this show should’ve been the first movie of the sequel trilogy

Baylan’s character greatly reminds us of Dooku. He is an individual thinker like both Dooku & Qui Gon.

This is EXACTLY what we wanted in the sequel trilogy. This episode alone had more worldbuilding in 30 minutes than the entirety of the 3 movies.

My current theory is that Baylon wants Ezra.. and that’s why he’s helping them and made a deal with Sabine. Ezra is the only known person alive who has been to the world between worlds, affected things and made it back alive. I believe he knows about this somehow and wants access to that power… because he said some very interesting things like looking for the “beginning” and stuff like that. Perhaps he justifies all of the bad he does by saying that he can undo it all eventually once he succeeds.

Man it is HEARTBREAKING that Ray passed away. :/ Baylan is one of the best characters we've gotten in years and I wish he was alive to see all this love. RIP 🖤

It sucks to know Ray passed away. Baylon Skoll is such an awesome character

I think what Bendu was saying to Thrawn about the “many arms surrounding him in a cold embrace” was the purrgil tentacles wrapped around him when he was captured in Rebels.

I loved the tone of this episode so much. It was so dark, morose, eerie. Filoni and team managed to really give this the isolated feeling of a new and mysterious galaxy and I want more

Did you notice how uncomfortable Baylan looked when they said "It reeks of Jedi"? Makes me think, at some level, Baylan still has his Jedi roots.

I love the contrast between Thrawn's return and Ezra's. Thrawn's is big, bombastic, with grand music and a whole entourage. It's prideful. Ezra's is calm, tranquil, with serene music and a friend. It's humble.

It's really unfortunate that Rey Stevenson died. I want Baylan to continue having a big role in the show. I also just think he did a FANTASTIC job

The actors playing Thrawn and Ezra did an excellent job in this episode consistently portraying the characters as we knew them from Rebels. Speech and mannerisms were spot on.

Baylan is truly the dark horse of this movie. Such a interesting and complex character. It's sad that Ray Stevens passed away unexpectedly and can't see the well deserved praise.

I’m impressed with this show. World Between Worlds, Dark Jedi, Nightsisters, Purgill graveyard, force witchcraft, NightTroopers, New tribe. Lore building is phenomenal. This show is saving Star Wars

Baylan and Shin are hands down my favorite characters in this series. I love every second they’re on screen.

Anyone else just absolutely speechless at how unbelievably awesome this show is. Why, why, didn’t they use any of this for a 7,8 and 9. Dave Filoni in one episode has introduced more new possibilities and stories than the entire sequel trilogy. It’s basically like having George back there writing away and talking to Dave. I was actually just awestruck, I haven’t felt this way since the first shot of A New Hope which I saw in its rerelease in theatres. My first Star Wars film when I was 4. I kept watching the start of that movie over, and over again on vhs because I had never seen anything like a Star Destroyer. To be honest I understand something now, I’m a almost 35 year old Dad and I’m not a crier but Star Wars just makes me feel like I’m 4 years old again constantly watching that Star Destroyer. Star Wars for whatever reason has always had the ability to really make me feel emotional. Maybe because the central theme is all about family, the idea of redemption, never giving up on anything but especially your family. By that I mean those who you consider family as well. They godamn got me again with the Ezra, Sabine reunion. It was so perfectly shot, choreographed, Even the aliens and animals in this episode felt back to Authentic Star Wars. Akira Kurosawa style tongue in cheek humour. Also I think it can Break down my emotional walls because it was the first movie I was genuinely excited to show my daughter. We watched the OT when she was five and she had an unhealthy love for Darth Vader, which turned into obsession after she laid eyes on Hayden Christensen when we watched the prequels when she was 7. Now she’s a teenager I don’t see her as much, it reminds me of when I was the centre of my little girl’s world showing her the things that blew my mind just like my Dad and brother did for me. Star Wars is a family, that’s what people don’t understand. If you love Star Wars and meet another person who’s a fan what are you going to be talking about 99% of the time. But this show keeps making me feel really happy emotions for the first time in a long time. I’m not going to lie, the sequels destroyed my soul. The feeling of absolute disgust I had after watching The Last Jedi and the feeling of just general disappointment after The Rise of Skywalker did make me depressed. But what made me more upset was my daughter hated both of those films so much. Because it destroyed her favourite characters arc (mine as well). It destroyed the importance on Anakin Skywalker. I watch the original 6, 2-3 times a year, doing a rewatch of The Clone Wars right now. I have not watched the sequels since one half watch of Rise of Skywalker with my Dad who just turned it off 😂. As far as I’m concerned they don’t exist 😂. But when you did your videos Theory about how much it hurt I felt you bro. That was millions of people’s childhoods or most awesome memories and experiences they were playing with. And they destroyed it, like it was nothing. Anyway so happy we got Star Wars Back!! Dave Filoni is the MVP of Star Wars now. Just give him creative control already to co-ordinate with all Star Wars projects so they can all be this good.

It's a shame that Ray Stevenson passed away. Baylan is absolutely the most interesting part of this whole show! I'd rather see a whole series just following his character.

Baylan and Shin are such a breath of fresh air. Extremely compelling characters that honestly deserve their own movie/series. They're mysterious, forthright, and still have a sense of honor. Such a tough blow what happened to Ray. I hope in the next tales of the Jedi they bring him back in animated form.

Personally my highlight in this episode was when huyang told ahsoka the Story and started it with in a galaxy far far away. This took me way back to my childhood and beautiful memories

The "cold embrace of many arms" is a direct reference to the ending of the Rebels in which Thrawn is grabbed by the purrgil and sent into hyperspace.

It's unfair what happened to Ray Stevenson. Baylan Skoll is such an interesting character and last night during every one of his scenes all I could think about was the fact that Ray isn't here anymore. He can't see all the praise people have for his performance and for his character. RIP Ray Stevenson.

I don’t think that Ezra will be happy with Sabine when he finds out that she helped the bad guys to find him.

In Jedi Survivors, Merrin the Nightsister uses her Magic to put things into their former State, so I really like the idea of the Grand Mothers having used their Powers to repair an entire Star Destroyer with Material from their Homeworld

The casting for this show is really, really solid. Every actor has felt like a positive presence on the screen. That goes a long ways. Ray Stevenson has been magnetic, especially, and it's sad to have lost him.

Reminder that Thrawn’s Star Destroyer was in critical shape after the battle of Lothal. The fact that he kept it and majority of the crew compliment operational shows just how dangerous he is

When thrawns Star destroyer showed up I got the chills

You mentioned that Shin might “help Sabine and turn to the light” and I believe that this explains the look Shin gave Sabine when they were in the transport. Shin realized that Sabine was looking at her and Shin turned at looked directly at Sabine with what I thought was sympathy.

Baylan's quote about breaking the cycle really reminded me of Kreia. Who hated the cycle of balance that the force pushed towards

I feel like the “cold embrace” was referring to Thrawn getting wrapped up by the Purrgil at the end of Rebels. You never know though. It’s crazy that Filoni was able to connect the “I knew I could count on you” all the way back to the seed he planted in rebels where Ezra says “Sabine I’m counting on you”

The more I grow to absolutely love Baylan, the more I get sad that Ray passed. This is the best role of his career.

One thing that wasn’t discussed was the small mention in the beginning of the episode by Huyang. “Histories of the Galaxy, parts one, two and three.” Ahsoka: “One being the best of them all.” With side eye towards the camera. 🤔 Here’s another thought. If Huyang starts his stories, “A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away…”. Does that mean that he has been narrating the movies to younglings the entire time? Throughout Star Wars history! 😮

It would be great to see a flash back of Baylan as a Jedi at the temple, especially if he knew Anakin or Obi-wan etc

Shin Hati seems to be heading for a switch/redemption arc. Only knowing what she’s been taught from young, she’s questioning a lot of the way of things. Interesting arcs between her and Skol

I like the fact that Baylin tells his apprentice that she was trained to be something more than a Jedi. Yet she has the classic Jedi Padawan braid.

I am almost positive that Thrawn could have found Ezra if he wanted to. But, he used the fact that Ezra was alive as a means to get rescued. He probably knew that Morgan Elsbeth needed "help" to be able to retrieve him.

I’m still in shock with how dang good this show has been. Makes me so happy to see Star Wars finally moving forward in the right direction with its live action shows!!

At first I thought Mother Talzin lived. Then I realized that the expansion on the lore was EPIC in this part bc she was the only Great Mother in our galaxy. But this one has THREE and they're AFRAID of something in their galaxy that is calling to Baylan.

I found it interesting that Thrawn’s captain was named Enoch. In the Bible, Enoch was one of two people who never died… it could give a little credence to the theory that all of Thrawn’s army are undead 🧟‍♀️

18:15 the Bendu says "I See Your Defeat, Like Many Arms Surrounding You In A Cold Embrace." I took that to mean the Purrgil’s tentacles wrapping around him at the end of Rebels 🤔

This show has brought me back in a HUGE way. Its been amazing. I cant wait for the next episodes and hope there is a season 2 GREAT VIDEO AS ALWAYS!

I can't help but feel that this series is gonna leave us with a great ending but a HUGE cliffhanger.

I think one of the key lines in this episode was when Shin is concerned about the group on the ridge, Baylan tells her “an enemy of an enemy is a friend.” If Thrawn turns on them, Ahsoka, Sabine, and Ezra will be the enemy of Shin’s enemy.

lots of Japanese references in this too.. the Kintsugi used for Thrawns ships and troops, the practice of filling cracks with gold. Then the shot of the bandits ontop the hill was directly from Seven Samurai opening act of the bandits over looking the village. Even the bandit armor was arranged in a similar kind of style. I really liked it.

This has been my favorite episode so far. I've had a few nitpicks, but honestly each episode has been gradually getting better. I really hope they stick the landing

This was probably my favorite episode so far. It's the first time I've felt the Star Wars film universe expanding beyond the Skywalker saga.

Man RIP Ray Stevenson. I absolutely love his character, and bro is a *unit*. I feel like theu really could habe expanded on him greatly if he was still alive, because Ray clearly had a lot to offer with the role.

I felt that baylins speech was also directed to us viewers, how the cycle will be broken and this is the beginning of something new from Dave. Just what I felt when i watched it.

Ashoka is such an incredible show! Since Heir to the Empire I have always wanted Thrawn in Star Wars! Was so happy he was in rebels… but now live action.. I could have never dreamed this!!! I read of Thrawn 30 years ago! Here we are and Timothy Zahn and Clone Wars & Rebels epic characters are here!!! Love this show! Finally I can truly say this is Star Wars! I loved Mando but the history of this show is a Star Wars fan dream come true!

Baylan's about to unleash some ancient evil on the universe. I really like how Thrawn just effortlessly commands every room his presence is very intimidating and ominous. Baylan has quickly emerged, as the most compelling and formidable character in the show having so much gravitas

The Chimera and the stormtroopers look absolutely SICK! They are like Captain Salazar’s ship and crew from POTC. Menacing, unnatural, almost undead looking. Hopefully these stormtroopers gained some skill while under Thrawn in isolation 🤞🤞🤞

I hope shin baddie gets her own spin off or appears in future projects! She's the best

I think The cold embrace of Thrawn - was meant as the ending of rebels series when the Purgil embrace his ship and take him away into the cold of space.

“When I was a bit older than you are now, I watched everything I knew burn… I couldn’t make sense of it at the time.” You can tell Baylon truly loved the Jedi Order at one point. And he was a general, and probably felt the same way about his battalion of clones that Ahsoka felt about hers. Order 66 broke him.

Shout out to who ever composed the score for this episode. Every time Thrawn was on screen some real powerful tunes were playing.

i want to note, that when Baylon said "enemy of my enemy is my friend" when talking about the samurai people, is a foreshadowing for Shin - when she turns on Thrawn and helps Ahsoka because of those words of her dead teacher - baylon.

Is it bad that with all of the amazing awesome things we got this episode, i just really liked the big doggo? Such a good dog.

Personally, I think that it might _actually_ be Abeloth ( *_the Mother_* ) herself, who is calling out to Baylan Skull. Not the Son.

Thrawn got that Elon Musk bod

I dig the Night Sisters story line. I would like to see force ghost Yoda warn Luke about them. Love to see more of the Night Sisters.

in my opinion and i think theyve done a great job with this, baylan looks as if he has two completely different sides to him that he has complete control over. when he’s just going about his business he channels the light, hes more wistful calculating. as soon as he enters a fight you can see him flip that switch and a shadow falls over his face. the actor does such an excellent job of portraying a completely different demeanor in such a subtle way. you can clearly see the difference of when hes channeling the dark or light and the control he has over it

After Rebels, we know cratures and animals are all connected to the force, with ones more sensitives than others. There's nothing weird with the rat wolf bonding with Sabine so fast. It must have sensed her connection to the light side, which is extremely different with what it was used to.

My opinion is that baylan was a temple guard; for a few reasons 1. This would explain how he knew anakin was Vader (“what he became”) as he would’ve been at the temple- this is backed up by the fact he said “I watched all I knew burn” (probably the temple) 2. It would explain why he was around to hear anakin speak of Ashoka but anakin did not ever mention him (the temple guard aren’t seen without their armor) 3. It explains the look of his armor and his great sword style lightsaber which is more stylistically similar to fighting with a lightsaber pike that the temple guards used 4. When he mentions that he liked what the order stood for but not the weakness that the order actually was (he could have come to realize this after looking back on the trails he likely watched - perhaps even ahsoka’s 5. Maybe the orange saber is the result of bleeding a yellow saber and that is why they are acceptionally rare 6. His saber is even similar to half of one of the temple guard pikes I hope they reveal his background but in my head this is a very good explanation for baylan

Got to agree on your choice of favourites. Balon & Shin are just fascinating, they perfectly explore that padawan-master relationship from a new angle, I think we all enjoyed the Anakin-Obi Wan dynamic and now we're seeing a new take on this somewhat exclusively star wars trope of the competent learner and the master. Balon & Shin are so well written, designed aesthetically, and acted, I'd go as far to say they're the finest characters to come out of the Disney Star Wars canon. They feel at home in the Star Wars universe, but also fresh and new. Got to hand it to both actors here, what performances.

Sabine getting angry at the Howler is Filoni showing her abandonment issues as blatantly as he ever has

This show is so much better than people thought a spin-off from a cartoon that was seen as a replacement of a long time fan-fav... Rebels and its characters, ideas, and world have gone so far man, im glad its getting its flowers in these story continuations.

This show definitely deserves more episodes then it originally has.

How did Thrawn and Esra survive the starwhale transport with no life support systems or protection from space by being in the mouth of a starwhale? If starwhales go there to die, then how did esra and Thrawn get onto the planet surface? How did the star cruiser get there, especially if it didn't need a fancy new hyper drive, or crew? Did they bring Thrawn new clothes or is his wearing the same clothes he arrived there with? How would he not know where Esra is, since they arrived there both at the same place and time? Did they fight and then part ways?

Does anyone else think Ezra’s casting was perfect?

I think the « cold embrace » line from the Bendu was referring to the purgill wrapping thrawn in their coils and warping to deep, dark, cold void of space. Great vid, can’t wait for next episode!!

Thrawns entrance was spectacular he has such a menacing but calm presence about him and poses an actual threat to the galaxy

I think it would be very cool to see the Son in live action. It might be confusing for some who have not seen the Mortis Arc of the Clone Wars

I think the reason why Thrawn couldn't find Ezra all this time is because Ezra and his new friends don't stay in one place for too long (he talks about this at the end of the episode).

I love how Filoni just doesn't let Sabine use the force, bro is trolling Sabine in every episode

So bummned Ray is gone. Baylon & Shin are an awesome team. I so wish so bad Ray could see how much love we are giving him.

I love when the captain says die well to Sabine

Baylan over here like a chaotic neutral Qui Gon!

Theory in Title: THIS WAS AMAZING Theory in Watch Party: 7/10

The scene of Thrawn's arrival, along with those Stormtroopers, was spectacular. I really enjoyed seeing more of the Nightsisters and I'm very curious to see more of Thrawn's alliance with these witches. Awesome, it's great to see you back. (I loved Captain Enoch's armor.)

Totally agree with the advancement of the narrative point you made at the start. Best one yet

18:17 I think the real "Many arms surrounding you in a cold embrace" will be the Nightmothers betraying him. During the finale, when Thrawn orders the bombardment of the temple, I noticed the Sisters were giving him a weird look.

Loved seeing Ezra. My preteen daughter grew up watching Rebels and was ecstatic. It's good to see each generation have their "star wars hero". Looking forward to more episodes.

The relationship between Baylan Skoll and Shin is honestly carrying this entire show and I like that we get to learn a bit more about his motives.

The first thing my wife said when she saw the witches in this episode: "Oh cool, they're obviously inspired by the Fates from Greek mythology." Great episode. Also excellent breakdown video.

It would be awesome if we got a flashback of Baylan’s experience of Order 66 as another fine addition to our collection

The nighttroopers are all gonna be dead but I think Enoch could actually be alive. It would make sense for thrawn to want a living right hand man, and he’s shorter than the rest.

I have been playing catch up past couple of days and I have watched your watch alongs while I watch which has been fun.

What a great episode. Like u said. Not for the action or anything but for the building of whats to come. A new galaxy n obviously Thrawn and Ezra back in action. Not only am I dying to see the last two episodes but really looking forward to watching this series again all 8 episodes through. I think as a whole,this might b the best Star Wars series ever done

Thrawn asked for all info on Ahsoka even who her master was. Curious what his reaction will be once he finds out since he knows Anakin is darth Vader.

Did you notice the exchange between Ashoka and Huyang? See how frustrated she got when he got her to think twice about Sabine’s choice to go with the enemy to look for Ezra.

Kintsugi (literally, gold seams) is a traditional repair method that takes the broken or chipped parts of cherished vessels, glues them back together with a Japanese lacquer, and paints the seams with gold or silver powder.

Klothow, one of the Great Mothers, is played by Claudia Black of Farscape, Stargate fame, among other shows, and a voice actress.

Kintsugi is a metaphor for embracing one’s flaws and imperfections. Much like inlaying gold in pottery makes it stronger in Kintsugi, embracing one’s flaws unlocks one’s full potential.

I love how they show the power that’s needed for these jumps with the aftershocks of the hyperspace ring and the rainbows of the purgil

I’ve kind of closed the Star Wars chapter after the first episode of the show, I even stopped watching reaction videos on KZfaq. But if it’s good, I’m glad and happy for you 😎

"History of the Galaxy, Parts One, Two, and Three." "Part One being the best, of course." Ahsoka confirmed prequelfan.

This episode had such an eldritch feel to it. Creepy shit and I can’t wait to see more!! Especially to see what happens with our favorite characters! I just hope thrawn isn’t killed off! One thing I’ve noticed is that the stormtroopers have that distorted and wrong sounding voice as marrok. I wonder if marrok and the stormtroopers are medically enhanced or actually the undead?

My favorite part is when Thrawn gets annoyed and just stares at Morgan when she questions his decision about sending only two squads to aid Skoll and Hati

Ray Steveson, wherever you are, hope ya in peace, but thank you for bringing to life to one of the best new star wars characters in years.

"Many arms surrounding you in a cold embrace" is an obvious reference to the Purgil hauling his ass off to exile.

I think Thrawn didn’t chase Ezra, I think he was afraid of him after Ezra brought them to this new world and, to Thrawn, probably seemed all powerful. That’s also way Ezra didn’t seem to be hiding that hard. It could also be a ceasefire between them too.