[This is a review of Star Wars Rebels season 1, episode 10. There will be SPOILERS.]
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After taking a week off, Star Wars Rebels is back with a seemingly standard run-of-the-mill episode, featuring another heist where the crew of Ghost must find a way to sneak past Imperial Forces. Fortunately, 'Idiot's Array' is elevated by the return of one of the most iconic characters from the Star Wars universe.
Even at 77, veteran actor Bill Dee Williams is still one of the coolest men on the planet. His appearance may have changed some since he first made his Star Wars debut in The Empire Strikes Back (1980), but as a voice actor, the man has lost none of his swagger. When it was announced that he would be guest-starring in Rebels, we knew there was something special on the way.
In terms of the structure of this week's outing, it's pretty much standard fare, but the addition of Lando Calrissian makes the episode that much more enjoyable. At first, it seemed as though we might get a glimpse into how Lando gambled his way into the possession of Cloud City, but by most accounts, the smuggler doesn't win his big prize until sometime after the Battle of Yavin. Lando's skill at the game of Sabacc is legendary, so it was fun watching him beat Zeb in order to con his way onto their ship.
It was also nice to see Hera getting some time to showcase her cleverness and fortitude as a leader. Kanan may speak the loudest, but it's Hera who's clearly in control. Vanessa Marshall (Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox) continues to deliver an impressive performance as the green-hued Twi'lek. Due to the star power of Lando, the rest of the cast had to take a backseat - well, except for Chopper of course.
Two weeks ago, 'Path of the Jedi' took us on a journey that many Star Wars fans want to learn more about, which is what it takes to become a Jedi Knight in a world where the Jedi Council doesn't exist. Sure, we have Luke and Obi-Wan Kenobi as an example, but Kanan is a different kind of teacher, in that he never had a chance to finish his own training. So far, Rebels is at its best when Ezra and Kanan are trying to figure out what it means to be a Jedi in this harsh new galaxy. Hopefully, we'll see more of that development in future episodes.
Another high point this week was learning more about Ezra's new lightsaber. Apparently, it also acts as a gun. Surely Obi-Wan would not approve of such an uncivilized weapon.
What did you think of Lando's return to the Star Wars universe? Keep watching to see what happens next.
Star Wars Rebels continues with 'Vision of Hope' next Monday @9pm on Disney XD. Check out a behind the scenes look below: