# Start End Original Translated
1 00:00:01,960 00:00:04,879 Hey, Dave Filoni, Executive Producer of Star Wars Rebels Hey, Dave Filoni, Executive Producer of Star Wars Rebels
2 00:00:04,963 00:00:09,134 here to talk about the big finale, Family Reunion - and Farewell. here to talk about the big finale, Family Reunion - and Farewell.
3 00:00:11,887 00:00:14,556 It's a difficult thing to make a finale... It's a difficult thing to make a finale...
4 00:00:14,931 00:00:17,267 I guess it goes without saying. I guess it goes without saying.
5 00:00:17,642 00:00:19,393 But, in order to attack this, But, in order to attack this,
6 00:00:19,477 00:00:23,064 I actually studied and rewatched a bunch of finales... I actually studied and rewatched a bunch of finales...
7 00:00:23,857 00:00:26,901 that I'd seen over the years that appeared on television, that I'd seen over the years that appeared on television,
8 00:00:26,985 00:00:28,444 and I read a lot of interviews and I read a lot of interviews
9 00:00:28,528 00:00:34,283 with creators that had done series with creators that had done series
10 00:00:34,367 00:00:36,369 and what they thought had been successful, and what they thought had been successful,
11 00:00:36,453 00:00:40,998 what they thought wasn't successful, how the audience had responded. what they thought wasn't successful, how the audience had responded.
12 00:00:41,082 00:00:47,130 And I factored a lot of those into what we wrote... And I factored a lot of those into what we wrote...
13 00:00:47,839 00:00:50,717 and how I directed these final episodes... and how I directed these final episodes...
14 00:00:51,134 00:00:56,931 to try to be the most fulfilling, worthwhile adventure for people to try to be the most fulfilling, worthwhile adventure for people
15 00:00:57,015 00:00:59,100 that had stuck with the show for years. that had stuck with the show for years.
16 00:01:01,895 00:01:06,107 So, yeah, it's a challenge because everything you're doing, So, yeah, it's a challenge because everything you're doing,
17 00:01:06,191 00:01:12,364 every moment, every line that's read is like a last moment every moment, every line that's read is like a last moment
18 00:01:12,489 00:01:14,139 and it has to build to something. and it has to build to something.
19 00:01:14,366 00:01:16,576 But you get no second chances at this point. But you get no second chances at this point.
20 00:01:16,660 00:01:19,410 You can't say, well, we'll make the next episode better. You can't say, well, we'll make the next episode better.
21 00:01:20,330 00:01:23,875 So, you've got a limited amount of time, So, you've got a limited amount of time,
22 00:01:23,959 00:01:27,670 and you have to really focus your efforts and you have to really focus your efforts
23 00:01:27,754 00:01:32,509 to getting this story told, and then it's over. to getting this story told, and then it's over.
24 00:01:32,801 00:01:34,970 It's kind of a bizarre thing. It's kind of a bizarre thing.
25 00:01:36,429 00:01:41,101 While I was making these episodes, or this episode... While I was making these episodes, or this episode...
26 00:01:41,851 00:01:44,353 it's actually several episodes, why I say these episodes, it's actually several episodes, why I say these episodes,
27 00:01:44,437 00:01:48,316 but I was able to work on refining earlier episodes but I was able to work on refining earlier episodes
28 00:01:48,400 00:01:51,152 that were coming back and finaling that were coming back and finaling
29 00:01:52,445 00:01:54,990 Earlier episodes to make this episode better... Earlier episodes to make this episode better...
30 00:01:55,407 00:01:59,369 and to make more things connect across the whole season. and to make more things connect across the whole season.
31 00:01:59,786 00:02:02,830 And that was a big benefit of actually ending the series was that And that was a big benefit of actually ending the series was that
32 00:02:02,914 00:02:07,502 I could kind of work on big chunks of season four as one whole story. I could kind of work on big chunks of season four as one whole story.
33 00:02:08,211 00:02:12,590 Usually, we would already have been working on the next season... Usually, we would already have been working on the next season...
34 00:02:13,758 00:02:16,427 by the time we're doing the finale of any one season. by the time we're doing the finale of any one season.
35 00:02:16,511 00:02:17,386 By the time we're doing the finale of any one season. By the time we're doing the finale of any one season.
36 00:02:17,470 00:02:23,559 So, it was to our benefit to end and kind of rework things So, it was to our benefit to end and kind of rework things
37 00:02:23,643 00:02:25,979 that needed a better fit. that needed a better fit.
38 00:02:27,647 00:02:29,357 It was nice to see the clones. It was nice to see the clones.
39 00:02:29,441 00:02:33,152 One of the ideas was to bring everybody back for this finale, One of the ideas was to bring everybody back for this finale,
40 00:02:33,236 00:02:39,450 to show that Ezra, in his ability to see the best in people, to show that Ezra, in his ability to see the best in people,
41 00:02:39,534 00:02:41,534 to trust people, to believe in people... to trust people, to believe in people...
42 00:02:41,995 00:02:44,789 to have faith in people, would pay off, to have faith in people, would pay off,
43 00:02:44,873 00:02:49,961 that he bridged the gap between all of these different characters... that he bridged the gap between all of these different characters...
44 00:02:50,462 00:02:54,966 whether it be someone like Hondo, who, you know... whether it be someone like Hondo, who, you know...
45 00:02:55,342 00:02:57,927 Hera could never particularly see the good in someone like Hondo, Hera could never particularly see the good in someone like Hondo,
46 00:02:58,011 00:03:00,554 whether it be someone like the clones, whether it be someone like the clones,
47 00:03:00,638 00:03:05,601 who Kanan starts out not really seeing eye to eye with for obvious reasons, who Kanan starts out not really seeing eye to eye with for obvious reasons,
48 00:03:05,685 00:03:12,024 whether it be Kallus, who has huge problems with everybody there. whether it be Kallus, who has huge problems with everybody there.
49 00:03:12,108 00:03:13,859 He's tried to kill them. He's tried to kill them.
50 00:03:13,943 00:03:18,114 You look at the group of people that he's amassed, You look at the group of people that he's amassed,
51 00:03:18,198 00:03:23,619 and you start to see, how it's to his benefit and how they are together, and you start to see, how it's to his benefit and how they are together,
52 00:03:23,703 00:03:25,871 each bringing something to the table each bringing something to the table
53 00:03:25,955 00:03:28,625 that will help them win the day, hopefully. that will help them win the day, hopefully.
54 00:03:30,043 00:03:33,046 The Empire, as I've said before, is massive. The Empire, as I've said before, is massive.
55 00:03:33,880 00:03:38,718 They have so much on their side that, I think in some ways, They have so much on their side that, I think in some ways,
56 00:03:38,802 00:03:44,766 helps with them overlooking schemes like the Rebels have here... helps with them overlooking schemes like the Rebels have here...
57 00:03:45,308 00:03:48,853 because it's such a small attempt in their mind. because it's such a small attempt in their mind.
58 00:03:49,187 00:03:50,813 The Empire is almost so big, The Empire is almost so big,
59 00:03:50,897 00:03:56,361 it's prepared for war with an enemy that never presents itself. it's prepared for war with an enemy that never presents itself.
60 00:03:56,861 00:03:59,489 They're prepared for a galactic war... They're prepared for a galactic war...
61 00:04:00,073 00:04:02,533 and they get these little skirmishes and they get these little skirmishes
62 00:04:02,617 00:04:05,829 and incursions of small numbers of rebels... and incursions of small numbers of rebels...
63 00:04:07,080 00:04:09,457 which is actually hard for them to counter. which is actually hard for them to counter.
64 00:04:10,500 00:04:17,214 They're tricked, their faceless soldier becomes something They're tricked, their faceless soldier becomes something
65 00:04:17,298 00:04:21,719 that the rebels are constantly using against them to their benefit... that the rebels are constantly using against them to their benefit...
66 00:04:22,095 00:04:25,765 because they can blend in with these faceless soldiers rather easily. because they can blend in with these faceless soldiers rather easily.
67 00:04:28,101 00:04:32,146 It's nice to see again Sabine now beginning to lead these assaults, It's nice to see again Sabine now beginning to lead these assaults,
68 00:04:32,230 00:04:33,857 coming up with the plans. coming up with the plans.
69 00:04:34,816 00:04:37,819 Gotta keep the Rebels under constant pressure. Gotta keep the Rebels under constant pressure.
70 00:04:39,362 00:04:42,198 This sequence we cut down and cut down and cut down, This sequence we cut down and cut down and cut down,
71 00:04:42,449 00:04:46,118 just to try to keep it moving, keep it very tight, just to try to keep it moving, keep it very tight,
72 00:04:46,202 00:04:49,622 not to let things linger too much. not to let things linger too much.
73 00:04:49,706 00:04:52,041 I don't know why those guys come out from behind their boxes. I don't know why those guys come out from behind their boxes.
74 00:04:52,125 00:04:53,875 They should have stayed back there. They should have stayed back there.
75 00:04:54,919 00:04:58,005 Stormtroopers, I don't know, sometimes, but I guess, you know, Stormtroopers, I don't know, sometimes, but I guess, you know,
76 00:04:58,089 00:05:01,092 we gotta move the plot forward, so we gotta get rid of those troopers. we gotta move the plot forward, so we gotta get rid of those troopers.
77 00:05:01,176 00:05:02,760 Oh, there you go, two more. Oh, there you go, two more.
78 00:05:03,344 00:05:05,594 So, Stormtroopers go down, plot moves forward. So, Stormtroopers go down, plot moves forward.
79 00:05:06,514 00:05:08,164 Look here, they all come running. Look here, they all come running.
80 00:05:08,516 00:05:12,270 You have to do little things to keep the logic motivated. You have to do little things to keep the logic motivated.
81 00:05:13,771 00:05:15,571 They've cut off all transmissions... They've cut off all transmissions...
82 00:05:16,524 00:05:18,484 there are so many Imperials in this building alone, there are so many Imperials in this building alone,
83 00:05:18,568 00:05:21,568 they could easily get overwhelmed, so you have to keep things they could easily get overwhelmed, so you have to keep things
84 00:05:21,821 00:05:24,990 just a little bit on the reasonable side, just a little bit on the reasonable side,
85 00:05:25,074 00:05:26,474 that they're not discovered. that they're not discovered.
86 00:05:27,452 00:05:30,079 Trying to make it believable that these guys in this Command Room Trying to make it believable that these guys in this Command Room
87 00:05:30,163 00:05:32,663 are basically isolated by the small band of rebels. are basically isolated by the small band of rebels.
88 00:05:34,417 00:05:38,630 So they have no way of speaking to the rest of the building here. So they have no way of speaking to the rest of the building here.
89 00:05:39,088 00:05:43,259 And the building is so big that nobody really notices that this is going on... And the building is so big that nobody really notices that this is going on...
90 00:05:44,135 00:05:47,639 because it's a blip on the overall Imperial radar. because it's a blip on the overall Imperial radar.
91 00:05:48,556 00:05:49,557 This is a joke. This is a joke.
92 00:05:49,641 00:05:53,770 I actually took this joke out of the beginning of season three... I actually took this joke out of the beginning of season three...
93 00:05:54,437 00:05:56,814 when Hondo says they can fly. when Hondo says they can fly.
94 00:05:57,398 00:06:02,237 It used to be, an Ugnaught perished, It used to be, an Ugnaught perished,
95 00:06:02,362 00:06:08,117 and he got exploded when he ran outside and the walker blew him away. and he got exploded when he ran outside and the walker blew him away.
96 00:06:09,786 00:06:11,454 It just, it was one of my... It just, it was one of my...
97 00:06:11,538 00:06:16,041 I love that line, it's actually a line from before that I put there I love that line, it's actually a line from before that I put there
98 00:06:16,125 00:06:19,003 'cause we changed it, and I wish I hadn't changed it, 'cause we changed it, and I wish I hadn't changed it,
99 00:06:19,087 00:06:21,589 so I put it back in here. Sometimes that happens. so I put it back in here. Sometimes that happens.
100 00:06:21,923 00:06:25,385 And it fit nicely here, so maybe it was meant for the finale. And it fit nicely here, so maybe it was meant for the finale.
101 00:06:26,177 00:06:30,347 There's poor Governor Pryce. Governor Pryce, she's rather wicked. There's poor Governor Pryce. Governor Pryce, she's rather wicked.
102 00:06:30,431 00:06:33,726 I actually had a large concern, I actually had a large concern,
103 00:06:34,018 00:06:37,397 and I debated whether or not the rebels would know... and I debated whether or not the rebels would know...
104 00:06:37,897 00:06:40,274 or if they had found out, or if they could have found out, or if they had found out, or if they could have found out,
105 00:06:40,358 00:06:44,361 that Pryce was the one that gave the order to blow away the refinery that Pryce was the one that gave the order to blow away the refinery
106 00:06:44,445 00:06:47,198 that, in the end, was what did Kanan in. that, in the end, was what did Kanan in.
107 00:06:48,783 00:06:52,828 But if I had brought that up then I think it creates this larger issue But if I had brought that up then I think it creates this larger issue
108 00:06:52,912 00:06:56,499 of how Hera's going to deal with the fact that Pryce is there, of how Hera's going to deal with the fact that Pryce is there,
109 00:06:56,583 00:06:58,542 how Ezra's going to deal with the fact that Pryce is there, how Ezra's going to deal with the fact that Pryce is there,
110 00:06:58,626 00:07:02,026 and do they want to seek revenge against her, or something like that? and do they want to seek revenge against her, or something like that?
111 00:07:03,590 00:07:06,676 So, I didn't feel that was what the episode was about... So, I didn't feel that was what the episode was about...
112 00:07:07,719 00:07:12,389 so I stayed away from that whole issue, and I think, at the end, so I stayed away from that whole issue, and I think, at the end,
113 00:07:12,473 00:07:16,769 it makes our characters bigger people, it makes them more heroic. it makes our characters bigger people, it makes them more heroic.
114 00:07:16,853 00:07:20,231 They're trying to save people, they're trying to move forward. They're trying to save people, they're trying to move forward.
115 00:07:20,315 00:07:22,399 And they're not being embittered about what happened. And they're not being embittered about what happened.
116 00:07:22,483 00:07:24,777 And plus, I don't think they really know. And plus, I don't think they really know.
117 00:07:26,529 00:07:29,629 I don't think they know it's specifically Pryce in that walker. I don't think they know it's specifically Pryce in that walker.
118 00:07:30,408 00:07:33,869 Pryce would have had to bring it up somehow. So, I think it's all right. Pryce would have had to bring it up somehow. So, I think it's all right.
119 00:07:33,953 00:07:35,496 But those are some of the things that come to mind, But those are some of the things that come to mind,
120 00:07:35,580 00:07:38,040 and then you decide, what are you going to do with it? and then you decide, what are you going to do with it?
121 00:07:38,124 00:07:40,459 That's almost the terrible thing that happened there. That's almost the terrible thing that happened there.
122 00:07:40,543 00:07:43,212 The wolf used to yelp, like a dog that got hurt, The wolf used to yelp, like a dog that got hurt,
123 00:07:43,296 00:07:45,396 and I was like, no way, we can't have that. and I was like, no way, we can't have that.
124 00:07:45,840 00:07:47,342 That's just too cruel. That's just too cruel.
125 00:07:50,011 00:07:52,111 No one wants to watch that kind of show... No one wants to watch that kind of show...
126 00:07:52,764 00:07:55,350 uh, with a dog getting hurt, that's just crazy. uh, with a dog getting hurt, that's just crazy.
127 00:07:56,476 00:07:56,476 It's a fun little face-off. I like that Rukh runs for his little life here. It's a fun little face-off. I like that Rukh runs for his little life here.
128 00:07:56,560 00:08:00,480 It's a fun little face-off. I like that Rukh runs for his little life here. It's a fun little face-off. I like that Rukh runs for his little life here.
129 00:08:01,648 00:08:07,028 And Thrawn at the ready. Gotta bring Thrawn back into it. And Thrawn at the ready. Gotta bring Thrawn back into it.
130 00:08:09,614 00:08:13,993 He's been off debating with the Empire about the usefulness of a Death Star He's been off debating with the Empire about the usefulness of a Death Star
131 00:08:14,285 00:08:17,162 versus his TIE defender elites, versus his TIE defender elites,
132 00:08:17,246 00:08:20,291 and he has lost that debate. and he has lost that debate.
133 00:08:21,125 00:08:22,543 The Death Star will be back, The Death Star will be back,
134 00:08:22,627 00:08:28,633 that his own TIE defenders will now be not created. that his own TIE defenders will now be not created.
135 00:08:29,092 00:08:31,051 The rebels don't know that, of course, The rebels don't know that, of course,
136 00:08:31,135 00:08:33,804 but Thrawn, he's seen the future of the Empire, but Thrawn, he's seen the future of the Empire,
137 00:08:33,888 00:08:35,306 and I don't think even Thrawn is sure and I don't think even Thrawn is sure
138 00:08:35,390 00:08:38,434 what it all means, destruction on that level. what it all means, destruction on that level.
139 00:08:38,518 00:08:41,418 And that comes up a little later when he's talking to Ezra. And that comes up a little later when he's talking to Ezra.
140 00:08:41,813 00:08:47,193 I'll try to remember to get into that, but this is a tricky gambit here. I'll try to remember to get into that, but this is a tricky gambit here.
141 00:08:47,944 00:08:50,154 This is the other characters... This is the other characters...
142 00:08:52,949 00:08:55,493 doing something that Ezra has normally done... doing something that Ezra has normally done...
143 00:08:56,285 00:09:02,375 where you have Kallus and Ryder Azadi impersonating Imperials. where you have Kallus and Ryder Azadi impersonating Imperials.
144 00:09:03,000 00:09:08,839 This is an Ezra Bridger trick that now these two are doing on behalf of Ezra. This is an Ezra Bridger trick that now these two are doing on behalf of Ezra.
145 00:09:08,923 00:09:11,175 So, again, Ezra's in the leadership role, So, again, Ezra's in the leadership role,
146 00:09:11,259 00:09:15,346 and he's having somebody else play out the part that he used to. and he's having somebody else play out the part that he used to.
147 00:09:16,806 00:09:22,561 It's interesting to have Clancy playing General, or Admiral Yularen, It's interesting to have Clancy playing General, or Admiral Yularen,
148 00:09:22,645 00:09:25,689 that was kind of interesting. I thought he did it rather well. that was kind of interesting. I thought he did it rather well.
149 00:09:25,773 00:09:28,818 The thing that I do, which, in these scenes... The thing that I do, which, in these scenes...
150 00:09:29,944 00:09:35,074 and just the limitation is that we had more Imperials altogether, and just the limitation is that we had more Imperials altogether,
151 00:09:35,158 00:09:38,369 that there was just massive numbers of Stormtroopers, that there was just massive numbers of Stormtroopers,
152 00:09:38,453 00:09:42,748 massive numbers of TIE Fighters and tanks returning to the facility. massive numbers of TIE Fighters and tanks returning to the facility.
153 00:09:42,832 00:09:48,337 It would be a lot larger sequence, but I wanted to get this feeling It would be a lot larger sequence, but I wanted to get this feeling
154 00:09:48,421 00:09:52,299 that they were all shuddering, that they were going back in a little bit there, that they were all shuddering, that they were going back in a little bit there,
155 00:09:52,383 00:09:55,511 but you need five times as many TIE Fighters... but you need five times as many TIE Fighters...
156 00:09:57,221 00:09:58,722 just almost like a swarm of them just almost like a swarm of them
157 00:09:58,806 00:10:03,060 spinning back in to get the feeling that there's a huge evacuation. spinning back in to get the feeling that there's a huge evacuation.
158 00:10:03,186 00:10:05,604 Maybe that's nit-picking, but I know Maybe that's nit-picking, but I know
159 00:10:05,688 00:10:07,481 some of you out there probably feel the same. some of you out there probably feel the same.
160 00:10:07,565 00:10:11,026 You guys are a wise audience, so, just in case you're wondering, You guys are a wise audience, so, just in case you're wondering,
161 00:10:11,110 00:10:12,910 we all do notice that kind of thing. we all do notice that kind of thing.
162 00:10:16,240 00:10:19,540 It would have been better to find a way to intercut this over time. It would have been better to find a way to intercut this over time.
163 00:10:19,911 00:10:22,538 There has to be a much larger feeling of time. There has to be a much larger feeling of time.
164 00:10:22,622 00:10:25,374 I don't think it can be as instantaneous as it feels here. I don't think it can be as instantaneous as it feels here.
165 00:10:25,458 00:10:30,630 But, again, the emphasis is not about the Empire packing it up. But, again, the emphasis is not about the Empire packing it up.
166 00:10:31,047 00:10:32,882 You gotta keep it all moving. You gotta keep it all moving.
167 00:10:33,841 00:10:37,303 Besides, the real villain, the real interest is when Thrawn returns... Besides, the real villain, the real interest is when Thrawn returns...
168 00:10:38,596 00:10:40,681 which is about to happen in a moment, which is about to happen in a moment,
169 00:10:40,765 00:10:44,519 which is definitely a lot more interesting. which is definitely a lot more interesting.
170 00:10:44,977 00:10:46,927 Always good to have the creeping shadow Always good to have the creeping shadow
171 00:10:47,021 00:10:49,440 and the glimmer of hope for the evil Pryce. and the glimmer of hope for the evil Pryce.
172 00:10:52,777 00:10:55,237 Kallus knows the score of what's happening. Kallus knows the score of what's happening.
173 00:10:55,321 00:10:56,822 They've got to shut it down again. They've got to shut it down again.
174 00:10:56,906 00:10:58,991 One of their main concerns in this episode becomes One of their main concerns in this episode becomes
175 00:10:59,075 00:11:02,245 the people of Lothal and what's going to happen to them. the people of Lothal and what's going to happen to them.
176 00:11:02,370 00:11:05,581 So they're constantly putting the people first... So they're constantly putting the people first...
177 00:11:06,916 00:11:09,836 ahead of their own safety. ahead of their own safety.
178 00:11:10,795 00:11:12,379 This was an interesting scene This was an interesting scene
179 00:11:12,463 00:11:15,633 to see Ezra really face off one-to-one with Thrawn. to see Ezra really face off one-to-one with Thrawn.
180 00:11:17,802 00:11:21,513 It's great when Taylor goes on one of his rambles here, It's great when Taylor goes on one of his rambles here,
181 00:11:21,597 00:11:26,269 and, you know, there's nothing better than a young person telling you and, you know, there's nothing better than a young person telling you
182 00:11:26,435 00:11:29,935 they've got it all figured out, and Thrawn deals with it accordingly... they've got it all figured out, and Thrawn deals with it accordingly...
183 00:11:30,815 00:11:32,915 because, of course, Thrawn knows better, because, of course, Thrawn knows better,
184 00:11:33,192 00:11:36,153 or at least, he thinks he does in this situation. or at least, he thinks he does in this situation.
185 00:11:37,113 00:11:38,489 And what's interesting is, he does. And what's interesting is, he does.
186 00:11:38,573 00:11:41,700 He immediately takes what Ezra thinks is his advantage, He immediately takes what Ezra thinks is his advantage,
187 00:11:41,784 00:11:46,538 and turns it into Ezra's disadvantage because Thrawn strategically and turns it into Ezra's disadvantage because Thrawn strategically
188 00:11:46,622 00:11:51,252 can think the whole thing through on a very intricate level. can think the whole thing through on a very intricate level.
189 00:11:51,794 00:11:54,630 He has to be this commanding warlord He has to be this commanding warlord
190 00:11:54,714 00:11:57,758 that knows almost every possible strategy. that knows almost every possible strategy.
191 00:11:57,842 00:12:01,596 The only strategy he wouldn't understand is one that involves... The only strategy he wouldn't understand is one that involves...
192 00:12:01,971 00:12:05,057 bizarre space whales riding to the rescue 'cause that's just... bizarre space whales riding to the rescue 'cause that's just...
193 00:12:05,141 00:12:06,517 How do you even factor for that? How do you even factor for that?
194 00:12:06,601 00:12:08,519 I guess he would in the future, I guess he would in the future,
195 00:12:08,603 00:12:12,398 which maybe we'll get to one day, but not right now. which maybe we'll get to one day, but not right now.
196 00:12:12,899 00:12:18,612 And it just, Thrawn has this strategy, and now he's got his men safe, And it just, Thrawn has this strategy, and now he's got his men safe,
197 00:12:18,696 00:12:20,322 and he is now going to destroy and he is now going to destroy
198 00:12:20,406 00:12:23,117 the very thing that Ezra cares most about, the very thing that Ezra cares most about,
199 00:12:23,326 00:12:25,453 which is the people on the planet below. which is the people on the planet below.
200 00:12:25,912 00:12:32,376 We had to push these series of shots to make it destructive so that... We had to push these series of shots to make it destructive so that...
201 00:12:32,919 00:12:36,171 We have not, probably since the first season, We have not, probably since the first season,
202 00:12:36,255 00:12:38,882 spent a lot of time with the people down there. spent a lot of time with the people down there.
203 00:12:38,966 00:12:41,469 But you want to get that their being decimated... But you want to get that their being decimated...
204 00:12:42,136 00:12:44,555 you want to show destruction on a massive scale, you want to show destruction on a massive scale,
205 00:12:44,639 00:12:48,976 and this shot was important to link it to Ezra personally, and this shot was important to link it to Ezra personally,
206 00:12:49,060 00:12:51,270 that he's personally responsible for it. that he's personally responsible for it.
207 00:12:52,688 00:12:57,360 So, now we know what the Empire's willing to do. So, now we know what the Empire's willing to do.
208 00:12:58,527 00:13:00,946 They are just going to wipe everything and everyone out. They are just going to wipe everything and everyone out.
209 00:13:01,030 00:13:03,480 They're probably going to do that, no matter what. They're probably going to do that, no matter what.
210 00:13:04,617 00:13:06,017 That's what the bad guys do. That's what the bad guys do.
211 00:13:06,869 00:13:11,748 And so, Ezra feels like he needs to play along And so, Ezra feels like he needs to play along
212 00:13:11,832 00:13:14,126 and do what Thrawn wants him to do here. and do what Thrawn wants him to do here.
213 00:13:14,752 00:13:19,631 We don't know that Ezra, on some level, has seen this coming. We don't know that Ezra, on some level, has seen this coming.
214 00:13:19,715 00:13:23,761 Now it's not that Ezra knew this particular version would happen. Now it's not that Ezra knew this particular version would happen.
215 00:13:24,345 00:13:26,695 It's just he knows that there are possibilities, It's just he knows that there are possibilities,
216 00:13:26,889 00:13:32,061 and this was one of a couple possibilities of what might happen. and this was one of a couple possibilities of what might happen.
217 00:13:32,478 00:13:35,678 It is not one of his more favorable choices for what's to happen. It is not one of his more favorable choices for what's to happen.
218 00:13:36,190 00:13:39,484 There was a chance that they could have got into the base swiftly, There was a chance that they could have got into the base swiftly,
219 00:13:39,568 00:13:41,868 and launched the dome before Thrawn got back... and launched the dome before Thrawn got back...
220 00:13:42,446 00:13:44,156 and tried to win the day that way. and tried to win the day that way.
221 00:13:46,367 00:13:48,911 But this is the event that's now happening... But this is the event that's now happening...
222 00:13:49,453 00:13:51,079 and so he knows what he has to do. and so he knows what he has to do.
223 00:13:51,163 00:13:53,499 He has to make different moves on the board. He has to make different moves on the board.
224 00:13:54,667 00:13:57,169 This scene was an interesting one for sound design This scene was an interesting one for sound design
225 00:13:57,253 00:13:59,853 because it's really about getting into Ezra's head, because it's really about getting into Ezra's head,
226 00:14:00,089 00:14:04,135 and having this last moment between Ezra and Sabine, and having this last moment between Ezra and Sabine,
227 00:14:04,427 00:14:06,762 the kind of brother and sister on the show. the kind of brother and sister on the show.
228 00:14:07,722 00:14:11,434 It's all communicated how they're feeling through their eyes... It's all communicated how they're feeling through their eyes...
229 00:14:12,768 00:14:15,771 the understanding that they have to come to... the understanding that they have to come to...
230 00:14:16,689 00:14:19,691 her understanding what Ezra needs to do in this situation, her understanding what Ezra needs to do in this situation,
231 00:14:19,775 00:14:23,821 her drawing attention away from any of them seeing Ezra. her drawing attention away from any of them seeing Ezra.
232 00:14:24,947 00:14:27,157 It's interesting 'cause the very first thing, It's interesting 'cause the very first thing,
233 00:14:27,241 00:14:31,328 Sabine is the one that gives Ezra a chance in the very first episode Sabine is the one that gives Ezra a chance in the very first episode
234 00:14:31,412 00:14:35,750 when she kind of has him dead to rights on the speeder bike... when she kind of has him dead to rights on the speeder bike...
235 00:14:36,292 00:14:39,587 and just takes the crate and says, "Good luck," you know. and just takes the crate and says, "Good luck," you know.
236 00:14:40,212 00:14:43,382 And so she's always in a way given Ezra a chance, And so she's always in a way given Ezra a chance,
237 00:14:43,591 00:14:45,133 and now she gives him a very big one. and now she gives him a very big one.
238 00:14:45,217 00:14:48,596 But she understands him on a much deeper level, on a personal level. But she understands him on a much deeper level, on a personal level.
239 00:14:51,432 00:14:55,144 That's one of my favorite moments in this episode. That's one of my favorite moments in this episode.
240 00:14:55,603 00:14:58,731 I love that communicating without doing it verbally... I love that communicating without doing it verbally...
241 00:14:59,774 00:15:03,444 and when you know the characters well, you know what they're thinking. and when you know the characters well, you know what they're thinking.
242 00:15:04,153 00:15:08,199 This, again, another important moment for Sabine to step up and take the lead. This, again, another important moment for Sabine to step up and take the lead.
243 00:15:09,742 00:15:12,453 We've seen Hera in this role so many times. We've seen Hera in this role so many times.
244 00:15:13,746 00:15:17,749 Now Sabine has the plan, but what I think is important here is Now Sabine has the plan, but what I think is important here is
245 00:15:17,833 00:15:21,878 she actually asks Hera what she thinks of the plan. She includes her. she actually asks Hera what she thinks of the plan. She includes her.
246 00:15:21,962 00:15:24,381 It's not like she just runs over her, you know. It's not like she just runs over her, you know.
247 00:15:24,465 00:15:29,512 It's this mother-daughter dynamic at work here. It's this mother-daughter dynamic at work here.
248 00:15:31,138 00:15:35,892 And now the Stormtroopers are catching on that all is not right And now the Stormtroopers are catching on that all is not right
249 00:15:35,976 00:15:38,186 because Thrawn is there, and he's contacting guys on the base. because Thrawn is there, and he's contacting guys on the base.
250 00:15:38,270 00:15:42,649 Now, again, I would love five times as many Stormtroopers to show up, Now, again, I would love five times as many Stormtroopers to show up,
251 00:15:42,733 00:15:45,236 but we get the idea. but we get the idea.
252 00:15:46,445 00:15:47,945 This is the inevitable, right? This is the inevitable, right?
253 00:15:48,030 00:15:54,662 The hero into the belly of the monster by himself or herself. The hero into the belly of the monster by himself or herself.
254 00:15:56,372 00:16:00,167 You have to go on this journey where you face your fears... You have to go on this journey where you face your fears...
255 00:16:00,751 00:16:04,505 where you stand up for what is right, where you very much... where you stand up for what is right, where you very much...
256 00:16:05,756 00:16:08,175 put yourself on the line for other people. put yourself on the line for other people.
257 00:16:10,136 00:16:13,639 Thrawn has, I think, been fantastic on the show. Thrawn has, I think, been fantastic on the show.
258 00:16:14,181 00:16:16,851 Lars has played him brilliantly. Lars has played him brilliantly.
259 00:16:17,810 00:16:24,357 And here we really need to understand Thrawn and his view of the Force, And here we really need to understand Thrawn and his view of the Force,
260 00:16:24,441 00:16:25,693 his view of Jedi. his view of Jedi.
261 00:16:27,319 00:16:29,696 He respects Jedi, but he feels they're predictable, He respects Jedi, but he feels they're predictable,
262 00:16:29,780 00:16:34,577 he feels they're flawed, their morality is a weakness... he feels they're flawed, their morality is a weakness...
263 00:16:34,952 00:16:40,248 one that he can exploit, and that's why he's basically explaining to Ezra, one that he can exploit, and that's why he's basically explaining to Ezra,
264 00:16:40,332 00:16:42,125 he has won. he has won.
265 00:16:42,209 00:16:48,424 Ezra, I think he knows he can't really win an argument with Thrawn... Ezra, I think he knows he can't really win an argument with Thrawn...
266 00:16:48,883 00:16:54,388 but he can try to stand up for his own views and his values in this moment... but he can try to stand up for his own views and his values in this moment...
267 00:16:55,639 00:16:57,289 which is really important to him. which is really important to him.
268 00:16:57,516 00:17:00,268 Because they're values that were built not just by his parents, Because they're values that were built not just by his parents,
269 00:17:00,352 00:17:02,897 but by his friends, by Hera, by Kanan. but by his friends, by Hera, by Kanan.
270 00:17:03,314 00:17:05,023 And Thrawn represents a person And Thrawn represents a person
271 00:17:05,107 00:17:08,235 that's going to destroy all of those things. that's going to destroy all of those things.
272 00:17:08,611 00:17:12,531 He acts like he is interested in it, that he cares about it, He acts like he is interested in it, that he cares about it,
273 00:17:12,615 00:17:16,993 but he really, he doesn't really have real emotional value but he really, he doesn't really have real emotional value
274 00:17:17,077 00:17:20,872 connected to any of these artifacts or things that he's collected. connected to any of these artifacts or things that he's collected.
275 00:17:20,956 00:17:23,959 He's just, again, appropriating it... He's just, again, appropriating it...
276 00:17:25,336 00:17:28,338 and he thinks that that makes it all right and he thinks that that makes it all right
277 00:17:28,422 00:17:31,050 as they are wiping culture from the galaxy. as they are wiping culture from the galaxy.
278 00:17:32,343 00:17:33,886 Bringing up Sabine, Bringing up Sabine,
279 00:17:34,011 00:17:37,111 it's just more of a personal attack on Ezra than anything else. it's just more of a personal attack on Ezra than anything else.
280 00:17:38,098 00:17:44,355 Thrawn is staging this really to get to Ezra, to push him emotionally... Thrawn is staging this really to get to Ezra, to push him emotionally...
281 00:17:45,147 00:17:50,610 and now Ezra is claiming his own position and now Ezra is claiming his own position
282 00:17:50,694 00:17:53,944 and showing Thrawn that he's not going to be intimidated by him... and showing Thrawn that he's not going to be intimidated by him...
283 00:17:55,157 00:17:59,745 but Thrawn just doesn't think Ezra understands the big picture. but Thrawn just doesn't think Ezra understands the big picture.
284 00:18:01,330 00:18:06,251 He knows that power is all that matters. That's what he believes, He knows that power is all that matters. That's what he believes,
285 00:18:06,335 00:18:10,297 and I think when you get to be like a Thrawn or a Palpatine, and I think when you get to be like a Thrawn or a Palpatine,
286 00:18:10,381 00:18:12,383 you have to throw in with that, right? you have to throw in with that, right?
287 00:18:13,008 00:18:16,011 Power to them is something that destroys... Power to them is something that destroys...
288 00:18:16,595 00:18:20,474 something that is filled with terror... something that is filled with terror...
289 00:18:21,308 00:18:24,269 elicits fear in people, that's power to them. elicits fear in people, that's power to them.
290 00:18:24,353 00:18:27,022 But it's quite a pathetic thing really. But it's quite a pathetic thing really.
291 00:18:27,439 00:18:32,110 It's not true power, as Obi-Wan would say, if you strike me down, It's not true power, as Obi-Wan would say, if you strike me down,
292 00:18:32,194 00:18:34,794 I become more powerful than you can possibly imagine. I become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.
293 00:18:35,030 00:18:36,156 It's a different kind of power, It's a different kind of power,
294 00:18:36,240 00:18:38,840 and one that this guy here doesn't understand either. and one that this guy here doesn't understand either.
295 00:18:39,034 00:18:44,664 Palpatine, the true face of evil, and here appearing as a kind, old man, Palpatine, the true face of evil, and here appearing as a kind, old man,
296 00:18:44,748 00:18:51,630 which is often the case in mythology, evil appearing kindly... which is often the case in mythology, evil appearing kindly...
297 00:18:51,964 00:18:55,926 in a way that's pleasing or friendly to deceive us... in a way that's pleasing or friendly to deceive us...
298 00:18:56,635 00:19:00,639 because evil unmasked is terrifying and dreadful, because evil unmasked is terrifying and dreadful,
299 00:19:00,723 00:19:05,227 but evil as deceiving is often friendly but evil as deceiving is often friendly
300 00:19:05,311 00:19:07,730 or a so-called angel of light. or a so-called angel of light.
301 00:19:10,733 00:19:14,319 Now we start to set up this idea that Ezra knew that Now we start to set up this idea that Ezra knew that
302 00:19:14,403 00:19:20,700 there were a couple of possibilities and even told Mart to be watchful there were a couple of possibilities and even told Mart to be watchful
303 00:19:20,784 00:19:26,290 if certain things occur, he's going to need him to do something. if certain things occur, he's going to need him to do something.
304 00:19:27,041 00:19:30,491 And that's where we start to draw on the thread of the purrgil coming. And that's where we start to draw on the thread of the purrgil coming.
305 00:19:31,420 00:19:33,339 Again, you have to make it believable. Again, you have to make it believable.
306 00:19:33,756 00:19:35,715 You can't just have the stuff come out of left field. You can't just have the stuff come out of left field.
307 00:19:35,799 00:19:37,949 I'm sure, for some people it felt like that. I'm sure, for some people it felt like that.
308 00:19:38,594 00:19:43,974 But I try to make it something where you look back and go, But I try to make it something where you look back and go,
309 00:19:44,058 00:19:47,811 "Okay, I guess it's reasonable that he could have sent this signal out." "Okay, I guess it's reasonable that he could have sent this signal out."
310 00:19:47,895 00:19:51,690 It's reasonable because the Purrgil were saved by Ezra. It's reasonable because the Purrgil were saved by Ezra.
311 00:19:51,774 00:19:56,111 Their home was saved, so now they're coming back to save Ezra's home. Their home was saved, so now they're coming back to save Ezra's home.
312 00:19:56,195 00:19:59,948 That seems like a pretty good deal for a bunch space whales. That seems like a pretty good deal for a bunch space whales.
313 00:20:00,407 00:20:03,285 So, you know, one last look at the wolves there. So, you know, one last look at the wolves there.
314 00:20:03,911 00:20:08,999 And we're off on this exciting Ezra Bridger plan, And we're off on this exciting Ezra Bridger plan,
315 00:20:09,083 00:20:11,710 which is a crazy plan, but that's what Jedi do, which is a crazy plan, but that's what Jedi do,
316 00:20:11,794 00:20:13,837 they have crazy plans 'cause they have crazy abilities, they have crazy plans 'cause they have crazy abilities,
317 00:20:13,921 00:20:16,923 so, something very fun. so, something very fun.
318 00:20:17,007 00:20:19,057 It's always very nice to see Wolffe there. It's always very nice to see Wolffe there.
319 00:20:19,218 00:20:21,718 This is a longer scene, cut it down, cut it down... This is a longer scene, cut it down, cut it down...
320 00:20:22,137 00:20:25,766 still got it to work in a shorter form, which is always good. still got it to work in a shorter form, which is always good.
321 00:20:29,561 00:20:31,230 Flying off the Ghost, so. Flying off the Ghost, so.
322 00:20:32,564 00:20:35,484 Now the stage is set, and all the pieces are moving. Now the stage is set, and all the pieces are moving.
323 00:20:36,652 00:20:39,696 We need to get on. There are weird Melch moments. We need to get on. There are weird Melch moments.
324 00:20:40,280 00:20:43,533 Melch turned out to be a character we use way more than I thought we would. Melch turned out to be a character we use way more than I thought we would.
325 00:20:43,617 00:20:45,201 Who would have thought an Ugnaught, right? Who would have thought an Ugnaught, right?
326 00:20:45,285 00:20:50,416 But he's compelling, named after Steve Melching, one of the writers. But he's compelling, named after Steve Melching, one of the writers.
327 00:20:50,666 00:20:52,292 We just started calling him Melch. We just started calling him Melch.
328 00:20:52,376 00:20:55,963 We call him Melch, so, I thought, that sounds like an Ugnaught. We call him Melch, so, I thought, that sounds like an Ugnaught.
329 00:20:56,630 00:20:59,675 And Steve's rather proud of that. To each his own. And Steve's rather proud of that. To each his own.
330 00:21:00,092 00:21:03,970 I'm not going to judge any of it, I'm glad he enjoys it. I'm not going to judge any of it, I'm glad he enjoys it.
331 00:21:04,054 00:21:08,183 He's really embraced the whole thing, which is kind of fun. He's really embraced the whole thing, which is kind of fun.
332 00:21:08,976 00:21:09,976 This is a nice moment here. This is a nice moment here.
333 00:21:10,060 00:21:13,939 Again, I love seeing Sabine in this role, leading, Again, I love seeing Sabine in this role, leading,
334 00:21:14,106 00:21:15,566 as, like, a commander. as, like, a commander.
335 00:21:17,192 00:21:20,892 She did it for people on Mandalore, and now she's doing it for her friends. She did it for people on Mandalore, and now she's doing it for her friends.
336 00:21:21,363 00:21:26,452 I like that this scene kind of concludes in this moment of thinking about Ezra. I like that this scene kind of concludes in this moment of thinking about Ezra.
337 00:21:27,536 00:21:29,830 And now he's really in it... And now he's really in it...
338 00:21:30,164 00:21:33,208 in a far worse situation than they could imagine. in a far worse situation than they could imagine.
339 00:21:35,836 00:21:40,591 Having an actor like Ian portraying his classic character... Having an actor like Ian portraying his classic character...
340 00:21:42,926 00:21:45,929 gave such a different dimension to this scene... gave such a different dimension to this scene...
341 00:21:46,597 00:21:50,058 and it made me want to just write the dialog in a certain way and it made me want to just write the dialog in a certain way
342 00:21:50,142 00:21:54,813 to give him the greatest advantage of how to play this. to give him the greatest advantage of how to play this.
343 00:21:54,897 00:21:58,108 Now this has to be... It's different than when Luke sees the Emperor. Now this has to be... It's different than when Luke sees the Emperor.
344 00:21:58,192 00:22:01,236 Luke sees the Emperor, and he sees the face of evil, Luke sees the Emperor, and he sees the face of evil,
345 00:22:01,320 00:22:03,571 the face that's tormented him and his family. the face that's tormented him and his family.
346 00:22:03,655 00:22:06,783 Ezra's being played out here, I'm not such a bad guy, Ezra's being played out here, I'm not such a bad guy,
347 00:22:06,867 00:22:08,118 see, you misjudge me. see, you misjudge me.
348 00:22:08,869 00:22:12,956 It's a completely different thing that's trying to get at the same result. It's a completely different thing that's trying to get at the same result.
349 00:22:13,040 00:22:16,918 I'm not even sure that Palpatine wants Ezra for an apprentice. I'm not even sure that Palpatine wants Ezra for an apprentice.
350 00:22:17,002 00:22:19,295 He just wants him to open this door. He just wants him to open this door.
351 00:22:19,379 00:22:21,423 He just wants him to give him access He just wants him to give him access
352 00:22:21,507 00:22:28,054 to this great power of controlling to this great power of controlling
353 00:22:28,138 00:22:29,889 life and death and fate, life and death and fate,
354 00:22:29,973 00:22:33,184 and what will happen in the future and what happened in the past. and what will happen in the future and what happened in the past.
355 00:22:33,268 00:22:35,103 That's what he wants from Ezra. That's what he wants from Ezra.
356 00:22:35,187 00:22:40,316 I think he'd probably then destroy Ezra because he still has Vader, I think he'd probably then destroy Ezra because he still has Vader,
357 00:22:40,400 00:22:44,321 who's a more powerful Force wielder for him. who's a more powerful Force wielder for him.
358 00:22:45,197 00:22:48,575 But this begins this series. And I love the music here too. But this begins this series. And I love the music here too.
359 00:22:48,659 00:22:51,161 Kevin Kiner just did a phenomenal job. Kevin Kiner just did a phenomenal job.
360 00:22:51,245 00:22:53,329 The music really plays out The music really plays out
361 00:22:53,413 00:22:57,834 all the emotional resonance that I was looking for here. all the emotional resonance that I was looking for here.
362 00:22:58,627 00:23:02,338 This is just any day, any normal day in the Bridger household, This is just any day, any normal day in the Bridger household,
363 00:23:02,422 00:23:06,760 except on this morning, this would be the morning that except on this morning, this would be the morning that
364 00:23:08,220 00:23:13,016 Ezra probably remembers when he snuck out early, and he wasn't home... Ezra probably remembers when he snuck out early, and he wasn't home...
365 00:23:13,600 00:23:16,228 and his parents get taken by the Empire. and his parents get taken by the Empire.
366 00:23:17,271 00:23:20,940 And I thought of playing a version of this where you knew more about that, And I thought of playing a version of this where you knew more about that,
367 00:23:21,024 00:23:23,277 that Ezra remembers this day... that Ezra remembers this day...
368 00:23:25,112 00:23:27,823 because he could hear his parents calling to him. because he could hear his parents calling to him.
369 00:23:28,198 00:23:34,538 But he didn't go home that morning because he was out causing mischief... But he didn't go home that morning because he was out causing mischief...
370 00:23:35,080 00:23:38,917 and in the end he sees them being taken away. and in the end he sees them being taken away.
371 00:23:39,251 00:23:41,002 So again, you want to give the characters So again, you want to give the characters
372 00:23:41,086 00:23:43,922 an opportunity to change fate, an opportunity to change fate,
373 00:23:44,047 00:23:49,011 to offer them that powerful, powerful ability. to offer them that powerful, powerful ability.
374 00:23:50,470 00:23:52,680 I can change things, I can make things better, I can change things, I can make things better,
375 00:23:52,764 00:23:56,727 I can stop people from dying, I can stop this from happening. I can stop people from dying, I can stop this from happening.
376 00:23:58,270 00:24:03,275 The hindsight of it all, and being able to control... The hindsight of it all, and being able to control...
377 00:24:04,151 00:24:09,990 what happens in life, which is not, frankly, ever really a good thing. what happens in life, which is not, frankly, ever really a good thing.
378 00:24:11,992 00:24:13,702 We need to set up... We need to set up...
379 00:24:14,828 00:24:17,330 the tension here of what's going on that should make it believable. the tension here of what's going on that should make it believable.
380 00:24:17,414 00:24:19,582 This is the gag that they use a series of doors This is the gag that they use a series of doors
381 00:24:19,666 00:24:21,668 since Sabine's got the control room on lockdown since Sabine's got the control room on lockdown
382 00:24:21,752 00:24:25,255 where she can make it that they can pass through these hallways, where she can make it that they can pass through these hallways,
383 00:24:25,422 00:24:30,343 evading countless numbers of Stormtroopers to get to their goal. evading countless numbers of Stormtroopers to get to their goal.
384 00:24:30,427 00:24:32,971 So, I think that worked pretty well So, I think that worked pretty well
385 00:24:33,055 00:24:35,805 to explain how they're moving through this big building. to explain how they're moving through this big building.
386 00:24:37,768 00:24:40,562 This, to me, just feels like classic Star Wars. This, to me, just feels like classic Star Wars.
387 00:24:41,104 00:24:42,605 I really enjoy these scenes. I really enjoy these scenes.
388 00:24:42,689 00:24:45,189 It reminds me of the Star Wars that I grew up with, It reminds me of the Star Wars that I grew up with,
389 00:24:45,275 00:24:47,069 blasting in a Death Star. blasting in a Death Star.
390 00:24:48,654 00:24:51,490 Poor Chopper, can't get your break here. Poor Chopper, can't get your break here.
391 00:24:52,282 00:24:55,201 But you know, the droids in the end, it's like But you know, the droids in the end, it's like
392 00:24:55,285 00:24:57,620 you can't really solve these problems for them. you can't really solve these problems for them.
393 00:24:57,704 00:24:59,247 It's really going to be up to them. It's really going to be up to them.
394 00:24:59,331 00:25:01,749 He's played his important role throughout the series. He's played his important role throughout the series.
395 00:25:01,833 00:25:03,293 Now these guys got to get it together, Now these guys got to get it together,
396 00:25:03,377 00:25:07,714 and it's fun to see Ketsu working on the fly here with Rex. and it's fun to see Ketsu working on the fly here with Rex.
397 00:25:09,091 00:25:11,291 Now back to the parents. You know, this is... Now back to the parents. You know, this is...
398 00:25:13,387 00:25:16,097 for as real as you want to believe it is, for as real as you want to believe it is,
399 00:25:16,181 00:25:20,768 I don't like explaining or defining much of this more than I have, I don't like explaining or defining much of this more than I have,
400 00:25:20,852 00:25:25,106 but because you can't know any more than Ezra can know, but because you can't know any more than Ezra can know,
401 00:25:25,190 00:25:29,236 is this real, is this not real, is the Emperor playing him... is this real, is this not real, is the Emperor playing him...
402 00:25:30,195 00:25:34,324 or can he really walk through this door? Is this a real event happening? or can he really walk through this door? Is this a real event happening?
403 00:25:34,533 00:25:39,037 We know that Ezra pulls Ahsoka through a doorway into his world... We know that Ezra pulls Ahsoka through a doorway into his world...
404 00:25:40,497 00:25:42,457 so we know that it's possible to walk so we know that it's possible to walk
405 00:25:42,541 00:25:45,501 through that doorway and see these people. through that doorway and see these people.
406 00:25:45,585 00:25:47,135 At least we want to believe it. At least we want to believe it.
407 00:25:48,004 00:25:50,757 And if you could change these terrible things from happening And if you could change these terrible things from happening
408 00:25:50,841 00:25:53,491 to people that you care about, wouldn't you change it? to people that you care about, wouldn't you change it?
409 00:25:53,635 00:25:57,472 It all seems rather reasonable. And if you listen to Palpatine, It all seems rather reasonable. And if you listen to Palpatine,
410 00:25:57,556 00:26:01,852 he's never really fully explaining what it means to go through that door. he's never really fully explaining what it means to go through that door.
411 00:26:03,520 00:26:07,107 He doesn't say that everything's going to work out better. He doesn't say that everything's going to work out better.
412 00:26:08,608 00:26:11,944 So the temptation there, and the lure of it, So the temptation there, and the lure of it,
413 00:26:12,028 00:26:13,780 might tell you about the reality of it. might tell you about the reality of it.
414 00:26:13,864 00:26:19,286 But, poor Melch, he really lays it on there, going down like a champ. But, poor Melch, he really lays it on there, going down like a champ.
415 00:26:19,870 00:26:22,622 That's full-on acting, as far as I see it, That's full-on acting, as far as I see it,
416 00:26:22,706 00:26:26,460 but he must want to elicit this response out of Hondo. but he must want to elicit this response out of Hondo.
417 00:26:27,043 00:26:29,962 Hondo, who, despite being a smuggler, Hondo, who, despite being a smuggler,
418 00:26:30,046 00:26:33,800 pirate, scoundrel, actually cares about his crew. pirate, scoundrel, actually cares about his crew.
419 00:26:35,844 00:26:39,055 I needed the stakes to get even higher here. I needed the stakes to get even higher here.
420 00:26:39,139 00:26:41,557 I needed a way to take Rukh out I needed a way to take Rukh out
421 00:26:41,641 00:26:45,520 in a more fantastic way than just fisticuffs. in a more fantastic way than just fisticuffs.
422 00:26:45,604 00:26:48,564 So Zeb does something more extreme So Zeb does something more extreme
423 00:26:48,648 00:26:53,528 that only somebody like Zeb with his big purpleness could do, that only somebody like Zeb with his big purpleness could do,
424 00:26:53,612 00:26:57,449 leaping into the oblivion to help his friends. leaping into the oblivion to help his friends.
425 00:26:59,493 00:27:00,952 Really upped everything, Really upped everything,
426 00:27:01,036 00:27:07,291 this straight-on assault by Kallus and Gregor. this straight-on assault by Kallus and Gregor.
427 00:27:07,375 00:27:12,255 Poor Gregor. You know, it's not without purpose. Poor Gregor. You know, it's not without purpose.
428 00:27:13,006 00:27:18,928 Again, these soldiers, and one thing soldiers know is sacrifice, Again, these soldiers, and one thing soldiers know is sacrifice,
429 00:27:19,012 00:27:22,849 and the important thing is that the clones in this series and the important thing is that the clones in this series
430 00:27:22,933 00:27:25,602 are fighting for something they chose to believe in. are fighting for something they chose to believe in.
431 00:27:26,603 00:27:29,564 That becomes a very important thread for them. That becomes a very important thread for them.
432 00:27:31,149 00:27:33,735 But again, back, we're pulling at all these things. But again, back, we're pulling at all these things.
433 00:27:33,819 00:27:37,989 It was important that this thread not resolve itself before... It was important that this thread not resolve itself before...
434 00:27:41,451 00:27:43,601 meaning that Ezra has to make his choice, meaning that Ezra has to make his choice,
435 00:27:43,829 00:27:46,329 and then things can turn in the rest of the battle. and then things can turn in the rest of the battle.
436 00:27:46,832 00:27:50,377 But it all, to me, had to hinge on this decision that Ezra has to make. But it all, to me, had to hinge on this decision that Ezra has to make.
437 00:27:51,044 00:27:53,194 Because if he walks through that doorway... Because if he walks through that doorway...
438 00:27:55,382 00:27:56,674 the fate of our other characters the fate of our other characters
439 00:27:56,758 00:28:01,304 is probably not going to be what it turned out to be. is probably not going to be what it turned out to be.
440 00:28:01,388 00:28:05,099 I do think, in their own way, I do think, in their own way,
441 00:28:05,183 00:28:08,937 that Ezra's parents hear him in this moment. that Ezra's parents hear him in this moment.
442 00:28:09,813 00:28:12,440 I don't think they know what it is. I don't think they know what it is.
443 00:28:12,524 00:28:16,402 I don't think they know what's really happening here, I don't think they know what's really happening here,
444 00:28:16,486 00:28:19,489 but they have this kind of connective moment with their son. but they have this kind of connective moment with their son.
445 00:28:19,573 00:28:21,324 You see, you don't really see him here. You see, you don't really see him here.
446 00:28:21,408 00:28:23,659 It's as if they're looking onto the light of the sun, It's as if they're looking onto the light of the sun,
447 00:28:23,743 00:28:27,497 and then this image is materializing before them. and then this image is materializing before them.
448 00:28:28,373 00:28:31,334 It's all very, is this happening? Is this a dream? It's all very, is this happening? Is this a dream?
449 00:28:31,418 00:28:33,711 But that's from their side of the doorway, But that's from their side of the doorway,
450 00:28:33,795 00:28:39,050 which is an important choice for a point of view. which is an important choice for a point of view.
451 00:28:41,636 00:28:44,222 I don't know, it must seem like something out of a dream I don't know, it must seem like something out of a dream
452 00:28:44,306 00:28:47,517 for all of them to be in this moment. for all of them to be in this moment.
453 00:28:47,601 00:28:49,977 I think they would know this is their son, I think they would know this is their son,
454 00:28:50,061 00:28:54,608 even though he's older than they would ever have seen him. even though he's older than they would ever have seen him.
455 00:28:56,318 00:28:58,320 And again, it's about letting go. And again, it's about letting go.
456 00:28:59,237 00:29:04,116 You can love something or someone, but you have to find the power, You can love something or someone, but you have to find the power,
457 00:29:04,200 00:29:06,536 the strength to let go, the strength to let go,
458 00:29:06,620 00:29:10,540 meaning let go and let them have their life... meaning let go and let them have their life...
459 00:29:11,249 00:29:15,170 believe that they, in turn, care about you, believe that they, in turn, care about you,
460 00:29:15,462 00:29:17,672 that you don't let that loving of someone that you don't let that loving of someone
461 00:29:17,756 00:29:19,841 turn into controlling someone... turn into controlling someone...
462 00:29:20,258 00:29:24,053 turn into what you want, you know. turn into what you want, you know.
463 00:29:24,137 00:29:28,391 Anakin did that to a degree, to a very large degree, Anakin did that to a degree, to a very large degree,
464 00:29:28,475 00:29:30,685 and in the end was his downfall when you think about it. and in the end was his downfall when you think about it.
465 00:29:30,769 00:29:35,815 But now evil unmasks, he can't maintain this facade. But now evil unmasks, he can't maintain this facade.
466 00:29:37,192 00:29:38,317 He's not going to get what he wants, He's not going to get what he wants,
467 00:29:38,401 00:29:40,236 so he doesn't have to play the game anymore. so he doesn't have to play the game anymore.
468 00:29:40,320 00:29:41,487 The Emperor is evil. The Emperor is evil.
469 00:29:41,571 00:29:44,908 Ezra's called him on it, and now he sees the face of evil. Ezra's called him on it, and now he sees the face of evil.
470 00:29:45,158 00:29:47,493 Oh, this little scene, initially there were like Oh, this little scene, initially there were like
471 00:29:47,577 00:29:49,927 three, four Stormtroopers that ran in this room. three, four Stormtroopers that ran in this room.
472 00:29:50,622 00:29:54,022 And when I watched it, I was like, "Yeah, that's not going to do it." And when I watched it, I was like, "Yeah, that's not going to do it."
473 00:29:54,668 00:29:57,018 The Emperor would have something better planned. The Emperor would have something better planned.
474 00:29:57,379 00:30:01,424 And so, we put some Red Guards into action, and these are designed And so, we put some Red Guards into action, and these are designed
475 00:30:01,508 00:30:05,386 after the Hasbro figures in the expanded universe, after the Hasbro figures in the expanded universe,
476 00:30:05,470 00:30:08,556 which had these guys with helmets that they could actually move in. which had these guys with helmets that they could actually move in.
477 00:30:08,640 00:30:10,141 And that's a Force pike at work, And that's a Force pike at work,
478 00:30:10,225 00:30:13,352 something torturing Ezra, holding him in place. something torturing Ezra, holding him in place.
479 00:30:13,436 00:30:18,650 It's kind of like a technical equivalent of some ability of the Force. It's kind of like a technical equivalent of some ability of the Force.
480 00:30:20,944 00:30:22,821 He's in desperation mode now. He's in desperation mode now.
481 00:30:23,321 00:30:25,865 Poor Stormtroopers, if they could only shoot accurately, Poor Stormtroopers, if they could only shoot accurately,
482 00:30:25,949 00:30:28,785 they might stand a chance here, but in the end, they might stand a chance here, but in the end,
483 00:30:28,910 00:30:33,581 you're not really sure if Ezra even survives this as he falls into this... you're not really sure if Ezra even survives this as he falls into this...
484 00:30:35,875 00:30:37,168 cascade of boulders. cascade of boulders.
485 00:30:37,961 00:30:42,423 Now we get to the setup for how Rukh is going to bite it down Now we get to the setup for how Rukh is going to bite it down
486 00:30:42,507 00:30:47,929 in these little reactors, you would remember from Return of the Jedi. in these little reactors, you would remember from Return of the Jedi.
487 00:30:48,013 00:30:52,600 They're based on the same coils that you see in Return of the Jedi They're based on the same coils that you see in Return of the Jedi
488 00:30:52,684 00:30:56,479 when Han Solo is placing detonators in the Endor shield generators. when Han Solo is placing detonators in the Endor shield generators.
489 00:30:57,564 00:30:59,941 Right down to the Dixie cup shapes, Right down to the Dixie cup shapes,
490 00:31:00,025 00:31:02,902 if you are so inclined to know about these things. if you are so inclined to know about these things.
491 00:31:02,986 00:31:05,863 Thrawn wouldn't be waiting, Thrawn wouldn't be waiting,
492 00:31:05,947 00:31:11,661 he would know that the Emperor could not lure Ezra to open the gateway, he would know that the Emperor could not lure Ezra to open the gateway,
493 00:31:11,745 00:31:14,330 so he's going to just destroy everything now. so he's going to just destroy everything now.
494 00:31:14,497 00:31:18,084 But it's fun, right? Our heroes are operating independently of Ezra, But it's fun, right? Our heroes are operating independently of Ezra,
495 00:31:18,168 00:31:21,379 and yet, they're getting an opportunity to do things because of Ezra. and yet, they're getting an opportunity to do things because of Ezra.
496 00:31:21,463 00:31:24,256 So, we see them succeeding in their own right. So, we see them succeeding in their own right.
497 00:31:24,340 00:31:27,093 It's not just because of Ezra. It's not just because of Ezra.
498 00:31:27,218 00:31:30,472 They're skilled, heroic people. They're skilled, heroic people.
499 00:31:31,848 00:31:34,100 And there's one electrified Rukh, And there's one electrified Rukh,
500 00:31:34,267 00:31:36,936 which I thought was a very fun way for him to go. which I thought was a very fun way for him to go.
501 00:31:38,146 00:31:40,846 You're pretty sure that he didn't make it out of there. You're pretty sure that he didn't make it out of there.
502 00:31:41,733 00:31:43,526 Now the people are saved. Now the people are saved.
503 00:31:44,819 00:31:49,573 There could have been a whole thread with what's left of Ryder Azadi's There could have been a whole thread with what's left of Ryder Azadi's
504 00:31:49,657 00:31:52,576 rebel forces down in the city rallying people, rebel forces down in the city rallying people,
505 00:31:52,660 00:31:55,038 but we really didn't have time for that. but we really didn't have time for that.
506 00:31:55,705 00:31:57,206 In a little continuity thing here, In a little continuity thing here,
507 00:31:57,290 00:31:59,840 I have to imagine that Rukh had dropped his comlink. I have to imagine that Rukh had dropped his comlink.
508 00:32:00,919 00:32:03,379 We should have had an insert shot of that, and that's... We should have had an insert shot of that, and that's...
509 00:32:03,463 00:32:05,131 Zeb sees it and picks it up... Zeb sees it and picks it up...
510 00:32:05,840 00:32:08,140 so that's how he's talking with Thrawn there... so that's how he's talking with Thrawn there...
511 00:32:08,593 00:32:10,887 if you're wondering about that little spoiler. if you're wondering about that little spoiler.
512 00:32:12,639 00:32:16,559 Chopper back in action, must mean it's time to get out of there... Chopper back in action, must mean it's time to get out of there...
513 00:32:16,935 00:32:21,022 'Cause now they've got their generator on, so. 'Cause now they've got their generator on, so.
514 00:32:23,399 00:32:25,944 I love this moment with Hondo and Melch. I love this moment with Hondo and Melch.
515 00:32:26,611 00:32:29,530 It's like the only time Hondo's being truthful. It's like the only time Hondo's being truthful.
516 00:32:29,614 00:32:32,951 Meanwhile, he's only truthful in passing. Meanwhile, he's only truthful in passing.
517 00:32:33,785 00:32:37,497 But Melch heard him. Uh, he knows he cares. It's so great. But Melch heard him. Uh, he knows he cares. It's so great.
518 00:32:38,581 00:32:44,420 But Hondo's happy, he's not a good guy, but he's not a bad guy, Hondo. But Hondo's happy, he's not a good guy, but he's not a bad guy, Hondo.
519 00:32:45,922 00:32:46,922 And there are clones. And there are clones.
520 00:32:47,006 00:32:49,506 For Dee Baker and I, this was a really nice moment. For Dee Baker and I, this was a really nice moment.
521 00:32:51,052 00:32:55,098 We felt it's like giving the clones some closure. We felt it's like giving the clones some closure.
522 00:32:57,392 00:33:00,562 It was great to see Dee get to finish this off... It was great to see Dee get to finish this off...
523 00:33:01,771 00:33:04,315 having worked with him so many years on Clone Wars. having worked with him so many years on Clone Wars.
524 00:33:05,608 00:33:10,697 And a nice, fitting end for a good soldier... And a nice, fitting end for a good soldier...
525 00:33:11,364 00:33:17,286 a soldier that fights for the good of people for what they believe in, a soldier that fights for the good of people for what they believe in,
526 00:33:17,370 00:33:22,750 a selfless soldier, not unlike a Jedi in the end. a selfless soldier, not unlike a Jedi in the end.
527 00:33:24,794 00:33:28,214 Thrawn is really never willing to admit defeat. Thrawn is really never willing to admit defeat.
528 00:33:28,423 00:33:30,008 A momentary setback. A momentary setback.
529 00:33:31,301 00:33:35,137 A little Easter egg in here for fans of the expanded universe A little Easter egg in here for fans of the expanded universe
530 00:33:35,221 00:33:38,265 with Captain Pellaeon making an appearance. with Captain Pellaeon making an appearance.
531 00:33:38,349 00:33:41,769 I believe Pellaeon survives the purrgil attack in orbit... I believe Pellaeon survives the purrgil attack in orbit...
532 00:33:42,228 00:33:45,732 and is able to somehow escape. and is able to somehow escape.
533 00:33:47,066 00:33:52,488 I don't think that he should go out whimsically from a giant space whale, I don't think that he should go out whimsically from a giant space whale,
534 00:33:52,572 00:33:54,323 but I wanted to get a mention of him in but I wanted to get a mention of him in
535 00:33:54,407 00:33:56,993 so he can at least be back in play in the galaxy. so he can at least be back in play in the galaxy.
536 00:33:57,744 00:33:59,453 And now the reveal of purrgil. And now the reveal of purrgil.
537 00:33:59,537 00:34:03,082 We actually made purrgil that were massive in scale. We actually made purrgil that were massive in scale.
538 00:34:03,499 00:34:06,549 The small ones are the ones from the episode they appeared in. The small ones are the ones from the episode they appeared in.
539 00:34:07,003 00:34:08,653 And the other are King Purrgil... And the other are King Purrgil...
540 00:34:09,422 00:34:14,719 the large ones that we created just for this episode... the large ones that we created just for this episode...
541 00:34:15,845 00:34:18,389 so I just thought they were a great design... so I just thought they were a great design...
542 00:34:19,140 00:34:22,977 an important design really when you see their role in the show. an important design really when you see their role in the show.
543 00:34:24,103 00:34:29,608 This attack, wonderfully executed by the team, This attack, wonderfully executed by the team,
544 00:34:29,692 00:34:33,863 Nate Villanueva doing these designs, just did a wonderful job. Nate Villanueva doing these designs, just did a wonderful job.
545 00:34:36,324 00:34:39,910 For as big as we made those purrgil, Star Destroyers are still a lot bigger, For as big as we made those purrgil, Star Destroyers are still a lot bigger,
546 00:34:39,994 00:34:44,499 but massive scale for us for this series. but massive scale for us for this series.
547 00:34:44,958 00:34:47,501 But the ending deserves it. The ending has to be big. But the ending deserves it. The ending has to be big.
548 00:34:47,585 00:34:48,961 Those people are looking like they've Those people are looking like they've
549 00:34:49,045 00:34:51,964 never seen this kind of thing before, which is kind of fun. never seen this kind of thing before, which is kind of fun.
550 00:34:52,048 00:34:55,384 When would they have ever seen Star Destroyers for space whales? When would they have ever seen Star Destroyers for space whales?
551 00:34:55,468 00:34:57,595 When has anybody seen that? When has anybody seen that?
552 00:34:59,055 00:35:02,433 This moment here right now, I had known a lot about this obviously This moment here right now, I had known a lot about this obviously
553 00:35:02,517 00:35:05,561 because Bendu speaks to it at the end of season three... because Bendu speaks to it at the end of season three...
554 00:35:06,312 00:35:08,523 so there was always this plan... so there was always this plan...
555 00:35:08,982 00:35:15,113 with the purrgil being involved with Thrawn's demise... with the purrgil being involved with Thrawn's demise...
556 00:35:15,488 00:35:16,822 that gives you some insight into that gives you some insight into
557 00:35:16,906 00:35:19,033 how early we were working on these stories. how early we were working on these stories.
558 00:35:19,575 00:35:22,119 I thought these little tentacles looked great. I thought these little tentacles looked great.
559 00:35:22,203 00:35:27,458 They're kind of a difficult thing to do, but they feel really good. They're kind of a difficult thing to do, but they feel really good.
560 00:35:27,959 00:35:29,585 They don't look too rigid, They don't look too rigid,
561 00:35:29,877 00:35:34,674 so the animation team executed something really well here. so the animation team executed something really well here.
562 00:35:35,591 00:35:39,846 Ezra is really stuck. He can't leave the situation because if he does... Ezra is really stuck. He can't leave the situation because if he does...
563 00:35:40,305 00:35:43,766 then Thrawn will most likely find a way out. then Thrawn will most likely find a way out.
564 00:35:44,058 00:35:47,395 He's got to be the thing that holds Thrawn down... He's got to be the thing that holds Thrawn down...
565 00:35:47,812 00:35:49,731 that keeps him from escaping. that keeps him from escaping.
566 00:35:51,232 00:35:53,359 So, also if he doesn't keep the door shut, So, also if he doesn't keep the door shut,
567 00:35:53,443 00:35:55,893 the Stormtroopers are going to find a way through. the Stormtroopers are going to find a way through.
568 00:35:56,112 00:35:58,212 So, he really has to help the purrgil here. So, he really has to help the purrgil here.
569 00:35:58,865 00:36:05,204 It's a group effort to do in a villain like Thrawn. And, in this moment... It's a group effort to do in a villain like Thrawn. And, in this moment...
570 00:36:06,414 00:36:11,210 this sacrifice, this idea of jumping to oblivion... this sacrifice, this idea of jumping to oblivion...
571 00:36:11,919 00:36:15,339 that the best way to defeat the Empire in Lothal that the best way to defeat the Empire in Lothal
572 00:36:15,423 00:36:18,343 would be to take Thrawn out of the equation... would be to take Thrawn out of the equation...
573 00:36:20,970 00:36:23,722 is something that Ezra realized he had to do. is something that Ezra realized he had to do.
574 00:36:23,806 00:36:27,560 It also puts in the idea that he believes in his friends... It also puts in the idea that he believes in his friends...
575 00:36:28,186 00:36:33,149 that without him they can win, that they keep Lothal safe. that without him they can win, that they keep Lothal safe.
576 00:36:34,400 00:36:37,611 So, again, it's not just a selfless idea, So, again, it's not just a selfless idea,
577 00:36:37,695 00:36:42,241 but it's an idea of having a belief and a commitment to the friendships but it's an idea of having a belief and a commitment to the friendships
578 00:36:42,325 00:36:43,409 that he has. that he has.
579 00:36:45,203 00:36:47,830 And he says what every good Jedi should say, And he says what every good Jedi should say,
580 00:36:48,122 00:36:50,322 reminding people the Force will be with them. reminding people the Force will be with them.
581 00:36:51,417 00:36:55,421 And he's gone. He's gone, who knows where... And he's gone. He's gone, who knows where...
582 00:36:55,880 00:36:59,467 or when we will see him again, if we will see him again. or when we will see him again, if we will see him again.
583 00:37:01,594 00:37:07,433 I don't know. I might know, but it's not important right now. I don't know. I might know, but it's not important right now.
584 00:37:07,517 00:37:11,520 What's important is that these guys have to snap to it What's important is that these guys have to snap to it
585 00:37:11,604 00:37:15,566 because they have a chance to defeat the Empire with Thrawn gone. because they have a chance to defeat the Empire with Thrawn gone.
586 00:37:16,567 00:37:22,406 So, Sabine knows this, and she wants to get things into action. So, Sabine knows this, and she wants to get things into action.
587 00:37:22,490 00:37:25,940 Again, she's taking the lead where we used to see Hera do it before... Again, she's taking the lead where we used to see Hera do it before...
588 00:37:26,744 00:37:28,371 at the beginning of the series. at the beginning of the series.
589 00:37:29,455 00:37:31,457 Get the Ghost down here, everybody's moving, Get the Ghost down here, everybody's moving,
590 00:37:31,541 00:37:34,877 everybody's playing a part in this victory now. everybody's playing a part in this victory now.
591 00:37:36,546 00:37:39,215 We always knew this was a starship of some kind. We always knew this was a starship of some kind.
592 00:37:40,091 00:37:45,596 So, it's fun to see this thing finally fire up to escape the planet. So, it's fun to see this thing finally fire up to escape the planet.
593 00:37:47,974 00:37:51,685 I like how Pryce kicks Melch there. Man, she's just mean to the end, I like how Pryce kicks Melch there. Man, she's just mean to the end,
594 00:37:51,769 00:37:55,898 mean to the last, Governor Pryce, played brilliantly by Mary. mean to the last, Governor Pryce, played brilliantly by Mary.
595 00:37:57,316 00:37:58,359 Here come the troopers. Here come the troopers.
596 00:37:58,443 00:38:01,293 The troopers are lucky they don't shoot Pryce right there. The troopers are lucky they don't shoot Pryce right there.
597 00:38:01,988 00:38:06,826 Lucky, they're not the most accurate guys in the galaxy. Lucky, they're not the most accurate guys in the galaxy.
598 00:38:08,453 00:38:12,874 Here it goes, a little smoke bomb distraction, which was good. Here it goes, a little smoke bomb distraction, which was good.
599 00:38:14,000 00:38:17,250 Sabine ends up with Ezra's lightsaber. Make of that what you will. Sabine ends up with Ezra's lightsaber. Make of that what you will.
600 00:38:18,337 00:38:21,965 Discuss amongst yourselves. But a nice moment. Discuss amongst yourselves. But a nice moment.
601 00:38:22,049 00:38:26,179 And then she gets to finally cut the laser proof glass evidently. And then she gets to finally cut the laser proof glass evidently.
602 00:38:28,514 00:38:30,725 So here we go, up and out. So here we go, up and out.
603 00:38:31,225 00:38:35,062 It's all moving now, that's what feels great about this sequence. It's all moving now, that's what feels great about this sequence.
604 00:38:37,356 00:38:38,774 There's so much to take in, There's so much to take in,
605 00:38:38,858 00:38:43,362 there's so much to pack into these final minutes of the episode... there's so much to pack into these final minutes of the episode...
606 00:38:44,739 00:38:47,032 to make it believable, just to have the breathing room to make it believable, just to have the breathing room
607 00:38:47,116 00:38:51,037 to bring you down from some of these moments. to bring you down from some of these moments.
608 00:38:52,038 00:38:54,832 As you can see, everybody's playing a role. As you can see, everybody's playing a role.
609 00:38:56,250 00:38:59,253 Every character seems to get their moment... Every character seems to get their moment...
610 00:39:00,379 00:39:02,340 to be a part of this rescue... to be a part of this rescue...
611 00:39:04,842 00:39:06,719 and this destruction of the Empire. and this destruction of the Empire.
612 00:39:07,011 00:39:08,053 In the end, when I would talk In the end, when I would talk
613 00:39:08,137 00:39:10,013 with Simon Kinberg or Kiri Hart about this, with Simon Kinberg or Kiri Hart about this,
614 00:39:10,097 00:39:11,849 I'm like, "If you just watch Rebels, I'm like, "If you just watch Rebels,
615 00:39:11,933 00:39:14,726 if you've never seen any other part of Star Wars, if you've never seen any other part of Star Wars,
616 00:39:14,810 00:39:18,231 this is a show where a kid is growing up on a planet... this is a show where a kid is growing up on a planet...
617 00:39:18,689 00:39:20,889 where there's an evil Empire controlling it." where there's an evil Empire controlling it."
618 00:39:21,984 00:39:27,573 And that, you're telling the audience, he will overthrow that Empire. And that, you're telling the audience, he will overthrow that Empire.
619 00:39:28,407 00:39:31,326 And we can get all wrapped up in continuity and how that all works, And we can get all wrapped up in continuity and how that all works,
620 00:39:31,410 00:39:34,997 but the promise of the show cannot be... Well, he solves it to a point, but the promise of the show cannot be... Well, he solves it to a point,
621 00:39:35,122 00:39:36,832 but then a couple years later, but then a couple years later,
622 00:39:36,916 00:39:39,366 Luke Skywalker comes along and solves the problem. Luke Skywalker comes along and solves the problem.
623 00:39:39,544 00:39:41,044 That's Luke Skywalker's story. That's Luke Skywalker's story.
624 00:39:41,337 00:39:44,173 This has to be a story about this boy, about his people, This has to be a story about this boy, about his people,
625 00:39:44,257 00:39:47,384 about his planet, about his friends, that's what Star Wars Rebels is about. about his planet, about his friends, that's what Star Wars Rebels is about.
626 00:39:47,468 00:39:51,764 And that's why he's not in the other parts of Star Wars. And that's why he's not in the other parts of Star Wars.
627 00:39:52,974 00:39:55,559 We had to stay committed to the story that we were telling, We had to stay committed to the story that we were telling,
628 00:39:55,643 00:39:58,979 and not worry about the continuity or where was this person, and not worry about the continuity or where was this person,
629 00:39:59,063 00:40:02,066 why weren't they there? None of that stuff is important. why weren't they there? None of that stuff is important.
630 00:40:02,441 00:40:06,404 What's important is the dynamics between the characters that we have set up... What's important is the dynamics between the characters that we have set up...
631 00:40:06,904 00:40:10,782 and how do we fulfill the promises that we make really and how do we fulfill the promises that we make really
632 00:40:10,866 00:40:13,660 at the beginning of this series to the audience? at the beginning of this series to the audience?
633 00:40:13,744 00:40:16,247 Sometimes people get so wrapped up in continuity... Sometimes people get so wrapped up in continuity...
634 00:40:16,664 00:40:20,418 you finish a story and half the audience is, "Well, why did that happen?" you finish a story and half the audience is, "Well, why did that happen?"
635 00:40:21,085 00:40:23,254 Because none of those people are around. Because none of those people are around.
636 00:40:25,590 00:40:28,801 I can't get consumed by that, you know. I can't get consumed by that, you know.
637 00:40:29,635 00:40:33,388 This story, it had to be, to me, it had to be uplifting, This story, it had to be, to me, it had to be uplifting,
638 00:40:33,472 00:40:34,515 it had to be hopeful, it had to be hopeful,
639 00:40:34,599 00:40:38,144 because these are the things that George always wanted Star Wars to be. because these are the things that George always wanted Star Wars to be.
640 00:40:38,686 00:40:40,146 It's inspirational. It's inspirational.
641 00:40:41,480 00:40:46,569 It's telling a story and setting an example for how you overcome things. It's telling a story and setting an example for how you overcome things.
642 00:40:48,738 00:40:50,572 And so, I tried to stick to those ideas, And so, I tried to stick to those ideas,
643 00:40:50,656 00:40:53,056 things that we had talked about over the years... things that we had talked about over the years...
644 00:40:53,451 00:41:00,041 all went into the storytelling of Star Wars Rebels, to make it its own... all went into the storytelling of Star Wars Rebels, to make it its own...
645 00:41:01,042 00:41:04,837 piece of the Star Wars saga. piece of the Star Wars saga.
646 00:41:05,546 00:41:10,342 While not necessarily the Luke Skywalker family saga, it's separate from that, While not necessarily the Luke Skywalker family saga, it's separate from that,
647 00:41:10,426 00:41:12,594 but it's tangentially connected, but it's tangentially connected,
648 00:41:12,678 00:41:16,014 I think, in a meaningful way, because it's still... I think, in a meaningful way, because it's still...
649 00:41:16,098 00:41:20,436 I'm attempting to further the messages that were important to George... I'm attempting to further the messages that were important to George...
650 00:41:21,103 00:41:25,483 just in a different way than had been done before. just in a different way than had been done before.
651 00:41:25,650 00:41:30,738 And ultimately, you throw down these oppressors, this tyranny... And ultimately, you throw down these oppressors, this tyranny...
652 00:41:31,489 00:41:33,532 and the people come alive. and the people come alive.
653 00:41:33,616 00:41:38,036 From the example of these rebels, From the example of these rebels,
654 00:41:38,120 00:41:39,330 they see that... they see that...
655 00:41:40,706 00:41:43,376 they have power, they don't need to live in fear... they have power, they don't need to live in fear...
656 00:41:43,918 00:41:45,836 and they all become stronger. and they all become stronger.
657 00:41:45,920 00:41:48,380 And this is the moment for these heroes, And this is the moment for these heroes,
658 00:41:48,464 00:41:52,050 they believe they're going to have to fight now to keep the planet, they believe they're going to have to fight now to keep the planet,
659 00:41:52,134 00:41:55,220 but with everybody on their side, they know they can all fight together. but with everybody on their side, they know they can all fight together.
660 00:41:55,304 00:42:01,602 But because now we find out of the appearance of Luke Skywalker But because now we find out of the appearance of Luke Skywalker
661 00:42:01,686 00:42:06,440 not long after these events, the Empire turns its gaze away from Lothal not long after these events, the Empire turns its gaze away from Lothal
662 00:42:06,524 00:42:09,318 and chases after Luke Skywalker, and chases after Luke Skywalker,
663 00:42:09,402 00:42:12,113 and inevitably falls in the Battle of Endor. and inevitably falls in the Battle of Endor.
664 00:42:15,324 00:42:17,034 So, this was a long planned thing So, this was a long planned thing
665 00:42:17,118 00:42:20,371 that I tried to keep secret for the most part. that I tried to keep secret for the most part.
666 00:42:20,705 00:42:24,625 I wanted to parallel the end of the series I wanted to parallel the end of the series
667 00:42:24,709 00:42:26,418 with the very beginning sequence of shots. with the very beginning sequence of shots.
668 00:42:26,502 00:42:32,716 So these scenes of Sabine in the Tower are the same as the opening of Rebels, So these scenes of Sabine in the Tower are the same as the opening of Rebels,
669 00:42:32,800 00:42:37,805 where Ezra is standing in this very same Tower watching a Star Destroyer arrive. where Ezra is standing in this very same Tower watching a Star Destroyer arrive.
670 00:42:38,431 00:42:42,435 Now Sabine is watching this Jedi shuttle arrive. Now Sabine is watching this Jedi shuttle arrive.
671 00:42:42,977 00:42:44,936 I tried to include a little bit of everything I tried to include a little bit of everything
672 00:42:45,020 00:42:48,149 so we see the wolves one last time, though no more white wolf. so we see the wolves one last time, though no more white wolf.
673 00:42:48,983 00:42:54,321 They should both be the Gray wolves. Uh, we see the Loth-cats. They should both be the Gray wolves. Uh, we see the Loth-cats.
674 00:42:54,405 00:42:59,034 We see an end to the Kallus-Zeb saga. We see an end to the Kallus-Zeb saga.
675 00:42:59,118 00:43:03,748 And really, theirs is a saga of friendship and forgiving... And really, theirs is a saga of friendship and forgiving...
676 00:43:04,790 00:43:10,045 of understanding that, while his anger and his bitterness... of understanding that, while his anger and his bitterness...
677 00:43:10,546 00:43:15,384 over things that hurt him played into his role with the Empire... over things that hurt him played into his role with the Empire...
678 00:43:15,760 00:43:20,139 he does great good and is forgiven by these people in the end, Kallus, he does great good and is forgiven by these people in the end, Kallus,
679 00:43:20,389 00:43:24,559 and befriended by Zeb. A lot of questions. and befriended by Zeb. A lot of questions.
680 00:43:24,643 00:43:27,855 People give me a lot of questions about little Jacen here. People give me a lot of questions about little Jacen here.
681 00:43:28,355 00:43:30,315 We'll save those answers for another time. We'll save those answers for another time.
682 00:43:30,399 00:43:33,652 But isn't it wonderful to see little Jacen there, and Hera? But isn't it wonderful to see little Jacen there, and Hera?
683 00:43:33,736 00:43:35,488 We already know she's a great mom. We already know she's a great mom.
684 00:43:36,155 00:43:40,158 We already know it, but it's just fun We already know it, but it's just fun
685 00:43:40,242 00:43:42,995 to see here there with Chopper and Jacen. to see here there with Chopper and Jacen.
686 00:43:43,662 00:43:46,165 Again, she has her own little family dynamic. Again, she has her own little family dynamic.
687 00:43:48,083 00:43:52,546 And she's still piloting, she's such an active mom, which I love. And she's still piloting, she's such an active mom, which I love.
688 00:43:53,798 00:43:55,800 She's very inspirational that way. She's very inspirational that way.
689 00:43:56,801 00:43:59,094 But the most important moment now is here. But the most important moment now is here.
690 00:44:01,138 00:44:05,726 What I realized in trying to craft an ending was that... What I realized in trying to craft an ending was that...
691 00:44:06,310 00:44:09,021 what I like about some stories is that they really... what I like about some stories is that they really...
692 00:44:09,438 00:44:11,899 the ending presents a new beginning... the ending presents a new beginning...
693 00:44:13,025 00:44:15,075 and that a lot of stories that I liked... and that a lot of stories that I liked...
694 00:44:15,903 00:44:18,280 I would imagine how they continued. I would imagine how they continued.
695 00:44:20,157 00:44:24,328 I like the idea of sending these two women off on this adventure... I like the idea of sending these two women off on this adventure...
696 00:44:24,787 00:44:27,706 to find their friend that meant so much to their lives to find their friend that meant so much to their lives
697 00:44:27,790 00:44:32,878 that they would take and do another good turn for him. that they would take and do another good turn for him.
698 00:44:33,087 00:44:34,588 This is the only time, by the way, This is the only time, by the way,
699 00:44:34,672 00:44:39,092 that this show ends with the classic circle wipe and music swell, that this show ends with the classic circle wipe and music swell,
700 00:44:39,176 00:44:40,626 as John Williams always does. as John Williams always does.
701 00:44:40,719 00:44:43,305 Because that's how a proper Star Wars film ends, Because that's how a proper Star Wars film ends,
702 00:44:43,389 00:44:46,141 and it ends on that group shot, as you see, and it ends on that group shot, as you see,
703 00:44:46,225 00:44:50,896 the classic films always do that, the prequels as well. the classic films always do that, the prequels as well.
704 00:44:50,980 00:44:54,650 So, this was kind of a big way... So, this was kind of a big way...
705 00:44:57,027 00:45:01,531 to make another piece of Star Wars a test of all the things to make another piece of Star Wars a test of all the things
706 00:45:01,615 00:45:04,265 that my team and I had learned over the past 12 years. that my team and I had learned over the past 12 years.
707 00:45:04,577 00:45:09,373 And we put it all into this season in this finale. And we put it all into this season in this finale.
708 00:45:09,707 00:45:14,503 I could go on and on about Ahsoka and Sabine and what they're doing now... I could go on and on about Ahsoka and Sabine and what they're doing now...
709 00:45:15,588 00:45:18,632 but that's not the next series you're going to see. but that's not the next series you're going to see.
710 00:45:18,716 00:45:23,596 So we'll just wait, wait on that, uh, as the story takes shape, So we'll just wait, wait on that, uh, as the story takes shape,
711 00:45:23,888 00:45:27,933 and you know, as my mind figures it out. and you know, as my mind figures it out.
712 00:45:28,058 00:45:32,146 There's always another adventure to go on in the Star Wars galaxy. There's always another adventure to go on in the Star Wars galaxy.
713 00:45:32,730 00:45:34,273 Thanks for watching, guys. Thanks for watching, guys.