The Ultimate Guide to Hera Syndulla's Most Impactful Star Wars Rebels Episodes: A Must-Read for Ahsoka Fans

The highly anticipated Ahsoka series is just around the corner, and fans can look forward to a long-awaited Star Wars Rebels reunion, featuring the live-action debut of Hera Syndulla. As a distinguished general during the era of the New Republic, the Twi'lek captain of The Ghost has had an impressive career leading up to the events of this new Star Wars show. To fully appreciate her appearance in Ahsoka, it would be beneficial to watch some key episodes from the animated Star Wars Rebels series. These episodes, starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Ahsoka, will give viewers important context leading up to the events of the show.

Hera Syndulla, voiced by Vanessa Marshall, played a central role in Star Wars Rebels. As the captain of The Ghost and the leader of the Rebel cell known as the Spectres, Hera emerged as a pivotal figure in the Rebellion's fight against the Empire. She also developed a romantic relationship with the Jedi survivor Kanan Jarrus, all while leading Rebel forces against the brilliant tactician Grand Admiral Thrawn – the Empire's formidable strategist who will also make a return in Ahsoka. To prepare for Ahsoka's release on August 23rd, here are 10 essential episodes featuring Hera Syndulla from Star Wars Rebels that fans should watch.

10 Spark of Rebellion (Parts 1 & 2)

9 Wings of the Master

The debut episode of the series, titled "Spark of Rebellion," presents not only Hera Syndulla's character, but also introduces Kanan, Sabine Wren, the Mandalorian artist, Zeb, the Lasat warrior, and Hera's faithful droid companion, Chopper. This premiere episode showcases the initial clashes between the Rebel cells and the Empire on Lothal, as well as the recruitment of Ezra Bridger, a young Force-sensitive individual, into their ranks. Ezra becomes Kanan's Padawan, and Hera strongly advocated for his recruitment due to her recognition of his potential in aiding their cause.

The episode known as "Wings of the Master" played a vital role in the story as it showcased the Spectres and Phoenix Squadron acquiring a highly sought-after prototype B-Wing starfighter. This iconic fighter, originating from the original trilogy, solidified Hera's position as the first Rebel to ever engage in battle against the Empire while maneuvering this exceptional craft. Moreover, this episode served as an undeniable testament to Hera's remarkable piloting abilities that extended far beyond her role as the captain of The Ghost.

8 Homecoming

"Homecoming" witnesses the collaboration between Hera and the Spectres with Twi'lek freedom fighters on Ryloth, as they strive to liberate their homeland from the clutches of the Empire. As Hera reunites with her father Cham Syndulla, the esteemed leader of the resistance, profound revelations about her past unfold, shedding light on the tragic demise of her mother following the conclusion of the Clone Wars. Notably, Cham Syndulla made his initial appearance in the animated series The Clone Wars, where he valiantly battled alongside Mace Windu and the Republic forces against the Separatists, affirming that Hera's unwavering commitment to combat injustice and oppression is deeply rooted in her life journey.

7 Hera’s Heroes

In the Star Wars Rebels episode titled "Hera's Heroes," the Spectres return to Ryloth in an effort to retrieve a valuable family heirloom. This mission leads Hera to come face to face with Grand Admiral Thrawn for the first time, marking the start of their ongoing rivalry. Thrawn, known for his exceptional intellect and appreciation for art, cleverly uses the heirloom to decipher Hera's true identity. Despite Hera's escape and reunion with her crew, this encounter lays the foundation for their future clashes in Ahsoka.

6 Zero Hour (Parts 1 & 2)

5 Kindred

Aided by General Dodonna's forces and Phoenix Squadron, Hera took charge in devising strategies and commanding multiple Rebel fighters against the assault led by Thrawn and the Empire's Seventh Fleet on Chopper Base, the Rebellion's stronghold. Matching Thrawn's tactical prowess with her own, these crucial Rebel factions not only managed to survive but also thwarted Thrawn's attempts to decimate them with his relentless Star Destroyers. The Rebels' survival can be attributed to various factors, including Imperial officers defying Thrawn's orders and the formidable power of the Bendu. Hera's exceptional military brilliance was clearly evident throughout the battle, which ultimately led to her well-deserved promotion to the rank of general in the aftermath of the original trilogy.

In the concluding season of Star Wars Rebels, the Rebellion took determined action to free Lothal from the clutches of the Empire. The initial episodes marked a pivotal moment as Kanan and Hera, protagonists of the Rebellion, began openly expressing their deep affection for one another. A long-awaited kiss between them symbolized the true depth of their relationship, although subsequent episodes revealed that their bond had grown even stronger in the past.

4 Rebel Assault

3 Jedi Night

"Rebel Assault" marked the continuation of the Liberation of Lothal, during which Hera, after her squadron was shot down by Thrawn and the Empire, found herself compelled to go into hiding. Determined to protect those she could, Hera ultimately made the selfless decision to surrender herself to the Empire, resulting in her capture. This episode stands out as a rare occurrence where Hera faced the challenges alone, without the support of her fellow Spectres.

In the aftermath of Kanan's courageous rescue of Hera in the intense episode "Jedi Night," the Empire relentlessly pursued the rebels as they sought to flee near the Imperial Fuel Depot on the planet Lothal. However, their relentless pursuit led to a disastrous outcome as the Empire inadvertently destroyed their own fuel pod in their fervent attempt to eliminate the rebels. In a poignant moment following the chaos, Hera mustered the courage to express her love for Kanan for the very first time. Tragically, Kanan made the ultimate sacrifice, employing the power of the Force to shield the explosion and ensure Hera's safe escape alongside Sabine and Ezra. This emotionally devastating episode would forever serve as a defining moment, not only for the entire Spectres crew, but especially for Hera.

2 DUME

"DUME" details the aftermath of Kanan's demise, delving into Hera's profound sorrow and mourning for the man she held dear. Initially burdened by guilt and regret for not expressing her true emotions earlier, Hera eventually finds solace and resolves to honor Kanan's legacy by incorporating a fragment of his Jedi holocron into her cherished family heirloom known as a kalkori. With renewed determination, she rejoins the Rebellion's cause to liberate Lothal, steadfast in her commitment to continue the fight in the manner Kanan would have fervently wished for.

1 Family Reunion and Farewell

In the gripping conclusion of Star Wars Rebels, the Rebellion emerges triumphant in the Liberation of Lothal. Ezra Bridger successfully overthrows Grand Admiral Thrawn, plunging both adversaries into the uncharted reaches of space aboard a flock of majestic space whales known as purrgil. Furthermore, a captivating epilogue unfolds, situated after the events of the original trilogy, showcasing Hera as a seasoned general who continues to soar through the galaxy aboard The Ghost alongside her valiant son Jacen. It is worth noting that Jacen's father is none other than the revered Kanan himself.

Hera and Jacen Syndulla are set to appear in Ahsoka, where they are expected to join forces with the former Jedi outcast and Sabine to locate Ezra. Together, they will confront the newly emerged threat in the galaxy: Grand Admiral Thrawn. Thrawn, who has resurfaced in the known galaxy, aims to establish himself as the rightful successor to the Empire.