Rewatching the Clone Wars

[def]

Lok Durd? I kept thinking his name was Turd I'll fix that up, thanks.

I would have wanted her as a figure, but I thought it was a lame appearance in these episodes. But, to be fair, a Jedi is a Jedi, and should be on the list. I just don't like a stripper Jedi, and I don't think Lego does sexy very well. Bly I didn't know about, but reading the Wookiepedia, I see that he is her eventual killer, so he's a character. That was one of the issues I have with this show though, that without the internet or an encyclopedia, there is no way to know that Bly was a relevant character, certainly not by just watching the show. He's just another clone.

As for the Republic Cruiser, I definitely do want that, but it was featured in episode 1, so it's already on the list. When the reviews are over, I'll do a summary of all the featured ships and characters that have yet to make their way into Lego.

[Oky]

Lok Durd? I kept thinking his name was Turd

Yeah, there is no record of it, but his name used to be Fat Turd, but he got it changed.

I would have wanted her as a figure, but I thought it was a lame appearance in these episodes. But, to be fair, a Jedi is a Jedi, and should be on the list. I just don't like a stripper Jedi, and I don't think Lego does sexy very well. Bly I didn't know about, but reading the Wookiepedia, I see that he is her eventual killer, so he's a character. That was one of the issues I have with this show though, that without the internet or an encyclopedia, there is no way to know that Bly was a relevant character, certainly not by just watching the show. He's just another clone.

You have some good points there. But still, we need her, and more clones in other colors.

As for the Republic Cruiser, I definitely do want that, but it was featured in episode 1, so it's already on the list. When the reviews are over, I'll do a summary of all the featured ships and characters that have yet to make their way into Lego.

Ah yes, I forgot about that.

Can't wait for the summary.

[Commander_Rob]

So now we more than halfway through and episodes still don`t get any better.

But still, I like your reviews and agree on most topics, the Lurmen ARE pretty stupid, Aayla IS a lot more sexy than her movie appearances and Lok Durd is a fat coward. But that is just Neimodian nature.

Anyway, I still don´t like The Clone Wars particularly in that it mostly ignores established Star Wars facts.

The opening battle of `Jedi Crash` clearly takes place in a planetary atmosphere and thus probably gravitational field and it is firmly set that hyperdrives don´t work there.

Even if you managed to overwrite the automatical security system that prevents dangerous jumps,

making a jump in a gravitational field would result in just a nasty accident that annihilates the ship along with everybody on board.

If that had happened in the series, Ahsoka, Aayla and, most importantly Anakin would have died, saving us from most of the rest of Star Wars storyline.

And a side not: I have attempted Rocket battle droids.

[def]

So now we more than halfway through and episodes still don`t get any better.

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And a side not: I have attempted Rocket battle droids.

I think the episodes have gotten better; better than the first five or six at least. The animation is more fluid, the episodes' pacing is more relaxed... It's the central plot that isn't improving. But I remember really liking the next episode, though I haven't seen it in months. I don't remember any episode after that though I'll be watching them with fresh eyes.

Plot is important to me, but so is pacing and characterization. This show is better at some things than others. Possibly, my low expectations when I first watched it made it more enjoyable though.

And I've added your rocket droid to the review

[def]

Episode 15: Trespass

Republic outpost, overrun! The Jedi have lost all contact with the clone security force stationed on the bleak, snow-covered planet of Orto Plutonia. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, accompanied by dignitaries from the nearby moon of Pantora are sent to investigate the disappearance of the clone troopers on the desolate and forbidding landscape....

This was one of the more well-received episodes of the first season, and with good reason. New characters, locations, vehicles, outfits, and a decent story on top of that.

The story starts with Jedi, clone troopers and a Pantoran group arriving on a Hoth-like planet to investigate a base that lost contact. The Pantorans claim rights over the planet, and right from his first appearance, Pantoran Chairman Chi Cho starts pulling rank over the Jedi. What chrome-plated balls he must have. Every one of his appearances in the episode have him a) being wrong and b) being dead set in his ways. So, he must be the bad guy of the episode. The clones at the base have all been killed. Upon further investigation, an MTT with similarly destroyed droids is found, leading Obi Wan and Anakin to an encounter with the Talz, aka that fuzzy thing with four eyes that appeared for one second in the Mos Eisley Cantina in Star Wars. While the Talz seem reasonable enough, attempts to mediate with Chairman Cho are difficult. First he states that they couldn't have been there before Pantorans, then he claims they are animals, not sentient species, then demands they acquiesce to Pantoran rule. And he says all of it in the rudest way possible before declaring war. Cho sends a raid against the Talz, not figuring that they have an advantage in their native habitat, even using primitive technology. The Talz take out half of Cho's party including Cho himself.

At the same time, a conscientious objector, a Pantoran senator, does what she can to legally circumvent Cho's declaration of war. She succeeds, but by this time Cho has been fatally wounded. Serves him right. At the last moment, before Rex and his crew are slaughtered by the Talz, a truce is achieved, and we can leave this planet for ever and ever.

This episode is a little trite in concept. The Chairman Cho is foolish from the outset, and his final words, "I died for our people!" are ironic to say the least. The episode has a lot of 'message' about the dangers of arrogance wrapped in it. But the execution is as great as one could hope for. It's a minor story in the big picture of the Clone Wars, giving a close up to some of those in the outskirts, and how they deal with being caught up in the Republic/Separatist war. This was a good solid one part episode that I would recommend to people on the fence about this series and what it can do. Rating: 9/10

So many goodies for Star Wars Lego fans out there, enough to make oneself crazy! Seeing Obi Wan and Anakin leave their gunship in Hoth-style hoodies certainly makes me giddy. It really makes the Star Wars universe seem to have some continuity. Definitely on the wishlist.

Obi Wan & Anakin: Arctic Missions

Next, seeing Rex in a snowtrooper like uniform again gets me excited. I like these more than the snowtroopers, the markings to help the clones be individuals.

Clone Cold Assault Trooper

The little star of the show for me was the freeco bike (short for freezing cold). These seem to be modified swoops, but seem a little larger, with a cover on top. Since these are announced as 2010 sets, we can hopefully expect one with Anakin, Obiwan, or Rex, plus some clone snowtroopers. This will be updated when pics of the sets are available. Swoops appear in the episode, but I'll cover them in the next episode rather than here.

Freeco Bike

I loved this ship so much I tried a MOC. It turned out so-so, but I think I'm going to get totally schooled when TLG reveals theirs soon. This had a bit of a Frankenstein feel to it.

Also something I'd like, just to increase the aliens in my Lego collection, are Pantorans. Though Cho was a non-stop dick and died, and the senator was kind of a blank character, I'd like some of them.

Pantoran

The Separatist base seems to be some sort of MTT. The color is different, but I can't place it anywhere else, and it isn't listed in the episode's Wiki. <edit> It's an XT Beetle transport. Beautiful colors!On the list!

XT Beetle Transport

The Talz are interesting, classic Star Wars designs. In the episode, they aren't annoying either. They fight well and stand their ground. A nice change from last episode's Lurmen. Definitely would like these.

Talz

Along with the Talz, their Narglatch mounts would be necessary. And, because these aren't just monsters-of-the-week, but trained beasts of burden, they are interesting.

Narglatch

Lego ships appearing: Republic Attack Gunship

Added to the Lego wishlist: Obi & Ani, Freecos, clone snowtroopers, Pantorans, Talz, Narglatch... Heck, make it a Gild Station playset

Episode 16: The Hidden Enemy

A planet under siege! Separatist forces mercilessly batter the beautiful and elegant world of Christophsis. Unable to defend themselves any longer, the people of Christophsis call upon the Jedi for assistance. Hoping to save lives and prevent further destruction, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker plan a daring ambush that can turn the tide in the fight for this crucial star system....

Now here is an episode that should have been thought out a lot better. It plays like part one of two, and perhaps it is. It seems that this episode's second part would have been the first half hour of the Clone Wars movie... which took place before the first episode of the series, right? The Wookiepedia doesn't explain it, so I'm just guessing. Anyway, the episode ends with a cliff hanger that doesn't continue the next episode.

Looking at the episode on its own, it has some interesting points. The episode starts in an abandoned city, with Anakin and Obi Wan leading two strike teams planning to ambush a droid battalion, but... it's a trap! The droids knew their positions all along. After a skirmish, Anakin, Obi Wan and their crews manage to evacuate with the tactical droids head. A scan of the droid's memory reveals that the droids knew the Republic's position, and since there has been no security breach, Rex, and Cody assume there is a spy in the clone camp. They attempt to keep things under wrap, but a communicator was listening to the whole conversation. The Jedi set out to investigate the Separatist's camp, while Rex and Cody track down the spy among a group of genetically identical clones.

The clones' story is quite interesting. They manage to track the spy to a single barracks and interrogate the troops, and the ways the troops show their individuality (besides their haircuts) make them more interesting. One clone cleans his gun after every mission as a ritual, while another has been bringing home droid fingers as souvenirs. The spy is revealed, and a chase is on. Why the spy has the strength to fight off 7 other clones, I don't know, but it leads to a chase. The spy knows and anticipates his brothers' moves, and manages to blow up the Republic vehicles and weapons depot. At this point, Rex and Cody get a little more clever, and make a plan to anticipate the spy's next move.

Anakin and Obi Wan have a very dull story. The droids are waiting for them thanks to the spy's warning, and at their destination, Asajj Ventress awaits. They fight, but Ventress was just stalling them while the clone forces were being crippled. So the time spent on their fight was just killing time. If there was a second part to this, where they could confront Asajj again and give this battle some weight, I'd have liked it a lot more. But as a self-contained episode, it's quite bland, and Ventress is not essential to the plot. They may as well just fought droids.

The caught spy talks lots about clones being slaves to the Republic, of having no free will, and it's an interesting idea, but not expressed in his actions. He sold his brothers out, which isn't freedom to me. If they had a single episode story about a clone going AWOL, that would be really interesting. Maybe not so much stuff would blow up, but to have a clone desert the Republic for political reasons would make a great story, something this episode just hints at. This show is really good overall, but infuriating that you can see something really amazing within reach, but it usually can't get there. The rating here comes from the clones storyline, the loss of points from the Jedi's one. Rating: 7/10

The action is pretty fast in this one, making decent screen grabs difficult. In this scene, there are STAPs flying around, and you can see tri-droids littered throughout the army. This is very similar to the Separatist Spider Droid, but has three legs.

Tri-Droid

Ventress prepares her army and boards her ship.

The Trident

Anakin and Obi Wan ride swoops again. I'd love to see some good clone swoops.

Swoops

Again, the clones are all individualized. I'd love to see individual heads in one battle pack, perhaps a clone barracks battle pack.

Lastly, the clone vehicle depot is loaded with AT-TE's, but also the mini clone walker. You can just see them in the background here, all lined up. The Lego version is 100% perfect, but I'd like to see them in action, not just in wait.

Clone Walker

From Walter Kovacs review

Lego ships appearing: Republic Attack Gunship, AT-TE, STAP, AAT, Clone Walker

Added to the Lego wishlist: swoop, clone faces, the Trident, Tri-Droid, XT Beetle Transport

[Snake...SNAKE...SNAAAAKE?!]

Wasn't episode 16 supposed to be prequel of sorts?

[def]

Wasn't episode 16 supposed to be prequel of sorts?

In the end I guess it was, since the movie was just regular episodes that were reworked into a movie. But it was never explained, and they would have been better to rework the story into something else and scrap the half-assed one they did.

[Commander_Rob]

Good reviews here again.

I agree with you on most points, the Pantoran chairmen was total idiot, there is no other way of saying it.

To me this episode also raises the question why he was allowed to command the clone troops, just because Orto Plutonia is technically Pantoran terrain? Meh.

Hidden Enemy, well it was an OK episode to me, at least it explained why the Republic was so short on supplies in vehicles in the movie.

Side note:

-Thank you very much for including my SBDs.

-I like your Freeco bike quite much, but I`d have to say the canopy has to be closed completely.

-The Separatist...thing on Orto Plutonia is apparently an XT Beetle

transport which is based on MTT concept art.

-These Republic walkers on Christophsis are more likely AT-RTs, released by TLG in 2005 as the "Clone Scout Walker", though

the battlepack walker looks kinda´ similar. AT-RTs are single seaters however.

[382nd Legionnaire]

Thanks for this informative post. I don't think the 8014 Clone Walker set is related to the episode. It's probably 7254 or whatever the walker was from episode 3. The battlepack walker is another unnamed vehicle.

[def]

-I like your Freeco bike quite much, but I`d have to say the canopy has to be closed completely.

-The Separatist...thing on Orto Plutonia is apparently an XT Beetle

transport which is based on MTT concept art.

-These Republic walkers on Christophsis are more likely AT-RTs, released by TLG in 2005 as the "Clone Scout Walker", though

the battlepack walker looks kinda´ similar. AT-RTs are single seaters however.

-I agree the canopy needs to be closed, but I don't have any pieces that work like that

-the XT Beetle is added, thanks

-You're probably right about the AT-RTs, since TLG usually creates something new in a battle pack, and not a Lucasfilm vehicle, but I really can't tell watching the episode. I'll have to give it another look.

Cheers, and a new review in a couple of days.

[def]

I had to take a break for a few weeks. Not only had I watched too much Clone Wars, but my Photobucket account went over the monthly limit. I expect it to go over again this month, but I plan to get these last six reviews done before that happens

Episode 17: Blue Shadow Virus

Battle droids on Naboo! As the Separatist rebellion rages through the galaxy, even peaceful planets are threatened. Following the discovery of Separatist droids wandering the grassy wasteland, Naboo is once again on high alert. Fearing their home is facing another invasion, Senator Amidala and Representative Binks race to Naboo to assess the situation. Meanwhile, near the Gungan swamplands, an even graver threat is about to be discovered...

This episode was certainly a mixed bag. On the upside, good action, interesting scenery, slightly different plot than usual, on the down side, it had Jar Jar helping by accident, a Nazi parody for the villain, and... actually, those were my big gripes, but they are big factors in the episode.

Separatist droids are on Naboo, so Padme and Jar Jar set out to investigate. Jar Jar is a senator, right? Why is he personally investigating anything? Why would Padme and Jar Jar return to investigate? Are they the best Naboo has to offer? Anyway, without greater evidence, the Republic won't send more forces. A captured droid reveals something about a virus being developed, which leads the pair to a remote swamp, while Anakin and Obi Wan make way to the planet to follow up. Padme and Jar Jar find the hidden lab and are promptly captured. This is the third time this series had Padme captured as a plot point The lab is run by a mad scientist, Dr. Nuvo Vindi, a German accented, mask-wearing, very cartoonish villain. Like in many past episodes, something really interesting is brought up, but no developed at all. At first, Vindi speaks of the right of viruses to have life; the virus he's working on was previously eradicated. Quickly though, he goes into talking about just killing everybody. I often get the feeling that the writers want to make this a full on, challenging sci-fi show, but they're restricted, either by the group writing process or the producers wishes... Who knows, but I see something interesting in there.

The second half of the show is Anakin, Obi Wan and Ahsoka leading separate strike teams into the lab, to rescue Padme, to diffuse the bombs, and secure the lab. This leads to some interesting fighting sequences against droidekas and other droids, but the climax of the episode feels like merely a matter of tying up loose ends. The bombs are all deactivated, the mad doctor is captured with the help of a Gungan farmer. The episode isn't bad, but it's fairly mediocre. All I could recommend it on is the pretty animation and action, which is solid in and of itself. C-3PO makes a few jokes that I found amusing though. Rating: 6/10

Surprisingly, in the 10 years since the Phantom Menace came out, I've developed quite a fondness for the film. It is my favorite of the prequels, and the most solidly written overall, regardless of any midi-chlorians that it introduced into the canon. Seeing the Naboo hanger full of fighters brought a little smile to my face. These are definitely one of the ships that really works in Lego. This pic also reminds me of the hanger from the Lego Star Wars game.

Naboo fighter

From xwingyoda's review

I also enjoyed seeing a quite competent Gungan, Ms. Peppi Bow. She is caught in the middle of this story, as her livestock dies from Vindi's poison, and ends up being the one to take down Vindi in the end. She's unlike any Gungan done in Lego previously, and I like her Asian-style hat. She would be welcome in the Lego universe, as would one of her beasts of burden, the shaak.

Peppi Bow

The ship Padme and Jar Jar use on Naboo is quite interesting. I don't think I'd want it as a set necessarily, but it has a unique shape, and would make an interesting MOC.

Naboo scout carrier

Though I expected to like him from the previews, I was disappointed by the doctor. As I mentioned before, he has a German accent, and when I start thinking of evil German doctors, I immediately am drawn to Dr. Mengele, the most famous evil doctor. I think this show should be careful how it uses accents. The good guys are British, American, and occasionally French, while the bad guys are sometimes British, but also Middle Eastern and German. I don't think it's a racist plot, but it is lazy writing and characterization, since in the old days, accents like that could be short hand for 'evil'. Add to that his 1930's mask, well, this is a silly character. Not my favorite.

Dr. Nuvo Vindi

Vindi's assistant, a comical rabbit like droid is given a featured role. It might make an interesting mini-fig, but wasn't all that interesting.

LEP-86C8

This is the most desirable debut from the episode, for me. The bomb squad clone trooper. A small platoon come in and disarm a mess of bombs. Not all that exciting, but their armor looks beautiful.

Bomb squad trooper

The droidekas appeared here, and I'm sure it's not their first time, but I wanted to give them some attention. They are one of the best droid creations, and have been made into fantastic Lego creations.

Droideka

From Jim Butcher's review.

Lego ships appearing: Twilight, Naboo fighter, separatists' shuttle, Republic Attack Gunship

Added to the Lego wishlist: Peppi Bow, clone trooper bomb squad, and maybe Nuvo Vindi

Episode 18: Mystery of a Thousand Moons

Hard-pressed Jedi and their valiant clone troopers have thwarted an insidious Separatist plot to plant bombs loaded with the deadly Blue Shadow Virus in key Republic systems. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker have captured the vile scientist behind the nefarious scheme: Doctor Nuvo Vindi. Now the Jedi plan to transport Vindi to the Republic capital for trial...

Starting mere moments after the last episode, the episode jumps into its plot. Though the virus from the last episode was secure at the end of the show, apparently it wasn't. It is released in the underground lab, trapping Padme, Jar Jar, Ahsoka, Rex, and some disposable troopers. Anakin and Obi Wan have 48 hours to get a cure, which means traveling very far away to a Separatist-controlled planet for some root. This has been learned by Gregar Typho, head of security? How did he get the resources to know that some root on some planet is the only chance of a cure to a virus that has been designed by a supposedly brilliant scientist? So, essentially, the set up for this episode is in the realm of 'very stupid'. Getting that out of the way, perhaps the rest of the episode will be better.

Anakin and Obi Wan arrive on Iego, and are welcomed by a friendly army of hacked battle droids. It's learned that the Separatists have left the planet, and the remaining droids were reprogrammed to serve a boy whiz named Jaybo Hood. He is smart and smarmy, but not as obnoxious as such characters tend to be. Maybe it's his cynicism. He leads the Jedi to the root, which is protected by a giant venus flytrap type thing, but they escape without too much trouble. They are then warned that they can't leave the planet because the sky is haunted. A quick trip into space reveals it to be merely a Separatist energy field. Escaping that becomes the focus of the episode.

During all this, Ahsoka, Rex, Padme et al are cleaning the lab of battle droids who are trying to leave the sealed lab, thereby exposing all Naboo to the virus. They succeed, but then start getting slowly, dramatically weaker as the virus overtakes them. Anakin and Obi Wan, in a race against the clock, devise a way to slip through the energy field. Harassed by superstitious locals, who of course don't believe the Jedi and insist it's ghosts, Obi Wan gets an idea to make use of the reprogrammed vulture droids. Using the vulture droids as kamikaze pilots, they destroy the shield and the Twilight escapes the planet. Next thing you know Ahsoka and Padme are getting better, though it's not known how they got out of the lab without the virus escaping.

Iego was a somewhat interesting planet, and Jaybo an interesting character, so it's a shame they were rushed through this episode. Rex continues to not have much personality, he's just kind of there. And the show continues to use the "for kids" label as a crutch, using it as an excuse to have lazily written plots, since kids won't notice. Am I wrong to think that even kids programming shouldn't be full of holes? Especially Star Wars, where the average fan must be at least 20 years old, and I suspect even 25? Rating: 6/10, but better than the last one.

I was happy to see Gregor Typho, though he wasn't any more fleshed out than he was in the Phantom Menace. Also, the Naboo palace guard are nice. Did Lego ever make a proper Naboo palace guard design? 7124 had a security officer.

Gregor Typho and Palace Guard

I do like the design of Padme's bio-hazard suit. The helmet makes it great. This is on the wish list, in Naboo yellow.

Hazmat Gear

This is Jaybo, your typical precocious child genius. His confidence works, and he's much more interesting than, say, young Anakin. Plus, the droid alterations he does are fun, so he'd make an amazing battle pack subject.

Jaybo Hood

Here are the droids Jaybo made. He's got some heads on backwards, some with the wrong arms, and my favorite is the one with mustache and glasses, on the left.

Lastly, here is one of the dumb superstitious leaders on the planet. Actually, everyone on the planet except Jaybo seems stupid. There are a lot of Ithorians, and this guy, who I remember as Squid Head from the figure I had as a kid, but apparently is a Quarren. Of course we need him, or someone like him, in Lego, but if Lego does make a Pirates of the Caribbean series, Davy Jones may fill that gap.

Quarren

Lego ships appearing: Twilight, Naboo fighter, separatists' shuttle, Republic Attack Gunship

Added to the Lego wishlist: Jaybo Hood, altered droids, hazmat suit, quarren

Next: Something on Ryloth

[Penitent Tangent]

Again, good re-caps there, but I think the Blue Shadow Virus episodes were among my least favourite in the series, I don't even remember a lot of the things you mentioned, I think I totally zoned out. Like you said, I think there was definitely potiential with the plot, but they were really lazy with it and just handled it in a way that was difficult to care about. On the plus side, the Ryloth episodes coming up were a lot better.

There's only two weeks before the new season starts as well, do you plan on updating here with each episode when it's on?, or are you going to wait until the whole thing is finished again.

[def]

There's only two weeks before the new season starts as well, do you plan on updating here with each episode when it's on?, or are you going to wait until the whole thing is finished again.

I don't know. Truth is, this is the first TV analysis I've ever done, but I read other TV blogs, so it made me want to try my hand at it. Anyway, for sure, I plan to get the last four episodes done before the new season debuts in October. From there, I'll have to think about it. It's a lot easier to review a series having seen all of it, rather than episode by episode, though doing it episodically is more exciting for the reader.

I think I'd like to though, an episode a week is not too much for me to handle.

[Commander_Rob]

I really agree with most points you make here, these episodes weren´t too good, there is definitely potential wasted here and even though Vindi`s character might be a bit over-the-top, he did have a point here and there, the "disease of war"-argument actually made me think.

But again I have criticism for the series itself, there is a lot of little bumps in the continuity and illogical bits here,

like:

-Really, how close together are Naboo and Iego? If Ani and Obi-Wan traveled there and back in 48 hours, in between solving a problem that troubled the entire population of the planet for quite some time; it really cannot be that far.

-Why did any of the clones take of his helmet in the laboratory? Clone trooper armor has integrated air filters, the ability to seal hermetically and an air supply for 20 minutes. Why not make use of these systems when entering an area where the air is potentially deadly?

[Forresto]

Yeah these two episodes were a dissapointment to me because from commercials it looked very interesting, especially the fact that it was the Clone Wars power hour special with these two episodes back to back. I was really looking forward to it but in the end i despised the first one. However the second one I found enjoyable because it had humorous moments, especially with those droids but also with the locals and with those plot holes . Dang we really need lego to make more classic aliens like the quarren and ithorians. Good review and I really look forward to the Ryloth trilogy because it's my favorite episodes from this season, that and tresspass.

[AndyC]

I was beginning to wonder what had happened to this thread, I've been thoroughly enjoying it.

Must agree those two episodes weren't up to much and there was certainly a lot more potential in the storyline than was explored. Think you pretty much picked up on all the things that annoyed me about those episodes, even the bits I couldn't quite put my finger on.

[def]

Episode 19: Storm Over Ryloth

Planet Ryloth invaded! Subjected to a brutal droid occupation, the people of Ryloth are starving under the blockade of a Separatist fleet. Evil Separatist leader Wat Tambor now rules with an iron fist. Answering a plea from the Senate, the Grand Army of the Republic mounts a bold offensive to liberate the system. It is up to Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan Ahsoka to make way for Obi-Wan's ground assault.

After the letdown that was the last few episodes, this was a real treat. The episode quickly kicks into action. The Republic forces, attempting to liberate the Twi'lek planet of Ryloth, must first take out a Separatist blockade. Ahsoka leads leads a strike team in (in her wicked little starfighter no less) but the Separatist leader reveals reinforcements. The animation on these fight sequences is top notch and already way beyond what we saw at the start of the season, and is quick and beautiful, especially in hi-def. Ahsoka is ordered back, but in the manner of her master, she impetuously keeps attacking. Much of her squadron is taken out, and a vulture droid attack takes out one of the venators, and crippling Anakin's. Ahsoka has failed.

This sets up the general challenge of this episode. Obi Wan and Mace Windu are on their way, but can't land on the planet unless Anakin has taken out the blockade. Anakin is committed to getting the job done, while Ahsoka has a crisis of confidence, feeling that if she couldn't succeed before, she won't be any better at half strength. We're also treated to the Separatist leader making his plan of attack. The Neimoidian researches Anakin, who's been building a reputation for himself. The Neimoidian looks forward to making a name for himself by being the one to take down Skywalker.

Anakin again hatches a plan that's so crazy it might just work. Or as Rex says, it's questionable, but this is how Anakin has built his reputation. As Ahsoka prepares a strike force, Anakin pilots the half-crippled venator into the center of the blockade taking out the main ship. Ahsoka herself formulates her team's plan of attack, thereby getting her groove back, so to speak. The battle droids don't function well with their commander taken out. The Republic forces' superior strategy succeeds, and the invasion team will be able to land on Ryloth.

While not nearly perfect, this was probably Anakin and Ahsoka's best episode to date, portraying them as intelligent, fleshed-out characters. Furthermore, the animation is absolutely beautiful, and the direction brings you right into the action. The enemies in this episode were competent enough to seem a threat, providing a believable way for Anakin to earn his reputation. Rating: 8/10

There wasn't much new in this episode to point out. Just this one character Mar Tuuk. He was probably the most interesting of all the Neimoidians. He had a strategy, and wasn't just cannon fodder. I doubt he'll ever appear again, but I would like to see him get revenge. I like his spinny eye scanner too.

Mar Tuuk

Ahsoka's starfighter appears. To an extent, the lime green and red is a bit gaudy, but it still looks pretty cool.

Ahsoka's Starfighter

The Lego version is very faithful to the original.

From Mutley777's review

And Ahsoka's fighter is nothing without R7.

R7-A7

Again, I think Lego got this one perfect. I don't have this set, but it's on my wanted list.

From Mutley777's review

Lego ships appearing: Venator, V-19, Ahsoka's fighter, Republic Attack Shuttle

Added to the Lego wishlist: Mar Tukk

Episode 20: Innocents of Ryloth

Invasion! Separatist leader Wat Tambor has taken control of the planet Ryloth and subjugates its people through a brutal droid occupation. In a daring surprise attack, Jedi Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan, Ahsoka Tano defeated the space blockade guarding the planet. Now, Jedi Generals Mace Windu and Obi-Wan Kenobi lead a massive invasion to liberate the starving people....

Wow. I'd forgotten a lot of this episode, and what I'd forgotten was quite great. Starting immediately after the last episode, Mace and Obi Wan prepare their ground forces. The droid commander has surrounded his camp with Twi'leks to act as a shield from the Republic. Devious. Obi Wan sends in an attack party in hopes of taking out the Separatists' guns.

Obi Wan and his clones infiltrate the ruined Twi'lek city and plan a strategy for taking out the droids. While scouting the city, two clones come across a scared Twi'lek girl. They reluctantly take her with them, and I had a bad feeling about this development. The cliche of a hardened man befriending a heart-warming kid is old and tired. I was worried she would somehow come to their rescue later on, thereby proving her worth. Luckily, that isn't what happens, and the episode avoids sappiness. Meanwhile, Obi Wan as a general is perfect. Invading the city, clones toss grenades and Obi Wan force swats them to the droids' positions with a flick of the wrist. Later, when his clone brigade is attacked by a pack of savage animals (also really well done, with a sense of menace), Obi Wan force concentrates them into a corner where they can be taken out with debris. That's all people really want out of this show, good Jedi action. His action in this episode is just as good as anything in all six movies.

Finally, using an underground passage they learn from the Twi'lek kid (see, she helps in the most believable way possible) Obi Wan stealthily gets the Twi'lek hostages to safety and takes out the big guns with a high-jacked gun. After the droids are mostly taken care of, it was quite surprising to see the Twi'leks come back out and give a beat down to the droid commander as the Twi'lek kid looks on. In the end, the stage is set for Mace Windu's team to come in and complete the mission.

This was a well-paced episode, with character development in the clone characters, amazing action, a story that makes sense, genuine military strategics, nothing trite... I was going to give it a 9 but... Rating: 10/10

What was new here wasn't all that fantastic. The distinguishing features were mainly from established characters. One new vehicle that appeared was the Separatist guns. At first I thought they were droids, but they needed operators. They walked like crabs. Very interesting vehicle. I want one.

Proton Cannon

Loads of Twi'leks. Not so much character here though, but we want them in Lego, in the Ryloth set.

Twi'leks

The little Twi'lek would be the one we get if we were to get any. Lego struggles with skinny characters, so I don't know how they'd do it. Even Ahsoko looks chunky in Lego.

Numa

The monsters here weren't any better or worse than other monsters of the week. Overall, there were too many monsters in this series. But, there were particularly fast and savage, so maybe they are the best of the worst in the series.

Gutkurr

The clones here were cool, and another interesting detail is the notches in their helmets. I assume those are droids taken out. This would be an amazing detail in a battle pack set to make them much more original, rather than three cloned clones.

Helmets

<edit>

In the final scenes, we see a troop ship landing on the planet, which is in fact an Acclamator, and not a Venator. This massive ship is used here as a frigate.

Acclamator

Lego ships appearing: AAT

Added to the Lego wishlist: Proton Cannon, Ryloth battle pack with Twi'leks, Acclamator

Next: Mace Windu, Cad Bane, and... Ziro

[Pellaeon]

Episode 20: Innocents of Ryloth

Lastly, something I didn't expect to see, is the venators landing on the planet. Logistically, something that large just couldn't support its own weight under normal gravity, but apparently not in the Star Wars universe. But, this is a new perspective in which to view the ship.

Venator

Those ships are in fact Acclamators, so you've got another one for the wish list.

Great review, as always def. I agree that Mar Tuuk was more interesting than the usual cannon fodder, so maybe his quick exit in an escape pod means we'll be seeing him again.

Edited September 30, 2009 by Pellaeon

[Future74]

Great reviews again, will you continue this for the next season?

I think you should

[Commander_Rob]

Great reviews def, and I agree with you, the Ryloth episodes were probably some of the best in the series.

But again, I have criticism about the show, only the first episode though:

-Three cruisers might not be enough to take out a planetary blockade (which needs more ships as well). Somehow, everybody is always short on ships.

-Why send a 14-year-old girl (a Jedi but a teenager nonetheless) to destroy the blockade. With just fighters? There clearly are bombers in the fleet and Anakin is pretty much the best pilot in the galaxy, so why not have him lead the assault with a squadron of Y-Wings? Well, I guess Ahsoka needed her `moment of epic failure` at some point.

-Anakin`s strategy to use the damaged Venator is indeed questionable. I would say: use some astromechs to control the ship, take it short while out of the system, hyperspace into the Separatist fleet. Huge Hyperspace accident, Seppy fleet wiped out completely.

And two other things:

-I absolutely want one of these cannons too, there are very intersting in design, not being something completely new but seemingly based on Dwarf Spider Droids.

-Thanks for that picture of Ahsoka`s starfighter, def. Finally I released what the white markings are: the logo of the Jedi Order.

Looking forwards to the last two episodes!!

Edited September 30, 2009 by Commander_Rob

[def]

Again, I appreciate the feedback! I'm going to try to get the last two episodes done before the premiere, which is Friday night?

I'll think about continuing into the new season. Hopefully the high-def episodes are available immediately online.

Commander Rob,

I suppose Ahsoka being 14 makes her a poor choice to lead an attack squad, but no worse a choice than to guard Nute Gunray and fight Asajj Verntress I wouldn't have known she was 14 if you hadn't mentioned it. That is too young to be out on missions.

[legolandia]

Excellent reviews. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading them all.

Has Season 2 started? I keep checking on Cartoon Network but cant see anything (I'm in the UK by the way).

[def]

Episode 21: Liberty on Ryloth

Republic victory is at hand! Clone troopers under the command of the Jedi have successfully invaded the Separatist-occupied world of Ryloth. Anakin Skywalker battles the enemy in the skies, while Obi-Wan Kenobi frees villages from the grip of vile Separatist leader, Wat Tambor. Now, Jedi General Mace Windu leads the attack on the enemy lines in the final offensive to liberate the capital city of Lessu....

As part three of three, this episode, as well as the three as a set, work much better than the trilogy that started the season, featuring the Malevolence. The episodes here flowed together quite nicely, despite having different lead characters for each one, or perhaps because of it. Starting where the last left off, Mace Windu's invasion force has landed. It begins with a long range skirmish with battle droids in AAT's against the Republic's AT-TE's. Mace summons the Lightning Squadron, some clones on mini walkers that run like ostriches. The action is fast and quick, and quickly, Mace is established as an efficient leader.

Mace's plan to liberate Ryloth is to align with a Twi'lek underground movement and invade the main city, where Wat Tambor is maintaining a secure base. Tambor is quickly shown to be a ruthless villain. Realizing his position is compromised, he demands his droids to start collecting treasure, and sends squadrons of hyena bombers to destroy unarmed Twi'lek villages, under the logic that Republic rescue will be associated with needless destruction throughout the universe. The images shown here capture the spirit of war in a very mature way, surprising for this show. It's not obviously bloody, but conceptually quite heavy.

Mace's plan hinges on seizing control of a plasma bridge, but there is no way to control it without entering the city first. Mace's seizing of the bridge is one of the best Jedi action sequences I've seen in any media. I can imagine Samuel Jackson as really frustrated that his cartoon self is so much more interesting than his film counterpart. I won't get into the details of it, but it's worth watching. Anyway, Mace single-handedly clears the way for a strike force to capture the city, and take Tambor in the process.

This episode was great. It was about 50% action, and 50% character development. Again, Dooku shows himself to be a merciless leader, abandoning Tambor to death, though Tambor does survive to be captured. The Twi'lek leader is particularly well sketched out. He's only on screen five minutes or so, but he has a healthy role, and his motivations are clear and believable. Finally, Windu gets the action we've been wanting to see, and it's not a let down. It's impossible to make TV this good every week, but I'll settle for once in a while. A standout episode. Rating 10/10

There was a fair amount of new stuff this episode. The villain, Wat Tambor, wasn't particularly competent in the episode, but he must have been somewhat capable in order to take over the planet. His design was fantastic, even the way he moves was cool, but I would have liked to see him do something to appear a threat. As it was, he was just a cowardly, evil, greedy guy, which is pretty fun for a villain sometimes too.

Wat Tambor

The walkers here were really cool; fast and dexterous. They are really similar to the 2009 battle pack walker, so probably a MOD project if anything. Imagine Lego had released a Lightning Squadron set with Mace Windu rather than packing him into the Attack Shuttle set...

AT-RT

The clone costumes changed around here and there. This clone wore something similar to a speeder bike helmet. They are ARF troopers, apparently.

ARF Trooper

The Twi'lek Cham Syndulla was a sympathetic character. He was a smart, effective leader. This is probably the last we'll see of him, but I wouldn't mind seeing him join the Republic.

Cham Syndulla

Another debut was the Hyena Droid. Part of the summer 2009, it's not been anyone's favorite set, but it's not bad. And the proportion of the set is much closer to a vulture droid, so it makes it a great MOD set.

Hyena Droid

From Inconspicuous' review

Lastly, though he'd appeared a few times before, this was the first starring role for Mace Windu. As far as I know, everyone wants to like Windu, because he's Samuel Jackson's character. But he was by and large lame in the movies, and I'm glad to see the Clone Wars (both series) doing with him what Lucas should have.

Mace Windu

From my review

Lego ships appearing: AT-TE, AAT, Separatist's Shuttle, Hyena Droid, Annakin's Starfighter, Ahsoka's Starfighter

Added to the Lego wishlist: Wat Tambor, Cham Syndulla, ARF trooper battle pack with AT-RT

Episode 22: Hostage Crisis

Danger looms! Despite recent victories in the Outer Rim, criminal minds plot at the very heart of the Republic! The bounty hunter Cad Bane has assembled some of the deadliest criminals in the galaxy and plans a daring attack to seize members of the Senate. What can be the aim of this despicable act?

And so we come to the season finale. When released, there was a big fuss made about the debut of Cad Bane, and while I liked the show at the time, in the time since, I'd largely forgotten him. Seeing it again, he does command the episode right from the start. Seemingly patterned on Clint Eastwood in a spaghetti Western, he walks with a hat brim covering his eyes, and uses phrases like, "I wouldn't be so hasty, son." As the episode begins, he and his henchmen walk right into the Republic Senate and proceed to kill every security guard they meet. And this is killing, point blank shooting. They then take a group of senators hostage. Bane shoots a fleeing senator in the back. I'm not one for indiscriminate killing, but kids programs with no death have no real sense of drama, and I appreciate that Bane is portrayed this way. Bane's plan is to trade the senators for the imprisoned Truman Capote Ziro the Hutt.

Unfortunately for Bane, one of the hostage senators is Padme, and Anakin is still in the building. The twist is that Padme has his lightsaber so he's unarmed. This leads to some Die Hard like stalking in a dark corridor. These sequences are good on all levels, the suspense, the action, the pacing. Anakin's one on one fight with an assassin droid is beautiful. Ultimately though, Anakin is cornered and captured in a way that's believable for a Jedi, and thrown in with the hostages. Bane gets what he wants and leaves the senate with the senators and Anakin surrounded by bombs. At a safe distance, he detonates the bombs, but Anakin's already found a way to save everybody.

For the most part, this was a great episode. Everything was flawless except two points. One, since Bane was going to kill everyone anyway, he should have killed Anakin then and there (of course, this is never going to happen). This is a massive cliche: the enemy leaves the hero to his own devices, and the hero spoils his plan. This is the one weakness in Bane's portrayal here as a devious scoundrel. Second, why is Ziro the Hutt supposed to be useful? He's a whiny weakling. Jabba seems powerful and in control, but it's hard to imagine anybody would follow a character like Ziro anywhere, much less a criminal organization. So, those are two gripes, but overall, the episode was exciting, so I won't let those things color my opinion too much. Rating: 9/10

This episode had lots of great new stuff in it, lots of spectacle. The star is of course Bane, who takes the lead in the first two episodes of the second season. I don't think he'll be overused though, he'll get his arc and then take a break. He would be a perfect mini fig. His detailing is not too difficult, and I think he'll have to be made into a figure. They did the Rodian senator after all.

Cad Bane

Bane has a few soldiers, one is a Weequay pirate as seen in episode 11. Another is Aurra Sing, an ex-padawan bounty hunter who appeared for a moment in the Phantom Menace. She was really interesting to watch, but barely said a word. She would be interesting to see more of.

Aurra Sing

He also has two assassin droids, both painted tribally. I'm going to have to read up more on these droids. They were one of the highlights of season for me. Can anyone just buy one of these things? Do they have personalities like the rest of Star Wars droids seem to? Anyway, their painting is what made them extra-noticable.

Helios-3D

Bane's tech guy was hit and miss for me. He didn't behave silly or anything, but he reminds me quite a lot of Donald Duck.

Robonino

While searching the senate corridors, Bane's men come across this very feminine droid. What could her purpose be? What would a powerful old senator do with a droid like this?

Luxury Droid

The whole episode is set on Coruscant, which might be a first for the series. The place is beautiful, and I would like to see some Lego sets that captured the vehicles and architecture of the planet. How about a Coruscant Town Plan? Two vehicles and two or three buildings? That would be amazing.

Coruscant

Lego ships appearing: Republic Attack Shuttle

Added to the Lego wishlist: Cad Bane battle pack with his squad, Coruscant playset, Luxury droid battle pack

That's it! One season finished! It was a lot more time consuming than I expected, and I'd like to do season two, but I find it's better to get a little distance from the episode and come back to it. Still, there is more to do for this thread, and I have some finishing touches to add.

[def]

A poll has been added so you can vote for your most wanted unmade Clone Wars character. I didn't include the freecos or the Talz since they are forthcoming, nor the Malevolence, because the instructions have been released. I didn't include all, but here are what I did include.

Vehicles:

Republic Frigate

Munificent-class Star Frigate

Pod Hunter

Rail Jet

Skytop Station

H-Type Nubian Yacht

Crab Droid

Delta 7B

Pirate Swoops

XT Beetle Transport

The Trident

Naboo Scout Carrier

Proton Cannon

AT-RT

Characters/ Species/ Droids:

Medic Droid

Kaminoan

Commando Droids

Gha Nachkt

R3-S6

Luminara Uaduli

Nahdor Vebb

EV-A4-D

Senator Kharrus

Aayla Secura

Commander Bly

Lurmen

Tactical Droid

Rocket Droid

Luk Durd

Pantoran

Dr. Nuvo Vindi

Peppi Bow

Bomb Squad Trooper

Quarren

Mar Tuuk

Wat Tambor

ARF Trooper

Cad Bane

Aurra Sing

Luxury Droid

Of course, not every character/ship is there, but hopefully you have what you want on this list

[Forresto]

Great reviews as always I hope you plan to do season 2. You should try waiting until maybe half way into the next season before starting again if you're going to do it. The reason by the way that Cad Bane was releasing Ziro the Hutt was that if you saw the Clone Wars movie,

Ziro betrayed Jabba and jabba will probably try getting revenge.