I also found it a bit jarring the first time I watched it, but I got used to it, and I’ve come to appreciate it for simply being a different style than TCW. It can be a bit too “soft” at times, but I simply accept that as a Disney XD restriction. Overall though I do really love that Filoni decided to commit to the McQuarrie aesthetic, and in many ways I think its the mot OT SW-thing we’ve really gotten since the OT. I rewatched the whole series recently, and on the second viewing I even came to appreciate the lighthearted tone of even the 1st season. TCW may be more serious, but I don’t think SW necessarily has to be serious. But, starting with the season 2 finale Rebels does take a much darker turn and the last arc in season 4 is really excellent. It’ll also becomes quite apparent that the budget gets higher per new season.