Should I Watch Rebels After Clone Wars?

If you're a fan of the Star Wars universe, you might be wondering whether to dive into Star Wars Rebels after finishing Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Both series are set in the same expansive galaxy but cover different time periods and focus on different characters and themes. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you decide whether to make Rebels your next watch.

1. Continuity and Timeline

Star Wars: The Clone Wars takes place between Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. It explores the events of the Clone Wars and the adventures of the Jedi and clone troopers during this conflict. On the other hand, Star Wars Rebels is set between Episode III and Episode IV: A New Hope, covering the rise of the Rebellion against the Galactic Empire.

Watching Rebels after Clone Wars provides a chronological continuation of the Star Wars saga. It offers insights into the transition from the Republic to the Empire, and the early stages of the Rebellion that eventually leads to the events of the original trilogy.

2. Characters and Storylines

Star Wars Rebels introduces a new cast of characters, including Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus, Hera Syndulla, Sabine Wren, and Garazeb "Zeb" Orrelios. While these characters are new, the show also brings back familiar faces from The Clone Wars, such as Ahsoka Tano and Darth Maul. Their presence links the two series and adds depth to the overarching Star Wars narrative.

The storyline of Rebels focuses on the formation of the Rebellion, with the crew of the Ghost ship playing a crucial role in the early resistance against the Empire. The show delves into themes of hope, resistance, and the fight for freedom, building on the foundations laid in The Clone Wars.

3. Thematic Elements

While The Clone Wars explores the complexities of war, politics, and the moral dilemmas faced by the Jedi, Rebels shifts the focus to the struggle against oppression and the formation of a unified resistance. Both series share a commitment to deep storytelling and character development but approach their themes from different angles.

4. Animation and Style

Both The Clone Wars and Rebels are animated series produced by Lucasfilm Animation. The Clone Wars features a more realistic animation style with detailed character designs and environments. In contrast, Rebels adopts a more stylized, cartoonish look, which some viewers find charming and distinctive.

5. Why Watch Rebels After Clone Wars

• Narrative Continuity: Watching Rebels after Clone Wars ensures you experience the chronological progression of the Star Wars saga, with Rebels continuing the story from where Clone Wars left off.
• Character Development: The development of characters introduced in The Clone Wars, such as Ahsoka Tano, is further explored in Rebels. Understanding her journey adds emotional depth to the series.
• Expanded Universe: Rebels expands the Star Wars universe by introducing new characters and storylines that enrich the overall lore. It offers a fresh perspective while connecting to the familiar elements of The Clone Wars.

6. Viewing Experience

For fans who appreciate the rich tapestry of the Star Wars universe, watching Rebels after Clone Wars enhances the viewing experience. The narrative threads, character arcs, and thematic elements build on each other, creating a more immersive and satisfying experience.

Conclusion

In summary, watching Star Wars Rebels after Star Wars: The Clone Wars is a great choice if you want to continue exploring the Star Wars universe. The series complement each other well, with Rebels providing a natural continuation of the story and deepening your understanding of the Star Wars galaxy. Whether you're interested in the development of beloved characters or the unfolding of new stories, Rebels offers a rewarding experience for any Star Wars fan.