Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Showrunners: Dave Filoni and Henry Gilroy
The Star Wars franchise and its fandom has always been an interesting case. The fans are loyal—unendingly loyal. This does, however, sometimes turn them into ungrateful assholes who hate everything other than the original trilogy (which, in itself, we all know wasn’t perfect either). Star Wars fans have now been criticised as Star Wars’ biggest detractors. However, I don’t believe this is the case with the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series—ask any fan, and it seems to be universally agreed that this seven-season animated television show creates an apt and faithful bridge between the years of Attack of the Clone and Revenge of the Sith.
The new Star Wars trilogy made me sad. I love Star Wars and I like to think I have an open mind to find reasons it is good. I enjoyed the prequels. I liked The Force Awakens. Even though it was a cookie-cutter movie, it still had potential and I wanted to believe that they could find a nice balance between paying homage to the originals while still being creative and bold. This was not the case. However, The Clone Wars brings back this love for the world and the lore of Star Wars with creative storylines that build on existing relationships rather than special effects and force powers that don’t make sense.
Clone Wars isn’t without its flaws. There are several storylines that could only be described as filler episodes. However, most of the episodes provide some beautiful context to a character or an arc that would have otherwise been missed. Episodes with the clones themselves (with no Jedi) might sound like a boring premise that lacks the magic of Star Wars. However, this proves not to be the case as you learn more about the clones and begin to understand the issues facing the characters while the inevitable Order 66 looms, which will later turn the Republic’s beloved warriors into Jedi-killing machines. Clone Commander Rex is by far the standout throughout the series, and this shows in Season Seven which plainly pays respect to the character and his relationship with the compelling Ahsoka and the other Jedi. Watching him grow from your basic grunt soldier to a fully formed Commander (although he doesn’t love the title) demonstrate a sense of nuance to the Star Wars universe that the films just never seem to have the time to give.
Season One is a bit of a slog. Whenever recommending the show, I always warn that it’s a little slow to start, and the storylines don’t necessarily draw you in from the beginning. But given time, the stakes and characterisation pick up dramatically. The relationships built throughout the series are by far the best part of The Clone Wars. Obi-Wan and Anakin actually feel like brothers. Their witty banter and repeated mission team-ups illustrate a realistic brotherly bond. The scenarios that they face also provide a rich context for Anakin’s gradual fall to the dark side in clever ways, rather than from zero to killing younglings. Anakin is often brash, confident and continually breaks the rules, refusing the follow orders if he knows he can get the job done better himself. These traits remind me of any number of hero-mavericks in fiction, and paints him as a powerful ally for the republic while also being an uncharacteristically loose canon for a Jedi. This version of Anakin is believable as the precursor to Darth Vader because you can make a series logical connections between his justifying the means to full-on genocide.
Anakin and Padme’s relationship is also thoroughly improved. They actually have authentic moments together, and Padme’s role in the series is far more diverse and dynamic compared to the film version’s solely romantic storyline. Anakin’s relationship with Padme is more believable here, as they can help each other politically, emotionally or in lightsaber battles. Padme believes in him, and their flirtatious interactions build the romantic tension far better than the live-action version.
Beyond the original series characters, Jedi padawan Ahsoka Tano emerges as one of the most compelling characters in the Star Wars universe. The relationship between Anakin and Ahsoka, while initially controversial, is everything the franchise needed. Giving Anakin his own padawan proves an excellent decision, and her characterisation as a female and who is initially similar to Anakin gives some provocative depth to the Jedi creed. Perhaps being emotionless celibates isn’t the way to go? Ahsoka’s arc just grows from there, showing how she slowly becomes disenfranchised with the Jedi Order and eventually decides to leave. This addition provides another explanation for Anakin’s eventual departure from the Order himself, and provides some context into his emotional growth between Attack of the Clone and Revenge of the Sith. By the conclusion of The Clone Wars, Ahsoka proves that the path towards becoming a fully realised Jedi shouldn’t stop one from embracing their emotions and forming connections with others.
The Clone Wars does an excellent job of uniting the Star Wars fans and reminding us why we loved the franchise in the first place. With an excellent focus on the characters and Star Wars lore, Star Wars: The Clone Wars builds the relationships and expands the gap between Attack of the Clone and Revenge of the Sith, giving added weight to the strongest parts of the prequels. The Clone Wars, while a commitment, is an essential viewing experience for any avid Star Wars fan, and has united the fandom once more. Between The Clone Wars and The Mandalorian, the Star Wars franchise might have a new hope yet.
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