Star Wars exists as a titan in the pop culture landscape. The original trilogy is seen by many fans as the definitive Star Wars experience. While there are incredibly valid points in assessment, I would argue that the definitive piece of Star Wars media is the animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”
The show takes the viewer into the pivotable conflict that took place in between episodes II and III. The series serves as an anthology, featuring vignettes from around the galaxy during this period. Despite the anthology format, a majority of episodes center around Anakin Skywalker, Ashoka Tano and Obi-Wan Kenobi as they navigate the Clone Wars.
The series debuted in 2008 with the release of the “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” film. It was originally created as the first few episodes for the series, but George Lucas saw it fit to get a theatrical release to start the series. The show would later debut two months after the release of the film.
What makes “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” so compelling is the way it further develops one of the most interesting eras of the Star Wars canon. Lucas gave us great ideas with the prequels, but there was much to be desired in its execution.
Dave Filoni served as the showrunner for the series. He expanded on Lucas’s vision of a complex and layered galaxy of drama, action, politics and heart.
For example, in the prequels Anakin Skywalker is portrayed to be much whinier and more impulsive. When he is inducted into the Jedi council in episode III, he is denied the rank of master. His response is to complain in a childish manner. On face value, it can sow distaste for Anakin as a character. But with the context of his achievements and exploits in the show as a masterful tactician, pilot and warrior, his suddenly becomes much more understandable.
“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” also does a superb job at expanding on characters from the prequels who did not get enough time to shine. Darth Maul debuted in episode I and met his demise at the end of the film. But, he is brought back into the story and becomes one of the most compelling villains in the entire canon. Fueled by his hatred for Obi-Wan, he tears through the galaxy with an iron fist. He delivers incredible action set pieces and an edge of your seat dramatic tension between him
and Obi-Wan.
One of the most interesting aspects of the prequel trilogy was how Lucas doubled down on the political side of the Star Wars universe. It brought a sense of relatable realness to a galaxy far, far away. The socio-political themes and plotlines revolving around a galactic civil war showcases wildly compelling commentary and entertainment.
Prominent prequel trilogy character Padmé Amidala gets much spotlight in the series as a fiery and capable politician who is not afraid to get her hands dirty. Her plotlines surrounding political intrigue and espionage give the prequel era a much-needed edge unique
to the series.
Some would argue the development of the clones as characters is the most important part of the series, and it is not hard to see why. In the prequels, the clones are faceless soldiers with no discernable personality. This is rectified in the series by giving each and every clone distinct character traits the viewer can find compelling. These clones share the same face, but each one is different and bubbling with personality. The clones are the unifying life-force of the series.
What separates “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” from other Star Wars media is how flawlessly it is able to genre-blend and create compelling stories through all facets of the intriguing universe.
The films serve as fantastic stand-alone adventures, but “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” will give you everything you could ever want out of a sci-fi adventure.
