The episode received strong critical acclaim, in particular for the action sequences, Reed's direction, writing, performances, score, and emotional weight, with the surprise cameo of a digitally de-aged Luke Skywalker being a major highlight among fans.

Luke, who is twenty-eight at the time of The Mandalorian, appears in the episode through the use of a CGI version of Hamill's de-aged likeness, digitally animated over a body double with the use of motion capture.

[7][8] The technique was previously used in the franchise for the appearance of Grand Moff Tarkin and a young Princess Leia in Rogue One (2016) when a CGI version of Carrie Fisher's face was used.

Instead, archive audio recordings of Hamill's voice from the original trilogy and other mediums of the time (such as interviews and audiobooks) were programmed using the software Respeecher.

[11] Additional guest starring actors cast for this episode include Thomas E. Sullivan as a co-pilot, Luke Baines as a pilot, Gabriel Ebert returning as an Imperial Gunner Officer, Katy O'Brian returning as an Imperial Comms Officer, Max Lloyd-Jones as the body double for Luke Skywalker,[7] and Matthew Wood reprising his role of Bib Fortuna from Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999).

Other stunt doubles cast for this episode are Amy Sturdivant for Cara Dune, Scott Lang and Eddie Perez for Boba Fett, Caitlin Dechelle for Bo-Katan Kryze, Lauren Kim for Koska Reeves, Kirk Jenkins and Tyson Turner for Moff Gideon, Ming Qiu for Fennec Shand, Matt Rugetti for Luke Skywalker, and Jesse La Flair for Bib Fortuna.

[14] Open the Door, which plays when Luke removes the hood from his face, references Binary Sunset, John Williams' theme for The Force from A New Hope.

The website's critics consensus reads: "The Rescue balances its emotional stakes with just enough blockbuster action to craft a stunning season finale.

"[17] Alan Sepinwall of Rolling Stone called it "a thrilling and ultimately tear-jerking conclusion to a season that leveled up in pretty much every way from a very satisfying debut year.

The corridor fight has been compared to a similar scene in Rogue One with Darth Vader and Rebel troopers, with critics and fans praising the allusion.