Star Wars seems to be in a bit of a holding pattern. The Force Awakens was generally liked but not well-loved; The Last Jedi proved to be quite divisive; The Rise of Skywalker was generally disliked but not loathed. The Mandalorian received mostly positive reviews, but if anyone here watched Star Wars Resistance, you’ll know that kind of reception was not quite the same (I actually did episodic reviews on another site, which was… a tough go). Star Wars Rebels had its issues but ended quite strongly. Now after a six-year long absence, Disney+ is going to try its hand again in the animated world with the return of The Clone Wars, a show practically defined by its tonal/random sensibility. Its seasons were split into various story arcs split across three to four episodes a piece, and each arc would be wildly different in tone and quality. You could get an entertaining arc like the Geonosis arc; an awful one like The Void arc, or a completely baffling, off-the-wall one like the the Mortis arc. Though those arcs have been of various quality, there has been some bright spots: Ahsoka Tano has been the most well known “fan favorite” addition to the Star Wars universe, and many others seem taken to Rex, the most out-spoken and driven leader of the clones.
So with that all in mind, Disney has graced us with one last go-round with The Clone Wars, a final season to wrap up this timeline of this universe, to finish up various teasers that were dropped on the Star Wars website way back in 2014. Everything is still intact–the faux-deep introductory quote in that blue laser font, the faux-filmreel summary of the events that guide viewers right into the action, even that musical fanfare when The Clone Wars logo pops on screen. It’s a nostalgic trip, and admittedly even with my slightly cynical opinion of the show at large, it was delightful to get drawn right back into this show’s rhythms. Here, we find our Republic “heroes” trying to hold off an assault on the planet of Anaxes by the separatists, but for some reason every tactic they use is immediately figured out and countered. Mace Windu and Anakin Skywalker discuss options when Rex, along with Cody, enters the scene and offers a third idea. Hearing all those voices again, and its carefully, distinctly written dialogue, is meant to both appeal to the fans familiar with the original show, as well as introduce newcomers into this particular iteration of Star Wars.
That second point is specifically noticeable in Rex’s fear in how the separatists are so savvy against their defenses. The tactics are so familiar that they remind Rex of Echo, a clone with whom Rex drew up plans together, and who was “killed” in the battle of the Citadel. It’s a line that practically dangles an asterisk at the end, indicating to SEE EPISODE “THE CITADEL” FOR THE DETAILS OF THAT MAJOR EVENT. It’s a classic comic book tactic, but it also provides old and new viewers alike a chance to get see how close-knit these particular clones are. They’re not disposable living machines like the films make them out to be. They’re soldiers, brothers, comrades (there’s even a brief discussion about fallen brothers and survivor’s guilt)–and watching Rex wrestle with the far-fetched idea that one of his own may be still alive is engaging, the through-line that will most likely drive this specific arc for the time being.
But before we get there, we’re introduced to the Bad Batch–a group of “genetically enhanced” clones with specific abilities to improve their skill in combat. This… raises the question why more clones aren’t constructed with specific skillsets. The episode implies that this results in erratic, chaotic, undisciplined behavior, but while the Bad Batch is certainly more aloof than the other “regs,” they still more or less follow orders, if not specific commands, and get the job done. The bulk of this episode, after the requisite introductions to these bad boys, is watching the entire group fight their way into the separatist cyber center to retrieve whatever information/algorithm that is countering the clones’ tactics. It’s straight-forward, but it’s fun, watching this “mutated” group of clones absolutely annihilate those clankers in unique, clever, badass ways. Also, the floating camera action is back, allowing viewers to “flow” with the action, swiveling and looping around the soldiers as they do what they do best.
The clones battle their way to the main console of the cyber center, and when Tech pulls out the data, a familiar voice is heard: that of Echo. Impossible as it may seem, Rex believe his former fellow soldier is alive out there, and as the entire squad escapes the onslaught, the weight of this reveal is clearly visible on Rex’s face. While I’m not particularly sold on the Bad Batch being “truly” bad, or even all that complicated, they do provide an off-kilter dynamic that may lead to some interesting developments down the line. If you’re new to this, welcome to the first of episode of The Clone Wars and its unique, long-term storytelling.
Stray observations:
- Absolute props to Dee Bradly Baker, who manages to voice not only every single “reg” clone with the same cadence yet manages to imbue them with specific personalities, but also to pushing his voice in different ways to voice the Bad Batch while still maintaining that core cadence. It’s incredible!
- Crosshair is introduced as being “not much of a conversationalist” but he… he talks quite a bit.
- I maintain that The Last Jedi was fine, even enjoyable, but it would have worked a lot better as a mini-series or television show, as a lot of its more outlier elements felt very much similar to some of The Clone Wars more far-reaching side-stories.
- If you’re curious, I did write up reviews for all Star Wars: Resistance episodes here. It was a struggle to get through to be honest, its loftier first season ambitions all but squandered in its lackluster second season.
- I’ll be reviewing all twelve episodes of this final run of The Clone Wars, and I look forward to everyone’s responses and commentary in the comments below!
31 Comments
I liked Resistance! It’s just a shame that it was doomed to never realize its own potential by only having two seasons planned 🙁
Any SW:GOH players on here? I’ve never watched these series but I love my 501st squad. Does Shaak Ti appear in the show?
I used to play but around the time the Triumvirate raid launched it started feeling too much like a job rather than a game. Shaak Ti does appear somewhat regularly on the show but I don’t think there’s any episodes revolve around her. Glad to see they finally added her to SWGOH though, always felt weird she wasn’t in it when some even less famous Jedi were.
Shaak Ti has a pretty major role in one of the most memorable arcs, which starts Season 6, and she’s also in the premiere of S3 which makes it pretty explicit what her role in the war was. I think that’s about it, apart from maybe some Council cameos
She also made a considerable appearance in the Clone Wars microseries by Gennedy Tartakovsky on the Cartoon Network back in 2003. It maybe difficult to find through legal means as it’s not streaming anywhere and the DVD’s can be quite expensive now but well worth searching for. If you’re a fan of Samurai Jack, the show followed many of the same beats.
I don’t think 2003 Clone Wars is considered canon anymore, but I’d have to say it’s probably my favourite piece of Star Wars media ever – pure art. thankfully it’s all on youtube
As The Clone Wars went on, the animation got better and better. This premiere… oh man, it’s been stepped up a notch. The quick tracking shot at the beginning? Beautiful.
Also I want a spinoff with the Bad Batch. Hulk, The Nerd, Solid Snake, some other guy…. they’re all awesome.
that tracking shot towards the end as Hunter, Tech and Wrecker stormed the base was absolutely incredible, I can’t wait to see Mandalore with this level of animation quality
Some of the animation was good, but the show always did best with droids, ships, and battles. The scene with Mace and Anakin was painful to watch, and I got very frustrated with Rex continuing to take off his helmet. Not only was it a tactically bad idea, the animation flowed better when his face wasn’t being animated. I hope the rest looks better as they go forward. The trailers looked amazing.
After 5 years of Rebels and Resistance, this really shows the stark difference in quality from TCW to the latter two. I hope Disney will use TCW as a benchmark for future shows moving forward.
everyone is waiting for the Ahsoka and Mandalore arcs to finally be wrapped up after all this time. I’m impatient as hell for it too – and actually more excited than I’ve been about any other Star Wars property- but this arc seems like a great introduction to the season. the animation is gorgeous! Dee Bradley Baker is killing it! One member of the Domino Squad is still kicking (RIP my man, Fives)! great way to kick things off
Fives WAS the man!!!
Yeah, I’m in no hurry to get into the juicy arcs. This is the last season and it’s always good to see more Clone stories, especially with Rex and Cody.
FIVES!!!That said…I’m pretty sure he ended up saving Ahsoka’s life.
I think I really disliked this episode. It used so many boring tropes. The big strong guy who talks and acts like a child! The smart guy. The loner who doesn’t talk to anyone else (except like you said, he does). The leader, who does things a bit differently! I don’t think it’s bad to include a squad of characters with the expected traits, but to have them literally introduced as such (and even named after their one character trait) is a bit much.Also I think men in Star Wars bore me and this was……..all men. No women this episode. No women the entire episode.
I mean…the new characters are named Hunter (he can hear stuff good!), Wrecker (he can break stuff!), Tech (the smart computer guy!) and Crosshair (he has a sniper!)
I don’t know if you have noticed this, but the clones get their nicknames from the stuff they are good at or specialize in, that’s why their names are so literal.Also kind of hard to tell if you are trolling or not when you are talking about the episode being boring because of a lack of women…
Star Wars getting silly is always a plus to me.
I think you might have misunderstood why they are called the “Bad Batch”, they are genetically defective, and had something wrong with their cloning processes. They are not made that way on purpose, and are named “Clone force 99″ after the genetically defective 99, a janitorial clone in the Domino Squad episodes. They aren’t the Bad Boys of clones, they are a Bad Batch of clones.
Yeah, I got the impression they were essentially mutants who happened to get beneficial mutations as opposed to missing a leg or having their heart on the outside of their body or something.
I don’t want this. I don’t want any more Star Wars. I don’t even want the Star Wars from before. I’m Burned Out. This feels like an abusive husband trying to get in the front door after being kicked out, discovering the chain lock is in place and trying to shout promises through the gap that, no, he’s changed, he’ll be good, he’s found God, honest honey, I PROMISE this time!
Is someone forcing you to watch it? Do you need us to call 911?
After the last 4 episodes of this season, it’s funny to see someone say at the start of this season that they didn’t want this season.
I maintain that The Last Jedi was fine, even enjoyable, but it
would have worked a lot better as a mini-series or television show, as a
lot of its more outlier elements felt very much similar to some of The Clone Wars more far-reaching side-stories.
That’s because all the sequels, not just TLJ, lacked a ton of details. So of course its natural to think a better format would work better to get those details when really, the movies themselves just needed to be better written for more cohesiveness.
And now you can all blame me for being the one to derail a Star Wars discussion into a fight about the sequels.
It’s absurd and inexcusable that they didn’t let Dave Filoni shepherd the sequels, in terms of both cohesion and quality control.Glad he’s getting the chance to show everyone how it’s done.
If you’re curious, I did write up reviews for all Star Wars: Resistance
It was a struggle to get through to be honest, its loftier first season
ambitions all but squandered in its lackluster second season.
I’ll check them out but man, I feel sorry for anyone that had to review that show. Resistance was such a disappointment. I lol’d at the end when they spent the entire season running away from the First Order because they were overmatched or whatever only to easily defeat a massive Star Destroyer in the final episode. If it were that easy, why not just do it from the start? Sums up the entire show perfectly.
So glad to have you back on the Star Wars animation beat, Kevin! always loved your Rebels reviews, a show that was as frustrating and awesome as Star Wars usually is.I loved this premiere episode. Dee Bradley Baker just floors me with his work as the Clones across this whole series but the Bad Batch voices are somehow even better. I love these character designs too, they obviously had a lot of fun with them.I was always a little disappointed in Rebels animation so to be immediately thrust back into the super detailed planets and space ships of Clone Wars felt like coming home in a way. This team is just the best.
This episode is disappointing only because Ahsoka was’t in it, but as we shouldn’t criticise an apple for not being an orange, I can’t fault an episode that’s all about the clones for not including a big character who isn’t one.
Otherwise, holy crap has the animation been upgraded. Some of those long tracking shots with the floating camera were amazing. I also like the new characters, and it’s amazing to listen to Dee Baker voice 9 different characters (including Trench!) and make them all distinct.
Resistance’s unbearable main character made it unwatchable.I had some issues with Ahsoka and Ezra in their first appearances but at least they grew out of their more childish and annoying tendencies.Kazuda felt like if they gave Jar Jar his own show and he was meant to be the main hero character instead of the side comic relief that everyone mostly ignores. (Also, the first two were kids when they first appeared but Kazuda was already practically an adult making his antics that much more unbearable)
‘The Rise of Skywalker was generally disliked but not loathed.’It was loathed by me. I’m still trying to understand why, amongst all of my Star Wars-loving friends, I’m the only one who hated it.
Man this takes me back watched this show Friday nights as a kid now I’m 24. Solid first couple of episodes. Nostalgic for sure