As “Wings of the Master” opens, Phoenix Squadron, led by Hera in the Ghost, is attempting to deliver some much needed supplies to supporters of the Rebel Alliance on Ibaar only to run into an Imperial blockade. With Agent Kallus at the helm, the Empire’s fleet of Star Destroyers and TIEs destroys the rebel transport ship. Forcing Hera and the surviving members of Phoenix Squadron to abort their mission and retreat. But like the phoenix of mythology, the Phoenix squadron will need to rise again and attempt another run, but they need some reinforcements first.
Captain Rex knows an engineer named Quarrie (another Rebels call back) who has designed a fighter ship that may be able to break the Imperial blockade, but he will only meet in person with prospective pilots for his ship. The problem is, ships that venture to Quarrie’s mysterious planet, usually don’t return. Kanan volunteers Hera to go on the mission, because they will need the best pilot at the controls of the new fighter if they are to deliver the much needed supplies.
While the reluctant Hera takes Zeb and Sabine in the Phantom, Kanan, Ezra, and Chopper take the Ghost to collect supplies. Upon landing on Quarrie’s landing pad the Phantom is damaged leaving it unable to fly and communicate with the Ghost. Quarrie offers to help repair the Phantom, but he refuses to let Hera take his cutting edge ship, the Blade Wing, also known as the B-wing from Return of the Jedi. Quarrie says he’s waited a long time for the right pilot for his ship and he can wait longer.
“Wings of the Master” is all about rising up and Hera does just that, as she convinces Quarrie, that she is the right pilot for his ship. She explains how she decided to rise up to leave her family on Ryloth so that she could join the Rebel Alliance and help others. When she is flying and the situation is at its worst, she feels likes she’s at her best. Quarrie decides, that if Hera is that passionate about helping others, he should not be one to hold her back. He agrees to let Hera and the Alliance have his B-wing, but he’s coming with them. In ROTJ, the B-wing didn’t seem very lethal or maneuverable, but that is definitely not the case in “Wings of the Master”.
In the meantime, Kanan has decided that he and Ezra will attempt to fly the supplies through the blockade in the Ghost since the Ibaarians are at their breaking point. They can’t wait for Hera any longer. But just as their run is starting, the newly equipped Phantom emerges from hyperspace with the B-wing in tow and it is the turning point for Phoenix Squadron. The B-wing, piloted by Hera and with upgraded weapons courtesy of Sabine, is just what the rebels needed. It is even able to destroy a star destroyer to make a path for the Ghost through the blockade.
“Wings of the Master” seems to be the Hera-centric episode that most Rebels fans have been waiting for. Hera proved why she is regarded as one of the best pilots in the galaxy and it was exciting to see. It was also great to learn more about Hera’s background and why she chose to join the Rebel Alliance. What did you think about “Wings of the Master”? Leave a comment below or follow me on Twitter . Thanks for reading my Rebels Review and remember:
The Cantina Cast
The wretched hive your Jedi Master warned you about!
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