Why Star Wars Rebels Has Failed to Reach the Popularity of the Clone Wars

Star Wars Rebels returned last Wednesday  from an absence that lasted a couple of months.

Now that everyone has seen the midseason trailer, it’s safe to say the excitement has returned.

Here is the main point. Star Wars Rebels has been a good show but it’s very much below the bar set by Star Wars The Clone Wars.

The level of entertainment that Star Wars: The Clone Wars represents is about as captivating and compelling as anything Star Wars related.

From the very first episode in TCW, the action is tremendous.

But it’s not just all about the action that made this TV series absolutely sensational, it’s the vast and far-reaching storylines that accompanies all the extensive combat scenes.

We see so many different individual backstories that range from Obi-Wan and his past lover, Yoda and his struggle to keep the Order intact, Asajj Ventress trying to find belonging all the way to the many individual worlds in the Galaxy that try to pick sides during the tumultuous times that are the Clone Wars.

THAT is what is at the very core of this show. That is why TCW is so very special.

So, what’s wrong with Rebels?

Let’s get to it.

The Time Period

Rebels takes place 14 years after “Revenge of the Sith” which means the Galaxy is in a relatively quiet lull.

Since those who oppose the Empire and all that it represents are either dead or among the shadows, the opportunity for action is slim.

It’s hard to match TCW series and all its awesomeness when that show takes place right in the middle of a gruesome and bloody war!

The Characters

You see TCW benefited greatly from being in the height of the most complicated, ironic and calamitous time periods within Star Wars history.

Practically every single character was able to be utilized throughout TCW.

Even Darth Maul and Qui-Gon returned to action.

As for Rebels, it’s a different story.

The main characters are, well, I’m just going to put it out there.

They’re pretty bland.

When you compare it to TCW, Rebels doesn’t even come close.

The Lack of Death

I’m a firm believer that TV shows in which the main cast remains alive and well regardless of the circumstances can be great.

I also believe that shows in which no character is safe at any time well, I believe these shows are the extraordinary.

Besides the top players in TCW like Anakin, Kenobi, Mace, Yoda, Palpatine etc. it was fair game on everyone else.

That risk, that idea that any character can be eliminated here or later is what kept the viewer on the edge of his or her seat.

Now with Rebels, it is exceedingly different.

We have seen only one main character die. Literally just one…

Besides the Grand Inquisitor, no other character that has been presented to us has died.

Now there is hope for this trend to end as we only recently discovered that Ezra’s parents, after much speculation, did indeed meet their end.

This might seem cold but that’s what makes good entertaining TV.

In order for Rebels to get on the level of TCW, we must see more of that, we must see more death.

The Slow-Paced Episodes

Throughout the 121 episodes in TCW, I would say only about five episodes were slow.

With that being said, Rebels is almost the opposite.

Now I want to be clear on this.

As I said before, there is a major reason for this. With a major Galaxy-wide conflict going on, TCW would of course be more action-packed.

Nonetheless, the entertainment value tends to suffer if the material is a bit slow.

Thus far, Rebels has been a bit slow.

In order for it to catch the vaunted level of enjoyment TCW has given to us, Star Wars Rebels must pick up the pace.

Why There Is Hope

I might be coming off a bit harsh on Rebels but believe me, I’m a huge fan.

With that being said, I do believe there is strong reason to be optimistic.

Before I continue, I must be fair.

This show has been awesome, it is a great show.

But as the title of this article states, it has not reached the point of TCW…yet.

If you’re reading this than you’re a Star Wars fan.

In that case, I’m sure you’ve seen the midseason trailer for Rebels.

That trailer is exactly why we should expect an uptick in the entertainment.

Things should start to get real crazy for our Rebellion friends.

As the show starts to introduce new and old characters, it certainly is starting to feel a lot like TCW.

From Princess Leia to my personal favorite Darth Maul, we’re in for a treat!

So hold on, be patient and understand this.

From a logical standpoint, Disney is calling the shots and if there is any company within the world that knows how to make money and gather excitement, it’s the Mickey Mouse corporation.

-Sith Pacify out