This two pack is very similar to that of the Moroff vs. Shoretrooper.  You get a rebel alien, a hard to find trooper, and a big giant accessory.  Does that make this a must buy?

The Death Trooper that is included is, of course, inferior to the super-articulated Walmart exclusive.  However, that figure continues to be elusive for many collectors, although reports are growing that some cases of this wave are making it onto shelves.  If you already own the SA version, then this figure is not likely to impress, as it screams to have more articulation.  The comparison shot is provided in order to show how articulation matters.  (I removed the pauldron from the SA version on the left, to show a more equal comparison of sculpts.)  If you have not been able to find a sufficient number of SA Death Troopers (or any, for the mattter), or even the 5POA single-carded version, this 2-pack might be your best bet to own a Death Trooper.  The figure isn’t terrible (other than the frustrating lack of articulation).  The monster accessory is intended for use by the Death Trooper (which I was surprised at, as I assumed it was for Pao).  It works well enough, and the trooper doesn’t tip over while wearing the back pack assembly.  It’s only marginally less silly than most of the other off-screen accessories, but you likely won’t care about it anyway.

As for Pao, here you get an actual Alliance commando, who volunteers to join the Rogue One strike force.  Unlike Moroff, Pao was actually part of the Battle of Scarif, so the 2-pack combination is logical.  Pao meets the 5POA baseline.  He is actually very well sculpted, with an appealing variety of colors and textures on his uniform.  Pao can hold his rifle firmly, although obviously he can’t do a proper two-handed grip.  His face has great personality and looks very much like the film version.  Pao is noted for his ability to yell a lot, which might be helpful on a battlefield, unless you’re trying to be sneaky.  For example, it wouldn’t have been good if Jyn was yelling a lot while wearing her ground crew disguise.  Like Admiral Raddus, Hasbro opted to give Pao an articulated maw, rather than a ball-jointed head.  Decent choice, because, as we discussed, Pao liked to yell.  Once again, you can quickly arrow back and forth between images 18 and 19 to make Pao talk.

So Pao is a cool design, and he’s one of only two marines who participated in the Battle of Scarif, along with LT. Sefla, that were made into 3.75” action figures.  While disappointing that Pao isn’t super-articulated, it will have to do if you want to flesh out your Scarif display.  The Death Trooper is okay for what it is, especially if you haven’t been able to acquire a better version.  It’s a decent pairing of figures, with pleasing designs, and accessories - and Pao can move his mouth.