Reviewers from Den of Geek described the episode as a "grand tour of Lothal" that highlights how much Ezra has grown since the first season.
The episode features the core voice cast along with notable returning guest stars: as Ezra Bridger Vanessa Marshall as Hera Syndulla Freddie Prinze Jr. as Kanan Jarrus Tiya Sircar as Sabine Wren Clancy Brown as Ryder Azadi Dante Basco as Jai Kell Keith Szarabajka as Cikatro Vizago Greg Ellis as Baron Valen Rudor Thematic Analysis and Reception Star Wars Rebels Season 4 - Episode 5
: The episode holds a 7.5/10 rating on IMDb and a high audience score on Rotten Tomatoes . Star Wars Rebels Season 4 Episode 5 Review: The Occupation Reviewers from Den of Geek described the episode
Upon arrival, the crew is devastated by the planet's state; once vibrant, Lothal is now heavily polluted and scarred by Imperial industrialization. Star Wars Rebels Season 4 Episode 5 Review:
Following a transmission from about a new Imperial TIE Defender prototype, the Ghost crew returns to Ezra’s home planet, Lothal. To bypass the blockade, they enlist the smuggler Cikatro Vizago , paying him with a shipment of puffer pigs.
: The crew is eventually cornered in the cantina, now run by Baron Valen Rudor . They are rescued by Jai Kell , a former Imperial cadet from Season 1.