-- Belief is not a matter of choice, but of conviction.
One of the best things about Clone Wars is that it allows us to find out more about characters we only ever really glance at in the movies. This is especially true of the Jedi Masters. In the movies, the Masters mostly just function as cardboard cutouts to fill the Council Chamber. Sure, a few of them get some lines but, other than during the execution of Order 66, we don't see them doing anything. They're just there to look cool.
Clone Wars finally lets us get to know characters like Plo Koon and see them in action.
It's not the same kind of action as with Yoda in the previous episode, though. There's no plowing through battle droids in this one. It's more a survival tale. However, there is more affirmation that the Jedi view the clones as unique and valuable beings, something the clones don't really accept about themselves. There's a piece of dialogue where one of the clones tells Plo Koon, "No one is coming for us. We're expendable," and Plo replies, "Not to me." It's especially poignant considering Order 66.
The other big thing in this episode is the introduction/origin of the ion cannon. You probably remember it best from The Empire Strikes Back has the huge ball turret the rebels used to disable whole star destroyers so that their ships could escape from Hoth. Here, we see General Grievous out testing the first prototype of the weapon in his flagship, the Malevolence, hence the title of the episode. And, I just have to say, the Malevolence is a pretty awesome ship. The animation on it is incredible. The episode is worth watching just for the ship but, even without it, it's well worth watching. [My kid has the Lego of the Malevolence which is pretty awesome, too.]
The other big thing in this episode is the introduction/origin of the ion cannon. You probably remember it best from The Empire Strikes Back has the huge ball turret the rebels used to disable whole star destroyers so that their ships could escape from Hoth. Here, we see General Grievous out testing the first prototype of the weapon in his flagship, the Malevolence, hence the title of the episode. And, I just have to say, the Malevolence is a pretty awesome ship. The animation on it is incredible. The episode is worth watching just for the ship but, even without it, it's well worth watching. [My kid has the Lego of the Malevolence which is pretty awesome, too.]
"Anakin just redeployed himself. Again." -- Obi-Wan Kenobi
I'll try to watch this one today and post my own take on it.
ReplyDeleteBriane: I'll look for it as soon as I start getting caught up on posts.
DeleteNice post, especially the note about the ion cannon in later episodes.
ReplyDeleteTAS: Thanks!
DeleteI've always loved the ion cannon, but that might have come from playing X-Wing.
What is this Andrew, TV, a movie, what? Sounds like something I would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteJo: It was a TV series on Cartoon Network. It has since been replaced by the new series, Rebels, on the Disney channel. There are six seasons of Clone Wars available.
DeleteI'll have to check it out. Looking forward to the new movie later this year.
ReplyDeleteM Pax: Oh, you should hear all the Star Wars talk at our house!
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