In Rebels Recon #1.05, StarWars.com looks at the making of the Star Wars Rebels episode "Breaking Ranks," with an in-depth breakdown of the creation of an episode, interviews with the cast and creators, and more! "Breaking Ranks" finds Ezra on an undercover mission at the Imperial Academy on Lothal, seeking to uncover an Imperial decoder. While there, he befriends two fellow cadets who help him on his mission; in turn, the decoder is essential for Hera and Kanan, who need it to disrupt an Imperial shipment. At the Art and Science of Lucasfilm panel in partnership with the San Francisco Film Society Education, the Star Wars Rebels team spoke with local students about creating an episode from start to finish. Line producer Athena Portillo detailed the process, showing the evolution of "Breaking Ranks" from rough animatics to layout to post production. In discussing "Breaking Ranks," Lucasfilm's Andi Gutierrez asks Taylor Gray, voice of Ezra, if adult stormtroopers could complete the training in the Imperial Academy. "No...I'm going to say they can't do half the things that they think they can," he jokes. Executive producer Dave Filoni adds that clone troopers are more effective soldiers than stormtroopers; clones are bred for combat, while stormtroopers have to serve. He also reveals that the training grounds were based on the Kamino facilities seen in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, as well as the bounty-hunter gauntlet from the episode "The Box." Regarding the design of Star Wars Rebels' stormtroopers, Filoni says that the goal was to make them look familiar to what we've seen in the films. While there was talk of having them appear closer to Ralph McQuarrie's stormtrooper designs, it was decided that McQuarrie's conceptual versions were too different from the troopers' classic look. For this week's Twitter question, @mike_audette asks a question regarding the Inquisitor's use of Luminara's remains to draw Kanan into a trap in "Rise of the Old Masters": "How the heck can the Inquisitor do that with Luminara?! Are there more dead Jedi like that?!?" Pablo Hidalgo of the Story Group fills in some of the backstory regarding Luminara, as well as what made Kanan think she was really still alive...

In Rebels Recon #1.06, StarWars.com talks with the creators of the Star Wars Rebels episode "Out of Darkness," looks at the character-design process, and shows a special preview of “Empire Day.” "Out of Darkness" finds Sabine growing frustrated with Hera and Kanan’s secrecy. The Mandalorian demands to accompany Kanan on a rendezvous with a mysterious contact, but the two find that their meeting place is infested with deadly fyrnocks. They escape, and Sabine learns to have faith in Hera’s leadership. At the Art and Science of Lucasfilm panel in partnership with the San Francisco Film Society Education, the Star Wars Rebels team spoke with local students. Art director Kilian Plunkett showed the design process for Chopper and Kanan; it begins with 2-D illustrations, and both characters went through significant evolutions. Chopper originally had a very Artoo-like dome, and Kanan did not always have his trademark ponytail and goatee. Sculpted maquettes finalize the process, showing how the character looks in three dimensions. In “Out of Darkness,” Hera and Sabine take center stage. Pablo Hidalgo tells Lucasfilm’s Andi Gutierrez that Hera is “the true believer of the show. She has the absolute unquestioning faith in the cause of what they’re fighting for.” Dave Filoni, executive producer, thinks she’s interesting because she’s a mother figure, but also has a pilot’s swagger and toughness. Sabine has her own strengths. “I think Sabine’s really good at thinking on her feet,” says co-creator and associate producer Carrie Beck. “While other people may get caught up in the moment…she’s able to dive in head first and figure her way out of a situation.” Hidalgo asserts that she’s also highly educated, and that will be explored. For this week's Twitter question, @a_targaryen asks about what the Empire has in store for the kyber crystals it’s after. Hidalgo says that as kyber crystals are used to focus energy to create a lightsaber blade, giant kyber crystals could be used to create a very dangerous weapon…

In Rebels Recon #1.07, StarWars.com talks with the creators of the Star Wars Rebels episode "Empire Day," examines the animation process, and shows a special preview of “Gathering Forces.” "Empire Day" finds Ezra troubled during Jedi training. He is unable to let go of a deep anger reinforced by the holiday – which is also his birthday. The Ghost crew bombs a TIE prototype at an Imperial parade, and a long lost friend named Tseebo may know what happened to his parents. But the Inquisitor and the Empire are closing in… At the Art and Science of Lucasfilm panel in partnership with the San Francisco Film Society Education, Keith Kellogg, animation supervisor, discussed the process of bringing characters to full animated life. First, they create a full skeleton and create real joints. Animators pull on these joints to move the characters; this is tested by manipulating different body parts, facial features, walking, and running. In this week’s deep dive, Lucasfilm’s Andi Gutierrez talks to executive producer Dave Filoni about how the average citizen feels about Empire Day. “One thing I know,” he says, “is that at the end of the Clone Wars, the Empire was a celebrated thing. But over time, it becomes clear that the Empire is representing fear.” Pablo Hidalgo of the Story Group adds that many in attendance at the Lothal parade were there because they had to be. As for the parade, it was an interesting look into life under the Empire, and one that was carefully considered. “It was a challenging scene to do,” Filoni says. “…I don’t think our rebel crew would’ve wanted to actually hurt any of the bystanders there. But they are trying to just display that the Empire doesn’t have as much control as they would like everyone to believe.”

In Rebels Recon #1.08, StarWars.com interviews the cast and creators of Star Wars Rebels about the episode "Gathering Forces," features highlights from a fan Q&A, and shows a special preview of “Path of the Jedi.” Picking up where “Empire Day” leaves off, “Gathering Forces” finds the Ghost crew pursued by the Inquisitor. During the chase, Ezra grows angry with his old family friend Tseebo, who may have answers as to the fate of Ezra’s parents. Later, Ezra does confront his fear and connects with the Force; but during a confrontation with the Inquisitor, he unknowingly embraces the power of the dark side. At the Art and Science of Lucasfilm panel in partnership with the San Francisco Film Society Education, executive producer Dave Filoni discussed why his team created the Star Wars Rebels series. “We all kind of felt pretty strongly that in George [Lucas]’ absence,” he says, “as we were moving on with the company and he wasn’t, that we shouldn’t make that story anymore about Clone Wars without him…We thought we’d tell the story about rebels.” It also allows them to put some humor into the series, with the heroes a little more fun and on the run from the villains. In this week’s deep dive, Lucasfilm’s Andi Gutierrez talks to associate producer Carrie Beck about creating villains, particularly the Inquisitor. “It’s important to understand,” she says, “what their ideology is.” Filoni says that the voice provided by Jason Isaacs for the Inquisitor is essential. “Jason does such a fantastic job at being this guy,” he says, “and bringing a calmness to his evil, an intellectual aspect to his evil, that we haven’t really had before.” The Story Group’s Pablo Hidalgo explains that there is a parallel between the Inquisitor in Rebels and the villains of the old Star Wars role playing games. “Gathering Forces” delves more into Ezra’s backstory, but voice actor Taylor Gray says he’s been kept in the dark. “I’m lucky to get anything that’s even in the episode,” he reveals. Filoni explains that there is an overall outline for their characters, they’re “open to opportunities that come along the way.” For this week's Twitter question, @jonmauer_power asks about why Kanan seems overpowered by the Inquisitor…

In Rebels Recon #1.09, StarWars.com interviews the cast and creators of Star Wars Rebels about the episode "Path of the Jedi," takes a behind-the-scenes look at the show's editing process, and shows a special preview of “Idiot's Array.” In "Path of the Jedi” Ezra and Kanan embark on a quest to find a hidden Jedi Temple and undergo an essential rite in Jedi training, one that will test their resolve and convictions. Together, master and padawan move forward in their journey thanks to insight from a distant Jedi Master. Upon the completion of the harrowing trial, Ezra receives a small Kyber crystal and is able to construct his own lightsaber. Star Wars Rebels editors Alex McDonnell and Joe Elwood give an inside look at their work on the show. "It's an editor's job to be the spokesperson for the audience," says McDonnell of their role in the production process, and discusses the emotions that editors can create by using varying angles and pace. Elwood adds that when looking at an episode as a whole, the biggest part of their job is to connect the story points and "make sure everything makes sense." In this week’s deep dive, Lucasfilm’s Andi Gutierrez talks to associate producer Carrie Beck and the Lucasfilm Story Group's Pablo Hidalgo about Jedi Temples and their function as a center of the Force. “We've seen a couple in Clone Wars,” he says, “so we know that there are other Temples scattered throughout the galaxy.” When discussing Ezra's trial within the Temple, Beck emphasizes that "the Temple environment is responsive to who you are," and adds that this reflects Luke's trial on Dagobah. “Path of the Jedi" marks the symbolic return of Jedi Master Yoda, voiced by the character's original voice actor Frank Oz, which executive producer Dave Filoni calls "a great thrill." For this week's Twitter question, @ericgeller asks about the Imperial Army...

In Rebels Recon #1.10, StarWars.com goes behind the scenes of the Star Wars Rebels episode "Idiot's Array" for the inside scoop on Lando Calrissian's return and much more. "Idiot's Array" finds Zeb in a high-stakes game of sabacc with a mysterious smuggler. His name: Lando Calrissian. Zeb bets -- and loses -- Chopper, but Lando agrees to return the droid and pay the Ghost crew for passage past Lothal's Imperial blockade. The slippery Calrissian seemingly double crosses the team, turning Hera over to the gangster Azmorigan in exchange for a puffer pig; but when Hera escapes, the smooth-talking scoundrel says it was all part of his plan. Ultimately, Lando returns Chopper, and the crew realizes the the astromech is an essential part of the team. This week, the Recon team completes their visit with the Star Wars Rebels editorial department, learning how sounds and visuals come together for a final episode."The editorial department is kind of the gatekeeper for the entire show," says editor Joe Elwood. "We touch every aspect." Every single aspect of the show comes through editorial, and Elwood illustrates how various elements -- from rough animation to sound to final animation -- are layered and combined to bring a scene to life. Episodes go through different phases, including story, layout, animation, and lighting, before all work is done. In this week's deep dive, Lucasfilm's Andi Gutierrez speaks with the Star Wars Rebels team about bringing back a certain ol' smoothie. "I think you have to remember that the Lando that you see in "Idiot's Array" is very much a smuggler and a schemer," associate producer Carrie Beck says. The Story Group's Pablo Hidalgo agrees, saying that this younger Lando "has a lot of irons in the fire." And when it came to the voice of the character, there was really only one option. "Lando's so charismatic and his personality is so defined by his voice," Hidalgo says, "that you couldn't not have Billy Dee [Williams] in it." In "Idiot's Array," Lando wins Chopper in a game of sabacc -- which is finally established canonically. Executive producer Dave Filoni turned to Hidalgo, who defined the rules and supplied original cards to concept artist Amy Beth Christenson. For this week's fan question, Jacob Lockett asks about where Kanan got his lightsaber crystal…

In Rebels Recon #1.11, StarWars.com goes behind the scenes of the Star Wars Rebels episode "Visions of Hope” – and features a preview of next week’s installment, “Call to Action.” "Visions of Hope” finds Ezra growing stronger with the Force. His lightsaber skills have improved, and during a training session, sees a vision through the Force. In it, he sees Gall Trayvis, who says he knew Ezra’s parents. Ezra interprets his vision literally, and as a result, leads his friends into a trap. They manage to escape, and Ezra learns to be more cautious. This week, the Recon team talks Lucasfilm’s Joel Aron and Chris Voy about lighting in Star Wars Rebels. "Lighting is something that needs to be thought of…from the very beginning to the very end of it," says CG supervisor Joel Aron. "Because we as humans react to shapes." Chris Voy, lighting concept artist, says that they look at storyboards to uncover places where lighting and color can play up emotional moments. “There’s no accidental lighting,” Aron adds. In this week's deep dive, Lucasfilm's Andi Gutierrez speaks with the Star Wars Rebels team about Gall Trayvis -- senator turned Imperial. "When the idea of the character came together,” the Story Group’s Pablo Hidalgo says, “that dynamic was in place.” Executive producer Dave Filoni says that it worked from a character perspective, too, as Ezra would be looking for a parental figure. He also kept the cast in the dark about Trayvis’ true nature, as voice actress Vanessa Marshall reveals that she had no clue that the senator would lay a trap for the team. For this week's fan question, Brian asks is “Idiot’s Array” takes place before or after Lando lost the Millennium Falcon to Han…

In Rebels Recon #1.12, StarWars.com goes behind the scenes of the Star Wars Rebels episode "Call to Action,” with creator interviews and much more! In "Call to Action,” the notorious Grand Moff Tarkin comes to Lothal, planning to deal with the Ghost crew personally. Meanwhile, Kanan plans a different kind of attack against the Empire: to take control of a communications tower and broadcast an anti-Imperial, pro-rebel message. They’re ultimately successful, but the Inquisitor and Tarkin take Kanan captive in the resulting battle. This week, the Recon team wraps up their look at lighting in Star Wars Rebels. In this episode, Tarkin’s arrival at Imperial HQ was lit to match the Emperor’s landing and descent on the Death Star in Return of the Jedi. “Very hard, top-down lighting,” CG supervisor Joel Aron points out. The lighting at the end of the episode, with the sun rising, was meant to convey a sense of optimism. “We wanted to represent the fact that the message…does in fact get out,” lighting concept artist Chris Voy says. In this week's deep dive, Lucasfilm's Andi Gutierrez speaks with the Star Wars Rebels team about the return of Grand Moff Tarkin. For Freddie Prinze, Jr., the voice of Kanan, it’s a special event. "You gotta undertand,” he says. “When you’re a kid and this is all you know, it means a lot to you.” Stephen Stanton, who voiced Tarkin in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, returns to the role for Star Wars Rebels. “I was absolutely just bowled over,” he says of being asked to come back. It’s a particularly fun role for Stanton, as Tarkin is hugely powerful at this point, and everyone – heroes and villains – fear him. “There’s something that’s so terrifying about a severe British man,” Lucasfilm’s Pablo Hidalgo confirms. For this week's fan question, Mr. Charbits asks whether Agent Kallus knew that Senator Gall Trayvis was working for the Imperials…

In Rebels Recon #1.13, StarWars.com goes behind the scenes of the Star Wars Rebels episode "Rebel Resolve,” with creator interviews and much more! In "Rebel Resolve,” the Ghost crew struggles to find intel on where the Empire is holding Kanan. Ezra makes a risky deal with Vizago, and learns that the Empire is using courier droids to relay information from the ground to orbiting ships. In a desperate mission, Chopper goes undercover as an Imperial droid and discovers where Grand Moff Tarkin plans to take their friend: Mustafar. This week, Lucasfilm’s Andi Gutierrez talks with the Star Wars Rebels cast and crew about the new story developments in “Rebel Resolve,” including Vizago learning that Kanan is a Jedi. “I wouldn’t trust Vizago,” the Story Group’s Pablo Hidalgo says. “But what exactly he’s going to do with [that info], I don’t know.” Series executive producer Dave Filoni agrees that disclosing that information was a risky move on Ezra’s part. “There is a price on the head of a Jedi, certainly Kanan’s,” Filoni says, “and now he knows Ezra is a Jedi, as well. So, you just don’t want people to know that.” In speaking with Vanessa Marshall, voice of Hera, Gutierrez asks if the Twi’lek made the right choice in putting the mission before her friend. “I think Hera made the right choice because it’s better to save many lives as opposed to one. When it’s time to make the big decision, like she did, you have to keep on track. It was hard, though.” And what will become of the Imperial courier droid that Chopper…disposed of? It’s not dead, Filoni says, but unfortunately, its battery will probably run out. For this week's fan question, David Daut asks why Jedi are treated as fairy tales, and SW Rebels FanPage asks if Cham Syndulla is related to Hera…

In Rebels Recon #1.14, StarWars.com takes a deep dive into the thrilling season finale of Star Wars Rebels, “Fire Across the Galaxy.” In "Fire Across the Galaxy,” the Lothal rebels make a desperate attempt to rescue Kanan from the Empire. They succeed, and Kanan faces the Inquisitor one last time. Ultimately, new allies -- including Ahsoka Tano -- emerge. But so do new enemies… And the biggest new enemy of the Ghost crew is an iconic Sith Lord: Darth Vader. How do you translate his real-world gravitas to animation, asks Lucasfilm’s Andi Gutierrez? “You don’t mess with it too much,” says concept artist Kilian Plunkett. “We try to constantly frame from below,” adds executive producer Dave Filoni. “The only person who would look down on him is the Emperor.” Vader’s former Padawan also returns in this episode -- a major moment for the series. “I got a call from Dave Filoni,” says voice actress Ashley Eckstein. “It was beyond exciting, to say the least. And then to find out that she was a rebel leader was so cool.” The Story Group’s Pablo Hidalgo confirms that Fulcrum was Ahsoka from the beginning, and Filoni notes that her new design is meant to look like “ancient Jedi armor.” When she ignites her lightsabers – white-bladed! -- for the first time in Season Two, it promises to be a “great moment.” For this week's fan question, TheNerfHerder asks is stormtrooper armor is air tight, and JacobLockett wonders if Tarkin should be overseeing the Death Star’s construction… Have a question you want answered? Tweet your questions to @starwars with #RebelsRecon, and we'll pick one to answer online! Finally, in a special feature, the Rebels cast and crew discuss their favorite moments from Season One, from Kanan’s reveal to an ol’ smoothie appearing. And what is everyone looking forward to in Season Two…? “Season Two starts,” says Freddie Prinze, Jr., “literally right where you want it to. And it’s just perfect.” Get a sneak peek with never-before-seen concept art, unveiled exclusively in this episode of Rebels Recon!

In the latest installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com explores the new television-movie ushering in the second season of Star Wars Rebels, "The Siege of Lothal." At Lucasfilm headquarters, Andi Gutierrez, social media correspondent at StarWars.com, spoke with the cast about the obstacles faced by the Ghost crew in Season Two and what dynamic characters like Ahsoka Tano and Darth Vader bring to the story. "What makes Ahsoka so dangerous is if she were to figure out who Darth Vader is, it’s a big threat to him,” said executive producer Dave Filoni. Henry Gilroy, co-executive producer, revealed it was stressful to write Vader as the same terrifying villain that George Lucas had presented in “A New Hope.” After another exciting segment with the Chopper cam, StarWars.com managed to corner Pablo Hidalgo of the Lucasfilm Story Group with questions from fans on social media. We learn that Kanan was born only a few days before Luke and Leia, and that the armor worn by the Stormtroopers in Rebels isn’t much different than what is seen in the original films. This fun piece of trivia is then followed by an explosive clip of the upcoming episode, “The Lost Commanders!"

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com talks with Star Wars Rebels executive producer Dave Filoni and the show's cast about the return of the clones and what's to come in Season Two. Also catch an exclusive preview of "Relics of the Old Republic."

This week’s epic Rebels Recon is divided into five story arcs. The collaborators of Star Wars Rebels come together at a Lucasfilm screening of the show's latest episodes, “Lost Commanders” and "Relics of the Old Republic,” and talk about AT-ATs. Andi Gutierrez speaks with the cast and crew about on-screen chemistry and more about AT-ATs. Chopper squirms and backtracks after getting a busy-looking assignment. Pablo Hidalgo answers an observant fan's question concerning Kanan and clone chips. We get a preview of next week’s episode, “Always Two There Are,” which might be the scariest one yet.

This week’s Rebels Recon kicks off at New York Comic Con, where Sarah Michelle Gellar talks about her role in Star Wars Rebels and the importance of female characters in the saga. Things end with a hug. Back at Lucasfilm headquarters, Dave Filoni speaks to Andi Gutierrez about the hierarchy of Inquisitors and drops a bomb: the original Inquisitor was a character from The Clone Wars. The Chopper cam features an exciting Halloween costume contest between Chopper and a svelte Jabba the Hutt. One of them scores a 10. Pablo Hidalgo answers a fan’s question about TIE fighters. It turns out the cockpit is roomy enough for more than one passenger, both on the show and in the films. In a preview of the upcoming episode "Brothers of the Broken Horn,” Ezra finds himself torn between combat training with Captain Rex and Jedi training with Kanan. Which does he want to be, a soldier or a Jedi?

In this week's episode of Rebels Recon, we talk to cast and crew about the return of fan favorite Hondo Ohnaka and what may have happened to the pirate following The Clone Wars. Plus get a sneak peek of next week's episode, "Wings of the Master."

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com looks at the landmark “Wings of the Master” episode — featuring the origin of the B-wing and major developments for Hera. Regarding revelations about Hera’s past, the Story Group’s Pablo Hidalgo says, “It was important for us to establish that she has this love of flight.” And executive producer Dave Filoni asserts that her desire to fly reflects a need to get off the ground and the danger she grew up in. The B-wing’s coolest feature is the gyroscopic cockpit, says Hidalgo — the pilot always stays upright. Plus, the starfighter wasn’t really seen in the original trilogy. This was a chance to really see what it could do. What does Hera’s promotion to Phoenix Leader mean? “I think it means a great deal,” says voice actress Vanessa Marshall. “I have more tools at my disposal to get stuff done.” Finally, host Andi Gutierrez tracks down Pablo Hidalgo to ask a fan question, “What happened to Wolffe and Gregor?” The answer: They stayed on Seelos, retired.

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com investigates “Blood Sisters,” talking to cast and crew about Sabine’s run-in with an old friend — and has an exclusive clip of the next episode of Star Wars Rebels, “Stealth Strike." StarWars.com’s Andi Gutierrez talks with co-executive producer Henry Gilroy about Sabine’s past with Ketsu as Imperial cadets who then deserted. “As time went on, they were kind of stuck with each other, formed this bond,” he says. “ But Sabine gradually began to realize that Ketsu might not have been the best person for her.” Executive producer Dave Filoni explains that Sabine didn’t just go from the Academy to the rebellion — she was a bounty hunter in between. Ketsu, whose look is very Star Wars, was an abandoned design from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. And all the designs on her armor have meaning… “Blood Sisters” also features the first Gonk droid in a starring role: EG-86. The Story Group’s Pablo Hidalgo notes that in early drafts, EG was not a Gonk droid. “It was a very long and evolving process,” he says. Finally, Twitter user @eleventhirtyate asks, “What’s under Hera’s ear thingies?” Only Pablo Hidalgo can answer…

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com takes a deep dive in the Star Wars Rebels episode “Stealth Strike,” with creator interviews and more. In “Stealth Strike,” Kanan and Rex are forced to work together. “I think they become a little bit more appreciative of their individual strengths,” the Story Group’s Pablo Hidalgo says. Executive producer Dave Filoni adds that Kanan finally lets go of his anger at Rex, realizing he’s a good person. The Interdictor, which has a gravity well that can block hyperspace, makes its debut in “Stealth Strike.” The ship was originally introduced in the old West End Games Star Wars roleplaying game. “We like to talk about how the Empire continues to build its arsenal,” says Henry Gilroy, co-executive producer. Ezra also has big moments in the episode — taking down stormtroopers and Imperials all by himself. “Ezra’s on that path of using aggression and being powerful…he is getting more confident and strong,” Filoni says. Finally, Andi Gutierrez catches up with Hidalgo to relay a fan question: “Sabine was 16 at the start of Rebels, but one enters the Academy at 15. When was she a bounty hunter, then?” Only Hidalgo can answer…

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com goes behind the scenes of the Star Wars Rebels episode “The Future of the Force,” with creator interviews and much more. StarWars.com’s Andi Gutierrez first sits down with executive producer Dave Filoni. In “The Future of the Force,” the Inquisitors abduct Force-sensitive children. What happens to them? “Nothing I can show on Disney XD,” Filoni says. The story hearkens back to the Clone Wars episode “Children of the Force,” where Palpatine also kidnapped Jedi-to-be. Co-executive producer Henry Gilroy points out that Ezra is finally experiencing the true evil of the Sith. This episode also sees Ahsoka unleash her power. “I could have had that fight be all 22 minutes,” Filoni says. Her style is not flashy, but it’s powerful, and the Inquisitors were no match for her. Finally, @Nolan2711 asks “How is time measured in the galaxy?” Only Pablo Hidalgo can answer…

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com goes behind the scenes of the Star Wars Rebels episode “Legacy” with creator interviews and more. Pablo Hidalgo of the Story Group says they didn’t want Ezra’s parents to be "this thread that would constantly pull Ezra through his story. Because Ezra’s story is different.” Co-executive producer Henry Gilroy explains that they didn’t want to tell a similar story to that of Luke Skywalker. And even though Ezra’s parents met a tragic end, there is still a hopeful message. When it comes to Ezra’s parents, they weren’t rebels, but they did speak out against the Empire. “They were just people causing trouble that were making things politically challenging for the Empire,” executive producer Dave Filoni says. The episode also explores the importance of rebel bases. The rebels’ presence brought the Empire to Garel and Lothal; it shows why in the Star Wars films they would establish bases on remote worlds. Finally, Twitter user @believeinswr asks, “What does Kanan mean when Ezra has the talent to connect?” Only Pablo Hidalgo can answer…

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com investigates the Star Wars Rebels episode “A Princess on Lothal,” featuring none other than Princess Leia Organa. StarWars.com’s Andi Gutierrez talks with the show’s creators about bringing Leia into animated form. “It was a huge challenge,” executive producer Dave Filoni says. Making her younger was "the single most difficult thing,” he adds, noting that she is not the hardened leader here that we see in A New Hope. She’s still a bit inexperienced and developing as a political leader. “She hasn’t seen the real consequences of action yet,” Filoni says. When it came to casting Leia, Filoni thought of the Princess’ voice in Star Tours. “Leia in Star Tours is just amazing. The voice is amazing,” he says. That voice belongs to Julie Dolan, who had to create a performance that would be in-character yet different from Carrie Fisher’s A New Hope performance. “I think she did a wonderful job,” Filoni says. Finally, @tannerman asks, “So has the “B” in "B-wing fighter" always stood for “blade” - or is this a new canon thing?” Only Pablo Hidalgo has the answer…

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com goes inside “The Protector of Concord Dawn” with creator interviews and more. Sabine is the focus in “The Protector of Concord Dawn,” facing her past and showing emotional growth. “We wanted to get more into the story of who she is and where she comes from,” executive producer Dave Filoni says. “This episode starts us down that path.” Filoni adds that you learn a bit about her mother — and reveals that she was probably in the throne room when Pre Vizsla was killed in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. “The Protector of Concord Dawn” also has mention of Houses and Clans in Mandalorian culture — Filoni explains that this is all part of the societal structure of Mandalore. Tiya Sircar, voice of Sabine, also discusses the research she did for this episode, and learning more about Mandalore. But what has happened with the Mandalorians since the Clone Wars? “After the end of the Clone Wars, Mandalore was very likely occupied by the Republic, and that became the Empire,” says Henry Gilroy, co-executive producer. “The Empire probably has a soft occupation.” Pablo Hidalgo says more is to come that will further explore the current state of the Mandalorians. Finally, Lucasfilm’s Andi Gutierrez tracks down Hidalgo at Skywalker Ranch to answer a fan question: “Were Leia’s ships from the newest episode Hammerhead cruisers from Knights of the Old Republic? If so, nice callback.” Only Hidalgo knows the answer…

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com goes inside the episode “The Forgotten Droid,” with cast and creator interviews and more. In “The Forgotten Droid,” we learn there’s a bit more to Chopper than we’ve learned so far. "Chopper was a navigational astromech on a Y-wing and he actually crashed right outside Hera’s front door,” co-executive producer Henry Gilroy explains. Chopper meets a friend in Imperial inventory droid, AP-5, a fellow Clone Wars hero. Though a new droid design to Rebels, art director Kilian Plunkett explains the design’s origins. “AP-5, his model, was in Episode IV. He’s a Death Star droid. But i think he needed to feel a little more unique and special.” Regarding the droids’ Clone Wars tie, “We needed something that these droids would have in common,” executive producer Dave Filoni points out. "So it was a nice way to really relate the two characters other than they’re droids.” Will having an episode all about Chopper go to his head? The cast weighs in. “I would hope it would,” Taylor Gray laughs. "He's got a big enough one." “I don’t think Chopper can get more egotistical than he is. It can only help,” adds Freddie Prinze Jr. “He doesn’t treat any of us with any respect… ever." Andi closes out the deep dive by getting to the bottom of who really voices Chopper... Lastly, this week a fan tweets, “With Yoda telling Ezra to go to Malachor, does this mean the events of KOTOR and KOTOR2 are now canon?” Of course Pablo Hidalgo has the answer.

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com goes inside the episode “The Mystery of Chopper Base,” with creator interviews and more. This week the rebels got acquainted with their new base. Where is Atollon located exactly? “It’s off a major route,” executive producer Dave Filoni explains. “There’s no real resources there anyone would want.” “This base wasn’t on any Imperial star chart,” co-executive producer Henry Gilroy adds. "It’s sort of a mystery as to what is special about this system.” Most of the creeping creatures of Atollon were made to camouflage into their environment, but not all were specifically created for Star Wars Rebels. The Atollon spiders, or krykna, came from a concept by Ralph McQuarrie. Art director Kilian Plunkett explains, “The McQuarrie design has eight legs because it’s a spider, the one on the show has six because, honestly, it’s just easier to deal with in animation when there are less limbs.” Why can’t Ezra connect to these six-legged beasts? “Not all creatures can be manipulated by the Force,” Gilroy points out. But the roadblock is still incredibly frustrating for the young Padawan. Ezra and Kanan are off to take on the Inquisitors. Can we get any hints as to what will happen? Lucasfilm Story Group’s Pablo Hidalgo sheds a bit of light. Finally, our fan question this week involves the Inquisitor’s lightsaber. Where are the crystals? Pablo’s got your answer!

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com goes inside the season two finale “Twilight of the Apprentice,” with creator interviews and more. Maul’s story left off with the comic Son of Dathomir. What has he been up to since then? “Following the Clone War, Maul has had it tough,” co-executive producer Henry Gilroy explains. “Really he had to go into hiding if he wanted to survive.” There was much debate about whether Maul should return at all in Star Wars Rebels. Executive producer Dave Filoni points out, “So many people invested time into Clone Wars, in that story and that character and it was unresolved.” How has Maul changed? Andi asks Sam Witwer, voice of the Sith himself. “He has a level of sincerity now, that he maybe didn’t have before.” “Maul is obsessed with legacy. He’s come to the realization that he’s the last of his particular kind,” Pablo Hidalgo adds. “We had an earlier version of the script where Ahsoka asked Maul who Vader is, and his response is simply, 'Who I should have been,’” Henry Gilroy explains. We also get more details on Kanan's unfortunate fate from show creators and voice of Kanan Jarrus, Freddie Prinze Jr. In this week’s fan question segment, Andi asks our resident coffee connoisseur Pablo Hidalgo about the difference between a Jedi that’s fallen to the dark side and a Sith. We also find out the species of our newest Inquisitor. Finally, we ask the cast and crew about their favorite moments from season two and what they’re looking forward to next season.