After the cancellation of "Star Wars: The Clone Wars", I, like many, was disappointed that Disney let the series go out rather than finish right up into Episode III. But, when they foretold that they would have their own series that will answer key questions about Episode VII, I had to check it out. Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed.
The show, Star Wars Rebels, takes place 5 years before the Battle of Yavin (which means it's 5 B.B.Y. in Star Wars chronology), and the Empire holds a tight grip on the galaxy. The planet of Lothal is one of them, and they are forced to endure the brutality of the Empire. For 14 year Ezra Bridger, a con-artist and street rat who bears some resemblance to Aladdin, surviving on the streets is easy for anyone who knows how to fool a Stormtrooper. But his resistance gets himself caught in a larger rebellion against the Empire, and is now working with the crew of the spaceship "The Ghost" amongst others who hold the Empire in disregard. There's Kanan, a Jedi in hiding, Sabine, a Mandalorian with a knack for graffiti and explosions, Zeb, a Lassat with a short temper and a habit of hurting Stormtroopers, Hera, a Twi'lek pilot that leads the crew, and Chopper, a grumpy astromech droid who's supposed to be the polar opposite of R2-D2.
The series' strong points is its connection to the greater Star Wars lore, from the Clone Wars and beyond. Mentions towards Order 66, the Great Jedi Purge, and the actions the Empire took really give a reason to why the Rebellion was formed in the first place, and it even gives more insight towards Bail Organa's own role in creating it. Not only that, but the character development is well thought out, and the relationships between the crew of the Ghost is as meaningful as it can get.
The villains themselves pose a genuine threat. The cold and cunning Agent Kallus has proven himself to be a worthy adversary equivalent to that of General Grievous. The mysterious Sith Inquisitor makes himself out to be much like Darth Maul, in that the truth surrounding his origins and what capabilities in the dark side he has keep us guessing for all season. Even Grand Moff Tarkin and Darth Vader appear in the show, as do some special guests (I'm not saying who, but Clone Wars fans will be very pleased)
It's true that Rebels is no Clone Wars, but its a worthwhile show that I would highly recommend. Just play close attention though. If the fan theory is to be believed, Ezra may become Episode VII's main bad guy, Kylo Ren, and this is the place to check out that possible descent to the dark side.
