Zeb takes center stage as questions of faith plague a rescue mission in Star Wars Rebels 2×14.
Tonight’s episode is the first time Star Wars Rebels has really put its focus on its burly Lasat. While a deeply tragic past has been hinted at, “Legends of the Lasat” opens emotional doors for Zeb, and offers a deeper understanding of a character who has largely been used for comic relief.
There is still plenty of humor in Star Wars Rebels 2×14, much of it coming from the pirate Hondo Ohnaha, who cheerfully ping-pongs between aiding the pursuing Empire and the fleeing Rebels. But primarily, the story is about faith — a subject that proves somber, if not serious, but beautiful all the same.
Zeb is overwhelmed by his personal history when the Rebels rescue two surviving Lasat from the Empire. Gron and Chava the Wise immediately greet him with awe and faith, recognizing the Captain of the Lasan Honor Guard, and believing him to be an element of a Lasat prophesy. But Zeb grows increasingly uncomfortable with their attention, and abandons a spiritual ceremony meant to locate the species’ new home planet of Lirasan.
The episode does neat work in strengthening the frequently contentious bond between Ezra and Zeb, when Zeb confesses the source of his shame and self-doubt. Though he nearly died in the effort, the Captain was unable to save the royal family from slaughter.
But on Ezra’s urging, Zeb submits to Chava’s ritual. He rediscovers his faith, and using his bo-rifle also locates the planet she and Gron seek. Whether it’s truly prophesy fulfilled or merely Zeb’s renewed faith doesn’t really matter. The Lasat’s trust in himself and his mission lead the crew of the Ghost to an imploded cluster of stars at the end of the galaxy… and then, with the Empire in pursuit, right through it.
The scene of the crossing is possibly one of the most spiritual and epic that Star Wars Rebels has attempted, and it works brilliantly. The Ghost is threaded mysteriously with yellow light as strings chorus, intense, ominous, and solo, in the background. It might be a reach to call Zeb a Moses figure, but while Kallus watches from “banks,” Zeb does propel the Ghost through a sea of stars — and he reaches a Promised Land.
Because Lirasan really does wait on the other side of the stars, and it has been home to Lasats for generations. The Lasat diaspora is over. Though Zeb (to Chopper’s hilarious dismay) will remain with the Ghost, his faith — in the Force, in the prophesy, in himself, or all three — has achieved a true home for his people.