The First Order is definitely here to stay in Star Wars Resistance as they rear their shiny helmeted heads on the Colossus for a second episode in a row. Kaz has once again managed to break something in his role as a supposed mechanic and promises to pay to replace the very expensive part. In desperate need of a lot of credits fast, he’s immediately intrigued by the promise of 20,000 credits for finding two runaway children. The kids, however, don’t want to be found and for good reason: it’s the First Order looking for them. Now it’s up to Kaz and Neeku to figure out a way to help them even though it also means sacrificing any chance of getting the credits to buy a new part.

In last week’s episode “The High Tower”, we finally got a break from Kaz’s unfortunate hijinks and got back to why he’s really here: to spy for the Resistance. At first glance, this episode seems like it might not reveal too much about them but the moment one of the kids says the name ‘Kylo Ren’, it’s a whole new ballgame. I’m intrigued by what exactly happened on Tehar aside from the slaughter. My first assumption based on the promotional images and description of the episode was that the kids were escapees from the First Order’s stormtrooper program but with Kylo Ren involved? It doesn’t seem quite as likely. What was he looking for there? Why did he destroy the entire village like he’s going to do one day on Jakku? It feels like a coin flip as to whether we’ll actually find out within the show but this is part of why I’m loving Resistance: it’s tying to the rest of the galaxy and making me wonder about what else is happening… and we’re only on episode five!

The more we get of the First Order, the more we also get of Captain Doza who officially has me intrigued. Clearly, he’s not opposed to the First Order (at least in terms of business) but neither is he completely in favor of them. If he were, he would’ve accepted their terms for protection. Are his sympathies political or entirely business oriented? If they’re political, what led him to this mindset? I can honestly say Captain Doza wasn’t a character I ever expected to care about and within two episodes, that’s changed completely. I desperately want to know more about him. Well done, Resistance, well done.

As the show adds more with the First Order, it also focuses less on Kaz’s antics. He’s still very bad at this spy thing and often over the top (something I believe is just part of Resistance being aimed at a younger audience) but at his core, it’s incredibly clear that he’s a good person. The narrative finds subtle ways to reinforce how he’s a product of his privileged upbringing. His first assumption is that someone placed a 20,000 credit bounty on the kids because they care about them. Kaz comes from a world where parents could do that. It’s naïve but endearing. His eyes are being opened to a much larger galaxy and he’s slowly but surely learning. This episode also shows that he’s smarter than a lot of fans are giving him credit for. The plan that helps the kids escape the First Order? Actually kinda brilliant. In a way, perhaps it’s a good thing most people on the station just think he’s a blundering idiot. It’s a good if unsubtle cover for a spy.

Assorted Thoughts:

• It’s nice to see Ello Asty and for him to be voiced by Matthew Wood again.
• Just how many people actually know that Kylo Ren is Ben Solo?
• I have a lot of thoughts about Commander Pyre in relation to Captain Cardinal but I’ll spare you all that particular essay of feels. For now.
• The show’s clearly going to be mostly focused on one character as opposed to a core crew but I still want more of the Aces.
• The turtle engineers are delightful.
• So is BB-8 going down stairs at double speed.
• Kazuda Xiono can do a side split in mid air. That’s all.

“The Children from Tehar” is another solid episode of Star Wars Resistance that continues upon the intrigue built within “The High Tower” and gives us more of the First Order as Kaz’s mission continues. Without a doubt, the show is finding its stride now and I can’t wait for next week’s episode.