# Start End Original Translated
1 00:00:01,751 00:00:05,463 Hey, this is Dave Filoni, executive producer on Star Wars Rebels. Hey, this is Dave Filoni, executive producer on Star Wars Rebels.
2 00:00:05,964 00:00:10,010 And I'm going to talk about the episode today, Jedi Night. And I'm going to talk about the episode today, Jedi Night.
3 00:00:11,386 00:00:14,681 This episode was a long time in coming... This episode was a long time in coming...
4 00:00:15,182 00:00:19,352 dealing with Kanan and his overall arc. dealing with Kanan and his overall arc.
5 00:00:20,604 00:00:23,689 This moment, building in this episode, This moment, building in this episode,
6 00:00:23,773 00:00:27,485 is something that I spoke to Freddie... is something that I spoke to Freddie...
7 00:00:28,486 00:00:30,404 about in the very first season. about in the very first season.
8 00:00:30,488 00:00:32,907 I wasn't sure about the details of what was going to happen yet, I wasn't sure about the details of what was going to happen yet,
9 00:00:32,991 00:00:36,244 but I was throwing around the idea that but I was throwing around the idea that
10 00:00:36,328 00:00:38,454 probably Kanan wouldn't make it through the series. probably Kanan wouldn't make it through the series.
11 00:00:38,538 00:00:41,958 And Freddie was always tremendously supportive of that idea. And Freddie was always tremendously supportive of that idea.
12 00:00:44,169 00:00:46,045 And when you're going to do that with a character, And when you're going to do that with a character,
13 00:00:46,129 00:00:47,296 especially a major character, especially a major character,
14 00:00:47,380 00:00:50,508 when you're going to take them out of the show... when you're going to take them out of the show...
15 00:00:51,301 00:00:55,222 you have to make sure that you set everything up to make it meaningful. you have to make sure that you set everything up to make it meaningful.
16 00:00:56,056 00:00:57,807 There's a responsibility in it. There's a responsibility in it.
17 00:00:57,891 00:01:03,104 It's not something that you do that's sensational or for shock value, It's not something that you do that's sensational or for shock value,
18 00:01:03,188 00:01:05,857 at least not for me. at least not for me.
19 00:01:06,107 00:01:10,695 It has to be a big part of explaining the story It has to be a big part of explaining the story
20 00:01:10,779 00:01:12,989 and what we're supposed to take away from it. and what we're supposed to take away from it.
21 00:01:13,865 00:01:16,450 I think now there's a lot of overriding sense in films to just, I think now there's a lot of overriding sense in films to just,
22 00:01:16,534 00:01:19,913 I think now there's a lot of overriding sense in films to just... I think now there's a lot of overriding sense in films to just...
23 00:01:20,997 00:01:25,793 not follow traditional narratives and heroic story arcs, not follow traditional narratives and heroic story arcs,
24 00:01:25,877 00:01:28,880 and to shockingly kill off characters and heroes... and to shockingly kill off characters and heroes...
25 00:01:30,131 00:01:33,281 so the audience plays a guessing game of who's going to go next. so the audience plays a guessing game of who's going to go next.
26 00:01:36,471 00:01:37,806 And I think that... And I think that...
27 00:01:38,598 00:01:41,559 your story that is reacting to the overall picture your story that is reacting to the overall picture
28 00:01:41,643 00:01:43,186 of stories out there in the world of stories out there in the world
29 00:01:43,270 00:01:46,522 instead of being true to what your story intended. instead of being true to what your story intended.
30 00:01:46,606 00:01:51,736 So, in our story, Kanan had to meet his end in order to enable So, in our story, Kanan had to meet his end in order to enable
31 00:01:51,820 00:01:56,908 the other characters, not just Ezra, but all of them, to find their path. the other characters, not just Ezra, but all of them, to find their path.
32 00:01:58,285 00:02:04,457 We've done many different scenes like this in Rebels... We've done many different scenes like this in Rebels...
33 00:02:05,375 00:02:07,210 with the shocking whatnot, with the shocking whatnot,
34 00:02:07,294 00:02:10,338 but the important element here to me is Thrawn but the important element here to me is Thrawn
35 00:02:10,422 00:02:14,134 and how he tries to get inside people's heads. and how he tries to get inside people's heads.
36 00:02:15,343 00:02:18,596 It was an opportunity to give a little insight, It was an opportunity to give a little insight,
37 00:02:18,680 00:02:22,017 a little more insight, into the personal background of Hera... a little more insight, into the personal background of Hera...
38 00:02:22,600 00:02:26,813 that she had possibly had a brother who died when she was very young. that she had possibly had a brother who died when she was very young.
39 00:02:28,064 00:02:30,984 The idea that he would know things about her... The idea that he would know things about her...
40 00:02:32,402 00:02:35,655 that are personal is very invasive. that are personal is very invasive.
41 00:02:36,364 00:02:40,743 It shows that, while he likes art and studies it, It shows that, while he likes art and studies it,
42 00:02:40,827 00:02:43,287 he doesn't really have an appreciation or understanding he doesn't really have an appreciation or understanding
43 00:02:43,371 00:02:44,872 for the emotional value of it, for the emotional value of it,
44 00:02:44,956 00:02:49,085 for probably what drives the creation of art... for probably what drives the creation of art...
45 00:02:49,794 00:02:53,589 what's inside the minds of these people. what's inside the minds of these people.
46 00:02:53,673 00:02:55,383 He's just a manipulator. He's just a manipulator.
47 00:02:55,800 00:02:59,596 But I don't think art is something that he would really aspire to himself. But I don't think art is something that he would really aspire to himself.
48 00:03:00,388 00:03:01,847 He appropriates things. He appropriates things.
49 00:03:01,931 00:03:03,725 He takes them and he uses them... He takes them and he uses them...
50 00:03:04,267 00:03:08,897 often against the very people that made the art or the statement. often against the very people that made the art or the statement.
51 00:03:10,148 00:03:15,278 This scene is just to let him kind of have his moment... This scene is just to let him kind of have his moment...
52 00:03:16,279 00:03:21,742 where he's working her to then make what Pryce has to do a bit easier. where he's working her to then make what Pryce has to do a bit easier.
53 00:03:21,826 00:03:24,676 And Pryce is just, she doesn't care about things like art. And Pryce is just, she doesn't care about things like art.
54 00:03:24,913 00:03:28,333 She probably just enjoys the torture moment of it all... She probably just enjoys the torture moment of it all...
55 00:03:28,833 00:03:30,543 the pain and the suffering of someone. the pain and the suffering of someone.
56 00:03:30,627 00:03:33,337 And really, when villains do that type of thing, And really, when villains do that type of thing,
57 00:03:33,421 00:03:35,381 it's because they themselves are suffering, it's because they themselves are suffering,
58 00:03:35,465 00:03:36,966 they themselves are afraid. they themselves are afraid.
59 00:03:38,885 00:03:44,933 Being evil is a very sad, lonesome, horrid thing at the end of the day. Being evil is a very sad, lonesome, horrid thing at the end of the day.
60 00:03:45,767 00:03:48,767 Your powers are all gained through the suffering of others... Your powers are all gained through the suffering of others...
61 00:03:49,479 00:03:52,179 which is quite, in the end, sad, if you think about it. which is quite, in the end, sad, if you think about it.
62 00:03:53,400 00:03:58,946 Ezra, of course, could key in on Hera in this moment of torture. Ezra, of course, could key in on Hera in this moment of torture.
63 00:03:59,030 00:04:01,866 So, they're going to devise a plan. So, they're going to devise a plan.
64 00:04:02,075 00:04:04,160 Something you see towards the back end of Rebels Something you see towards the back end of Rebels
65 00:04:04,244 00:04:07,789 is the younger characters taking the lead more. is the younger characters taking the lead more.
66 00:04:07,914 00:04:11,500 Sabine and Ezra both have to take the lead Sabine and Ezra both have to take the lead
67 00:04:11,584 00:04:15,588 that Hera and Kanan used to in the early days of the show. that Hera and Kanan used to in the early days of the show.
68 00:04:16,464 00:04:21,094 They are following in the footsteps of these parental-like figures. They are following in the footsteps of these parental-like figures.
69 00:04:21,845 00:04:24,930 And they, of course, have their Uncle Zeb here And they, of course, have their Uncle Zeb here
70 00:04:25,014 00:04:28,643 to ask questions and to get them to do their best. to ask questions and to get them to do their best.
71 00:04:29,310 00:04:35,775 I have no idea why we name everything on Lothal a Loth-something... I have no idea why we name everything on Lothal a Loth-something...
72 00:04:36,234 00:04:40,196 a Loth-cat, Loth-bat, Loth-rat, Loth-wolf. I don't know why. a Loth-cat, Loth-bat, Loth-rat, Loth-wolf. I don't know why.
73 00:04:40,655 00:04:44,658 Probably just for an ease of naming, that you know they're from Lothal, Probably just for an ease of naming, that you know they're from Lothal,
74 00:04:44,742 00:04:50,081 but it wasn't something that was necessarily set on in the beginning but it wasn't something that was necessarily set on in the beginning
75 00:04:50,165 00:04:52,583 to say they must be done that way. to say they must be done that way.
76 00:04:52,667 00:04:56,212 But we just kind of stuck with it throughout the series. But we just kind of stuck with it throughout the series.
77 00:04:56,546 00:05:00,633 This scene with Kanan is very ceremonial. This scene with Kanan is very ceremonial.
78 00:05:00,717 00:05:05,305 It's kind of him being in a transitional moment. It's kind of him being in a transitional moment.
79 00:05:06,097 00:05:10,310 For this scene, which is very montage-like for us, For this scene, which is very montage-like for us,
80 00:05:10,518 00:05:12,978 I talked to Kevin about doing some music I talked to Kevin about doing some music
81 00:05:13,062 00:05:16,399 that was a bit different than we've normally done it. that was a bit different than we've normally done it.
82 00:05:17,358 00:05:22,238 I think in some ways there's a rhythm that's slightly more modern and moving I think in some ways there's a rhythm that's slightly more modern and moving
83 00:05:22,363 00:05:26,742 as far as the tempo than things that we've normally done as far as the tempo than things that we've normally done
84 00:05:26,826 00:05:30,538 for Star Wars, or Star Wars Rebels specifically. for Star Wars, or Star Wars Rebels specifically.
85 00:05:31,789 00:05:34,792 But it's just to set up, this moment of ingenuity But it's just to set up, this moment of ingenuity
86 00:05:34,876 00:05:36,711 and this moment of transformation... and this moment of transformation...
87 00:05:37,295 00:05:40,548 and I love how it nicely ends with the Star Wars theme and I love how it nicely ends with the Star Wars theme
88 00:05:40,632 00:05:44,302 when Kanan is revealed here ready to go. when Kanan is revealed here ready to go.
89 00:05:46,471 00:05:47,722 Just a nice moment. Just a nice moment.
90 00:05:51,226 00:05:57,732 Now this scene, you're always influenced by different movies and things. Now this scene, you're always influenced by different movies and things.
91 00:05:59,108 00:06:03,612 Definitely I drew from several movies that are among my favorites Definitely I drew from several movies that are among my favorites
92 00:06:03,696 00:06:10,036 or things that kind of emotionally inspired me over the years. or things that kind of emotionally inspired me over the years.
93 00:06:10,703 00:06:13,622 A sequence here, and I don't always speak about it, A sequence here, and I don't always speak about it,
94 00:06:13,706 00:06:17,210 but I really love the soundtrack to the film Always... but I really love the soundtrack to the film Always...
95 00:06:18,169 00:06:23,508 the Steven Spielberg film, John Williams soundtrack... the Steven Spielberg film, John Williams soundtrack...
96 00:06:24,509 00:06:28,846 and dealing with pilots fighting forest fires. and dealing with pilots fighting forest fires.
97 00:06:29,347 00:06:32,725 And that seemed to me the music, And that seemed to me the music,
98 00:06:32,809 00:06:37,396 and it was very inspirational for this uplifting effort happening here. and it was very inspirational for this uplifting effort happening here.
99 00:06:37,480 00:06:44,361 So, there's often a lot of music that I use to inspire the structure, So, there's often a lot of music that I use to inspire the structure,
100 00:06:44,445 00:06:46,573 the writing of things that I'm doing... the writing of things that I'm doing...
101 00:06:46,948 00:06:50,493 and I'll listen to these tracks relentlessly just to get my mind... and I'll listen to these tracks relentlessly just to get my mind...
102 00:06:51,703 00:06:55,080 in the right moment, in the right space, to create the scenes. in the right moment, in the right space, to create the scenes.
103 00:06:55,164 00:06:59,376 And this scene, I think, came off particularly nice. And this scene, I think, came off particularly nice.
104 00:06:59,460 00:07:03,172 Joel and the team did a wonderful job lighting it. Joel and the team did a wonderful job lighting it.
105 00:07:03,381 00:07:08,052 It was a little longer before we trimmed it down, but it expresses the idea. It was a little longer before we trimmed it down, but it expresses the idea.
106 00:07:10,054 00:07:14,350 This scene at different times in Rebels in Season 4, This scene at different times in Rebels in Season 4,
107 00:07:14,434 00:07:19,855 there was a moment where even Krennic would appear in this series, there was a moment where even Krennic would appear in this series,
108 00:07:19,939 00:07:22,691 where the Death Star appeared in this series, where the Death Star appeared in this series,
109 00:07:22,775 00:07:26,570 but because our show isn't ultimately but because our show isn't ultimately
110 00:07:26,654 00:07:29,657 about either Krennic or the Death Star... about either Krennic or the Death Star...
111 00:07:30,158 00:07:33,620 I decided to cut those ideas from visibly showing up. I decided to cut those ideas from visibly showing up.
112 00:07:33,786 00:07:36,705 I don't want to confuse the audience. I don't want to confuse the audience.
113 00:07:36,789 00:07:40,501 I know a lot of people would know exactly how they fit. I know a lot of people would know exactly how they fit.
114 00:07:41,586 00:07:44,713 It just seemed distracting to talk about something It just seemed distracting to talk about something
115 00:07:44,797 00:07:47,175 that wasn't the primary focus of the show. that wasn't the primary focus of the show.
116 00:07:47,550 00:07:49,885 It'd be distracting to bring the Death Star into it, It'd be distracting to bring the Death Star into it,
117 00:07:49,969 00:07:50,970 or this character Krennic. or this character Krennic.
118 00:07:51,054 00:07:52,805 Why would we bring him in if he's not going to play Why would we bring him in if he's not going to play
119 00:07:52,889 00:07:55,141 a major role in this series? a major role in this series?
120 00:07:57,477 00:08:00,688 So I tried to avoid that, and yet get the idea that So I tried to avoid that, and yet get the idea that
121 00:08:00,772 00:08:05,234 Thrawn is competing with how we're going to fight the Rebels. Thrawn is competing with how we're going to fight the Rebels.
122 00:08:06,361 00:08:11,240 These two guys are, these stormtroopers, actually the same guys that appeared... These two guys are, these stormtroopers, actually the same guys that appeared...
123 00:08:12,367 00:08:16,746 battling the little Loth-cats out on the runway. battling the little Loth-cats out on the runway.
124 00:08:17,205 00:08:19,790 It's supposed to be the same two guys that chase them It's supposed to be the same two guys that chase them
125 00:08:19,874 00:08:22,960 when Ezra and Sabine stole the TIE fighter interceptor. when Ezra and Sabine stole the TIE fighter interceptor.
126 00:08:23,586 00:08:26,756 They're actually played by myself and Steve Blum... They're actually played by myself and Steve Blum...
127 00:08:27,090 00:08:30,884 so we reprised our role as these two kind of knuckle-headed stormtroopers, so we reprised our role as these two kind of knuckle-headed stormtroopers,
128 00:08:30,968 00:08:37,558 but that was a little bit of a fun thing to do, especially with Steve. but that was a little bit of a fun thing to do, especially with Steve.
129 00:08:38,476 00:08:40,185 It's always fun to play a stormtrooper there. It's always fun to play a stormtrooper there.
130 00:08:40,269 00:08:42,369 They don't have that much dynamic range... They don't have that much dynamic range...
131 00:08:43,064 00:08:45,525 (CHUCKLES) that's why I can do one of them... (CHUCKLES) that's why I can do one of them...
132 00:08:46,317 00:08:47,443 (CHUCKLES) (CHUCKLES)
133 00:08:48,528 00:08:49,778 I like the glider element. I like the glider element.
134 00:08:49,862 00:08:54,617 I liked our guys masquerading as some kind of natural element I liked our guys masquerading as some kind of natural element
135 00:08:54,701 00:08:56,577 or creature to sneak by the Empire. or creature to sneak by the Empire.
136 00:08:56,661 00:09:00,456 They don't really pay enough attention to those things, as Kanan brings up. They don't really pay enough attention to those things, as Kanan brings up.
137 00:09:01,624 00:09:06,253 In a lot of ways, you have to recognize the moments that are happening In a lot of ways, you have to recognize the moments that are happening
138 00:09:06,337 00:09:10,841 when you're directing these things, and this is really the last moment, when you're directing these things, and this is really the last moment,
139 00:09:10,925 00:09:15,805 if you think about it, that Kanan really spends with Sabine and Ezra, if you think about it, that Kanan really spends with Sabine and Ezra,
140 00:09:16,097 00:09:19,224 where he has a chance to impart some knowledge. where he has a chance to impart some knowledge.
141 00:09:19,308 00:09:21,435 And these are things that Freddie and I would talk about And these are things that Freddie and I would talk about
142 00:09:21,519 00:09:23,604 as we did this scene. as we did this scene.
143 00:09:23,980 00:09:25,940 He knows that this is going to be it. He knows that this is going to be it.
144 00:09:27,442 00:09:30,542 He doesn't want to tell them, though. He's on the edge of that. He doesn't want to tell them, though. He's on the edge of that.
145 00:09:30,653 00:09:34,448 And at one moment later, he almost tells Hera that something's going to happen, And at one moment later, he almost tells Hera that something's going to happen,
146 00:09:34,532 00:09:38,911 but he resists it. He has to be fair to them. but he resists it. He has to be fair to them.
147 00:09:38,995 00:09:42,395 They have to survive, and they have to do what they're going to do... They have to survive, and they have to do what they're going to do...
148 00:09:44,083 00:09:46,043 for the good of everyone in the future. for the good of everyone in the future.
149 00:09:46,169 00:09:50,339 So, to Ezra and Sabine, this mission is, So, to Ezra and Sabine, this mission is,
150 00:09:50,423 00:09:53,801 probably similar to any other they've done in this series. probably similar to any other they've done in this series.
151 00:09:54,385 00:09:57,221 But it's going to turn out quite differently But it's going to turn out quite differently
152 00:09:57,305 00:09:59,355 than anything they've experienced before. than anything they've experienced before.
153 00:09:59,807 00:10:01,767 It was a trick to play this out, It was a trick to play this out,
154 00:10:01,851 00:10:05,521 which is how would Kanan know the Kalikori is in there, which is how would Kanan know the Kalikori is in there,
155 00:10:05,605 00:10:11,443 he can't see it, but I think that, the object's connection to Hera he can't see it, but I think that, the object's connection to Hera
156 00:10:11,527 00:10:15,656 kind of draws him to it, and we see him kind of trying to feel what, kind of draws him to it, and we see him kind of trying to feel what,
157 00:10:15,740 00:10:18,158 why am I sensing something in this moment? why am I sensing something in this moment?
158 00:10:18,242 00:10:19,284 What is in there? What is in there?
159 00:10:19,368 00:10:23,289 And then he goes and rescues this little bit of family history for her. And then he goes and rescues this little bit of family history for her.
160 00:10:25,541 00:10:29,753 This was a big episode that got trimmed down quite a bit. This was a big episode that got trimmed down quite a bit.
161 00:10:29,837 00:10:32,006 But in the end I think it flows nicely. But in the end I think it flows nicely.
162 00:10:33,090 00:10:36,219 There was a lot of discussion about this upcoming scene now. There was a lot of discussion about this upcoming scene now.
163 00:10:38,012 00:10:40,306 We had felt we never really saw this We had felt we never really saw this
164 00:10:40,556 00:10:44,935 Imperial probe droid do its thing in A New Hope. Imperial probe droid do its thing in A New Hope.
165 00:10:45,019 00:10:51,150 We cut away when the mind probe tries to get Leia to talk about... We cut away when the mind probe tries to get Leia to talk about...
166 00:10:52,485 00:10:57,615 the rebel base in A New Hope, so let's see what is that like here... the rebel base in A New Hope, so let's see what is that like here...
167 00:10:58,991 00:11:01,785 which is a device reasonably the Empire would use on Hera. which is a device reasonably the Empire would use on Hera.
168 00:11:01,869 00:11:05,915 Now it became really important in a discussion in the writers' room... Now it became really important in a discussion in the writers' room...
169 00:11:06,958 00:11:10,002 what does it mean to have Hera under this influence? what does it mean to have Hera under this influence?
170 00:11:10,878 00:11:15,007 We can't have that be a thing that she's at any kind of disadvantage We can't have that be a thing that she's at any kind of disadvantage
171 00:11:15,091 00:11:16,091 when dealing with Kanan when dealing with Kanan
172 00:11:16,175 00:11:18,761 or when she's expressing any kind of feelings to Kanan. or when she's expressing any kind of feelings to Kanan.
173 00:11:18,845 00:11:23,474 I don't want this to be some kind of situation where she is... I don't want this to be some kind of situation where she is...
174 00:11:23,891 00:11:26,727 not in control of her faculties. not in control of her faculties.
175 00:11:26,811 00:11:31,398 We talked to Vanessa Marshall about it, who plays Hera, We talked to Vanessa Marshall about it, who plays Hera,
176 00:11:31,482 00:11:34,693 and I said, you know, "I don't want you to be drunk-seeming, and I said, you know, "I don't want you to be drunk-seeming,
177 00:11:34,777 00:11:38,197 "or reckless-seeming, in this moment. "or reckless-seeming, in this moment.
178 00:11:38,531 00:11:42,368 "We have to find a way that... The way this affects you is that... "We have to find a way that... The way this affects you is that...
179 00:11:42,702 00:11:45,996 "you're just blatantly honest probably, "you're just blatantly honest probably,
180 00:11:46,080 00:11:48,207 "and is there a way you think you can play this "and is there a way you think you can play this
181 00:11:48,291 00:11:53,420 "where you don't feel like Hera's being compromised as a character?" "where you don't feel like Hera's being compromised as a character?"
182 00:11:53,504 00:11:57,090 I mean, that's what, of course, the Empire is intending to happen, I mean, that's what, of course, the Empire is intending to happen,
183 00:11:57,174 00:12:00,052 but I like to think that she has a stronger will. but I like to think that she has a stronger will.
184 00:12:00,720 00:12:05,557 I thought Vanessa did brilliantly at playing Hera as very matter-of-fact I thought Vanessa did brilliantly at playing Hera as very matter-of-fact
185 00:12:05,641 00:12:09,978 and just honest to a fault with the stormtroopers and just honest to a fault with the stormtroopers
186 00:12:10,062 00:12:11,898 and with not liking this droid. and with not liking this droid.
187 00:12:13,024 00:12:16,026 She was able to make it comical and funny, She was able to make it comical and funny,
188 00:12:16,110 00:12:20,823 and definitely Freddie and Vanessa play off each other wonderfully and definitely Freddie and Vanessa play off each other wonderfully
189 00:12:20,907 00:12:22,909 in these scenes all the way to the end. in these scenes all the way to the end.
190 00:12:23,326 00:12:27,872 But I think she was able to create a version of this with Hera But I think she was able to create a version of this with Hera
191 00:12:27,997 00:12:31,708 where she's not completely lost as a person. where she's not completely lost as a person.
192 00:12:31,792 00:12:35,921 She is more honest probably than Hera normally is, She is more honest probably than Hera normally is,
193 00:12:36,005 00:12:37,548 especially about things she feels. especially about things she feels.
194 00:12:37,632 00:12:41,885 But I think that what you've always seen Hera with But I think that what you've always seen Hera with
195 00:12:41,969 00:12:44,805 is struggling with her personal interests, is struggling with her personal interests,
196 00:12:44,889 00:12:46,348 her personal wants and needs, her personal wants and needs,
197 00:12:46,432 00:12:49,644 versus what she does for everybody else. versus what she does for everybody else.
198 00:12:51,562 00:12:54,982 Of course, you know, with anything we need, in Star Wars, Of course, you know, with anything we need, in Star Wars,
199 00:12:55,066 00:13:00,905 humor to be coming through, even in these very intense stories. humor to be coming through, even in these very intense stories.
200 00:13:01,405 00:13:05,367 It helps to balance things, and I think again Freddie and Vanessa It helps to balance things, and I think again Freddie and Vanessa
201 00:13:05,451 00:13:08,287 have never been better than they are here together... have never been better than they are here together...
202 00:13:09,372 00:13:12,249 with how they're portraying the characters. with how they're portraying the characters.
203 00:13:13,709 00:13:20,132 It's kind of heart-breaking because it's some of the best dialogue, I think, It's kind of heart-breaking because it's some of the best dialogue, I think,
204 00:13:20,216 00:13:23,594 that we've written for these characters, and yet, that we've written for these characters, and yet,
205 00:13:23,678 00:13:28,473 it was coming to an end for Kanan on-screen at least. it was coming to an end for Kanan on-screen at least.
206 00:13:28,557 00:13:28,725 And that's a big challenge. And that's a big challenge.
207 00:13:28,809 00:13:30,434 And that's a big challenge. And that's a big challenge.
208 00:13:31,352 00:13:35,106 The Kanan-Hera relationship is one that... The Kanan-Hera relationship is one that...
209 00:13:35,731 00:13:38,525 really begins in the very first short really begins in the very first short
210 00:13:38,609 00:13:40,986 that we released for the series Star Wars Rebels. that we released for the series Star Wars Rebels.
211 00:13:41,070 00:13:47,743 And it was something that I felt that we didn't need to play very strongly. And it was something that I felt that we didn't need to play very strongly.
212 00:13:47,868 00:13:51,468 I think these two characters that know each other for a very long time... I think these two characters that know each other for a very long time...
213 00:13:52,081 00:13:55,584 they know each other prior to us seeing them on the show... they know each other prior to us seeing them on the show...
214 00:13:56,585 00:14:00,923 that they would have a relationship that's a bit mysterious. that they would have a relationship that's a bit mysterious.
215 00:14:01,048 00:14:03,300 We don't know all the details about it... We don't know all the details about it...
216 00:14:04,885 00:14:08,055 and that kind of gave them a tremendous amount of depth. and that kind of gave them a tremendous amount of depth.
217 00:14:08,472 00:14:11,975 They both have things they are trying to accomplish in their lives. They both have things they are trying to accomplish in their lives.
218 00:14:12,059 00:14:17,147 Hera's trying to be a general leading this rebellion against an empire, Hera's trying to be a general leading this rebellion against an empire,
219 00:14:17,231 00:14:21,234 Kanan's trying to rebuild his fractured life as a Jedi Kanan's trying to rebuild his fractured life as a Jedi
220 00:14:21,318 00:14:24,279 and mentor this kid Ezra Bridger, and mentor this kid Ezra Bridger,
221 00:14:24,363 00:14:28,784 and they are both kind of de facto parents to these other characters and they are both kind of de facto parents to these other characters
222 00:14:28,868 00:14:30,494 who've all lost their ways. who've all lost their ways.
223 00:14:31,037 00:14:34,665 They have a lot going on for the characters around them... They have a lot going on for the characters around them...
224 00:14:35,207 00:14:37,126 and then they also... and then they also...
225 00:14:38,794 00:14:41,505 I don't know if they suppress the feelings they have for one another. I don't know if they suppress the feelings they have for one another.
226 00:14:41,589 00:14:44,967 Definitely Kanan suppresses less than Hera, Definitely Kanan suppresses less than Hera,
227 00:14:45,051 00:14:47,761 but they're able to see the bigger picture, but they're able to see the bigger picture,
228 00:14:47,845 00:14:49,513 and they're able to respect in a lot of ways and they're able to respect in a lot of ways
229 00:14:49,597 00:14:52,599 the things the other wants to accomplish, the things the other wants to accomplish,
230 00:14:52,683 00:14:58,772 which, I think, makes them both likable, that they respect one another which, I think, makes them both likable, that they respect one another
231 00:14:58,856 00:15:02,109 in the goals that each has in life, in the goals that each has in life,
232 00:15:02,193 00:15:06,530 though there is this personal yearning to be together in a more... though there is this personal yearning to be together in a more...
233 00:15:07,573 00:15:11,118 committed way I suppose, especially from Kanan. committed way I suppose, especially from Kanan.
234 00:15:12,787 00:15:17,166 Again, I have a lot of music that to me spells out their relationship Again, I have a lot of music that to me spells out their relationship
235 00:15:17,291 00:15:21,087 and what it's like, and I've had that for several seasons... and what it's like, and I've had that for several seasons...
236 00:15:22,338 00:15:25,090 listening to songs to kind of guide me to keep me on their path, listening to songs to kind of guide me to keep me on their path,
237 00:15:25,174 00:15:26,801 what's going on in their heads. what's going on in their heads.
238 00:15:28,719 00:15:33,015 There had to be a progression for Hera throughout this episode There had to be a progression for Hera throughout this episode
239 00:15:33,099 00:15:35,059 of coming back to herself... of coming back to herself...
240 00:15:35,726 00:15:40,939 and not being under this kind of whimsical influence of saying and not being under this kind of whimsical influence of saying
241 00:15:41,023 00:15:44,527 what she thinks in the moment from the interrogator droid. what she thinks in the moment from the interrogator droid.
242 00:15:45,069 00:15:47,696 I thought Vanessa also played us well back into that, I thought Vanessa also played us well back into that,
243 00:15:47,780 00:15:51,700 the more Hera's adrenaline kind of picked up, the more she drops... the more Hera's adrenaline kind of picked up, the more she drops...
244 00:15:53,410 00:15:56,079 the idea that she's under any kind of influence. the idea that she's under any kind of influence.
245 00:15:56,163 00:16:00,167 And then in the end she states very clearly when she says, And then in the end she states very clearly when she says,
246 00:16:00,251 00:16:03,879 "It's me, all me," that she's back in her mind, "It's me, all me," that she's back in her mind,
247 00:16:03,963 00:16:06,013 but she still wants to express herself... but she still wants to express herself...
248 00:16:06,841 00:16:09,468 in this vivid way that she does in the episode. in this vivid way that she does in the episode.
249 00:16:10,010 00:16:12,304 It became a bit of a comedic thing for me that It became a bit of a comedic thing for me that
250 00:16:12,388 00:16:16,225 Rukh is constantly getting thrown off of ledges. There he goes again. Rukh is constantly getting thrown off of ledges. There he goes again.
251 00:16:18,769 00:16:22,564 I played that out all the way to his end in the series itself, I played that out all the way to his end in the series itself,
252 00:16:22,648 00:16:25,776 which I know is different for fans than how it went in the books, which I know is different for fans than how it went in the books,
253 00:16:25,860 00:16:30,614 but I wanted to be able to do in but I wanted to be able to do in
254 00:16:30,698 00:16:33,116 a couple of the major villains, a couple of the major villains,
255 00:16:33,200 00:16:38,080 just not Thrawn, and so Rukh would meet his untimely end in this show. just not Thrawn, and so Rukh would meet his untimely end in this show.
256 00:16:38,581 00:16:40,999 And we found a way to do it to tie to this idea And we found a way to do it to tie to this idea
257 00:16:41,083 00:16:44,503 that he's kind of this strange creature that keeps that he's kind of this strange creature that keeps
258 00:16:44,587 00:16:46,589 falling off of ledges, and recovers. falling off of ledges, and recovers.
259 00:16:46,755 00:16:51,009 He always grabs onto something, and Zeb at least finally then gets hip to that, He always grabs onto something, and Zeb at least finally then gets hip to that,
260 00:16:51,093 00:16:54,763 and doesn't let up and does Rukh in. and doesn't let up and does Rukh in.
261 00:16:54,847 00:16:59,309 But here, we've had many adventurous escapes. But here, we've had many adventurous escapes.
262 00:16:59,393 00:17:03,314 This was a very fun one. All of this was mapped out pretty intricately. This was a very fun one. All of this was mapped out pretty intricately.
263 00:17:05,274 00:17:10,654 I thought Saul did a really great job being the episode art director... I thought Saul did a really great job being the episode art director...
264 00:17:11,322 00:17:14,522 to make sure everything is very dynamic and interesting visually. to make sure everything is very dynamic and interesting visually.
265 00:17:15,701 00:17:18,453 I love walkers. I love the walker pilots, I love walkers. I love the walker pilots,
266 00:17:18,537 00:17:20,288 they're my favorite type of stormtrooper, they're my favorite type of stormtrooper,
267 00:17:20,372 00:17:24,084 so it's always nice to see these guys around... so it's always nice to see these guys around...
268 00:17:25,085 00:17:28,088 and involve them in this very important way. and involve them in this very important way.
269 00:17:28,422 00:17:31,466 This fuel depot's been around since Season 1, This fuel depot's been around since Season 1,
270 00:17:31,550 00:17:36,430 if you look at the early art direction for the capital city. if you look at the early art direction for the capital city.
271 00:17:37,306 00:17:39,850 It's been a set that we've always been meaning to use. It's been a set that we've always been meaning to use.
272 00:17:39,934 00:17:45,730 We did some scouting on this set virtually where we are actually standing We did some scouting on this set virtually where we are actually standing
273 00:17:45,814 00:17:48,942 in a volume on top of this three-dimensional space in a volume on top of this three-dimensional space
274 00:17:49,026 00:17:53,488 so I could physically figure out where they would be standing so I could physically figure out where they would be standing
275 00:17:53,572 00:17:55,022 and how to shoot the cameras. and how to shoot the cameras.
276 00:17:55,991 00:17:59,870 This was some very challenging stuff to do, This was some very challenging stuff to do,
277 00:17:59,954 00:18:04,833 and also something that I tried to keep under the wraps quite a bit... and also something that I tried to keep under the wraps quite a bit...
278 00:18:05,292 00:18:06,752 even within the office. even within the office.
279 00:18:06,919 00:18:11,965 For the scenes where Kanan and Hera are on top of the fuel depot coming up, For the scenes where Kanan and Hera are on top of the fuel depot coming up,
280 00:18:12,049 00:18:17,513 I would shoot those myself in the office, in my office... I would shoot those myself in the office, in my office...
281 00:18:19,139 00:18:22,142 just finding some time to do it, and work out... just finding some time to do it, and work out...
282 00:18:23,435 00:18:28,023 just how the sequence should unfold, just how the sequence should unfold,
283 00:18:28,190 00:18:29,524 which is a bit tricky. which is a bit tricky.
284 00:18:29,608 00:18:33,820 There's a lot of emotional range that I have to get through There's a lot of emotional range that I have to get through
285 00:18:33,904 00:18:37,783 in a matter of moments to really get you... in a matter of moments to really get you...
286 00:18:38,826 00:18:42,120 to be in this place where you understand what the characters are thinking fully, to be in this place where you understand what the characters are thinking fully,
287 00:18:42,204 00:18:45,207 and you're getting the best response... and you're getting the best response...
288 00:18:46,208 00:18:48,419 to everything they're thinking and feeling. to everything they're thinking and feeling.
289 00:18:52,172 00:18:54,675 This is, in the end, I felt... This is, in the end, I felt...
290 00:18:55,884 00:18:59,763 the Jedi can make a big difference when nobody else can. the Jedi can make a big difference when nobody else can.
291 00:18:59,847 00:19:02,266 And part of what they can do, in a lot of ways... And part of what they can do, in a lot of ways...
292 00:19:02,808 00:19:06,270 if you think of Star Wars Rebels and these heroes... if you think of Star Wars Rebels and these heroes...
293 00:19:06,645 00:19:10,607 their story would have ended in this episode, their story would have ended in this episode,
294 00:19:10,691 00:19:15,612 all but Zeb and Chopper, because the Empire is so overwhelming. all but Zeb and Chopper, because the Empire is so overwhelming.
295 00:19:16,864 00:19:20,701 They have massively more troops and equipment than the rebels... They have massively more troops and equipment than the rebels...
296 00:19:21,035 00:19:23,912 could ever hope to fight back against. could ever hope to fight back against.
297 00:19:23,996 00:19:26,873 And there is almost an inevitability, And there is almost an inevitability,
298 00:19:26,957 00:19:30,669 a feeling of inevitability to their victory. a feeling of inevitability to their victory.
299 00:19:30,794 00:19:35,298 So it takes the outstanding efforts of some people So it takes the outstanding efforts of some people
300 00:19:35,382 00:19:39,386 to turn that tide, to turn that power, to turn that tide, to turn that power,
301 00:19:39,470 00:19:43,139 and all of our rebels are like those people, and all of our rebels are like those people,
302 00:19:43,223 00:19:44,766 but Kanan can be the first. but Kanan can be the first.
303 00:19:44,850 00:19:50,939 He kind of starts the reaction that's needed by... He kind of starts the reaction that's needed by...
304 00:19:51,940 00:19:56,278 giving up everything that he is for these other people... giving up everything that he is for these other people...
305 00:19:57,237 00:20:00,657 by changing what's possible. by changing what's possible.
306 00:20:01,575 00:20:02,867 This moment, of course, I think, This moment, of course, I think,
307 00:20:02,951 00:20:05,621 is something fans had wanted for a long time. is something fans had wanted for a long time.
308 00:20:07,331 00:20:08,915 To be honest, this second time that they kiss To be honest, this second time that they kiss
309 00:20:08,999 00:20:10,709 is actually better than the first one, is actually better than the first one,
310 00:20:10,793 00:20:12,293 and that's intentional, too... and that's intentional, too...
311 00:20:13,754 00:20:17,507 just 'cause they're in a much deeper place in their relationship just 'cause they're in a much deeper place in their relationship
312 00:20:17,591 00:20:20,427 in this moment than they've been before. in this moment than they've been before.
313 00:20:20,511 00:20:23,806 And so, we tried to portray that even through the details... And so, we tried to portray that even through the details...
314 00:20:25,057 00:20:26,767 in their animation in that moment. in their animation in that moment.
315 00:20:27,893 00:20:30,645 This is a lot about sound now. This is a lot about sound now.
316 00:20:30,729 00:20:33,129 There's really no words that you can put to this. There's really no words that you can put to this.
317 00:20:34,108 00:20:40,196 I wanted the walkers coming in just like these terrible drums, these destroyers. I wanted the walkers coming in just like these terrible drums, these destroyers.
318 00:20:40,280 00:20:44,117 And here, really the push-ins And here, really the push-ins
319 00:20:44,201 00:20:46,551 and pull-backs become essential in this scene... and pull-backs become essential in this scene...
320 00:20:47,121 00:20:49,247 to get you into the minds of the characters. to get you into the minds of the characters.
321 00:20:49,331 00:20:54,669 And you have to have the audience in a moment And you have to have the audience in a moment
322 00:20:54,753 00:20:57,672 where they're willing to believe this is possible. where they're willing to believe this is possible.
323 00:20:57,756 00:21:02,761 Kanan's doing something rather impossible, but hopefully... Kanan's doing something rather impossible, but hopefully...
324 00:21:03,554 00:21:09,059 you're with him in this moment, and you don't want this to happen, you're with him in this moment, and you don't want this to happen,
325 00:21:09,143 00:21:11,437 so you're hoping that he's holding that back. so you're hoping that he's holding that back.
326 00:21:13,230 00:21:14,647 You have to do so many things. You have to do so many things.
327 00:21:14,731 00:21:18,569 Hera would never let this stand without an effort to save him herself. Hera would never let this stand without an effort to save him herself.
328 00:21:18,861 00:21:21,989 That speaks volumes for who she is. That speaks volumes for who she is.
329 00:21:23,991 00:21:26,493 But Kanan's just not going to let that happen. But Kanan's just not going to let that happen.
330 00:21:27,035 00:21:32,749 The moment with the eyes is something that, I actually drew the storyboards, The moment with the eyes is something that, I actually drew the storyboards,
331 00:21:32,833 00:21:36,128 and when I did these shots, I drew his eyes in, and I thought... and when I did these shots, I drew his eyes in, and I thought...
332 00:21:36,920 00:21:39,465 he really needs to see her in this moment. he really needs to see her in this moment.
333 00:21:41,467 00:21:44,517 I think that's right. I think that makes things feel complete. I think that's right. I think that makes things feel complete.
334 00:21:45,387 00:21:50,600 And it turned out to be a real key moment in this episode. And it turned out to be a real key moment in this episode.
335 00:21:50,684 00:21:54,020 And just to make everything And just to make everything
336 00:21:54,104 00:21:56,314 very different and feel dynamically different, very different and feel dynamically different,
337 00:21:56,398 00:21:59,401 I wanted to end with this kind of inverted logo. I wanted to end with this kind of inverted logo.
338 00:22:00,569 00:22:01,569 So you know. So you know.
339 00:22:01,653 00:22:04,239 This is kind of to tell you that this is real, that this happened. This is kind of to tell you that this is real, that this happened.
340 00:22:04,323 00:22:05,407 This is kind of to tell you that this is real, that this happened. This is kind of to tell you that this is real, that this happened.
341 00:22:05,491 00:22:10,078 So, it's a heavy episode, but it's an important episode So, it's a heavy episode, but it's an important episode
342 00:22:10,162 00:22:12,539 for the entire framework of Rebels. for the entire framework of Rebels.
343 00:22:12,623 00:22:16,251 And I could probably watch this several times And I could probably watch this several times
344 00:22:16,335 00:22:18,628 and tell you something different every time we watch it. and tell you something different every time we watch it.
345 00:22:18,712 00:22:22,257 I hope that you got something out of it this time. I hope that you got something out of it this time.
346 00:22:22,758 00:22:26,094 And we'll do more of these. Always fun. And we'll do more of these. Always fun.
347 00:22:26,386 00:22:29,786 Always enjoy talking about the show. And thanks so much for watching. Always enjoy talking about the show. And thanks so much for watching.