Are you watching Star Wars: Resistance? No? I haven’t heard much online buzz about the latest animated adventure. While it might not have the magical touch of creator Dave Filoni upon it (since he’s off preparing the relaunch of The Clone Wars), Star Wars: Resistance is a unique endeavor for an animated spin-off. The show is the first allowed to bump directly against the events of the cinematic offerings, going so far to feature characters like Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie), and BB-8. Sure, it’s not going to spoil anything regarding J.J. Abrams’ upcoming climactic episode, but the environment contains the energy of relevance that past cartoons never could.
The first season premiered in October of last year and revolved around the misadventures of young, cocky pilot Kazudo “Kaz” Xiono (Christopher Sean) as he infiltrates The First Order as a spy for the Resistance. What starts as a reconnaissance mission aboard the aircraft refueling station Colossus, quickly evolves into the usual fight-of-the-week action show. The tone is much lighter than that experienced in The Clone Wars and Rebels, with more jokes than some may be comfortable with, but the anime-inspired design is exceptionally vibrant. Plus, the more entrenched aboard this most-desired battleground staging area Kaz becomes, the more the series connects to the events of The Force Awakens.
Season one began relatively sixth months before the events of Episode VII, but after ten episodes and a winter break, it appears that Star Wars: Resistance is finally connecting to the cinematic action. The series returns on January 13th, and to celebrate we get a new mid-season trailer and a new guest-star. Paging everyone’s favorite sniveling, Imperial brown-nose – General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson). Can you already imagine his screaming shiver and those rage-filled bloodshot eyes? Ah, that’s good villainy.
Ok, so Kaz has not made his way onto Starkiller Base. He appears to be observing a hologram recording of Hux’s speech aboard the Colossus. The young pilot still has to complete his mission there before he can join up with Poe, General Leia Organa (Carolyn Hennesy) and the rest of the Resistance. Will he wash his hands of the spy business and become a proper soldier in the good fight, or will Poe ask him to travel further down the rabbit hole of The First Order?
As far as Star Wars is concerned, we only catch glimpses of life on the other side of the battle line. Even Solo: A Star Wars Story skimped on Han’s time with the Empire. So, I appreciate Kaz getting up close and personal with these Stormtrooper goons. Let’s meet more of these blackhearted baddies, and let’s give Kaz the opportunity to turn some of the morally gray individuals over to the cause of the righteous. Most importantly, let’s get more connective tissue with the real-deal cinematic sagas.
According to Deadline, the series was granted a second season. The show is still in the process of finding its footing, and as with most programs that find life beyond a handful of episodes, the voice and purpose of Star Wars: Resistance will only grow stronger in later seasons. If you’re a fan of the films, do yourself a favor and give it a shot. If you’re a fan of Clone Wars and Rebels, oh yeah, you definitely owe it to yourself to join up with Kaz and his rebellion. Then start chatting about it online. Star Wars: Resistance could use your cheer voice as well.