Why Didn't Ezra or Cal Try to Join the Rebellion or Why Didn't the Rebellion Seek Them Out?

Introduction

The Rebels series provided a rich backdrop for understanding the complexities of the Rebellion. However, despite their brilliant skills and significant roles in the fight against the Empire, Ezra Bridger and Cal Kestis remain perplexing figures when it comes to their interactions with the Rebellion. This article delves into the reasons behind why these characters were not formally part of the Rebellion, and why the Rebellion did not seek out these individuals.

Ezra Bridger: A Teenage Jedi in Training

Age and Circumstances: When Ezra joins the Ghost crew, he is still a teenager whose primary focus is learning to be a Jedi and fighting against the Empire on a smaller scale. His mission with the Rebellion is more indirect, operating within the context of the crew's missions rather than as a formal member of the Rebellion.

Focus on Personal Growth: Ezra’s journey is about understanding his identity and powers as a Jedi. His personal struggles and the influence of figures like Kanan Jarrus shape his path, keeping him more focused on immediate threats rather than the larger Rebellion.

The Rebellion's Structure

The Rebellion's Structure: The Rebellion is a vast and somewhat fragmented organization during this time. They may not have had the resources or knowledge to actively seek out every potential ally, especially younger individuals like Ezra who were not yet established figures in the fight against the Empire.

Cal Kestis: A Survivor in Hiding

Isolation and Secrecy: Cal is a survivor of Order 66 and is in hiding for much of his story. His primary concern is avoiding the Empire, particularly the Inquisitors, which makes him less inclined to seek out the Rebellion.

Personal Mission: Cal’s journey revolves around confronting his past and seeking to restore the Jedi Order. His motivations are tied to his own history and the legacy of the Jedi.

Timing and Context: By the time of Cal's story, the Rebellion is still in its infancy. Many Jedi are either in hiding or have been killed. The Rebellion may not have been aware of Cal’s existence or his potential as an ally.

Backdoor Pals: Ezra and the Rebellion

Despite not being a formal member of the Rebellion, Ezra's team had its share of encounters with the Rebellion. For example, in the show, we see how Ezra and the Ghost crew aided in freeing a planet under the Empire's rule. This indicates that he, at least, had established connections with certain Rebellion cells.

It is also noteworthy that the show Rebels itself is a show about how the early foundations of the Rebel Alliance started. We see in the series that Leia and other key figures later became powerful leaders in the alliance. This suggests a deeper understanding of the origins and principles of the Rebellion.

Speculations on Cal Kestis

The whereabouts of Cal Kestis are currently unknown. Until a new game or an introduction into something else, this remains the case. However, one can speculate based on the patterns seen in the Star Wars universe post-empire fall:

Seeking Knowledge and Self-Discovery: Like Luke Skywalker, Cal may be seeking knowledge and finding any Force-sensitive individuals before Darth Vader does. Hiding and Survival: Given his status as a survivor, Cal could be discreetly aiding the resistance without being formally recognized.

Conclusion

Ezra and Cal, with their unique backgrounds and motivations, remain figures beyond the immediate purview of the Rebellion. Their individual journeys and immediate challenges kept them from formally joining or being recruited by the Rebellion at that time. However, their contributions, even when indirect, played a crucial role in the fight against the Empire and the establishment of the Rebel Alliance.