Warning: This recap contains spoilers for the Star Wars Rebels episode “Through Imperial Eyes.” Jump into hyperspace and away from this page if you haven’t watched the episode yet.
Given the title of Star Wars Rebels, it’s fitting the animated series largely focuses on the Rebel Alliance side of the fight. “Through Imperial Eyes” changed the perspective, but since we have an Imperial who is actually a rebel spy, it’s still fitting. The episode began by literally looking through Imperial eyes, as we saw the world from Kallus’ perspective. I don’t know if the format would have worked for the entire 20 minutes, but it was a creative way to begin.
Kallus as Fulcrum is an arc I’ve been on board with and hoping for since “The Honorable Ones.” I know his time on the icy moon didn’t happen a long time ago, but the experience with Zeb marked an epiphany for Kallus. He’s done awful things, sure. He was on board with doing said awful acts in the name of the Empire. But some of us come to realizations later than others, and Kallus being faced with Zeb’s situation seemed like the last straw and a push of inspiration to switch sides. And it did take a while for us to see Kallus as Fulcrum, so it’s enough for me to believe in his transition, even if I don’t necessarily think he’s redeemed or completely forgiven for his past transgressions.
That was a long way for me to say I’ve been waiting to get more Kallus and see where his head is. I knew Thrawn was suspicious of having an Imperial spy in their midst, and it was only a matter of time before he applied his analytical, Sherlock Holmes-esque mind to the problem. I don’t think I’m wrong in saying many fans who are familiar with Thrawn from Legends like seeing the intelligent, deductive skills of the villain the most. We got Thrawn-ness in spades. He set a trap for Fulcrum, and though Kallus tried to work around him, he wasn’t successful.
I was impressed with Kallus’ level of cleverness but not surprised. He’s an Imperial Security Bureau agent. If he has such a position, he has the smarts to go with it. His job has been to track down those who betray the Empire or conspire against it, so of course he knows how to game the system. He totally set up Lieutenant Lyste, and I liked seeing the overeager youthful officer put into his place. I do feel like Kallus underestimated Thrawn, especially by altering the map. It’s Thrawn. How much do you want to bet he has the map memorized and will now know exactly what planet the rebels are calling home because of what Kallus did?
Of course, Kallus only really got busted because of Ezra. I don’t know if Sabine and Ezra will ever realize their role in getting Kallus caught, but I hope not. Sabine doesn’t need to feel guilty about anything else. It’s a real bitch that Thrawn knows art and is familiar with her techniques. Most Imperials wouldn’t have paid attention to her graffiti beyond seeing the art as nuisance. Thrawn not only noticed the art but recognized the style and who is responsible. That quality is one reason he’s valuable to the Emperor and the Empire. He sees what others dismiss.
Bonus points for this episode:
- The Kanan and Rex dynamic was delightful. I like the way they joke back and forth.
- Yularen! I’ve been rewatching Star Wars: The Clone Wars and have seen the character pop up again and again. I know he transitioned from the Republic to the Empire, like many other officers did, but it’s still startling to see the guy who worked with the Jedi buying into the Empire’s nonsense. This episode was a harsh reminder of how they operate and how many people have no problem with it, and in fact, see it as the right side of history to join.
- Finally, I admire Kallus’ decision to stay behind. He thought he was in the clear, but it would been easier on him to officially defect and go into hiding. He’s remaining where he is because he thinks he can do more good, and it’s a brave move. Of course, it’s going to backfire because Thrawn’s onto him…
What did you think of “Through Imperial Eyes?” Do you buy into how far Kallus has come? Tell me in the comments or come talk to me on Twitter.
Images: Disney XD
