This week the group looks to find a new hyperspace route in and out of Lothal due to the Empire tightening its hold on the outer rim. Concord Dawn is a Mandalorian colony and Hera manages to convince everyone that a diplomatic mission is the way to go and plans for her and Phoenix squadron to go on a scouting mission to establish diplomatic ties. Strap in for hyperspace and watch out for asteroids (spoilers) Star Wars Rebels is here.
The Mandalorians
The Protector of Concord Dawn quickly ruins the plans of Hera and the rebel alliance when he opens fire on Phoenix squadron in the name of the Empire. Phoenix squadron is largely outclassed by the Mandalorians and it is only thanks to Hera and her great piloting that prevent the entire fleet from being wiped out and allowing as many to escape that did. Hera unfortunately is not so lucky though as the time and distraction she used to allow Sabine to jump to hyperspace cost her and she is near death by the time her ships arrived to meet the fleet.
Fenn Rau the Concord Dawn protector is identified by Rex and Kanan as a flight instructor of the Grand army of the Republic from the clone wars. Despite Sabine’s protest Kanan takes on this mission to got after Rau himself or so Kanan thinks because Chopper points out as they arrive in system that Sabine stowed away on the Phantom and he should ask her for directions. While Sabine has vengeance on her mind Kanan is still intending to go ahead with Hera’s mission and work something out with the Mandalorians.
Mandalorian Showdown
Witnessing an imperial shuttle arrive to make a payment to Rau hints that the Mandalorians aren’t helping the Empire for altruistic reasons. Kanan sneaks in to speak to Rau allowing Sabine to set up her explosives for when all else fails. Kanan reveals a bit of his past to Fenn Rau mentioning how he once save his and his Master’s life during the third battle of Mygeeto. Unfortunately for Sabine she gives herself away and is surrounded quickly by the other Mandalorians. Identifying herself as a member of clan Vizla she calls on a Mandalorian code that allows her to challenge another Mandalorian of her choosing.
Forced Allies
Kanan tries to talk reason to Sabine but she is having none of it and we have a showdown reminiscent of the old west. A quick shot to disarm Rau and then setting off her explosions allow Sabine and Kanan to take cover but unfortunately one ship survived Sabine’s sabotage. Kanan hopes a ride on Rao’s ship and thanks to the timely arrival of Chopper is able to disarm Rau’s ship but instead of leaving him for dead takes him a prisoner. This proves to be the right move as the Mandalorians don’t want Imperial interference and therefore won’t mention that Rau has been taking prisoner allowing the Rebel Alliance to use the nearby hyperspace routes.
A fun episode that kicked off with an action pack space battle. Hera while getting nearly killed still showed off her excellent piloting abilities while at the same time her near dear death showed how much she means to Sabine. Kanan practicing Jedi patience meshed well with Sabine and her warrior ways and she was truly allowed to shine. Seeing her and Kanan work together was fun especially with their differing beliefs on how to handle things and it will be interesting to see what role the Mandalorians will have to play in the future.