One of the most important moments inStar Wars Rebelsis hidden in the second-to-last episode of season 2.
The entire crew is surrounded by giant spider monsters that are slowly tearing away at their ship.
Ezra, the youngest member of the crew, asks if theyre going to be okay.
And Hera says, Sure, pitched so that the audience can be sure she doesnt believe it.
This is important because its a culmination of quiet, but critical character development for the Rebel leader.
She became the leader of not just the Ghost, but the entire Phoenix Squadron.
Shes both commander and head of household for her crew.
Heras sure is important because it shows that shes willing to open up to her team.
In season one, she didnt lie to her crew, but she did obscure things.
She teams up with Sabine, but wont tell Sabine the extent of her plans.
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Some of her development isnt in the show at all.
The Hera in the story isnt yet concerned about secrecy and trust.
In the novelA New Dawn, set years later, she has already become more independent and secretive.
Because of that, shes a relatively closed-off figure in the novel.
Homecoming was another significant episode for Hera this season, since it reunited her with her father.
Does it directly contribute to her loosening up with people?
She doesnt hide her fear well, though.
Throughout the episode, Hera is trying to hold her feelings in.
And by the end of the episode, shes ready to express them.
The Ghost is struggling to escape the spider monsters that plague the base.
Ezra asks whether theyre safe inside the ship.
The fight just gets more desperate, with Rex and Sabine both coming very close to their ends.
Heras sure shows unusual vulnerability for her.
She does that without sacrificing any of her effectiveness as a soldier for the Rebellion, either.
This isnt the story of someone becoming softer.
Hera does not cross the distinction between softness and vulnerability.
I talked a bit about her conversation with Kanan at the end of the episode inmy original review.
Heras response to Kanans appearance is to give a report about the status of the base.
She continues to take care of people.
Kanan immediately bypasses that shield, trying to appeal to her emotions.
He thinks shes afraid of losing him, and of losing the team, and hes partially right.
But her response is a misdirection typical of this episode.
You know I know when youre lying, right?
This line shows how well Hera knows Kanan.
Its also one last attempt for Hera to shy away from confronting her fears.
But of course, a second later, she does.
Whatever were facing, I want us to face it together.
Hera chooses to express exactly what shes thinking, and it brings her and Kanan closer together.
Heras development in season two was quiet.
Although shes ostensibly the leader of the team, most often Kanan and Ezra take the spotlight.
Hera could also have been given more opportunities to show her skills as a pilot.
Im torn on that.
There was never a moment where it had to be pointed out that Hera learned a lesson.
Megan Crouse is a staff writer.
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