara and the fish-birds! I think she’s secretly a Disney Princesses. If that ship hadn’t arrived so soon, she’d probably have sung an “I Want” song! Just watch and you’ll see, someday she’ll be part of this world!

Keep the peace,
– Twilight