Because “The Clone Wars,” the Star Wars animated series set between “Attack of the Clones” and “Revenge of the Sith” is rather unwieldy and difficult to get into, I put together this episode guide earlier this year. Well, several people got some genuine use out of it and some even requested a similar guide for “Star Wars Rebels,” so I figured, why not? Let’s see if we can make this series more approachable as well.
My first big caveat to that statement is that Rebels is much more of a successful series than Clone Wars. It’s a much tighter story, revolving around a small group of characters, with a definitive beginning, middle and end. So by its very nature, it doesn’t require shortening in quite the same way (or at all).
My second big caveat is that the ending to this series is one of the best on TV, and it rewards longtime viewers in a multitude of ways, many of which you might miss out on if you’re skipping around.
BUT…
I get it. It’s a lot of episodes. Maybe you want to have a better idea what’s going on in “The Mandalorian” or you’re out for some fun crossovers or you just want the basic gist.
Here’s my attempt to distill the series down to its most essential episodes.
I’ll also add in a few more episodes in italics, which I suppose you might consider optional. These episodes offer more character depth, critical cameos, and/or important interpersonal relationships … basically, there’s value to be had in all of them for the overall story, but not enough to make my list of recommendations.
We dedicated an episode to each season of Rebels on the WhoDatJedi podcast, so I’ve embedded those episodes here as well (good listening as you experience the series for the first time; spoilers abound, so maybe listen AFTER you’ve watched.). Moreover, we did an episode on WHY to watch the series (with no spoilers), so perhaps that’s your best starting point if you haven’t begun your journey yet.
So with that, here we go!
Season 1:
Spark of Rebellion (Episodes 1-2)
Here you’re introduced to the main characters of the series, begin to learn the dynamics of how they’ll interact, and we get some good plot building for what to understand and expect from here on out.
Droids in Distress (Episode 3)
It’s mostly a throwaway episode featuring R2D2 and C-3PO, which don’t get me wrong, it’s always fun to see those two, but it sets off the series’ least successful habit of constantly throwing in cameos. The only reason I include it here is because it ends in such a way as to inform the series in a fairly impactful way later on.
Rise of the Old Masters (Episode 5)
This is your first genuine shot across the bow that tells us this isn’t just a series for kids. In addition to telling an important Jedi-centric tale (“Are there more surviving Jedi out there?”), this episode is creepy and a little gruesome and leans into some horror aspects in a very effective way (similar to what we’ve seen at times in “The Mandalorian.”)
Breaking Ranks (Episode 6)
I feel like there’s twelve or so of these “we’re going undercover!” espionage type of episodes (probably less than that, but it feels that way), so I hesitate to include any of them. This is the first one, probably the best of the bunch, and it introduces characters we’ll see again in Season 4.
Path of the Jedi (Episode 10)
Ezra and Kanan visit a Jedi Temple on Lothal, and while it’s a little light on revelatory happenings, it does move both of their stories forward and provides necessary groundwork for later episodes.
Vision of Hope (Episode 12)
Call to Action (Episode 13)
Rebel Resolve (Episode 14)
Fire Across the Galaxy (Episode 15)
These are the final four episodes of Season 1 (featuring Grand Moff Tarkin!), and they represent our family of Rebels falling deeper and deeper into trouble with the Empire. They’ll eventually all have to come to grips with just how “in it” they all want to be, thanks partially to the events that unfold here.
Season 2:
The Siege of Lothal (Episodes 1-2)
Darth Vader steps to the forefront to confront the Rebels, underlining just how ill-equipped and outgunned they all are.
The Lost Commanders (Episode 3)
Relics of the Old Republic (Episode 4)
Our band of Rebels seeks out and encounters a small group of Clone Troopers, led by Commander Rex. Rex in particular will become an important part of the cast by series’ end.
Brothers of the Broken Horn (Episode 6)
Some pirate-themed hilarity from Hondo (a regular in “Clone Wars” as well), this isn’t super important, but it does lay the groundwork for Hondo taking a heroic turn later on and why (his relationship with Ezra).
Wings of the Master (Episode 7)
Hera takes center stage here, and that’s always a good thing. We also get a fun origin story here of some Rebel tech. That said, it’s not super critical to the overall story.
Stealth Strike (Episode 9)
Kanan has to come to terms with his distrust and hatred of the Clones, which is some genuinely affecting material for the viewer.
Legacy (Episode 11)
Rebels is truly Ezra’s story more than anyone else’s, and this episode gives us a lot about him, his parents, and his ongoing relationships with the people who will connect him with his parents.
The Protector of Concord Dawn (Episode 13)
We’ve got a lot of Mandalorian content to sift through in this series, but thankfully most of it allows us to explore Sabine’s character in greater detail … while also giving us connective material to other shows.
Legends of the Lasat (Episode 14)
This is a much-needed expansion on Zeb’s storyline, but then again, it’s not particularly germane to the series at large, so here it sits in the optional category. I still like it a great deal.
The Call (Episode 15)
This episode, which centers around space whales called “purrgil,” seems entirely disposable when you watch it, but it’s a very important chapter in retrospect once you get to the end.
The Honorable Ones (Episode 17)
Zeb and Kallus had been doing a kind of disrespectful dance around one another for the better part of two seasons, and we finally get that story paid off here. What adds to the fun is a setting of Geonosis and all the callbacks that decision creates.
Shroud of Darkness (Episode 18)
Kanan and Ezra become convinced that they have to remove themselves from their friends’ presence so as to protect them from the Inquisitors, so they seek guidance from Ahsoka and the visions present in the Jedi Temple.
The Forgotten Droid (Episode 19)
The Mystery of Chopper Base (Episode 20)
This is basically a two-parter, though the second half of it is much more important to the overall narrative. If you want to indulge in “The Forgotten Droid,” you’ll get some good AP-5 action, and since I find him to be the funniest droid in the canon, that’s good too.
Twilight of the Apprentice (Episodes 21-22)
It’s of course subject to personal opinion, but in many quarters this is considered some of the best Star Wars put to film. Ahsoka’s reckoning with Darth Vader is at hand, as are Ezra’s flirtations with the Dark Side. There are grave consequences for all.
Season 3:
Steps into Shadow (Episodes 1-2)
Ezra and Kanan have fallen apart from one another some since the events at the end of Season 2, and consequently each is struggling to find balance. Ezra’s flirtations with the Dark Side ultimately bring Kanan out of his funk.
The Holocrons of Fate (Episode 3)
The chickens come home to roost with Maul and the Sith holocron, as the crew of the ghost gets kidnapped and Ezra and Kanan have to navigate a rescue along with a confrontation with Maul.
Hera’s Heroes (Episode 5)
Hera is pushed into direct conflict with Thrawn, who takes an interest in her and her family heirlooms … a plot point that will become critical later on.
The Last Battle (Episode 6)
A surviving combat unit from the Clone Wars picks a fight with the Rebels to settle a droid’s contention that the Separatists were superior to the Republic. I love this episode and find it to be one of the best “connective tissue” episodes between Clone Wars and Rebels, but it’s probably optional in regards to the overall narrative arc within Rebels.
Imperial Supercommandos (Episode 7)
It’s another episode heavy on Sabine, Fenn Rau and the Mandalorians, which is great for filling in more of that backstory (though this particular episode is a little more micro-focused than macro).
An Inside Man (Episode 10)
Our Rebels gain insight into the Empire’s newest weapons, but at great risk from Thrawn. Ultimately, they receive help from Fulcrum in order to escape.
Visions and Voices (Episode 11)
This episode is hugely important to longtime fans of the Clone Wars, as we get a return to Dathomir, Maul shenanigans, a return of the Night Sisters, and a cameo by a certain Excalibur-like weapon. More importantly, the principles here learn what their previous visions mean.
Ghosts of Geonosis (Episodes 12-13)
Saw Gerrera (Of Clone Wars and “Rogue One” fame) goes missing on Geonosis, so the crew of the Ghost investigates, finding not only Saw, but also some deeply held prejudice against the native species … and evidence of a mass extermination.
Trials of the Darksaber (Episode 15)
Legacy of Mandalore (Episode 16)
This is some meatier stuff with the Mandalorians, particularly as it relates to how the different clans interact with one another, what the current state of politics is on Mandalore, and how Sabine and her family fit into all of that.
Through Imperial Eyes (Episode 17)
This is a fun episode revolving around Kallus, subterfuge, and how things can tend to go sideways quickly when Thrawn is your opponent.
Secret Cargo (Episode 18)
Ultimately optional since you won’t really miss much of anything without it, it’s nevertheless a nice episode highlighting the skills and abilities of Hera and Ezra and provides a cool moment with Mon Mothma and the Rebellion at the end.
Double Agent Droid (Episode 19)
This might be the funniest Rebels episode; it certainly has a ton of fun bickering between the two resident droids Chopper and AP-5. It’s a personal favorite, but optional.
Twin Suns (Episode 20)
The tension of this episode — telling the story of Ezra’s final confrontation with Maul on Tatooine — is palpable throughout, and it culminates in some of the greatest moments in Star Wars television history.
Zero Hour (Episodes 21-22)
The Rebels are finally cornered by Thrawn’s forces, resulting in a desperate (and pretty epic) battle between the two sides. We have some pretty cool tactical moments, some yell out loud “hero” scenes, and even some pay-off to the Bendu storyline.
Season 4:
Heroes of Mandalore (Episodes 1-2)
This two-parter offers resolution to our Mandalorian subplots, including some much-needed catharsis for Sabine and a landing spot for the Darksaber.
In the Name of the Rebellion (Episodes 3-4)
The Occupation (Episode 5)
All three of these episodes help lay the groundwork for what’s to come over the final stretch of the series and help to tie in our cast of characters into the larger picture Rebellion. You can probably skip if you’re pressed for time.
Flight of the Defender (Episode 6)
Pretty much from here on out you’re going to want to watch everything as the series wraps itself up. This episode provides some plot points involving the Tie Defender and some spirit animals that will be important later.
Kindred (Episode 7)
Here we get further development of the spirit animal plot line from last episode, as well as an introduction to Thrawn’s assassin, Rukh.
Rebel Assault (Episode 9)
The Rebels commence their attack on the Empire, but Thrawn is prepared, and it goes horribly wrong, leaving Hera in a bad spot in particular.
Jedi Night (Episode 10)
Kanan puts Ezra in charge of planning a mission to save Hera, and said mission ends up having plenty of twists and turns.
DUME (Episode 11)
The aftermath of the previous episode gets dealt with here, as each main character has his or her own emotions to come to terms with. Ultimately, Ezra finds a pressing mission to take on.
Wolves and a Door (Episode 12)
A World Between Worlds (Episode 13)
Ezra’s mission to the Jedi Temple takes on pressing and important stakes, as a new power presents itself to both the Rebels … and the Empire. This arc is wonderful for fans of the Mortis arc from Clone Wars (and for fans of Indiana Jones).
A Fool’s Hope (Episode 14)
Family Reunion and Farewell (Episodes 15-16)
“We’re in the Endgame now.” These are the final episodes of the series. The Rebels hatch a plan to rid Lothal of its Imperial presence for good. How successful they are I won’t spoil, but I will reveal that we get an emotional sendoff for each of our main characters.