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I worked there for three years. It really takes me back to think about

Everyone's got their own point of view on it. The bottom line for me is that it's generally a watchable show, whereas almost all other cartoons I find unwatchable. There are a few that I can watch a few episodes of, but not many where I want to watch a season of it. So, perfect ratings should be rare, and so should failing ones. Most of the time, it's in the middle. If the show failed all the time, I just wouldn't bother watching it. Anyway, Episode 9: Grievous Intrigue Grievous is back! And I'm happy to see his MagnaGuards and commando droids. This is the first of a two-parter, and the episode certainly starts off on the right foot. A balls to the wall battle as Grievous boards a Jedi ship and captures new Jedi Eeth Kith, in a scene that highlights what kind of scene was missing between episode one and two of this season. Afterward, Grievous taunts the Jedi Council via hologram, and the Jedi are alerted to his location. Obi Wan, Anakin and another new Jedi, Adi Gallia, spearhead a rescue. The mission is entirely implausible, sending in a small fleet to rescue a single guy, but that's the episode. Once it's going, though, there is a lot of eye candy. Grievous boards Obi Wan's ship, and they have a light saber battle in Grievous' full four-armed glory, which is interspersed with Anakin trying to do a stealth rescue mission on Grievous' ship. Anakin takes on a dozen or so commando droids, with a little assistance from Gallia, and pulls his rescue off. In the end, nothing much has changed from the start of the episode, except some droids and clones are taken out. A bunch of clones' lives in return for one Jedi. Yes, I'd be bitter if I were a clone. If the show had better writers, they could spin some good drama out of it. But, this show has very so-so writers and they don't really touch it. Anyway, this is the first major battle between Obi Wan and Grievous, and they dedicate a fair amount of time to it, so that's something I liked. On the downside, Grievous' escape is cheap. He pushes clones out of the way, rather than snapping their necks. It's a kids' show. The new Jedi were pretty bland, even if they were new species as far as Jedi are concerned. Good action, a little stupidity, but not much fluff. A good episode if you check your brain at the door. Rating: 7/10 Two characters debuted in this episode, the first is a Jedi of Darth Maul's species, Eeth Koth. Apparently he was in Attack of the Clones, but he obviously wasn't very noticeable. In this episode, he proves to be pretty useless. Kind of like Darth Maul The second Jedi in the episode was marginally better, Adi Gallia. Again, it turns out she had a non-speaking, forgettable part in Attack of the Clones. She's not incompetent, but Anakin does all the heavy work, and the episode could easily have been done without her. She seems to be there to give the animators a change of pace. There is one ship, a Clone Wars era shuttle they used, listed as "a retrofitted ambassadorial shuttle". It's different from Palpatine's Revenge of the Sith shuttle though. I like it! Again, there are lots of Republic cruisers, as well a small separatist fleet. LEGO ships appearing: None, I think. There are frigates and cruisers which look a lot like the diplomatic cruisers and Venators, but they are not quite the same. Plus the tactical droid and commando droids we're still waiting for from last year. LEGO wishlist: Eeth Koth, Adi Gallia, Ambassador Shuttle Next: Sexy Twi'lek on the farm

You did a lovely job on this MOD, and the way you presented it was very clear and classy

This is really fantastic. I have this set, and really like the atmosphere and colors of it, but it was too small. You've fleshed it out, and made it into something more exciting. I would buy a set like that. I agree with Inky, you should feel fine labeling it a MOC.

Some trivia about Luminara, she is voiced by Olivia d'Abo, the daughter on the Wonder Years. She was beautiful, so I'm surprised that she mostly does voice work now. Episode 7-Legacy of Terror After last episode's middling quality, we look to see something new in this episode. This whole set of episodes seems really unnecessary. Why are they back on Geonosis? Why didn't the Republic not maintain control after Attack of the Clones? I know they paid lip-service to something in one of the episodes, like Poggle the Lesser, the all-important Geonosian that a bunch of the top Jedi have been assigned to capture, was a holdout from the initial Clone battle, but, the quality of these episodes doesn't make the suspension of disbelief worth the trouble. Next time, Republic? Set up an embargo around planets that have a population of evil bugs that build droid armies. So, this episode starts with Jedi forces standing around in the wreckage of the last episode. The Republic has to catch Poggle. Luminara goes out ahead to track him down, going to a spooky, abandoned temple with legends surrounding it ("I've heard stories..."). Through the wonder of hologram technology, the other Jedi witness her get attacked by something unseen! This is such a trite, hackneyed set up. I wonder if something monstrous lies inside Sorry, but this is a pet peeve of mine, this degree of lazy writing. If they did something with the cliches to put a new spin on them, I wouldn't complain, but everything in this episode occurs pretty much as you would expect. The episode then shifts into a kind of Aliens mode, complete with dark caverns and beeping sensors, and 'monsters', which turn out to be zombified Genosians, lurking in the walls. The action all looks good, especially the lighting in the caverns, with flashes of light as clone weapons are fired. The final reveal though, just isn't that great if you have any experience with sci-fi, like, you've watched Aliens, read Card's Ender series, seen Star Trek II, or even just watched the Futurama episode, 'Fry and the Slurm Factory.' The writers probably thought it was a homage, but I think it could more accurately described as derivative, or less kindly, a rip-off. Nope, in this case, I'm definitely not the target audience. If I was a kid, and knew jack about sci-fi, it would be much, much better. But I'm not. Rating: 6/10 If you like the concept of new minifigs, this would be the episode for you! Zombified Genosians! I don't have any Genosians, so I wouldn't mind seeing an update on these guys. 'Wouldn't mind' though. I could live without them. And a mega-figure, the worm-bodied, six-armed Genosian Queen! Not my bag, but it would be interesting to see. Here's a full body shot of her. For ships, there was mostly just more of the same, but I'm always thrilled to see the Republic Cruisers, which appear all the time in this series! We need one in white! We also see a lovely red speeder that Luminara rides. That's something nice in this series, the variety of speeder they have. Every planet has its own design. Lego ships appearing: AT-TE, Republic Cruiser, Republic Dropship, ATT Lego wishlist: Genosian Zombie, Hive Queen, and most specifically, Luminara's stylish speeder. Next: Stupid worms in stupid noses

These figs look very sculpty. I suggest using sandpaper on them before painting them next time. But, I respect the time you took to make them and suggest you keep at it

Without any spoilers, yes, Batbrick is right, episode 7 is the best of the new season... and it may enter the pantheon of the greatest episodes. The mountain of skulls was good. Plus the part about applying "oil without our hands". And the matter of catching up with the past. Just smart, funny fun. I liked it. And I started watching the old DVDs this week, to remind me that this show is good, and not just nostalgia.

Another famous intro! I'm really impressed Shame that not a single baddie has been caught. I hope those playing realize that those that they suspect, even if they had been innocent are probably converted Personally, at this point, I'll be putting my money on the baddies. I'd love to see a mafia where they lose, though.

Interesting. I read a book of his at the start of the year (The Anubis Gates) and really enjoyed it. Maybe I should look into him more.

I've been reading Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. It just came out last year, and is fantastic. I've about 100 pages left, so I hope to finish it this weekend. The book is about the rise of Thomas Cromwell, from the lowborn son of a blacksmith, to the second most powerful man in England under King Henry VIII. The book really captures the thinking of the day, as almost every character speaks in terms of what God and the King would think, and any questionable statement is questioned... There is a certain parallel with post-911 America. For example, the part I read this afternoon; <speaking about baby Elizabeth, the King's daughter: "She could be anyone's child." "I think you mean to say all babies look the same."...Can't imply the child is a bastard> Plotting and deception are normal and expected, but all must be veiled in a correct style of speech. Absolutely awesome, if a little difficult. And I started a second novel at home (one for work, one for home). The Years of Salt and Rice by Kim Stanley Robinson. I'm about 1/4 of the way in, and it's fascinating. It's an alternate history of the world, starting around the year 1500. In this history, the black plague killed 99% of Europe, and Buddhism and Islam became the dominant world religions. This hook sold me on reading it, but the framing device is not what I expected and delighted me (and I won't spoil it either). Cool, cool stuff. So much good stuff. It's a lot easier to write a good book than it is to make a good movie. Low overheads, low investment, and infinite special effects. Go to the library, kids!

I agree, the Matrix was a very different film. I didn't care for Dark City, and and haven't seen it since (not to mention I think the director is strongly suffering from lessening returns <ie, Knowing>) so I won't compare them. I think this film works a lot better than the Matrix. Anyway, anyone who's been giving this film thought (and I have in the days since I saw it, far more than most new films I see) should give a quick listen to this podcast, between some writers for the AVClub, as well as one for Salon, who'd written a scene by scene break down of the film. They ask some good questions, and illuminate the experience... Particularly for a guy like me who saw it alone and doesn't personally know anyone who saw it Podcast link

Here are shots of the boxes from the Tokyo Toy Show a week ago, courtesy of Japan's Lego blogger, http://legojapan.seesaa.net/ Hope it's not been seen too much here, but there's too many posts to search through to see if it's new.

Well, rolling wheels seem standard on a Lego ground vehicle. I've never considered it a play function. What else should it do? I don't work for Lego, and I just saw the film this weekend, where the train only appears in the first 10 minutes, but ... there is no scenario built in. No concept for what's happening with the set. Personally, I like paired vehicles most, or vehicles with playsets. I'm not a paid reviewer or anything, but I wonder what you think 7/10 means. For me, it means, not great, not terrible, but decent. Do you think the play features excelled on this set I dismantled this set today, and put it in a plastic bag, but I may just turn it into parts in the future. I don't see myself feeling the need to revisit it. I also placed an order for my first Knights' set, and I see myself being a heck of a lot more satisfied with it.

I went to Comic-Con around 1999, and even then it was a bizarre, bizarre experience. I got wicked wasted on the second afternoon, and that made it all the more bizarre. But I didn't get so much swag. I enjoyed the panels I went to though. I just remember the Fantagraphics one I went to that had Peter Bagge at it, and he was wearing a tie! (If you've ever read his stuff, he just doesn't seem the type)

It was released here this weekend, and I caught it today. I really enjoyed it, but I don't think it was that deep. Luckily I saw it now, and not after hearing how deep and metaphysical it was for months, as happened with the Matrix. Both are far better than average summer blockbusters, but pretty far from high art. Compared to another sci-fi movie it's been compared to, Blade Runner, I don't think this film had the heart Blade Runner did. All the same, it's the first movie I saw in the theater this year, and maybe the only one, and I don't regret it one bit. It gave a lot to think about, the no-gravity sequence is gorgeous, and the film has about the largest cast of high caliber actors I've seen in a long long time. Yeah, still thinking about the details of it. Great ending too.

Thanks for sharing! I did the reviews here of 8002 (Destroyer Droid) and 8000 (Pit Droid), and I thought I had bought this too, but it was my memory playing tricks on me. I'd love to see the AT-ST put together. The alternate models were really cool on these sets. Did they have alternates on later Star Wars-Technic sets? An interesting line, but I think the first series were the best; Technic robots make sense, the Darth Vader one doesn't

2 points to lgorlando-The Anastasia Astoria International Hotel This is a really beautiful, professional piece. I'm really impressed by the detailing on it. 1 point to lisqr-Micro modular house series A classy piece, that really captures the proportions of the original sets. Very effective. Honorable mention to Captaintuddle. It would have gotten a vote from me, but I felt Igorlando needed to get two points. Sorry, but I liked your piece a lot!

Sorry, this is my worst review, I wrote it while hungover, so I may edit it later. Episode 5: Landing At Point Rain This is the action episode. Not really a story, just a mission; capture a target on Geonosis. As such, the episode is pretty much a chance for the animators to show Star Wars vehicles and Jedi in action. The simple plot, as it is, sees three strike teams split up, Anakin's, Obi Wan's and Ki-Adi Mundi's. They spend the episode trying to regroup. There really isn't much else, it's just an extended set piece. But, they action they show is pretty fantastic. Like last season's Ryloth episodes, the episode is a good showcase for the Jedi, to show the difference one Jedi can make on the battlefield, as Anakin cuts through the droid forces like a hot knife through butter. Ki-Adi gets to hack up some Geonosians too. This is an important part of the show, showing the hands on action of the Jedi. They don't need to do it every episode, but sometimes we need to see how much better they are at fighting than any droid or clone. In this episode, you get the feeling that the clones simply couldn't succeed without the leadership and skills of the Jedi. I'd write more, but I don't have anything else to say. If you want action, this is the episode. It looks great. Rating: 9/10 A lot of ships appear in this episode, and it was great to see them in action. Last year's amazing Lego set, the Dropship, plays a big role in this episode. This is a Lego masterpiece, and I wish it were mine. Sadly, it's out of my price range. From Starstreak's review The Gunships have a lot of detail too. Each one has it's own decal on the side. Great detail! This episode gives a lot of time to Ki-Adi Mundi. Where's his minifig! A nice variation on the clone trooper appears here, a type of commando. It's a shame that TLG doesn't offer more variations on the clone trooper. Another variation of the clone, the snow clone appears, with a flamethrower! Apparently those are simply temperature resistant suits. Very nice. A fleet of lovely red Y-Wings appear too. Though I like the yellow one, I'd love to see a Lego version in red. Lego ships appearing: AT-TE, Republic Gunship, Y-Wing, Genosian Fighter, Republic Dropship Lego wishlist: Ki-Adi Mundi! Red Y-Wing, Commando Clones, Flamethrowing Clones

How about a future tech contest? As an Arc Fighter is to an X-Wing, an X-wing is to ...? As a Venator is to a Star Destroyer, a Star Destroyer is to ...? All entries would have to take place 30 years after Return of the Jedi, and couldn't be based on Extended Universe stuff.

A lovely flick, with good music! It's great to see people enjoying old movies. I didn't watch something so old, but last night I watched A.I. I really felt like watching it again, since I haven't seen it since it came out. I don't like some of it, but I really like it overall.

This is a fantastic review, you really are a master reviewer! I like the look of this set, but I may pass. I prefer the Creator houses, and was a little disappointed by the City Corner set. Depends on the price when it comes out around here. Thanks!

I have to agree. The set up shots each day look really good, and the details in them, like the magic lights make them all the better.

You didn't read the post above you, did you? This thread's been going for a year, and the live action part has been removed.

I'm enjoying reading it, but I wouldn't have done a great job playing it. Too much magic vocabulary.

Thanks! I think Oki grades harder than me too, and we know it, but variety is the spice of life. I'm certainly no authority on Star Wars. I'm just a fan. Anyway, very rarely am I angry after an episode of Clone Wars. The Lurmen episodes neared it, and so did the second pirates episode in season one. S2E4 was just meh to me. That's interesting, and it gives credit to the writers, so maybe that was the intent. We all know the notion that the prequels hurt the OT, but there were some interesting ideas in the PT. Perhaps this is one of them, that Sidious had a point