5 Things About ‘Star Wars: Rebels’ That Made Zero Sense and 5 Things That Made Perfect Sense

I’ve always been hooked on the Star Wars universe, and Star Wars: Rebels is a thrilling chapter that dives into the early sparks of the Rebellion. It’s packed with heart, action, and ties to the broader saga, but not everything lands smoothly. 

Some moments in the show feel like they were pulled straight from the Star Wars playbook, while others left me scratching my head. Let’s break down five things in Star Wars: Rebels (2014-2018) that didn’t add up and five that felt spot-on. 

Made Zero Sense: Ezra’s Rapid Force Growth

Ezra Bridger starts as a scrappy kid on Lothal with no clue about the Force. By the end of the series, he’s pulling off feats like controlling animals and accessing the World Between Worlds. 

This leap in power feels rushed. The show spans a few years, but Ezra’s training under Kanan Jarrus is spotty at best. Jedi training typically takes decades, yet Ezra masters complex abilities without much struggle. It’s exciting to watch, but it stretches belief. 

Made Perfect Sense: The Ghost Crew’s Found Family

The crew of the Ghost—Kanan, Hera Syndulla, Sabine Wren, Zeb Orrelios, Ezra, and Chopper—feels like a real family. Their bickering, loyalty, and growth together are the heart of the show. 

Each member’s unique skills and personality shine, from Hera’s steady leadership to Chopper’s grumpy antics. Their bond grounds the series in emotional truth, making their fight against the Empire deeply personal. 

Made Zero Sense: Thrawn’s Inconsistent Brilliance

Grand Admiral Thrawn is billed as a tactical genius, studying enemies’ art to outwit them. In Star Wars: Rebels(2014-2018), he often outmaneuvers the Ghost crew, but then lets them slip away. 

For someone so calculating, his failures—like losing to space whales or underestimating Ezra’s plans—feel out of character. The show wants him to be unbeatable but needs the heroes to win, creating a jarring disconnect. 

Made Perfect Sense: Ties to the Broader Star Wars Saga

Star Wars: Rebels (2014-2018) weaves seamlessly into the Star Wars timeline, set between Revenge of the Sith (2005) and A New Hope (1977). Cameos from Darth Vader, Princess Leia, and Lando Calrissian feel natural, not forced. 

The show also introduces elements like the Inquisitors and the World Between Worlds, which enrich the lore. These connections make the series feel like a vital piece of the galaxy’s story. 

Made Zero Sense: The Inquisitors’ Weak Threat

The Inquisitors, Force-wielding hunters tasked with killing Jedi, should be terrifying. Yet, they’re often defeated by Kanan and Ezra, who aren’t fully trained. 

Their lightsabers spin like helicopters, which looks cool but feels impractical. The Grand Inquisitor starts strong, but later Inquisitors become cannon fodder, undermining their menace and making the Empire seem less threatening. 

Made Perfect Sense: Kanan’s Mentor Role

Kanan Jarrus, a Jedi survivor of Order 66, is a standout as Ezra’s teacher. His own incomplete training makes him relatable, and his growth as a mentor is compelling. 

Freddie Prinze Jr.’s voice work brings depth to Kanan’s struggle with fear and duty. His guidance shapes Ezra while reflecting the Jedi’s resilience, making his arc a highlight of the series. 

Made Zero Sense: Sabine’s Sudden Force Sensitivity

Sabine Wren, a Mandalorian explosives expert, is never shown as Force-sensitive in Star Wars: Rebels (2014-2018). Yet, in Ahsoka (2023-), she suddenly uses the Force to push Ezra. 

The show doesn’t hint at this potential, making her later abilities feel like a retcon. Sabine’s strength lies in her tech and combat skills, so this shift feels unnecessary and forced. 

Made Perfect Sense: Hera’s Leadership

Hera Syndulla, voiced by Vanessa Marshall, is the Ghost’s pilot and the crew’s anchor. Her calm, strategic mind keeps the team focused during chaotic missions. 

Her Twi’lek heritage and rebel spirit tie into the broader fight against oppression. Hera’s growth into a key Rebellion figure feels earned, and her role in Ahsoka (2023-) cements her as a Star Wars legend. 

Made Zero Sense: The World Between Worlds

The World Between Worlds, a mystical dimension introduced in Star Wars: Rebels (2014-2018), lets Ezra access different times and places. It’s a cool concept but raises huge questions. 

If this place can alter history, why don’t more characters use it? Its rules are vague, and it feels like a plot device to save Ahsoka Tano. The idea is bold, but it’s too murky to fully work. 

Made Perfect Sense: Visual Style and Tone

The show’s art, inspired by Ralph McQuarrie’s original Star Wars concepts, captures the gritty, lived-in feel of the galaxy. TIE fighters, Star Destroyers, and Lothal’s landscapes look authentic. 

The tone balances adventure, humor, and drama, appealing to kids and adults alike. This fidelity to the Star Wars aesthetic makes Rebels feel like a love letter to the franchise. 

What’s your take on Star Wars: Rebels—which moments puzzled you or felt just right? Drop your thoughts in the comments!