Ezra Bridger is without a doubt my favorite Star Wars character so far, having been able to watch him flourish over four seasons alongside his kind and wise master, Kanan Jarrus. The action was great but I liked the animation in the scene of Ezra talking to Thrawn because it shows their contrasts so well; Thrawn physically towers over Ezra in a gesture of intimidation and his eerie blue skin reflects his cold controlled mannerisms Ezra, in contrast, is in “warm colors” of orange and yellow and he speaks out boldly to Thrawn. The moments where Ezra’s also being tempted by the Emperor as a kindly figure and offering Ezra an alternative life, bathed in gold light, highlights Ezra’s temptation. He doesn’t *want* to join the Dark Side but he’s being offered what he desires most in such a tempting form that no wonder he has tears in his eyes.

Filoni worked with George Lucas on “Clone Wars” and you can tell he pays attention to details. By letting Ezra and Thrawn be out of the picture for the original trilogy, we don’t have to wonder where they are while Luke is having his own adventures. Ezra’s friends took Lothal back without the Rebellion, which is why the events of Scarif in “Rogue One” count as the Rebellion’s first official victory. Also, Thrawn’s TIE factory was destroyed which is why we don’t see those new fighters in the original trilogy. Filoni thinks of *everything*

There were a few times I also felt the violence was held back a bit but as you said, necessary for Disney XD. It was more graphic in “Clone Wars” and sometimes I preferred it that way, other times I thought it just went too far. But “Rebels” revolves around the family unit and the smaller victory of freeing Lothal, as opposed to the entire galaxy, is intimate and sincere.

I’m also intrigued about Ahsoka/Sabine team-up but most of all, Ezra and Thrawn’s fate. Having Thrawn as new canon opens doors to new areas of the SW universe including his people and homeworld in the Unknown Regions. I would love to see Ezra taken to the Chiss to train as a warrior, though he has no reason to trust Thrawn so that would be an interesting challenge.