When the new LEGO Star Wars series, Rebuild The Galaxy, was released last year, I found it to be a fun series of four episodes about a mixed up galaxy. Plenty of references and jokes, along with a nice, heartfelt story. But I didn’t think that galaxy would be explored again. So imagine my surprise when Star Wars Celebration announced Pieces of the Past. I was certain this second outing would be just as fun as the first.
The first episode builds things up to the reveal of Solitus. The villain of the season. It does this through showing what both brothers – Sig and Dev – are up to. For Dev, he is being called to by a strong power in the Force. For Sig, he is training as a Force Builder with Jedi Bob. But Sig has also been having visions of what Dev is up to. When the two are brought together and Solitus escapes, the two brothers must now work together to bring him down.
But first, they have to escape the Force Hold – the prison where Solitus was confined that is beyond time and space. It is here where the non-minifig characters of Ahsoka and Chewbacca are encountered. I have to say, I wasn’t too confident on how non-minifig characters would interact with the world on first seeing them from posters and the trailer. But the stop-motion style of the series works to mask the awkwardness of it.
And I have to say, the action of this season is just as great as the first. Some great lightsaber fights, space battles… Even a rather entertaining set piece in the first episode that I’m not going to spoil beyond saying it makes excellent use of the series’ animation style. And a certain recently released LEGO set. In fact, Pieces of the Past isn’t afraid to use non-standard sets when it needs to. Such as microfighters providing scale against planets and larger ships.
The references that Pieces of the Past makes are so great, to the point I was smiling so much. Whether that be voice lines used in new context, such as some of Palpatine’s notable ones. Characters appearing in some unexpected ways, such as the last link of the Skywalkers. Or even things relating to Maul, such as the fact he can’t stop singing to his own theme. Meaning I’ve now got “oh so fabulous” stuck in my head the same as I did with “awesome”.
For the main characters Pieces of the Past follows, there’s a good amount of development given to them. The theme of acceptance follows on from the first season, with forgiveness adding onto that with how the story of Sig and Dev intersect with that of Jedi Bob and Solitus. Even characters with less focus get in on that theming with their interactions, too.
When it comes to the final battle, it certainly is oh so fabulous. Which pretty much sums up the entire season. Said final battle is where everything feels at its strongest. The battles are dynamic and full of action. The utilisation of lines from the films in new context is so on point. And honestly, after the final battle is done and the final scene plays, I admit to being a touch emotional. Which is certainly a big indicator of how well this story has been told.
The last thing I want to mention is some of the various references that truly make this feel like a celebration of all of Star Wars. From the opening crawl in the first episode, that Sig disrupts. Many set pieces from the films being adapted to fit into the story with unique twists. And even the classic LEGO Star Wars logo appearing at the start of an episode for a retro flashback.
That celebrating of Star Wars, despite this being a mixed up galaxy, is one of the best traits of Pieces of the Past. Along with the great story and interactions, so many references of various types, and the humour. All of that combined makes LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy – Pieces of the Past an easy one to recommend. Rebuild The Galaxy as a whole is one of the best LEGO Star Wars series to exist. And I do not say that lightly.
But it makes me wonder what is next for LEGO Star Wars. I feel that the ending of Pieces of the Past is a great way to end things for the Rebuild The Galaxy series. While I wouldn’t mind seeing more galactic mix ups, the story that drives the series forward is done. Whatever is planned, I’m sure the next Star Wars Celebration will provide the answers.
Images Taken From:
LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy – Pieces of the Past | Official Trailer | Star Wars
