Warning: This recap contains spoilers for the Star Wars Rebels episode “Secret Cargo.” Jump into hyperspace and away from this page if you haven’t watched the episode yet.
If all the rebel cells in Star Wars Rebels had Facebook pages, they’d be updating their statuses to “in a relationship” after the recent episode. The animated series has been building towards unifying the pockets of resistance around the galaxy since day one, and the time has arrived. One of the Rebel Alliance’s architects, Mon Mothma, has realized she can’t fight against Emperor Palpatine in any kind of effective manner from the Senate. She decides to be bold and make a dangerous and important move against him by publicly speaking out.
Mon, voiced by Genevieve O’Reilly, the actor who portrayed her in Rogue One, called the Emperor a lying executioner. She did it in front of witnesses; her tirade against Palpatine made it to the HoloNet. Anyone who read Rogue One: The Ultimate Visual Guide will recognize the key event from a biography note in the book. It’s a big step for anyone to take, but especially so for Mon Mothma. Everything we’ve seen of her at this point in films and animated series (she appeared now and again in Star Wars: The Clone Wars) has painted a quiet portrait of the character. She’s careful. She listens. She has strength, to be sure, but we don’t see it outwardly illustrated like with this speech. That she would let the cards fall where they may is proof Mon Mothma is over the Empire and wants the galaxy to see to the heart of Palpatine’s actions.
This latest entry to the Mon Mothma database has me more interested in the character. She’s someone who has benefited from the cohesive nature of Lucasfilm’s current approach to canon. She’s popped up now and again on-screen and in books, and the information adds up to give us a more complete picture–particularly in the post-Return of the Jedi era.
Mon’s proclamation brings her to the doorstep of the Ghost in “Secret Cargo.” She’s on her way to a secret meeting intended to build an alliance. Two other elements about her mission are familiar. First of all, she’s being escorted by Gold Squadron, which means Gold Leader (voiced by Yuri Lowenthal) is with her. Two Jon Vander appearances in a span of three months? We’re living in fine times. And their meeting? It’s taking place above Dantooine. No big deal, just the planet Leia gave as the location of the rebel base in A New Hope. Perhaps we’ll see our rebels head there in season four?
Anyway. As we get closer to Rogue One and A New Hope, I’m curious to see if these run-ins with known characters will become more common. I don’t think so. For one thing, budgets and production timelines probably keep them from going easter egg crazy. Also, it’s not Dave Filoni‘s style to include names and faces for the sake of including them.
When Gold Squadron runs into Imperial trouble, they turn to Hera and crew for assistance. I’m not thrilled about Ezra taking the place of one of the lady pilots (she got hurt in battle) and then being an ace with the Y-wing. Like, he shouldn’t be on the same level as Gold Leader. Ezra does have the Force, though, and we saw Luke jump into an X-wing for the first time and fire the destroying shot on the Death Star so… Maybe I’m letting my general feelings about Ezra color my opinion.
Thrawn anticipated Hera’s sneaky move to get Mon Mothma out of the sector without being detected, because of course, but I liked how even with all his calculations and predictions, the rebels still outsmarted him. The group isn’t afraid to take actions the Empire wouldn’t consider. Going through the nebula was risky on its own, but to get away, they fired upon the nebula in order to cause an explosion that would affect the Imperial ships. The move was peak Hera and a rebel tactic through and through. They’re scrappy and have so much to lose, yet they don’t bow down.
Once they arrived safe and sound to Dantooine, Mon Mothma spoke eloquently and passionately. As she does. She’s exhibiting her leadership skills, and others are answering her call. “This is our rebellion.” Yes, yes it is.
What do you think about Mon Mothma’s role in the episode? Tell me in the comments or come talk to me on Twitter.
Images: Disney XD
