Warning: This recap contains spoilers for the Star Wars Rebels episode “The Mystery of Chopper Base.” Jump into hyperspace and away from this page if you haven’t watched the episode yet.

As Chopper and AP-5 found a home for the Rebels, “The Mystery of Chopper Base” was all about moving in and learning about the planet’s wildlife. We’re heading into the two-part season finale next week, so it was interesting to have an idea about what’s ahead (which you know if you’ve watched any trailers for season two of Star Wars Rebels) and to see how it sort of puts a cloud over everything. The ominous mood was there regardless of whether you’ve seen any trailers, actually. Everyone knows the Force users are going off to face the Inquisitor problem, and everyone’s uneasy about it.

At first, I was disappointed we didn’t get one step closer to the events coming in the finale. However, this was our chance to pause, our chance to see the crew of the Ghost together as we’ve known them. It might not be the last time they’re all functioning as a family unit, but it certainly felt like a legitimate possibility. I couldn’t help but think about the future as I watched them all fight side by side against the spider-like creatures.

For the record, I don’t mind spiders, but I do agree with Zeb about anything having more than two legs being excessive.

Of course, the creatures started causing problems for the Rebels outside the area of the base. Sabine and Rex went to investigate the seemingly minor problem and instead found themselves in all sorts of trouble. (I couldn’t help but think of Shelob, because in my brain all spider-like things in fiction go back to Shelob.) Sabine quickly called for back up, and I liked seeing the team in action. Of course, it had an edge to it because of Hera mentioning they needed to get used to not having Kanan and Ezra around.

Backing up a little, the scene between Ezra and Zeb looking out at the sunset with Zeb blasting tunes was such a lovely vignette. Think back to where the pair started in season one. Zeb wasn’t an Ezra fan. Back then, they acted like rambunctious brothers. And now, they still act like brothers, but there’s a different kind of respect there. Zeb told Ezra they’d be able to share war stories later. They’re peers. It was sweet.

Another point to add to the overall unease was Ezra not being able to connect with the spider creatures. We’ve watched him wield the Force so well in that arena it’s just as jarring for us to see him fail as it was for him. For some reason, the way the beings recoiled made me worry about Ezra edging to the dark side. Especially when you think back to Ezra’s comment about equating winning with killing an Inquisitor. Then there was his funny but somewhat arrogant comment about being the last Jedi. None of it bodes well for the young apprentice.

Kanan’s still clearly trying his best to keep Ezra on the right path. He’s so preoccupied with what they must do he forgot to offer reassurance to Hera—though his attempt at an excited face was beyond adorable. He and Hera have been facing threats together for quite a while. It was clearly hard for her to come to terms with not being able to help with the current situation. With some prodding from Sabine, Kanan busted through Hera’s walls, and the two exchanged a comfort-filled hug. The embrace maybe melted my heart a little.

Overall, “The Mystery of Chopper Base” wasn’t near the top of my list of favorite or best episodes, but it was perhaps exactly what we needed. I have a hunch we’ll look back at it fondly after whatever the season two finale brings.

Favorite quotes:

• “More than two legs is just excessive.” – Zeb
• “You always change the subject when I start winning.” – Ezra

Did you like the last hurrah feel of “The Mystery of Chopper Base” or did you want something else from the last episode before the two-part season two finale? Talk to me in the comments.

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IMAGES: Disney XD