The Rebels episodes you should watch
The Mandalorian is bringing back important characters from The Clone Wars/Rebels and Disney has announced several new shows/movies featuring key characters from the animated shows. The good news? Both are pretty enjoyable and introduce beloved characters and story arcs. The shows even manage to elevate the prequel movies and have a few moments that may change future viewings of the original trilogy. Some of coolest action, saddest moments, best bonds, and most epic lore happens in these shows. The bad news? There are plenty of filler episodes that aren’t particularly fun or important, especially early on in both shows. If you have all the time in the world, watch both shows in their entirety. If you want to understand who the new characters are while taking in the best story arcs in the shows without watching every episode, I’ve got your back. This post is a Rebels episode guide but it takes place after the events of The Clone Wars so if you want the best experience watching The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, Bad Batch and new shows then look at my episode guide for The Clone Wars first then come back here.
Five important things to note:
- Unlike in The Clone Wars, episodes of Rebels take place chronologically and it’s obvious if you’re watching a flashback or a vision etc. No weird order to follow this time. You can skip the Rebels Shorts, which show up on Disney Plus as their own show, as they were short clips to introduce some characters and the opening episodes of the main series serve perfectly well as an intro.
- I am completely omitting episodes I think you really shouldn’t watch. That said, I’m giving the episodes I do list two different tags: one is whether it’s bad, meh, or good and the other is if it’s skippable or essential. You won’t see bad, skippable episodes on the list but you will see bad, essential episodes and good, skippable episodes. Essential doesn’t mean good; skippable doesn’t mean bad. If I say an episode is good but skippable and you like the sound of it, then watch it! Some of my favourite episodes will be listed as skippable. Think of the skippable/essential tag as being about what you have to know for later arcs or for the new shows and The Mandalorian. They might just be essential because of what they mean for the Star Wars universe in general. If you have time I’d recommend watching all the skippable, good episodes plus the essential episodes regardless of their quality. Every episode on this list has a reason for being here. It’s either important, good, or both (or meh which means some people might like it so read my descriptions to get a feel for whether you should watch).
- The episode numbers for some seasons can differ depending on where and how you’re watching the show. For example, a two-part season opener or finale may be regarded as a single episode on some services or two parts by others. I am going to use the episode numbers from Disney+ as I assume most people reading this will be using that service for The Mandalorian. If you’re watching an episode on another service and it doesn’t seem to match how I described it, we probably fell out of sync earlier in the season. I’ve included episode names to help clear this up.
- As was the case with The Clone Wars, Rebels starts ok and hits its stride after season 1. Fortunately, the overall quality is more consistent in Rebels. It’s worth noting that Rebels is about a rebel cell that becomes a family of sorts and the characters have meaningful character development and their relationships change throughout the series. With the exceptions of Ahsoka and Rex, most of the key characters we followed in The Clone Wars were already popular from the movies and other sources. The previous show also had all the good characters all over the galaxy on all sorts of missions. Rebels does a better job at getting you to care about its cast and keeps them together more often so you can think of them as a cohesive unit. All of this to say, there are more episodes in Rebels were perhaps nothing spectacular or important happens but it’s still enjoyable for character development. As with Ahsoka in The Clone Wars, give these new characters a chance in season 1 and it will pay off.
- Some of the biggest reveals in Rebels will be more meaningful to people who watched The Clone Wars. I recommend starting with the older show, using my episode guide to catch up.
Season 1
Episode 1.1-1.2
Spark of Rebellion: Part 1 and Part 2
Essential
Meh
You should watch the opening episodes for an introduction to the characters and to find out how Ezra Bridger, arguably the main protagonist, meets many of the other protagonists. These episodes are essential for knowing where Ezra is coming from, what his home planet of Lothal is like, and what’s been happening in the galaxy in the years after The Clone Wars. This show takes place between the previous show (and therefore the prequel films) and the original trilogy. The Empire has taken over and the Jedi are wiped out. There is no Rebel Alliance. I feel harsh saying these are meh because they have some very iconic moments but honestly it’s because the show has genuinely great episodes later. In comparison, the earlier ones aren’t as good.
Episode 1.5
Rise of the Old Masters
Essential
Good
This is the first episode that hints that the show will take you to bigger places and themes than a small rebel cell fighting on Lothal. There are references to characters in The Clone Wars, there are plenty of funny or exciting moments for most of the characters, and I’m listing it as essential because a new character and their role are explored here.
Episode 1.10
Path of the Jedi
Essential
Good
Jedi. The Force. Masters and Padawans. This episode has Ezra visit a Jedi temple and is essential viewing for later episodes.
Episode 1.12
Vision of Hope
Skippable
Good
An exciting mission that, as usual, doesn’t go exactly as planned. Not essential for the overall plot but recommended for the types of things our rebels keep coming up against. It’s worth noting I’ve skipped an early episode where Ezra goes undercover in an Imperial academy and befriends someone there. That person pops up here.
Episode 1.13–1.15
Call to Action, Rebel Resolve, Fire Across the Galaxy
Essential
Good
The final episodes of season 1 are essential for the show and each is essential as part of a trilogy so don’t skip any of them. The Clone Wars has a lot more stand-alone episodes but generally Rebels is a serial. Exciting action, character development, a huge reveal at the end… these episodes are hinting at how good the show can become beyond season 1.
What did we skip?
There was an couple episode that featured R2-D2 and C-3P0 and another with a Lando cameo. Both aren’t worth watching and the characters don’t come up again in any important ways. We skipped some episodes were characters bond but weren’t very good, including one where Hera and Sabine find themselves stranded. It’s important to note that we skipped the episode where Ezra infiltrates an imperial academy and makes a friend but you should have seen him in Vision of Hope.
Season 2
Episodes 2.1–2.2
The Siege of Lothal: Part 1 and Part 2
Essential
Good
Now we’re talking. This is essential viewing generally and doubly so if you watched The Clone Wars. Indeed, much of season 2 and 3 features characters and events from The Clone Wars and wraps things up as there wasn’t a final episode of The Clone Wars when Rebels aired.
Episode 2.3–2.4
The Lost Commanders, Relics of the Old Republic
Essential
Good
These episodes are essential because they introduce another character and reference The Clone Wars.
Episodes 2.5
Always Two There Are
Essential
Meh
Inquisitors. An introduction to new foes and some decent action.
Episode 2.8
Blood Sisters
Skippable
Meh
Sabine-centric episode that introduces an important character from her old life. She’ll show up again so maybe worth watching so you know who she is and if you’re interested in knowing a little more of Sabine’s recent backstory.
Episodes 2.10
The Future of the Force
Essential
Good
The inquisitors are back and the rebels are dealing with a problem that will feel familiar to anyone who has watched The Clone Wars or played Jedi Knight: Fallen Order. This episode has some funny moments, exciting action involving some of the coolest characters, and although the entire plot isn’t super relevant for future episodes there are events that take place here that will matter soon.
Episode 2.11
Legacy
Essential
Good
Worth watching to understand Ezra’s pain and the episode introduces another character that will show up often on Lothal.
Episode 2.13
The Protector of Concord Dawn
Essential
Meh
Rebels has some amazing story arcs but so far none have really started. Season 1 was an intro, and so far in season 2 we’ve mostly been tying up loose ends from The Clone Wars (this will continue right through to the end). This is the first episode that really starts diving into one of the 3 or 4 main arcs in Rebels. There’s a hint of it in Blood Sisters if you didn’t skip that episode, but it’s fair to say Sabine’s major arc has roots here. And yes, Grey’s Anatomy fans, that’s the voice of Dr Owen Hunt you’re hearing.
Episode 2.15
The Call
Essential
Meh
We learn more about Ezra’s unique abilities and are introduced to a first for Star Wars fauna. Future episodes will be more meaningful if you’ve seen this one. (Hi, this is Jen from the future, the animals introduced here are even in the Ahsoka show!)
Episode 2.17
The Honorable Ones
Essential
Good
On paper this sounds like it’ll be a bad episode. Zeb and Agent Kallus end up stranded together on a dangerous, icy moon. If you’ve learned anything from The Clone Wars, you should have expected the show will allow us to see things from the other side and allow our characters to obtain a better understanding of each other. Some early character development for Zeb and especially Kallus, who up until this point has just been another typical Empire agent.
Episode 2.18
Shroud of Darkness
Essential
Good
Ezra, Kanan, and Ahsoka having visions at a Jedi Temple? Yes please.
Episode 2.21–2.22
Twilight of the Apprentice
Essential
Good
Now we’re talking. Maybe the first truly iconic episode of Rebels. As with most of the first two seasons, it relies heavily on The Clone Wars and older Star Wars movies (seasons 3 and 4 really become their own thing and in a good way). I can’t spoil this one for you. It’s essential and good.
What did we skip?
Lovable pirate Hondo reappeared in skipped episodes. We’ll see him again. When we do, you’ll know that Ezra already knows who he is. We skipped an episode exploring Zeb’s backstory and his species (Lasat). They have been hit hard by the empire and are seeking a mythical place called Lira San, which turns out to be the original Lasat homeworld. Zeb saves some Lasat and actually finds the planet. We learn that Zeb is still very hard on himself for not doing enough to protect the Lasat from the Empire. He chooses to stay with the crew of the Ghost in order to find and save more Lasat and send them to the safe haven of Lira San. Rebels becomes quite mystical later on and there’s a lot of Force lore. In Zeb’s episode, a wise Lasat refers to the light and dark side of the Force by their ancient names, ashla and bogan, respectively. It’s not super important but will come up again. There’s the first of several Hera-centric episodes where we see her father Cham Syndulla again (from The Clone Wars). In several episodes, more important ships and teams are aquired for the Rebel forces. Our rebels have no set up a base called Chopper Base. It has very dangerous spider creatures that nearly kill Rex and Sabine, but they don’t like sensor beacons. They could leave but in the end the spiders actually make their base even better I guess, now that it’s surrounded by sensor beacons.
Season 3
Episode 3.1
Steps into Shadow
Essential
Good
Six months after the events of the season 2 finale, we find out where Ezra’s at. This episode also introduces major Rebels characters with big voice actors including Bendu (played by Tom Baker of Doctor Who) and Admiral Thrawn (played by Lars Mikkelsen). You will see that Thrawn is one of the most important characters in Rebels and will be a big part of the new Ahsoka show. If you’ve watched The Mandalorian, you may even have noticed that Ahsoka name drops Thrawn in what may have felt an anti-climatic moment if you haven’t seen Rebels.
Episode 3.2
Holocrons of Fate
Essential
Good
Look, this might not be one of the better episodes but if this character is in an episode then I call it good. I’m only saying it’s skippable for the major arcs or understanding later shows but I do think you should watch it if you’ve enjoyed The Clone Wars and Rebels so far.
Episodes 3.3
The Antilles Extraction
Essential
Good
Yes, it’s that Antilles and we get another glimpse at a character that appears to have more depth than we may have expected.
Episodes 3.4
Hera’s Heroes
Skippable
Meh
If you skipped episodes that reintroduced us to Hera’s family on Ryloth, you may want to watch this one. In an episode I didn’t recommend, we saw things were going ok for them but now with Thrawn in charge of things it’s very bad. If you do skip this episode, just know that the Hera’s family has an important heirloom that means a lot to her. She’s unable to retrieve it and Thrawn actually lets some of the heroes escape out of confidence and admiration for Hera’s skills and intelligence. She’s an amazing captain.
Episodes 3.6
The Last Battle
Skippable
Good
Ok this is just fun. Remember that when Rebels aired, the last we got of The Clone Wars was the weird Yoda episodes. The amazing final season only arrived recently. So to have an episode like this that really pays homage to the previous show was a lot of fun. It’s not essential but if you’re a fan of the TCW then you’ll enjoy this. The episode features not only our beloved Rex but also those old battle droids and tactical droids. Roger roger. Pay special attention to the end credits and the title logo etc.
Episodes 3.7
Imperial Supercommandos
Essential
Good
This is an essential episode for Sabine’s arc, which may prove to be relevant in the future Ahsoka show. If you skipped Protector of Concord Dawn, just know that Fenn Rau is an incredible pilot from Concord Dawn who the rebels originally took captive. In the clone wars he fought alongside the clones and the Jedi, and his protectors stuck with the Empire when all that went down. The Empire put them in charge of protecting Concord Dawn, which is essential for hyperspace reasons. In this episode we learn more about Sabine’s history and where her story might be going, and see more of Fenn.
Episodes 3.9
The Wynkahthu Job
Skippable
Meh
I don’t think this is essential but I always have time for Hondo, the pirate rascal introduced in The Clone Wars. He has already appeared in Rebels before this point but you may have missed it. In this episode, we go on another adventure involving Hondo with our Ghost crew hoping to obtain some proton bombs for the cause. If you skip, all you need to know is Ezra is very trusting of Hondo and not everyone thinks that’s wise.
Episodes 3.10
An Inside Man
Essential
Good
More Thrawn? A deadly new weapon for the Empire? Fulcrum? Sounds good.
Episodes 3.11
Visions and Voices
Essential
Meh
Hey, wanna go see weird magic on Dathomir again? Excellent! Throw in some Maul, set up a major upcoming episode, and introduce a major plot point for Sabine and you have a pretty interesting episode.
Episodes 3.12–3.13
Ghosts of Geonosis (two episodes)
Skippable
Good
Saw Gerrera is back! Probably because this was the first Rebels episode to air after the release of Rogue One. This is mostly a throwback to events of The Clone Wars but does touch on a major theme in Rebels: is there one right way to be a rebel?
Episodes 3.15–3.16
Trials of the Darksaber, Legacy of Mandalore
Essential
Good
If you like Mandalore, Mandalorians, and/or Sabine then just watch these two episodes.
Episodes 3.17
Through Imperial Eyes
Essential
Good
You might guess where this one is going. Rescue missions, spies, investigations, framing, and more Thrawn shenanigans.
Episodes 3.18
Secret Cargo
Skippable
Good
The crew is helping to refuel a rebel ship carrying a Senator who is in trouble for speaking out against the Empire. Some cool space action in this one including seeing the new TIE Defender in action.
Episodes 3.20
Twin Suns
Essential
Good
Ezra and Chopper sneak off to visit Tatooine and if you know anything about Star Wars you’ll know this is an interesting time to be there. Not one of the best episodes of Rebels but one of the most iconic and it connects a lot of distinct shows and movies across the SW universe. It’s not essential for what’s to come in Rebels but it’s essential as a Star Wars fan.
Episodes 3.21–3.22
Zero Hour (two episodes)
Essential
Good
Watch it. A season finale that ties in lots of what has come so far in Rebels. We’re now closer than ever to the original movies, and you can really feel that we’re just 1–2 years before Luke destroys the death star.
What did we skip?
We skipped Chopper being reprogrammed as a double agent (he’s fine now) and episodes where Thrawn gets closer and closer to finding the location of the rebel base. But not much else.
Season 4
Good news! You can watch every single episode! Episodes 1 and 2 round off Sabine’s arc. Episodes 3 and 4 are the closest to skippable and involve Saw again but they’re pretty good so I still recommend. All the remaining episodes (5–16) are essential and good. They’re also very Rebels. Until this point the best thing about Rebels has been the character journeys and throwbacks to The Clone Wars and SW movies. Once we get to episode 5, Season 4 really leans into what makes Rebels unique in all the best ways. You’ll laugh, cry, find some new favourite Star Wars moments, and be left with so many questions about what comes next!
I wrote this one in a bit of a rush so it’s not as detailed as the episode guide for The Clone Wars. To be fair, I think it was more important for the previous show where the highs were very high but the lows were extremely low. Rebels is an easier show to just watch every single episode, as long as you’re ok with some just being about getting another ship and forming some new allies for the rebels. I hope you’ll agree that when Rebels is at its best, it soars alongside the best of The Clone Wars. Some of my favourite characters, moments, and story arcs come from Rebels and it’s a treat to get more of the characters we loved from The Clone Wars. If for some reason you haven’t watched The Clone Wars in years, do check out the final season which only released a few years ago.
Let me know on Twitter (@GeneticJen) how you find the show and if you agree/disagree with any of my recommendations.
