Why Many Fans Dislike Zeb Orrelios in Star Wars Rebels

The character of Zeb Orrelios, a member of the Ghost crew in Star Wars Rebels, has garnered a mixed response from fans. While some viewers appreciate his contributions to the series, others find him less favorable due to various factors including his character design, personality traits, and role within the team.

Character Design

Some viewers find Zeb's character design, inspired by Ralph McQuarrie's original concept art for Chewbacca, less appealing compared to other characters. His large, muscular frame and distinct features can be polarizing. Fans often compare his design to other well-loved characters and may feel that his appearance is less engaging or less detailed.

Personality Traits

Zebs personality can sometimes come across as brash and aggressive, which may not resonate with all fans. While some appreciate his tough exterior and sense of humor, others find him less relatable compared to more nuanced characters. For example, in the episode where he throws Ezra to the Imperials for the sake of his own escape, his character's actions can be seen as self-centered and unreasonable. This has led to many fans viewing him as an unlikable straight man in the series.

Role in the Team

As a member of the Ghost crew, Zeb sometimes plays the role of the muscle. While he is an important crew member, his role can sometimes make him feel less important or overshadowed by more central characters like Kanan, Ezra, or Hera. This can lead to the perception that he is a less developed character in the eyes of some fans. Despite his significance in lifting heavy objects and firing guns, many viewers feel that Zeb's character should have more depth and development.

Story Arcs and Character Growth

While Zeb has significant character development, particularly in his backstory and relationship with Kallus, not all viewers find these arcs compelling. Some may see his conflicts and resolutions as less engaging compared to other character arcs in the series. For instance, his storyline involving Rukh and the display of his grief and suffering after Kanan's death could have been further explored to make him more relatable and understandable to the audience.

Comparisons to Other Characters

Fans often compare characters within the same series, and Zeb may not stack up favorably against others who have more intricate stories or character growth. Some viewers feel that other characters like Sabine or Hera contribute more to the emotional depth and complexity of the series. The humor in Star Wars Rebels is often based on his predecessors' foolishness, and Zeb serves as a foil to this tradition.

In summary, Zeb Orrelios has a dedicated fanbase and contributes significantly to the themes of friendship and loyalty in Star Wars Rebels. However, his characteristics and role may not appeal to everyone. While some fans appreciate his contributions, others find him less likable due to his brash personality, overshadowed role, and less nuanced backstory.

Conclusion

The perception of Zeb Orrelios as a disliked character is subjective. While younger audiences may enjoy his character and find humor in his actions, older audiences often view him as an unlikable straight man in the series. Despite these challenges, Zeb still adds value to the show and has moments that contribute to emotional depth and plot development.