Prior Episodes | 7976 (1 BBY) | Next Episodes
Continuity & Analysis

Star Wars: Rebels - The Occupation (2017) [S4E5]
Ezra and the Ghost crew return to Lothal, but find that the Imperial occupation
has taken a much darker turn.
Star Wars: Rebels - Flight of the Defender (2017) [S4E6]
The rebels look to secure intel on a deadly new Imperial fighter prototype.
Star Wars: Rebels - Kindred (2017) [S4E7]
The rebels look to move a stolen Imperial hyperdrive and flight data recorder off Lothal,
while the mystery of the loth-wolves deepens.




CONTINUITY
These three episodes form a single storyline which is the first half of a larger storyline which also includes
the next three episodes about the TIE Defender project on Lothal. Two worlds are seen in these episodes:

Episodes 1 through 13 of Season 4 take place in 7976 (1 BBY). The final three episodes of this series take place in 7977 (0 BBY).
This means there are only 5 storylines which take place in this entire calendar year, and this storyline and the two which follow
it must take place in rapid succession, and immediately before Episode 14, the first episode in the next calendar year. Based on
the events, conversations, and logical deductions regarding how the time was spent, the first two storylines covered between
3 and a half and 6 months of this year, leaving at least 5 months of unexplored time between this storyline and the end
of Episode 4. This storyline and the two which follow take place in the last quarter of 7976 (1 BBY), almost certainly in
the last month, or at most month and a half. Ezra has now been Kanan's apprentice for just over four years.

- There must have been a gap of time between 'In the Name of the Rebellion' and 'The Occupation', a minimum of 5 months, but also
possibly as much as 8 months. The dialogue supports the idea of a gap, but considering how eager Ezra was to return to Lothal
in the previous storyline, the gap of 5 months is already somewhat difficult to reconcile. This storyline could also take place
shortly after the last storyline, however that would place that storyline even further towards the end of this year than it already
had to be to account for the 9 months of this calendar year which seem to be missing. It is possible that Kanan and Ezra were
on Mandalore for 9 or 10 months, however that is unlikely as the assumed gap of several months already stretches the intent
of the dialogue in those episodes. It makes most sense that the missing months were somewhat split between the time before
this season began, and in between this storyline and the one prior.

- The TIE Defenders have been in production for at least a year and a half at this point, and have been seen in the field having already
been integrated into Imperial operations. This is the first mention of an advanced version of the TIE defender, as the Rebels
have just learned of it from the Lothal rebel cell's spies in Lothal's capital city.


- Ryder Azadi's transmission from Lothal was cutoff by the Empire, who must have detected an ongoing transmission. Although there seems
to be some irregular means employed when rebels and criminals communicate, they must still use the interstellar Hypercom network
as established in other canon, which in this era is entirely controlled and maintained by the Empire. It therefore seems probable
that Imperial monitors on Lothal became aware there was an improper transmission, and cut it off. The other possibility is that
a blanket communications jam was instituted, cutting off all signals out of Lothal, however this would hamper ordinary operations.
Main Article: Hyperspace Communication

- The puffer pigs seemed to have been contraband during their first appearance, but due to the success which Lando had in using them for
locating valuable minerals, they are now actively sought by the Mining Guild, who will pay "a very inflated price" for the inflatable
creatures. It is unknown if the Guild has obtained Imperial permission to use them, or if they are seeking to acquire them despite
still being restricted. The Aurebesh writing on the crates containing the puffer pigs reads "Caution: Volatile Contents".

- Approaching and landing on a planet blockaded by the Empire requires permits, which are in theory required for any traffic to a system
controlled by the Empire even if not being patrolled. Imperial policy is to hold a ship for verification of clearance codes, and to
conduct a scanner sweep. This is relatively rudimentary, but does detect specific energy signatures and includes a thermal scan which
is the primary means of identifying lifesigns. The scan is unable to determine the nature of lifeforms on board, only their number.
Main Article: Scanners, Sensors, and Cloaking Devices

- Imperial propaganda is seen around Lothal, even more ubiquitous than it had been years earlier. The floating digital billboard in Jhothal has
interchanging messages. The first is a recruitment advertisement for the Navy, which reads "Explore the Galaxy - Join the Imperial
Navy." The second is essentially recruiting for the Army, or the military in general, which reads "Protecting Lothal - Protecting You",
which is also meant as propaganda meant to instill support for Imperial security forces. The third message seen is a wanted poster, in
the instance which was shown it was for Sabine. There is also an intermittent audio broadcast, which enjoins citizens, "Serve your
purpose. Serve the Empire. Protect Lothal and yourself, report rebel activity. Loyalty is obedience."


- The Empire has instituted a curfew on Lothal, and requires citizens to produce identification at any time. The later is not new, however
the curfew may be indicative of the heightened security situation on Lothal. It is unlikely that all Imperial worlds have curfews, even in
this time period, as this would require extensive monitoring on more populated planets, however the Empire is known for its excessive
and oppressive means. Ezra seems surprised that no one is around, and Sabine attributes it to their being rightly afraid of the Empire.
Sabine's statement may be true, but the announced and enforced curfew is probably the only reason no civilians are seen.

- Valen Rudor was last seen just under 4 years earlier, in 'Empire Day' (S1E8). The Empire just gave control of Jho's former establishment
to Rudor to manage, and it has been turned into a supporter pub of the Imperial military, severely reducing its civilian patronage.
Exactly why Rudor was given the bar is unknown, and it is equally uncertain whether Rudor is still on active duty or has stood down.

- "Old" Jho was last seen over a year earlier in 'Secret Cargo' (S3E18). He was a known republican and rebel sympathizer, however the Empire
had not yet found anything to charge him with. He was executed by the Empire days before this episode for aiding local fugitive rebels.


If there is an enforced curfew, why do the troopers let Sabine and company leave the bar? Furthermore, why does no
one seem concerned that Jai Kell is in the bar? Since he obviously does not live there, wasn't he in violation of curfew
when he came in? It is possible he came before curfew began, however it still does not explain why the group is allowed
to leave without Rudor raising the alarm. It makes even less sense that Imperial troops enforcing the curfew watch them
leave, and do nothing. This is either a continuity error, or this curfew has some very strange exceptions, however it
is hard to imagine what they could possibly be.


- The Lothal Resistance led by Ryder Azadi had always been a relatively small cell, although there was the implication of a larger network
of informants and operatives. The recent operation where Jho was captured seems to have been the most recent of a series of setbacks
which had reduced the cell primarily to its core components. The return of the Spectres does increase the small group's size and
combat effectiveness, however the Imperial security cordon around Lothal makes it difficult for any serious Rebel reinforcement.

- There is are several Imperial Starfighter Corps bases on Lothal, which are an Imperial aerospacedromes. The capital city has at least 6 of these
and this is likely one of several outlying bases, as it is a small base for a single squadron. The Starfighter Corps maintains its own
bases and other installations as part of its semi-independent operations. Other Starfighter Corps resources on Lothal are either
integrated components of the Navy, or are based out of Army installations like the main Imperial bases in Lothal's capital city.
This particular base is the airfield of Defender Squadron One, commanded by Captain Vult Skerris.


- The Empire is preparing to start full-scale production of the TIE Defender Elite. The new fuel tanks near the factory indicate to the Rebels that
this is the case, as well as the Empire's increase in anti-aircraft defenses near the factory. This also indicates that resources like fuel
and armaments are limited, in part due to the Empire's huge size and massive operations, but also because the Empire only has so
much fuel and equipment. The fact that this is a late addition to an important production facility on a sector capital planet indicates
that the Empire doesn't really have an abundance of excess, despite its massive daily production and resource extraction.

- The TIE Defender Elite is an advanced version of the TIE Defender, which is primarily identical having no additional components. It is
a superior fighter to the TIE/ln, primarily due to its hyperdrive, shields, and heavier armament, however this is no different from
the original TIE Defender. The Defender Elite does feature an upgraded targeting computer, making it more deadly in combat, as well
as more powerful engines, which make it one of the fastest ships in service. These minor advancements make this ship significantly
more threatening than the TIE Defenders already were, and mass-production would give a significant addition to the Imperial military.

- Captain Vult Skerris was last seen over a year earlier in 'Secret Cargo' (S3E18). At that point, he had been reassigned from his position at
a Starfighter Corps academy to serve as Commander of a squadron of TIE defenders, which is designated as 'Defender Squadron One'
in supplementary material. He is still the Commander of this unit, and it can be assumed this is the squadron's home base.

- Starfighters have flight data recorders, something it can be assumed are common on most aerial or space craft in the galaxy. Among the information
recorded on them are a ship's range and top speed, as well as other information regarding a ships defensive systems. Transponders are also
standard equipment, to allow translocation. The Imperial variety of these devices can be controlled by authorities remotely.

- Loth-wolves have not been seen "in a hundred years", assumed to be an approximate figure. Lothal has been seen to have an above average connection
to the Force, which is not limited to its vergence in the Force over which the Jedi built a temple. The ecosystem of Lothal is strong with
the Force, as are all ecosystems, however in a much more direct way. The will of the Force is more actively demonstrated by these creatures,
the loth-cats to some degree, but most of all the loth-wolves. The strong connection to the Force may be the result of Lothal's vergence
being connected to the World Between Worlds, making it one of the most significant locations in the Force in the galaxy. The cave art shows
the ancient events where the Jedi first came to Lothal to explore its unique properties. The loth-wolves apparently serve as sort of guides
to Force-sensitive visitors, when the Force wills it. Kanan describes the loth-wolves connection to the Force as "more focused, like it has
a purpose." The loth-wolves' lack of appearance over the last century may be directly related to millennial events in the Force.

- Rukh, Thrawn's "agent" and "assassin", is a legends character from the Thrawn novels brought into canon here. He was supposed to appear in material
set after the death of the Emperor, however he is killed in canon continuity before the Civil War fully begins. Rukh is a Noghri, a race whose
homeworld is Honoghr, which also make their first canon appearance here. Rukh and the rest of the Noghri were much larger and more menacing
in appearance in legends, and this is yet another example of legends material made canon with major changes which seem to serve no purpose.


- Rukh recognizes a Jedi from single use of the Force, which is not surprising but is indicative of how well-known their telekinetic abilities are,
and how directly they indicate a Jedi's identity. Rukh is expected to be knowledgeable about many things in the galaxy based on his history
and profession, and was probably well-aware of the Jedi. If not, he would have been briefed about them by Thrawn before this mission.
Main Article: Awareness of the Jedi and the Sith


How did the loth-wolves and the Rebels get transported to the other side of the planet? The capital city and near
settlements like Jhothal are in the northern hemisphere, yet in short order they are taken to the southern hemisphere
by entering an energy tunnel within a cave. Accessing this tunnel may require a loth-wolf as a guide, however this is
not certain. It appears to be a hyperspace conduit at first, however it is likely more than that, as other aspects of
the journey suggests some connection to the World Between Worlds. As the WBW's conduits connect all time and space,
it would seem that sometimes they physically connect to locations in the same time. This may be a particular
by-product of the vergence under the Lothal temple, which is suggested by the art at the terminus of the tunnel.


- Only a small example of Lothal's southern hemisphere is seen, but by implication it can be assumed to be the less-populated of the two halves of
the planet. There is a small example of a settlement built into rocks around the terminus of the transit portal. The architecture is similar
to that of the Jedi Temple on Lothal, and based on the art it seems to have been connected to the Jedi arrival in antiquity.

- Caleb Dume is Kanan Jarrus's actual name. He adopted the name Kanan as part of his post-Order 66 cover, however he made it his new identity to
the point that he still prefers to use that name even with his closest friends and his lover. Although the person Kanan Jarrus has been
confirmed as a Jedi and once again embraced his Jedi nature, the Force needs the selfless, unattached Jedi Caleb Dume to save the temple.

ANALYSIS
The Imperial program on Lothal is similar to other examples of full-scale exploitation of a planet for resources and industrial production,
but this is simply a secondary benefit to a far more sinister motive. The Emperor's operations are nothing less than a total war against Lothal's
ecosystem, and by extension the power of the light side of the Force on this world which hosts an important vergence. Just as the lifeforms
native to Lothal have a greater connection to the Force than usual, the very physical structure of the planet also developed in the presence
of this unusual concentration of the Force's energies. Sidious intends to destroy or corrupt the planet's very nature, thus turning it into
an unnatural Sith abomination. Although Lothal was not a poor choice for strip mining and industrial fabrication, it was also not a natural one,
as there are no doubt many thousands of populated worlds with greater mineral wealth. There were several pragmatic factors which did work in
the Empire's favor in terms of their ability to manipulate the local population, but the mineral wealth alone would probably not have justified
this world for conversion into a factory planet if not for Palpatine's special interest. Ezra laments that "Lothal looks like it's dying", which
is certainly the case, and yet another example of why any victory against the Empire will be pyrrhic, as so much will have already been lost.

The TIE Defender project represents a concerted Imperial effort to develop a next-generation, mainline fighter which will once again assert
the Empire's qualitative and quantitative production advantages. The TIE/ln was developed around 14 years prior to these events, and when it
was mass-produced gave the Empire a starfighter which utilized the most advanced systems available and was superior to most starfighters
currently in use at the time. The fact that the TIE/ln is still one of the more advanced fighters is only due to the success of the Empire's
suppression of independent manufacturing. The X-wing, and to a lesser extent the A-wing, are the only fighters available in any quantity
which were produced after the TIE/ln and came close to matching a TIE fighter's abilities. The TIE/d 'Defender' gives the Empire a fighter
with all the features which gave the X-wing an advantage over the TIE/ln, specifically their shields and hyperdrive. The minor improvements
to the 'Defender Elite' line of starfighters may seem less-consequential, but as Thrawn points out, "victory and defeat are often determined by
the smallest details." Improved targeting and maneuverability, combined with the impressive features already standard on the regular Defenders,
could easily make the critical difference to escaping Rebels, in combat with other starfighters, and in effectiveness against Rebel starships.
This is also why Rebel command obtaining full intelligence about this fighter represents a significant intelligence coup for the Alliance.
Learning how the Defender Elite does what it does offers the possibility of devising a counter, not to mention replicating the advances.

The return of the loth-wolves heralds the fulfillment of Kanan's destiny, which had become increasingly intertwined with the fate of Lothal.
The danger posed to Lothal and the balance of the Force was so great, it warranted more direct intervention from the Force, something which
is not uncommon, but is usually far more subtle. In this case, the loth-wolves act as the Force's direct intermediaries, in order to convince
Kanan of the seriousness of the purpose for which he as a Jedi is responsible. Kanan once abandoned his old name Caleb Dume and much of his
Jedi path, mostly due to the trauma of the Republic's betrayal of the Jedi. Although he had long ago recommitted himself to his Jedi path,
Kanan remained on a personal quest, devoted more to the protection of those who he had an attachment to than to the universal and impartial
mission of the Jedi. This was not a severe contradiction, and did not mean that Kanan was not sincere about his devotion to the Jedi ways,
he had simply chosen to see his purpose in a context which suited him. The loth-wolves, and thus the Force, needs a truly selfless Jedi who
is willing to do anything to protect the gateway on Lothal, which is why Kanan was for sometime "drawn" to Lothal. Kanan will choose to help,
but will make a sacrifice which honors both his life as Kanan Jarrus and as Caleb Dume, which will enable others to protect Lothal.


FURTHER ANALYSIS
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