Droids in Distress

[Brandon Rhea]

The second episode, "Droids in Distress," is now available on WatchDisneyXD.com. This is the episode that features R2-D2 and C-3PO. I was very concerned about this episode, thinking it'd be very childish and fan servicey. It's still a little fan servicey with the droids, but it ended up being an important baby step in the mythology of the Rebel Alliance. The episode was also much more about Zeb than I thought it would be.

 

[Cortan]

Just got to watching this episode myself. There's a few minor background elements that work on their own, but also interestingly fit into the context of the wider narrative. For example: The Senate banning disruptor weapons. A remnant of the Republic's institutions keeping the Empire from having dangerous weapons, meaning even their own ministers have to get them through illegal means. No wonder the Emperor would dissolve it just before someone went and unveiled his planet destroying superweapon.

Also, called it on Zeb and Kallus having some history. Hadn't realised it'd be quite like this though. Should hopefully allow for Kallus' longevity as a villain, since overcoming him will almost certainly be a major part of Zeb's story arc.

What rather surprised me overall is how much seemed to actually get done in just the 22 minutes or so. I loved Clone Wars ultimately taking advantage of multi-part serials, and yet this still works. I'd be glad to see this series do a combination of multi-parters and oneshots if possible if this is the standard we're getting so far.

 

[TwoSidedHeart]

I enjoyed the episode MUCH more than the pilot. I honestly thought it was 3PO and R2 being in it because they were my faves growing up and 3PO has ALWAYS had amazing comedic moments. XD Anthony Daniels is the master. ^_^

Mild Spoiler for his lines that made me chuckle. Just imagine them in that over the top, dramatic/posh British butler tone he goes for.

"Astromec? ME!? I have never been so insulted. Ill have you know I am a PROTOCOL Droid, fluent in over 6 million for-"
"A translator can easily confuse 7 with 17 if she is an ameTER."
"Oh no, hes malfunctioning AGAIN!"
"BRIGANDs R2. We're surrounded by brigands! The mission is DOOMED and so are we!"
"I was translating when we were attacked by THIEVES like... er you..."
"My counterpart and I were abducted by thives, murderers OUTLAWS!"
"Don't shoot don't shoot. YOU'RE HERE TO RESCUE MEEEEE!"

Also, I felt like Zeb got alot of depth really quickly. All of the characters seemed much more fleshed out this episode and much less rushed. Although, they were living on some older lines such as Zeb using a Jar Jar binks line of all people. >_> Also, Im really liking Kallus. ^_^ And Sabine seems like someone who'll end up being a fave. The one problem I have is the rehashed and ruined soundtrack. -_-

All up I liked the ep though. Can't wait for more Zeb/Kallus battles as Kallus is apparently the one who did the most damage when it came to Zebs species. Honestly, I never thought I'd be interested in Zeb. The one I thought Id like the most would be Sabine before this ep. Sooo yeah. XD

 

[Ezra Stormwatcher]

i thought it was hilarious when the droid was attacking Ezra i found it quite amusing XD


I really like Zeb to be honest hes adorable

But Ezra (which is quite obvious) Is my favorite

also i found the episode on itunes for free.

 

[Ser Yorick]

Zeb is just getting worse. The less time focused on this awful character, the better.

 

[jpchewy01]

I liked this episode a lot better than the first one. Keep 'em coming like this and I'll be happy.

 

[Kaeb]

Zeb is just getting worse. The less time focused on this awful character, the better.

Agreed.

I also think his character design is awful, the original McQuarrie design is leagues better and more aesthetically interesting.

I mean, try and picture what Zeb in his current state would look like in live action.

 

[TwoSidedHeart]

Zebs okay. And the point of being an animated show is that they don't NEED to look like they could fit into live action. XD

 

[Kaeb]

Zebs okay. And the point of being an animated show is that they don't NEED to look like they could fit into live action. XD

.....when did I....what?

 

[Brandon Rhea]

I think having something that translates into live-action is good, but not necessary. I also think that there are things from Star Wars live action that look like shit, but look great in animation. Twi'leks, for example, look really stupid in live action. They look great in animation, though.

 

[Ser Gregor]

I enjoyed this more than the first one. It was much better paced. I agree with Kurt and Kaeb, though. Zeb is being horribly mismanaged as a character. Wookiees looked absolutely terrible. I also enjoyed how they showed Ezra's latent force talent.

My biggest qualm, and it's a qualm I have with the majority of Star Wars, is the "MWUAHAHA! PAIN AND SUFFERING TO THE NON-HUMANS! I AM SOOOOOO EVIL!" Imperials. It's understandable in that it is a kid's show, but it is still possible to create villains with motivations and sympathies while still casting them as undoubtedly the bad guys.

 

[jpchewy01]

Twi'leks, for example, look really stupid in live action.

I feel a great disturbance in the force, as if a thousand fanboys' boners cried out and were suddenly silenced.

 

[Kaeb]

I think Twi'leks look great in live action tbh.

And the live action comment was just an off hand remark to get you to really think as a viewer just what you're looking at when you look at Zeb, and that's a big purple gorilla with stripes, bat ears and huge glowing green eyes. He looks like he belongs more in 60's pulp sci fi than the more grounded aesthetic of Star Wars, per the original artwork he was ''inspired'' by.

 

[Brandon Rhea]

I'll qualify that to say that female Twi'leks have been done justice in live action. Aayla Secura looked good in live-action, for example. But male Twi'leks haven't looked at that great. Bib Fortuna looked like shit in both Episode I and Episode VI.

 

[LaPurple]

For a Twi'lek, Bib did look bad. He is one of the few believable living sentient species in the old trilogy though for the most part. (Insert Cantina species here) to prove a point haha

 

[Kaeb]

I actually like how Bib Fortuna looked, it was quaint, reminded me a little of Gary Oldman's iconic costume in Dracula.

Zeb however?

I'd venture to say, outside of that one talking rabbit, in my opinion he's one of the worst designs for a character that I've seen in Star Wars.

 

[Brandon Rhea]

If you're shit-talking Jaxxon then I will stab you in your face.

 

[Kaeb]

jaxxon sucks dix

 

[Brandon Rhea]

We can't be friends anymore.

 

[Kaeb]

i cry





I'm seriously at a loss when it comes to thinking of more poorly designed characters, granted, I haven't delved as much into the EU as you lot.