The beginning of the B-Wing.
By Eric Goldman
Warning: Full spoilers for the episode below.
It was great to finally get a new Hera-centric episode this week, as the Ghost’s pilot has not only rarely taken the spotlight, but is so often left behind while everyone else goes on a mission. And fortunately, “Wings of the Master” was a strong installment, with several standout moments.
I do wish we got even more about Hera. Her big scene in this regard, delving into her childhood on Ryloth, was great, but I still want to know even more about her and her past. However, as a look at what an impressive pilot Hera was, we got plenty of that here, from her instructions during the opening battle (one which didn’t hold back, as far as the Rebels losing and that Blockade Runner being destroyed), to the oh-so tricky landing she had to pull off on one very sketchy/scary landing platform, to her getting into the seat of the first-ever B-Wing.
We want to hear it.
Having the B-Wing designed by a Mon Calamari, Quarrie (a respectful homage to the legendary Ralph McQuarrie, the man who helped design so much of Star Wars), was a nice nod to the Expanded Universe, where another Mon Calamari, Admiral Ackbar, oversaw the development of the B-Wing. And it was great to have Corey Burton, who voiced both Count Dooku and Cad Bane, back in the world of Star Wars. He and Vanessa Marshall, always so good as the confident and skilled Hera, played off each other very well.
And wow did the B-Wing kick ass! Hera’s first flight in it was thrilling and it was a very cool moment where she fired its Death Star-esque mega-weapon for the first time – setting up when she managed, with Sabine’s help, to take down an Imperial ship with that sucker.
Hera getting her Rebel Alliance promotion at the end, as she was named the new leader of Phoenix Squad, was a sweet and touching beat to close on, giving this cool character a well-deserved triumph.
We want to hear it.
There were several standout lines in this episode as well. Kanan exclaiming, “It makes me feel better when I say it!” to Ezra’s skepticism over his back-up plan working was hysterical. And I also dug Sabine’s innuendo-tinged, “Never get between a Mandalorian and a weapons package.” Also, while not a comedic line, David Oyelowo gave the perfect, sarcastic, Imperial delivery to “They’ll return. They can’t resist helping people in need!”
Hera’s first big episode in Season 2 wasn’t exactly as packed with info on her as I would have liked, nor even was it a true solo mission – though at least those accompanying her, Sabine and Zeb, were the other characters who could use more time to shine. But it was a very entertaining and exciting adventure for the Ghost’s ace pilot.
