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Fighting For Freedom. Ahsoka takes centre stage after Anakin is injured in an average episode of the Clone Wars. Following an epic opening battle in which Anakin rescues Aayla Secura from an orbital dogfight, the team crash land light years away on a remote planet. The planet is populated by creatures who seek to avoid the Clone Wars, thus thrusting our heroes into a battle of wits and words as they discuss the Jedi and their status as peacekeepers in the galaxy. Moral ambiguity aside, this episode is a slow burner with relatively little to keep the viewer engaged. Hopefully the concluding part of the storyline is more exciting JEDI MESSAGE "Greed and fear of loss are the roots that lead to the tree of evil" STORY ARC - Defenders of Peace (1/2) FEATURED CHARACTERS - Ahsoka Tano - Anakin Skywalker - Aayla Secura - Captain Rex - Tee Watt Kaa - Commander Bly - Wag Too - Admiral Yularen FEATURED LOCATIONS - Maridun TRIVIA When Anakin is being treated aboard the Consular-class fri...

  An Unlikely Alliance. Anakin and Obi-Wan team up with Count Dooku to escape the double-crossing pirates in a fine, fun episode. The trio's banter is solid if a bit cliche, but Jar-Jar Binks' rescue mission is a welcome side-plot as the bumbling Gungan finally does something useful. It was refreshing to see Binks not cock up the mission like he usually does, although even in his better episodes like this I still can't help but wish he was included less frequently. Still, an entertaining episode with a satisfying ending as the Jedi show their honour by leaving the pirates in peace. JEDI MESSAGE "Fail with honor rather than succeed by fraud" STORY ARC - The Gungan General (2/2) FEATURED CHARACTERS - Ahsoka Tano - Count Dooku - Yoda - Anakin Skywalker - Obi-Wan Kenobi - Jar Jar Binks - Hondo Ohnaka - Turk Falso - Senator Kharrus (RIP) - Padme Amidala FEATURED LOCATIONS - Florrum TRIVIA Senator Kharrus' staff was designed off of the Staff of Ra from Raiders of th...

Unexpected Gifts. Anakin and Obi-Wan track down Dooku in a slow but decent episode. I was hoping for a climactic lightsaber battle between Dooku and the Jedi, but maybe that will come in the next episode JEDI MESSAGE "The winding path to peace is always a worthy one, regardless of how many turns it takes " STORY ARC - The Gungan General (1/2) FEATURED CHARACTERS - Ahsoka Tano - Hondo Ohnaka - Chancellor Palpatine - Obi-Wan Kenobi - Padme Amidala  - Count Dooku - Mace Windu - Senator Kharrus - Jar Jar Binks - Anakin Skywalker - Plo Koon - Yoda - Captain Rex - 4A-2R - Turk Falso FEATURED LOCATIONS - Vanqor TRIVIA Kenobi's line to the Niktos, "You're not the prisoners I'm looking for," echoes his line in A New Hope, "These aren't the droids you're looking for." In the original airing of the episode, which was also shown as a sneak peek, when Dooku's frigate comes under fire by the Resolute, Obi-Wan tells Dooku that he'll be tak...

Power. Kit Fisto reunites with his old Padawan Nahdar Vebb to recapture Nute Gunray from Grievous' lair. Instead, they discover that Gunray has escaped and they must battle their way out of the separatist leader's stronghold. It's an entertaining concept and has some good moments, but overall the plot is a bit too thin to warrant a higher rating. Kit Fisto is awesome, but I'm annoyed we won't get to learn any more about Nadhar now that he has been killed. Saying that, his execution was one of the more powerful moments of the series so far, showing how dark this family-friendly show is willing to go. Much like the previous episode did with Ventress, this episode also serves to reinforce the danger that Grievous poses, since previously he has been defeated a number of times. Overall, a solid chapter, if a bit too simple. JEDI MESSAGE "Most powerful is he who controls his own power" STORY ARC - NONE FEATURED CHARACTERS - Kit Fisto - Nadhar Vebb ...

War Crimes. Ahsoka Tano joins forces with Jedi Master Luminara Unduli as they attempt to protect Nute Gunray en route to Coruscant. Asajj Ventress made her return in this episode, proving for the first time what a truly fearsome warrior she can be when she needs to be. It was great to see the villains actually emerge victorious for once, as their constant defeats were growing tiresome. Luminara was also a highlight of this chapter, and her relationship with Ahsoka was fascinating and one that I hope will be developed further in the future. Also, Senate COMMANDOS?? SUCH a dope idea, especially with their gladiator like helmets! JEDI MESSAGE "Ignore your instincts at your peril" STORY ARC - Cloak of Darkness (2/2) FEATURED CHARACTERS - Ahsoka Tano - Luminara Unduli - Asajj Ventress - Nute Gunray - Captain Argyus - Count Dooku - Commander Gree - Yoda - Anakin Skywalker FEATURED LOCATIONS - The Tranquility TRIVIA The Treadwell droid's name is anot...

Just A Gungan. If you came into the clone wars hoping to see more of Jar-Jar Binks, then this is the episode for you. I, however, would've been more than happy for the strange Gungan to sit out this animated series, with his irritating character proving enough for me The Phantom Menace . Whilst a journey to a new world is always appreciated and I liked the idea of a suffering, poverty stricken planet struggling to choose between Republic or Separatist support, this chapter was just too empty and predictable for me. JEDI MESSAGE "Heroes are made by the times" STORY ARC - Cloak of Darkness (1/2) FEATURED CHARACTERS - Padme Amidala - C-3PO - Jar-Jar Binks - Chancellor Palpatine - Onaconda Farr - Viceroy Nute Gunray FEATURED LOCATIONS - Rodia TRIVIA The Kwazel Maw underwater monster is based on Ralph McQuarrie's design for a swamp slug creature on Dagobah for Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980). A variation of the same creature ...

More Than A Droid. Anakin and Ahsoka rescue R2-D2 from General Grievous in an entertaining clone wars chapter. The episode only really kicked in when the Republic team reached the Separatist station, after which we were treated to a fun mismatch between Ahsoka and Grievous, an intense gunfight in the hangar bay and a wonderfully ridiculous but brilliant battle between R2 and his evil counterpart, R3. Whilst the formula was similar to many other Star Wars rescues, I have given this a higher rating just due to that droid battle at the end. After all, it's not everyday you see R2 in a death match on a collapsing secret station. JEDI MESSAGE "You hold onto friends by keeping your heart a little softer than your head" STORY ARC - Duel of the Droids (2/2) FEATURED CHARACTERS - Anakin Skywalker - Ahsoka Tano - Captain Rex - R2-D2 - R3-S6 - General Grievous - Obi-Wan Kenobi - Gha Nachkt  FEATURED LOCATIONS - Ruusan moon TRIVIA Thang Le designed the sto...

You Can't Replace R2. In my least favourite episode of the season so far, R2 goes missing and Anakin experiences problems with his replacement astro-droid, R3. Part of a two episode story arc, this segment offers little in either plot of substance. The opening battle in the first five minutes is the highlight, since after that it becomes immediately obvious that R3 is working for the enemy but everyone appears oblivious to this fact. The fight against the assassin droids was good fun, but ultimately this episode was too simple to be entertaining. JEDI MESSAGE "Trust in your friends, and they'll have reason to trust you" STORY ARC - Duel of the Droids (1/2) FEATURED CHARACTERS - Anakin Skywalker - Ahsoka Tano - Captain Rex - R2-D2 - R3-S6 - General Grievous - Obi-Wan Kenobi - Gha Nachkt FEATURED LOCATIONS - The Bothawui system TRIVIA The music played at the beginning as the capital ships approach one another is excerpted from Wojciech Kilar...

Sacrifice. In a highly enjoyable standalone episode, a group of clone rookies attempt to hold of a droid invasion on a distant outpost. I loved the shift in focus from the Jedi to the clone troopers in this episode. Getting to see the inner workings of an everyday clone station turned out to be far more interesting than it sounds, and the humanising of clones continues to be one of the strengths of this series. I also appreciated the realism of war, as I didn't expect so many of the young rookies to be killed in a program targeted towards younger audiences. With great action, genuinely emotional storytelling and a sense of consequences of war, this episode was another strong entry to the series. I think I may have to start being more critical in my analysis, else otherwise these reviews will all end up being pretty highly rated! JEDI MESSAGE "The best confidence builder is experience" STORY ARC - NONE FEATURED CHARACTERS - Commander Cody - Captain Rex - Ser...

All Part of the Plan. In an episode which could've been lifted straight from the live-action movies,  Anakin and Obi-Wan board the crippled Malevolence to rescue Senator Padme Amidala. Only four episodes in, I can already tell I am going to fall in love with this series. Seeing Anakin and Obi-Wan fight side-by-side once more is brilliant, as was the action set-piece centred on the jet-rail trains. I still take issue with the often cringe-inducing dialogue, but the action and plot more than makes up for it. This story-arc has been a great one to kick off the series with, and I struggle to see another one topping this in season one. JEDI MESSAGE "A plan is only as good as those who see it through" STORY ARC - Malevolence (3/3) FEATURED CHARACTERS - Anakin Skywalker - Obi-Wan Kenobi - Ahsoka Tano - Plo Koon - General Grievous - Count Dooku - Padme Amidala - C-3PO and R2-D2 - Admiral Yularen FEATURED LOCATIONS - The Kaliida Nebula TRIVIA Anakin sa...

Counterattack. Anakin, Ahsoka and Plo Koon join forces with Shadow Squadron to lead an attack on the new Separatist battleship, Malevolence . This episode is fast-paced and full of action, which feels rewarding after last episode's set up. Anakin's connection with his troops is shown for the first time, as he laments the deaths of a number of Shadow Squadron members, again lending weight to the fact that the Republic do truly care about individual clones lives, despite their lack of individual representation in the live-action movies. Overall, the plot was sharp and witty, but most importantly dominated by a brilliant action set-piece which sets a standard for what this show can achieve. JEDI MESSAGE "Easy is the path to wisdom for those not blinded by ego" STORY ARC - Malevolence (2/3) FEATURED CHARACTERS - Anakin Skywalker - Ahsoka Tano - Plo Koon - Obi-Wan Kenobi - Shadow Squadron -- Broadside -- Matchstick -- Tag - General Grievous - Count Do...

To Be Expendable. Anakin and Ahsoka launch a desperate rescue mission after Plo Koon's fleet is ravaged by the new Separatist weapon, the Malevolence. This is the first episode I have watched as part of a story arc, and you can tell that much of this episode feels like plot set up for the rest of the arc. However, I loved seeing Plo Koon take centre stage for once, and an entertaining space battle between the clones' pod and the droid hunter was another highlight. Overall, mild character development and new intrigue kept me interested throughout and I look forward to where this arc leads. JEDI MESSAGE "Belief is not a matter of choice, but of conviction" STORY ARC - Malevolence (1/3) FEATURED CHARACTERS - Anakin Skywalker - Ahsoka Tano - Plo Koon - General Grievous - Count Dooku - Commander Wolffe - Sinker - Boost - Yoda - Obi-Wan Kenobi - Mace Windu - Chancellor Palpatine FEATURED LOCATIONS - Abregado System - Bith System TRIVIA Boost...

Begun, The Clone Wars Have. Despite being an avid Star Wars fan, this is my first time watching through the hit animation Star Wars: The Clone Wars  and I couldn't be more excited! Join me as we explore the CANON events which took place between Episodes II and III of the prequel trilogy! Movie Star Wars: The Clone Wars - 7/10 ( https://entertaindomain.blogspot.com/2020/04/star-wars-clone-wars-2008-movie-review.html ) TV Show Season 1 1. Ambush - 6.5/10 ( https://entertaindomain.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-clone-wars-s1-e1-ambush-mini-review.html ) 2. Rising Malevolence - 7.5/10 ( https://entertaindomain.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-clone-wars-s1-e2-rising-malevolence.html ) 3. Shadow of Malevolence - 8.5/10 ( https://entertaindomain.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-clone-wars-s1-e3-shadow-of.html ) 4. Destroy Malevolence - 9/10 ( https://entertaindomain.blogspot.com/2020/04/the-clone-wars-s1-e4-destroy.html ) 5. Rookies - 8/10 ( https://entertaindomain.blogspot.com/2020/04...

Larger In Mind. Yoda journeys to Toydaria to convince them to join the Republic in their war against the Separatists. This debut episode is good fun, if a bit predictable. It serves to show Yoda's skill and wisdom in all things, as he guides three clone troopers through an army of droids. It is refreshing to see the ancient Jedi master interacting with his clones for once, addressing them by name and making it clear how each one is important in their own way. It serves to humanise the otherwise identical and generic soldiers we regularly watch get mowed down by droids, pushing a renewed sense of purpose and consequences behind the war effort. The plot itself is rather bland, offering little in substance, but the message behind the episode is important and a nice, easy entrance into this sprawling series. JEDI MESSAGE "Great leaders inspire greatness in others." STORY ARC - NONE FEATURED CHARACTERS - Yoda - Count Dooku - Asajj Ventress - King Katuunko - Th...

A Galaxy Divided. Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi embark on a perilous quest to rescue Jabba the Hutt's son from the Separatists in this short but sweet animated movie. Having never watched The Clone Wars  myself, I was a little hesitant about jumping into this more family friendly offering from the universe of Star Wars, but clunky dialogue and cringe aside, this film is a fast-paced and exciting adventure not to be missed by fans of the franchise. Picking up shortly after the beginning of the war at the end of Attack of the Clones , we discover that Anakin and Obi-Wan have been deployed to the Outer Rim as the war rages in this lawless corner of the galaxy. In order to secure trade routes for their armies, the Republic task the pair with retrieving Jabba's son, who has been captured by Count Dooku's apprentice, Asajj Ventress, and so begins our heroes' journey. The big twist here is that Yoda is sending Anakin his first apprentice, Ahsoka Tano, who is quic...

Decisions That Shape Our Destinies. The Clone Wars  micro-series wraps up its three season run with a stellar extended final season, which ties up loose ends in a satisfying fashion whilst paving the way seamlessly into the Revenge of the Sith . Benefiting enormously from longer 12 minute episodes, season 3 of Clone Wars  delivers the show's most engaging story arcs yet, explaining how the stage was set for the final film in the prequel series. It begins, however, by giving us Star Wars fans a glimpse at how exactly Anakin Skywalker ascended to the rank of Jedi Knight. It is a neat prologue which wraps up season two's cliffhanger, whilst depicting the (admittedly awesome) method by which Jedi's are knighted. It adds depth to Anakin's journey and is a rewarding moment for the viewer. This is one of this season's greatest strengths - how it explains even the smallest developments between films. We learn how Anakin's arm becomes black, how he gains his iconi...