Clone Wars Episodes to Watch Before Rebels

Before diving into Star Wars: Rebels, it’s crucial to watch key episodes of The Clone Wars that lay the groundwork for characters, plotlines, and significant events that heavily influence the Rebels series. The following list highlights the essential episodes, ensuring you get the most out of your Star Wars experience.

1. Season 2, Episodes 1-3: "Holocron Heist," "Cargo of Doom," and "Children of the Force"

These episodes introduce the character of Cad Bane, a notorious bounty hunter who later appears in Rebels. His role in the capture of a Jedi Holocron and the kidnapping of Force-sensitive children hints at the growing threat to the Jedi and sets the stage for the future Empire's interest in young Force users, which becomes a key theme in Rebels.

2. Season 3, Episodes 15-17: "Overlords," "Altar of Mortis," and "Ghosts of Mortis"

This arc delves into the mystical Force and introduces the concept of the Mortis gods: the Father, the Son, and the Daughter. These episodes are crucial for understanding the deep connections to the Force explored in Rebels, especially concerning characters like Ahsoka Tano and Ezra Bridger.

3. Season 4, Episodes 21-22: "Padawan Lost" and "Wookiee Hunt"

Here, we see Ahsoka Tano's development as she leads a group of younglings to survive on a hostile planet after being captured by Trandoshan hunters. This arc showcases her leadership and survival skills, which become vital in Rebels when she re-emerges as a key figure in the fight against the Empire.

4. Season 5, Episodes 1-5: "Revival," "Eminence," "Shades of Reason," and "The Lawless"

These episodes focus on Darth Maul and his brother Savage Opress as they form an alliance with Mandalorian warriors. The arc leads to significant shifts in Mandalore's power dynamics, which directly impact the plot in Rebels where the Mandalorians play a pivotal role in the galaxy’s future.

5. Season 5, Episodes 6-9: "A Test of Strength," "Bound for Rescue," "A Necessary Bond," and "Secret Weapons"

The Young Jedi arc features a group of Jedi younglings learning the ways of the Force, crafting their lightsabers, and surviving a series of challenges. This arc is key for understanding the plight of young Force-sensitive beings, a theme that reappears in Rebels.

6. Season 5, Episodes 17-20: "Sabotage," "The Jedi Who Knew Too Much," "To Catch a Jedi," and "The Wrong Jedi"

This four-part arc is critical as it follows Ahsoka Tano’s trial for a bombing she did not commit. The events lead to her leaving the Jedi Order, a decision that profoundly impacts her character and her role in Rebels as a rebel and a mentor to the Ghost crew.

7. Season 6, Episodes 1-4: "The Unknown," "Conspiracy," "Fugitive," and "Orders"

This arc focuses on the discovery of the Order 66 plot by clone trooper Fives. The events shed light on the clones' manipulation by the Sith, explaining the tragic events of Revenge of the Sith and giving context to the clones' presence in Rebels, particularly in their interaction with the Ghost crew.

8. Season 6, Episode 13: "Sacrifice"

In this final episode of Season 6, Yoda travels to Moraband, the ancient Sith homeworld, and learns deep secrets about the Sith and the Force. This episode's exploration of the dark side and Yoda's confrontation with ancient Sith spirits adds depth to the ongoing conflict in Rebels.

9. Season 7, Episodes 9-12: "Old Friends Not Forgotten," "The Phantom Apprentice," "Shattered," and "Victory and Death"

These final episodes of The Clone Wars overlap with Revenge of the Sith and provide closure to Ahsoka Tano's story within the series. The Siege of Mandalore and Order 66’s execution are crucial for understanding Ahsoka’s mindset and actions when she appears in Rebels.

Watching these episodes will give you a thorough understanding of the critical events and character arcs that are crucial to Star Wars: Rebels. Each of these episodes highlights significant developments in the broader Star Wars narrative, providing a rich background that enhances the viewing experience of Rebels.