Although it’s referred to as not IN canon, “LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures: Complete Season One” is categorized as being WITHIN canon. What this means is that the events are canon, but the story is told from a child’s perspective. All I kept thinking after discovering that was how cool it would be if these tales were told in a live-action manner. There are some great stories and concepts found here that would look epic and take your breath away if told in a more mature style.
“LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures: Complete Season One” takes place between “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.” As you might imagine, this gives its characters plenty of opportunities to bump into original and prequel trilogy characters. Many come and go, while others like Darth Vader and the Emperor are regulars.
Three Freemaker siblings scour the galaxy for useful debris that they utilize to build new vehicles of their own design. Rowan (Nicolas Cantu) is the spunky Force-sensitive 12-year-old with a thirst for adventure. His quick-witted older sister, Kordi (“Glee’s” Vanessa Lengies), manages the family business and is the glue that holds the family together. Ace pilot and charming rogue Zander (“Arrow’s” Eugene Byrd) is the oldest brother and the family’s self-proclaimed starship connoisseur. R0-GR (Lucasfilm’s Matthew Wood), also known as Roger, is a refurbished battle droid from the Clone Wars adopted by the Freemaker family.
When Rowan discovers a natural connection with the Force through an ancient artifact — the Kyber Saber — he and his family are thrown into an epic struggle against the Empire to restore peace and freedom to the galaxy. Together, they explore new worlds, meet new characters and legendary icons, and have an unforgettable adventure in “LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures: Complete Season One.”
I used to be one of those folks who took my “Star Wars” fandom way too seriously. I looked at the franchise as being untouchable and above being made fun of or being lampooned. I’ve sense grown out of that and become more comfortable with the idea of Lucasfilm and the creators of these shows poking fun at themselves and having a laugh at their own expense.
There are also some great commentary to take away from “LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures: Complete Season One.” The most important one is a sense of family values. No matter what sort of trouble any of the members of the Freemaker clan or their friends get into, they’re always there to help each other out and show their support.
“LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures: Complete Season One” comes with some entertaining special features. “Freemaker Salvage and Repair” shows you around the shop as Rowan, Kordi, and Zander take you on a tour of the family business. We get taken behind the scenes of the show with cast interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and clips.
“LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures: Complete Season One” is available now on Blu-ray and DVD.