I can’t tell you how nervous I was for this episode. I mean, adding C-3PO and R2-D2 to the world of Star Wars: Rebels just reeked of poorly done fan-service. I really enjoyed the TV movie that started this show, it was fun, engaging, well-made, there are so many storytelling possibilities in this universe, with these characters and we’re already reusing entities from the original trilogy? My cynical mindset was fully in control as I started watching the episode…and then C-3PO and R2-D2 entered the screen and it all melted away. Gosh darn it, I love those droids, and I was so, so, so happy to see them again.

Alright, alright, I was swept up in seeing these two characters again, but I gotta give the show proprs, this isn’t 22 minutes of callbacks to the original trilogy. R2-D2 and C-3PO are a fixture of the plot, but they’re not at the center of every scene. In fact, they become another piece of the ensemble cast, not overshadowing the characters we met in the one-hour special from two weeks back, which is very much appreciated. That ensemble cast in question is (mostly) given some well executed depth throughout this very successful episode.

Things start off on the right foot by giving another subtle tip of the hat to the past by having RX-24 from the original Star Tours ride (which, fun fact, I got to ride before it was renovated in 2011) pop up, but it isn’t all just nods to past productions in this episode. In a scene set in on a Star commuter shuttle, one can see the dynamics between the group already in place, such as droid Chopper having a sibling-esque relationship with Ezra and Sabine and Zeb having entertaining interactions. It’s nice to see the show continue this kind of characterization from that TV movie, especially since it’s so successful.

Well…most of it is. Ezra is still a problem for this show, and that needs to be resolved ASAP considering how crucial he seems to be to the proceedings. There’s no complexity or vulnerability in Ezra, he’s either whining or fading into the background. To boot, a pivotal emotional moment for the character towards the end of the episode loses much of its intended impact due to how undeveloped Ezra is, though the poor editing of the scene doesn’t help matters. Comparing his characterization to the tragic nuance given to Zeb in this episode, and it’s pretty apparent how lacking Ezra is. But, to be fair, even with a lackluster character like that, this episode winds up being pretty entertaining, especially in the action sequences.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars had a terrific tradition of crafting some really well done action moments, and man alive is it great to see this show continue that practice. The way some of these action sequences, like one where Zeb single handedly takes on a squadron of Stormtroopers, are shot is remarkable and makes them pretty damn involving. My primary concern beforehand of this episode being dragged down by the presence of C-3PO and R2-D2 was unwarranted. Not only are those two fun in this episode, but the rest of this half-hour is mostly solid. Even with some flaws like Ezra, Star Wars Rebels at this point is doing some surprisingly commendable and entertaining work.