Star Wars fans are impatiently counting down the days until Rogue One: A Star Wars Story makes its way into theaters, but there's plenty of new content from a galaxy far, far away coming between now and then. This of course includes the third season of the animated TV series Star Wars Rebels, which is looking to build off of last year's explosive finale that posed several questions about the heroes and villains in the conflict. The premiere, "Steps Into Shadow," will air on Saturday, September 24.
Disney XD has been building awareness ever since they dropped the bombshell announcement that fan-favorite antagonist Grand Admiral Thrawn would be part of the third season. In the past few months, promos, images, and character descriptions have come out, hinting at all the developments that will happen over the course of the episodes. Now, the network has unveiled a new clip from "Steps Into Shadow," which you can watch above.
In it, Ezra, Sabine, Zeb, and Hondo are dealing with an attack from Imperial stormtroopers (this is possibly part of the sequence that was showcased on the Star Wars Show a while back). To shift the tide in his side's favor, Ezra uses the Force to take control of the mind of a walker pilot, using the vehicle to wipe out the remaining infantry. It's clear that the young Jedi has grown much stronger in his abilities, and it will be interesting to see how he evolves in the new season.
Like most Star Wars protagonists before him, Ezra is becoming torn between the Light and Dark sides of the Force. In "Twilight of the Apprentice," he quickly became fond of Darth Maul, whose teachings obviously conflict the lessons Ezra has learned from Kanan. The actions of Ezra in the clip certainly seem like ones of an aspiring Sith Lord, as he is using the Force for attack. Someone like Kanan may use his abilities to simply knock out the stormtroopers, but Ezra is going straight for the kill. Fans will be fascinated to see how Ezra's friends feel about what he's done.
It would appear that Ezra being tempted by the Dark Side will be a running theme in Rebels season three. The very title of the episode, "Steps Into Shadow," indicates that he might be beginning to stray from the "right" path. Other promotional materials have stated that he is becoming more reckless as he rises ranks within the Rebellion, and at only 17 years old, the pressures may be too much for him to handle. Kanan has done the best he can as a mentor, but even he admits he isn't a perfect teacher.
Ezra's potential turn to the Dark is just another reason to be excited about the return of Rebels. In the two seasons thus far, the Disney XD program has proven it's far more than just a "kids show," winning over viewers of all ages with its storytelling. It's been suggested that the series can continue past the events of A New Hope, so for all fans know, Dave Filoni and company are just getting started.
NEXT: Star Wars Rebels Promo Teases Thrawn
Star Wars Rebels season three will premiere Saturday, September 24 at 8:30 p.m. EST on Disney XD.
Source: Disney XD