50 Most Memorable Moments from Star Wars Rebels

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4.Thrawn’s epic return

Episode: Season 3 Episode:1: Steps in Shadow

The Moment: We first encounter Thrawn after Governor Pryce of Lothal requests his assistance dealing with the rebels of Phoenix squadron and the Ghost crew. Thrawn reveals he had just been promoted to Grand Admiral after his valor during the battle of Batton.  We then see Thrawn develop a strategy to play the long game, which shocks most of the Imperials but has the approval of Grand Moff Tarkin.

Why It’s Memorable: Along with Darth Revan and Darth Bane, Thrawn is maybe the most popular Star Wars character created in the Expanded Universe. Thrawn first was introduced to us in the Heir to the Empire novel, the first in the Thrawn trilogy, and stole the hearts of( including mine) of many Star Wars fans. The Chiss Admiral was introduced at a time when Star Wars was seemingly done telling stories. So it provided fans with a chance to keep the Star Wars legacy alive.

Once Lucasfilm created a new canon, Thrawn was officially placed, with both Darth Bane and Revan, into the vaults of legends. So when Thrawn was revealed into the new canon, I screamed for joy. Literally. Another treat for fans was when a new canon Thrawn novel was introduced by the creator and original author Timothy Zhan. The novel makes major nods and references to the past, proving what Ahsoka once said about there being a bit of truth in legends! Seeing Thrawn interact with Grand Moff Tarkin was an additional treat, seeing the two brilliant masterminds plot their next war strategy.