The Recruit

"The Recruit" is the two-part pilot episode of Star Wars Resistance, an animated television series created by Dave Filoni. The episode was directed by Steward Lee and Saul Ruiz, and it was written by Brandon Auman.

Official description
''X-wing pilot Kazuda Xiono is recruited for the Resistance, but finds himself in over his head when Poe Dameron assigns him to a remote fueling station to spy on the First Order. Then, after Kaz boasts about being the best pilot around, he is forced to compete in a dangerous sky race.''

Dogfight in space
The episode opens with three New Republic T-85 X-wings being pursued by First Order Major Elrik Vonreg's crimson TIE Interceptor. C4 squeals in fright as Kazuda Xiono's X-wing races through space. Kazuda argues with C4, telling him that this mission would be dangerous. Kazuda doesn't know where the Resistance Commander Poe Dameron is. His fellow squadron mate Hugh Sion says that he's sure that Poe will get through and that they'll be here long enough to see him. The third pilot Mia Gabon tells them to lock it up and to get out of here.

As the TIE Interceptor closes in, Kazuda says they can't retreat since New Republic Command gave clear orders for them to deliver the intelligence to the Resistance. Hugh says they don't know what the intelligence is about. Kazuda thinks that it is pretty important for them to be getting shot at. When Mia says they can't even touch the enemy fighter, Kazuda orders them to report back to base while he delivers the intel. Mia exacts a promise from Kazuda to have their back. Kazuda also vows to make the TIE Interceptor pilot wish that he never met him.

Kazuda turns his X-wing around to face the TIE Interceptor and opens his fight's S-foils. While the other X-wings retreat into hyperspace, Kazuda launches a frontal attack on the TIE Interceptor. Major Vonreg shoots the top left S-foil of Kazuda's fighter, knocking out the ship. Kazuda asks C-4 if his comrades managed to escape into hyperspace. C-4 tells Kazuda that their power is down. Kazuda asks how long it will take for them to get it back just as Major Vonrey returns for a second run. C-4 squeals that he is too young to die but Kazuda adds that he is also too young to die.

Poe to the rescue
Major Vonreg fires two proton torpedoes at Kazuda's X-wing. Before they can hit their target, they are neutralized by two torpedoes fired by Poe Dameron's T-70 X-wing starfighter. Poe tells Kazuda to hold on tight cause he's got him and confronts the TIE Interceptor. Both Poe and BB-8 are amazed that the kid is still in one piece. Poe describes the TIE pilot as a real ace and vows to take care of him. Poe's X-wing leaders the TIE Interceptor on a chase. C4 and Kazuda argue with the latter saying that he can't sit back and tells C4 to power up the engines.

While Poe is leading the enemy TIE Interceptor on a chase, Kazuda contacts him over the intercom and tells him that he has an idea. Working together, Poe lures Major Vonreg's TIE Interceptor into the firing range of Kazuda's X-wing. At Kazuda's signal, Poe pulls his X-wing up. A laser blast from Kazuda's X-wing hist the back of the TIE Interceptor, inflicting some damage. With the tables turned, Poe pursues the red TIE Interceptor but Major Vonreg takes his fighter into hyperspace. Poe tells BB-8 next time we'll get him. He asks Kazuda what's his name. Kazuda introduces himself to Poe, who invites him aboard his ship for a "patch-up." When Kazuda asks "what", a CR90 corvette exits hyperspace above his X-wing.

Poe's guest
An Abednedo Resistance pilot walks past Kazuda and C4 aboard the CR90 corvette's corridors. Kazuda is amazed that he's aboard a vintage Rebellion ship. Poe tells him that this "old girl" is a classic which saw action from the Battle of Scarif right up to the Battle of Jakku. Kazuda is excited to meet Poe, whom his peers talk about.

Poe tells Kazuda that he's a pretty good pilot since he scored a hit on the red TIE, a feat that nobody else but Poe has accomplished. Kaz says that it's a lot easier when you're got good teamwork, earning a nod from C4/ Poe says that Kazuda's improvisation skills would be useful for the Resistance and invites him to sign up. Kazuda is keen to sign up but says his father, whose a New Republic senator, wouldn't approve. Kaz explains that his father haas a "whole plan" for him.

Poe tells him that he's got an eye for talent and tells Kaz's he's got it. Just then, a voice on the intercom tells Poe that General Leia Organa requests his presence immediately. Kazuda is amazed to hear that Poe answers to General Organa, the Rebellion hero. Poe confirms it's her and then asks Kazuda for the intelligence. After handing Poe the data card, Kazuda asks Poe to tell General Organa that she's the bravest person in the whole galaxy. Poe says she is and adds that he will also give her Kaz's greetings.

Poe then exits the room to confer with Leia. As BB-8 and C4 chat, Kaz tells them to cut the commentary and to show him where the refresher is. When Kaz exits the refresher, he finds C4 waiting outside but no sign of BB-8. Kazuda learns that BB-8 went with Poe. C4 doesn't know where Poe went. Kazuda decides to go for a walk and eavesdrops on the doors of the corvette. C4 follows and whistles but Kazuda tells him to keep quiet.

Joining the Resistance
Kazuda hears General Organa's voice and barges into a cabin. He finds Poe and BB-8 conferring with General Organa via a holographic projector. Kazuda blushes at the sight of the Rebellion hero. Poe and General Organa are visibly annoyed with his interruption. Poe pushes Kazuda out and chides him for eavesdropping. Kazuda denies being a spy. Poe reluctantly tells him that the intelligence he gave them was a message from a secret source indicating that the First Order is planning a massive attack on the New Republic.

When Kazuda says they have to stop them, Poe explains that his orders were to find out where that attack is going to come from and when. Kazuda volunteers to help by taking an ace pilot's job. Poe is astounded by Kaz's naivety and enthusiasm and tells BB-8 he can't believe what the kid is saying. BB-8 mumbles in response in Binary. Kazuda replies that BB-8 knows that the Resistance needs him and pleads for Poe to take him because Poe said he had talent.

Kazuda also vows to defend his home, the New Republic. Kazuda adds that he wants the chance to fight for the New Republic. Poe decids to give Kazuda a mission. Kazuda is excited but realizes he has to contact someone. After scrambling the hologram's signals, Poe allows Kaz to contact his father Hamato Xiono, who is a Senator in the New Republic. When Hamato asks Kaz why he can't see his form, Kaz explains that he had to scramble his signal because he is with the Resistance.

Hamato is displeased and asks his son how he has gotten mixed up with the Resistance, whom he regards as a bunch of extremists. Kaz says that he did not get mixed up but was on a mission and got attacked by the First Order. Kaz says he needs his dad's help. Hamato says that he has helped his son get into the Academy and the New Republic Navy and everything that he's ever wanted. When Hamato asks what his son wants, Hamato claims that he doesn't need anything before terminating the transmission. Kaz then tells Poe that he's in and asks what's the mission.

Landing on Castilon
While traveling through hyperspace in a Star Commuter 2000, Poe briefs Kazuda that the First Order has got a secret base in Wild Space and that they're building up their military. He adds that they need fuel and supplies. Poe tells Kaz that sources tell the Resistance that someone on Castilon is helping the First Order. The shuttle exits hyperspace above Castilon, an oceanic world on the edge of nowhere. Poe tells Kaz that he will blend in, get to know everyone out there, earn their trust, and find out whose loyal to the "good guys" and who isn't.

Kaz realizes that he's a spy but insists that he's a pilot. Poe reassures Kaz that he can both be a pilot and spy. The Star Commuter descends into Castilon's cloudy atmosphere and approaches the Colossus, one of the fest super tanker fuel depots left from the "old days." Kaz is familiar with the Colossus as a haunt for ex-Rebellion and ex-Imperial pilots. Poe says that some of the best pilots in the galaxy come to Colossus to race, gamble, and drink. Poe tasks Kaz with ferreting out the First Order's spy.

The Star Commuter lands on a docking pad. BB-8 rolls down the gangplank, followed by Poe and Kazuda. Kaz catches sight of an alien throwing another alien overboard. Kaz is startled but Poe tells him not to think about it. Kaz notices that the Colossus is a rough place with unsavory elements. As they approach a counter, Poe tells Kaz that he has to find his contact. If anybody asks, Poe tells Kaz to pose as a pilot looking for a job.

Enter Neeku and Yeager
In the background, a blue skinned alien manhandles two pit droids. Kaz catches sight of three starfighters racing above. He tells Poe of his childhood dream of becoming the best starfighter pilot in the galaxy. Kaz is overheard by the Nikto Neeku Vozo, who is acquainted with Poe and greets them. Neeku tells Poe that it's been a lengthy amount of time since he's encountered him. Poe tells Kaz that Neeku will be hanging around for a while.

When Neeku asks about Kaz's business, Poe is hesitant to speak and tells him they are heading towards Aunt Z's Tavern. Neeku is impressed by Poe's young friend Kaz and tells the other alien residents that Kazuda is the best starfighter pilot around and better than the racers here. Word of Kaz's arrival soon spreads throughout the refueling station including Aunt Z's Tavern. Aunt Z greets Poe and Kaz, complimenting the latter as the greatest pilot in the galaxy. Poe is modest but Aunt Z says that she was referring to Kazuda.

Neeku introduces Aunt Z as the proprietor of this business and asks about his boss Jarek Yeager. Aunt Z passes a mug to Yeager, who greets Poe Dameron. Yeager tells Poe that him showing up always means trouble and says that he's not interested in his affairs. Poe introduces Kaz. Yeager quips about Kaz being the best starfighter pilot in the galaxy. Kaz says hello. Poe tells Kaz to stay here and to keep out of trouble while he talks to Yeager.

Entanglements and debts
Kaz sits down only to discover that his stool is a cantankerous serving droid, who kicks him in the shin. Kazua decides to play a game of holo-darts to pass the time. He offers to play with Neeku for a bet of 100 credits. However, an Aleena named Grevel offers to compete for a bet of 500 credits in a match.

Kaz accepts the challenge and hurls three holo-darts at a bulls-eye. This alarms Grevel who triples the bet to 1,500 credits. Kaz says that it's too bad because he's out of darts. The Aleena offers him his own holo-dart, which has been tampered with. Kaz hurls the dart but it misses and hits the back of an enraged Klatooinian named Bolza Grool, who corners Kaz at Aunt Z's counter.

Meanwhile, Yeager tells Poe that they go a long way back but refuses to get involved with the Resistance. Yeager adds that he doesn't want to get involved in his spy mission. Poe says that he brought Kaz so that Yeager doesn't have to spy for the Resistance. Yeager grumbles that Poe is always fighting for a cause and thinks that he is stuck in the past. Poe counters that the First Order is real and are a threat to the galaxy. When Poe argues that he is fighting for the future, Jarek says he is done fighting.

Reception
"The Recruit" premiered on October 7, 2018 at 10pm on the Disney Channel, with 336 thousand viewers and a .08 ratings share. The rest of the season will air on Disney XD.