Episodes 201 and 202 were developed together as a single story, with Henry Gilroy writing the first detailed outline in May of 2014. The stated theme of the episodes is “Sometimes you can’t go home, but you can find a new one.”
In Season Two, Ezra now has the burns on his left cheek that he suffered in his duel with the Inquisitor. He also now carries a holster and new wrist comlink to replace his slingshot.
An early version of the rebel commander was named Fells before the character gained his final name of Sato. He is voiced by Keone Young.
The early outline also included a role for Governor Pryce, who is spoken about but not yet seen in the series. It was Pryce who was to be sacrificed by Vader in a shuttle explosion, and Minister Tua would have then been promoted to governor.
An earlier version of this story had Morad Sumar in it. He would describe to Ezra the conditions on Lothal and be particularly shocked when word reached the populace that Ezra was part of the crew that killed Minister Tua.
The first draft of the script (dated June 17, 2014) had Lando Calrissian actually present on his farm. The second draft (July 8, 2014) replaced him with his protocol droid W1-LE, but still had Lando present in the story via hologram.
With docking tubes extended, a blockade runner can carry three A-wing fighters.
The burn mark that Kanan sustains on his shoulder armor is now part of his Season 2 design.
The scorch marks that Sabine sustains in battle will inspire her to repaint her armor and update her look.
Some of the Phoenix Squadron A-wing fighters have a blue stripe and white triangle to match Ralph McQuarrie portfolio art he created for the release of Return of the Jedi.
Sato’s command ship is a repurposed medical frigate from the Clone Wars. After Darth Vader destroys it, Sato transfers his command to the blockade runner Liberator.
The scene with Darth Vader and the Emperor was added after the second draft, based on feedback from Dave Filoni. The Emperor is voiced by Sam Witwer, who had previously voiced Darth Maul and the Son in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
