"Out of Darkness" finds Sabine growing frustrated with Hera and Kanan’s secrecy. The Mandalorian demands to accompany Kanan on a rendezvous with a mysterious contact, but the two find that their meeting place is infested with deadly fyrnocks. They escape, and Sabine learns to have faith in Hera’s leadership.
At the Art and Science of Lucasfilm panel, the Star Wars Rebels team spoke with local students. Art director Kilian Plunkett showed the design process for Chopper and Kanan; it begins with 2-D illustrations, and both characters went through significant evolutions. Chopper originally had a very Artoo-like dome, and Kanan did not always have his trademark ponytail and goatee. Sculpted maquettes finalize the process, showing how the character looks in three dimensions.
In “Out of Darkness,” Hera and Sabine take center stage. Pablo Hidalgo tells Lucasfilm’s Andi Gutierrez that Hera is “the true believer of the show. She has the absolute unquestioning faith in the cause of what they’re fighting for.” Dave Filoni, executive producer, thinks she’s interesting because she’s a mother figure, but also has a pilot’s swagger and toughness.
Sabine has her own strengths. “I think Sabine’s really good at thinking on her feet,” says co-creator and associate producer Carrie Beck. “While other people may get caught up in the moment…she’s able to dive in head first and figure her way out of a situation.” Hidalgo asserts that she’s also highly educated, and that will be explored.