We’re back this week with a more action-oriented installment of The Clone Wars and probably my favorite episode so far of the Onderon arc. I really dug the direction they took with the opening, having the Rebels jump into action against the Separatist Droids patrolling the streets, making themselves known to the town folk. The gigantic holograph was a neat effect, allowing Steela to broadcast herself around various points in the town.
This time around, the Jedi aren’t the only ones sporting some spiffy robes. Lux dons one towards the end of the episode, and a good chunk of the episode has Saw wearing one of his own, which allowed for some sweet animation as he scaled the side of a building Spider-Man-style. Major credit to Filoni and crew for bringing robes into the Star Wars animated universe. You don’t really realize how much you’ve missed them until you see them here on The Clone Wars.
The fact that King Dendup didn’t quite agree with the rebels’ tactics was a nice touch, too. He knows they mean well, but for this to all be “in his name” is a lot to take in. Ahsoka seeking guidance from Kenobi and Anakin via holo-communicator only stressed the inner struggle she’s having. She feels responsible but has to resist the urge to intervene. I got a lot out of this short scene mainly because for me, personally, I’d have a hard time sitting back and watching if I was in Ahsoka’s shoes, or montrals, as it were. (You’ll have to forgive me; I find any excuse to use “montrals” in my reviews.) Anakin once again refers to her as “Snips”, the 2nd time in this arc, as a nice call back to Ahsoka’s past as a Padawan and now in a position of leadership. I hated the playful “Snips/Skyguy” name calling from the first seasons, but I now love how it’s used in this context. Our little Ahsoka is growing up, which, at this point in the series, makes me even more fearful for her future.
Without getting into specifics, the finale was intense and action packed. For whatever reason, it was hyped online as to who was going to jump in and help save the day. The message boards had hopes for Hondo, because, well, Hondo is awesome. But, alas, that wasn’t the case. I was impressed with Onderan’s rather barbaric callback to the guillotine, represented as, you guessed it, lasers! How do we make the guillotine more futuristic? Better make it a laser. Strange, yes, but I totally dug it.
The end left us with bit of a tease, basically reassuring the audience that the “real battle is about to begin.” I’m reminded of the Umbara arc, which I loved, mind you, but felt as if the writers were forcing themselves to stretch it across four episodes when it could have easily been three. Nonetheless, I am pumped for the final installment!
