In The Gathering, a season five episode of STAR WARS: The Clone Wars, fans were treated to a golden surprise. The episode unfolded as a rich and deep expansion of Jedi lore, the likes of which had never been seen on screen. The story detailed how Jedi Padawan relied upon their connection to the living force to find their kyber crystals and eventually build their own lightsabers. The episode turned out to be one of the best stand alone stories about the Jedi and provided a greater understanding of what it meant to be a Jedi at the height of their power and influence.
Path Of The Jedi, the newest episode of STAR WARS: Rebels stands next to The Gathering as a powerfully engrossing tale that expands upon what we know about the Jedi and their practices but further expands the audiences understanding of what it means to be a Jedi Padawan and a Jedi Master in a time of great darkness.
As the episode opens, Kanan is obviously very concerned for his young Padawan. In the previous episode entitled Gathering Forces, Ezra had a powerful and dark connection to the living force that startled Kanan and lead him to doubt his abilities as a Jedi Master. Now Kanan needs to ensure that his Padawan is meant to be a Jedi. Kanan and Ezra set out to find a hidden Jedi Temple and are both surprised to find that there is one on Lothal.
As they find the temple it becomes clear that this moment is something that will try Ezra and determine if the Jedi path is for him. This is Ezra's Jedi trial. As Kanan and Ezra part ways in the temple, Ezra ask's his master what exactly he is looking for. Kanan tells him "Nothing... And everything." That is exactly what he finds.
Path Of The Jedi goes a long way towards understanding the differences between becoming a Jedi during a time of prosperity and becoming a Jedi in a desperately dark time. While a Padawan in the old Republic had time grow and prosper in the living force. Jedi Padawan like Ezra Bridger or Luke Skywalker don't have that luxury. They have to grow into their powers in a complicated way. Their training will proceed at the dictates of circumstance and the will living force. And they'll have to use whatever means or resources are at their disposal.
Without a doubt, Path Of The Jedi is the best episode of STAR WARS: Rebels so far. In a single episode the show has proved that it has a promising future, and has the potential to tell some incredibly strong stories. That and the fact that Frank Oz returns as the voice of an older, wiser, and somewhat beleaguered Yoda. STAR WARS: Rebels returns to Disney XD tonight, January 4th.
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