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To summarise Star Wars: The Clone Wars, where can I even begin?
Across seven seasons, the final one released on Disney+ in 2020, Clone Wars has 133 episodes tied to the Clone Wars animated film. Ahsoka, Anakin’s padawan, is introduced in the movie. We see her relationship with the Chosen One develop throughout the series.
Although the Ahsoka storyline is a significant part of Clone Wars‘ focus, it also zeroes in on several other important arcs and themes:
- Clone troopers
- Anakin and Obi-Wan’s brotherly relationship
- Anakin’s turn to the dark side
- Mandalore
- Maul’s return
Rather than addressing this huge, much-loved series on an episode-by-episode basis, I’ll run through the major themes (as listed above), giving a quick summary of the story as we go.
Just a quick note that there will, of course, be spoilers in the following text, so please click away now if you need to!
Ahsoka
In the Clone Wars movie, Anakin and Obi-Wan are fighting off a Separatist invasion on the planet Christophsis when a young Togrutan Jedi named Ahsoka Tano is sent in by the Republic. Although the two assume she is to be Obi-Wan’s padawan, he discovers that Yoda has, in fact, assigned her to him.
Ahsoka is loud-mouthed, reckless, and arrogant. However, she has the skills and intelligence to get the job done nevertheless – and get it done well.
At first, most Star Wars fans were not impressed with the cocky youngster, prone to risk the lives of her loyal clone troopers and inflate her own ego. As the series and seasons progress, though, Ahsoka goes through several key moments that ultimately change her, causing her to grow up – often through brutal circumstances. Now, she’s one of the most beloved characters in Star Wars lore.
Ahsoka is initially very similar to Anakin as a youngster and shows many of the same traits. This is perhaps why she was assigned to him. As she grows older, surviving through the Clone Wars and the Empire, Ahsoka eventually becomes a personification of the balance between Obi-Wan and Anakin. She is still sometimes powerfully aggressive and quick to jump to the rescue, like Anakin, but it is tempered by Obi-Wan’s patience and soothing tone.
In “Cloak of Darkness” (S1E9), Ahsoka is paired with Luminara Unduli, a Jedi Master responsible for transporting the prisoner Nute Gunray, who won’t reveal anything to them. Frustrated, Ahsoka lets her emotions get the better of her, threatening Gunray with her lightsaber. The Jedi Master scolds her, telling her to control herself. But it raises a perfectly valid question. The Jedi aren’t supposed to be warriors: they’re peacekeepers. Why, in that case, are they put in soldiers’ positions? Although Ahsoka is ashamed of her actions, the confusion and hypocrisy are there for all to see.
Asajj Ventress breaks Gunray free with help from a traitorous Senate Commando. Luminara is overwhelmed and defeated by the nightsister assassin, helping her understand her own arrogance and ignorance in the face of powerful enemies. Ahsoka impulsively saves Unduli, although Nute Gunray gets away.
Another episode vital to Ahsoka’s development is “Storm Over Ryloth”. Ahsoka is leading her first flying space mission when she and her troops are outflanked by the Separatists. Anakin and Admiral Yularen immediately realize the danger she’s in and order her back, but she arrogantly refuses, unaware of the threat. This leads to the loss of her entire clone squadron and a starcruiser, the Redeemer.
The mission’s failure is a crucial part of the story. Ahsoka shows remorse at the loss of so many lives on her account. This means those around her view her with frustration still, but also with a hint of empathy and gentleness.
In S2E1, “Holocron Heist”, Ahsoka is heading an assault on Felucia, with Anakin and Obi-Wan directing a separate ground assault. Skywalker withdraws and orders Ahsoka to do the same, but she – like in “Storm Over Ryloth” – believes she has the enemy on the run and refuses. Anakin commands his gunships to land between her troops and the retreating battle droids and forces her to get in the gunship. Moments later, the entire squad, left on the ground, is overrun and destroyed.
This time, the young padawan is made to answer for her mistakes. She shamefully admits her misjudgments to the Jedi Council and is forced to assist in the library while learning to be responsible.
“Weapons Factory” (S2E6) shows Ahsoka’s close developing friendship with Luminara Unduli’s padawan, Barriss Offee, on Geonosis. Barriss is substantially more respectful towards her master than Ahsoka is to Anakin and is, therefore, more easily trusted to complete complex tasks.
As they attack a droid weapons factory, she and Barriss sneak through the catacombs to sabotage it. Eventually, they’re forced to blow up the factory with themselves still in it, believing they’ll die. They almost suffocate to death, but Anakin finds them just in time.
This story shows Ahsoka’s genuine care for her troops; it is, in a way, her reconciliation for costing the lives of so many before.
From here, she learns more and more about humility, respect, and listening.
When the end of Season 5 comes around, we find Ahsoka framed for assassinating someone responsible for attacking the Jedi Temple. As she runs from the Republic forces, Anakin begs her to turn herself in, but she doesn’t trust the Jedi anymore. Eventually, Ahsoka is caught and brought before the Jedi Council. They find her guilty and expel her from the Jedi Order.
(Dave Filoni revealed that Obi-Wan, Yoda, and Plo Koon all voted against this, but the vote was still 9-3 in favor.)
Anakin then proves that Ahsoka’s close friend Barriss Offee was responsible for the attacks, and the Jedi Council tries to welcome Ahsoka back. However, the damage is done, and she leaves the Temple – and Anakin – on Coruscant to pursue her own path.
By the end of the series, there’s a horrible conclusion to Ahsoka’s arc. While she was responsible for the deaths of many of her men at the start of The Clone Wars, she grieved for them and, with time, became a well-respected commander who cared deeply for her troops’ wellbeings.
The inhibitor chips and Order 66 force the clones to turn on her in the final episode. Although she explores every avenue to save them, she can only remove Rex’s chip and is forced to leave the rest to die. Although she has learned compassion, Sidious has ultimately outplayed everyone, and her new resolve cannot save the lives of her men.
Clone Troopers
It makes sense, really, that The Clone Wars takes a lot of time exploring the clone troopers that fight for the Republic. The clones show up to save the Jedi at the Battle of Geonosis and then have a relatively background role in Revenge of the Sith (aside from Order 66). Since Clone Wars puts a lot of emphasis on the clones’ soldierly attitudes and closeness with their Jedi generals, it makes the viewer wonder what’s really going on in their minds.
Captain Rex, for example, is arguably the most crucial clone trooper in Clone Wars. As a new character, he was introduced to the animated series as the leader of the 501st and Anakin Skywalker’s close friend. Although it isn’t explicitly mentioned, Rex is an ARC trooper – an elite branch of clones trained by Alpha-17. Other well-known clone commanders, such as Cody, Odd Ball, Bly, and Gree, are also ARC troopers.
Rex is the soldier’s soldier, believing in his inherent purpose to fight for the good of the Republic. Initially, he obeys orders without question.
However, on Umbara, the rogue Jedi Krell turned against the clone trooper, organizing a mass tragedy where the 501st opened fire on the 212th, with many clones killed in the friendly fire. This incident caused Rex to reconsider blindly following orders and how the clones’ independence and adaptability made them superior to the Separatist battle droids they were fighting.
Three other key clone troopers from the series are those involved in the Rishi moon defense: Hevy, Fives, and Echo. Hevy sacrifices himself to destroy the attacking droids and alert the Republic to an invasion of Kamino. Still, his legacy lives on through his close friends, who eventually become ARC troopers. Fives and Echo fight together for years, but Echo is blown up and presumed dead during a daring rescue attempt in “Counterattack” (Season 3, Episode 19). Fives continues to serve with the 501st and eventually learns of the inhibitor chip plot to overthrow the Jedi.
After Fives’ friend, Tup, executes a Jedi mid-battle, there’s a great deal of confusion. Tup’s inhibitor chip, a genetic implant placed by the Kaminoans during development, decays, and malfunctions, causing him to ominously approach the Jedi Tiplar and shoot her dead.
The inhibitor chip effectively brainwashes the clones, forcing them to kill their Jedi commanders and friends. They were initially intended by Master Syfo-Dias to prevent the clones from being controlled by any Sith or rogue Jedi. However, the secret involvement of Tyranus (Count Dooku) ensured that the chips would instead influence the troops to kill anyone designated a traitor to the Republic. The Kaminoan leadership was probably well aware of the chip’s true purpose and fought to keep it hidden from the Jedi and the Senate (see The Bad Batch).
Fives discovered the basics of the true plot as orchestrated by Sidious as the Chancellor resorted to framing him for attempted murder. What he knew drove him slightly insane, and he went to great lengths to try to tell Anakin and Rex what was going on. Before he could explain everything thoroughly, though, Commander Fox shot him dead.
Thus, the arc exploring a clone trooper’s independent thinking wraps up so tragically. When the inhibitor chips are activated during Order 66, any free will they have is overridden. They become, essentially, little more than battle droids, mindlessly carrying out the orders of their corrupt superiors. It’s no wonder that the Empire, relying on fear and suppression much like the Separatists, has no use for a free-thinking clone trooper and eventually cancels the Kaminoan cloning contract (in The Bad Batch).
The Relationship Between Anakin and Obi-Wan
At the start of Revenge of the Sith, we have an excellent insight into the relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan. No longer master and apprentice, they fight as equals, constantly bantering their way through life and death situations. They take great joy in mocking General Grievous and understating the perils they’re in and just generally seem to have fun together.
Clone Wars, set between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, helps to highlight their close bond. They chuckle between each other much of the time, working together effectively.
Notably, the series also shows how they balance each other. Neither is perfect, but they’re pretty close to it when they work together. Anakin is impulsive, emotional, ambitious, and reckless. Obi-Wan is slower, more thoughtful, humble, and content. Anakin makes Obi-Wan act when he hesitates, and Obi-Wan reigns in Anakin’s thoughts and processes.
Anakin’s Slow Fall to the Dark Side
There are many hints at Anakin’s dark tendencies throughout The Clone Wars seasons, such as his jealous relationship with Padme and emotional outbursts and uses of the Force. However, none is more evident than Season 3’s “Ghosts of Mortis” (S3E17).
When Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, and Anakin find themselves in a mysterious co-existing plane of the galaxy inhabited by three god-like Force users (The Father, The Son, and The Daughter). The Father, representing the cosmic Force, keeps The Son (the dark side) and The Daughter (the light side) in balance. After The Son kills The Daughter, Anakin – as the Chosen One – heads into The Son’s domain to kill him.
However, he’s easily turned to the dark side when The Son shows him visions of the future, showing him how he will become Darth Vader and bring so much suffering to those he loves and the galaxy as a whole. Horrified and ashamed, Anakin is determined to prevent the visions from coming true, so he makes a deal with The Son, turning to the dark side. He’s only saved when The Father makes him forget the visions, reversing The Son’s effect.
When Anakin eventually becomes Darth Vader (set about one year after this Clone Wars episode), it’s for precisely the same reason. He sees a premonition of the future (in this case, Padme’s death) and uses the dark side as a means to an end to prevent that from coming to pass. He feels that the Jedi are holding him back, focusing on patience, and only the Sith powers can save his wife. Anakin even has no loyalty to the Sith, further emphasizing his only wish to use the dark side as a method to prevent Padme from dying. As he says to her in Revenge of the Sith, “I am more powerful than the Chancellor. I can overthrow him…”
Mandalore
The Mandalore arc is one of the most important in The Clone Wars, spanning from Season 2 to Season 7. It then continues to be a well-established part of Rebels and The Mandalorian and is likely to crop up in many other Disney+ Star Wars series over the coming years.
In the days of the Clone Wars, New Mandalore is led by pacifist Duchess Satine Kryze. “The Mandalore Plot” (S2E12) shows Obi-Wan Kenobi heading to the planet to check that the Mandalorians, speaking for the Council of Neutral Systems, isn’t developing an army to fight for the Separatists against the Republic. He’s met flirtatiously by Duchess Satine. We later learn that he and Qui-Gon spent almost a year on the run protecting her from bounty hunters. These hunters were hired by the traditional Mandalorian clans, who believed pacifism was an insult to their warrior heritage.
Although Satine and Obi-Wan fell in love, they ultimately stayed loyal to their professions. Obi-Wan remained a Jedi, and Satine stayed in politics. Episodes in the Mandalore arc often contrast this romance with Anakin and Padme, also a forbidden love between a Jedi knight and a politician.
On Mandalore, Prime Minister Almec tells Obi-Wan that the last warrior Mandalorians died out on the moon of Concordia. However, Satine later confides that a terrorist group known as Death Watch still resides on the moon. Death Watch is led by Governor Pre Vizsla of House Vizsla and has pledged to aid the Separatists under Dooku. His second-in-command is Duchess Satine’s estranged sister, Bo-Katan.
After escaping from Death Watch, Satine, Kenobi, and Skywalker head back towards Coruscant, where Satine narrowly avoids assassination by one of her own senators, Tal Merrik. Merrik tries to deliver the Duchess to Pre Vizsla but is, in the end, foiled. As Satine holds him at blasterpoint, he mocks her and Kenobi: she cannot kill him because it would betray her pacifist ideals. Obi-wan cannot kill him because he would be going against Satine. Anakin, meanwhile, runs him through, bringing an end to the danger.
Death Watch hatch an elaborate plot to reconquer Mandalore. With the Duchess on Coruscant to argue against Republic occupation of her planet, they will send another assassin to silence her. Once she’s out of the way, the Republic will send a clone army to Mandalore, much to the fury of the civilian Mandalorians. When the clones arrive, Death Watch’s army will simply walk in and be seen as liberators rather than invaders.
First, though, Satine must be killed.
On Coruscant, she argues her case against Republic clone army occupation in the Senate but is constantly knocked down by false evidence and the Chancellor’s cunning. A bomb on her speeder nearly kills her that evening. She becomes increasingly frustrated at the Republic’s greed, corruptness, and political structure, well aware that Death Watch is trying to take her life and bring Mandalore into the war.
When Satine meets a contact in Coruscant’s back alleys, he delivers a key piece of evidence to her to show to the Senate. A moment later, a Death Watch assassin shoots him with a sniper rifle, only unable to hit the Duchess because of a probe droid’s intervention. With a disguised Satine labeled as a criminal, she contacts Obi-Wan, who turns up just in time to save her from the assassin. She passes the evidence to Kenobi and then hands herself into the Senate Commandos as a distraction.
Obi-Wan hands the evidence to Senator Amidala, who displays it for the entire Senate to see just before the vote on Mandalore’s occupation. The motion, therefore, fails, and Mandalore is for now safe from Death Watch – and the Clone Wars.
Although she keeps Mandalore out of the Clone Wars, the planet is cut off from essential trade routes due to the galactic war. This means the people begin to depend on smuggling and the black market, with the entire population falling into an economic crisis.
During a visit from Padme Amidala to discuss how the Republic might offer aid, schoolchildren begin to fall seriously ill. It’s discovered that the tea served in their schools is contaminated with a toxic chemical called slabin to allow the black market dealers to sell more. Although they shut this operation down, saving the children, it’s a clear representation of the corruption within the Mandalorian leadership. Prime Minister Almec is reluctant to admit this, so Satine quietly asks Padme to arrange a Jedi to be sent to Mandalore as an undercover agent.
Ahsoka is chosen for this role, taking the mantle of a teacher for young Mandalorian cadets. Among these cadets is Korkie, the Duchess’ nephew. By this point, the officials have introduced a strict no-weapons policy for visitors in response to Obi-Wan‘s recent encounter with Death Watch and the trouble that followed.
Korkie and his friends, inspired by Ahsoka, discover that Prime Minister Almec is behind much of the corruption within the government. Although they and Ahsoka are captured by his Mandalorian Secret Service, they break free and place a shock collar on Almec, forcing him to yield.
Later, Maul returns, executing both Duchess Satine (to cause Obi-Wan pain) and Pre Vizsla (to seize the Darksaber and Mandalore). With the Death Watch leader dead, half of the group splits off under Bo-Katan to form a rebel group. In contrast, the other half remains loyal to Maul under Gar Saxon and formed the Mandalorian Super Commandos.
Along with the 332nd Company loyal to Ahsoka, Rex goes to Mandalore to aid Bo-Katan and Ahsoka in the fight against Maul. Now exiled from the Jedi, Ahsoka defeats the ex-Sith in combat, and he is taken prisoner.
Maul’s Return
The Clone Wars shows the return of Maul. Cut in half by Obi-Wan in The Phantom Menace, it’s revealed that the Sith survived his fall and has been living in squalor since. He has cybernetic legs and lost his mind until his blood brother, Savage, found him and returned him to the nightsisters.
He gets new mechanical legs that make him appear more like his original self and retains his senses of cunning and ambition. Maul’s latest quest for power comes from his desire to lead a crime syndicate, briefly seen at the end of Solo, and eventually takes him to the Mandalore throne.
Throughout the series, Maul’s primary aim is to cause Obi-Wan Kenobi pain and avenge his legs’ loss. As such, he kills Duchess Satine, whom Obi-Wan loves, in front of him.
Key Clone Wars Moments
In this section, I’ll do my best to narrow down the entire Clone Wars saga into a few key moments. If you want to take a shortcut through the story, I’d argue these are the most important episodes to delve into.
Let me know below if you feel I’ve missed out something crucial!
- Instantly fall in love with the hard-working, loyal Captain Rex – The Clone Wars movie.
- Ahsoka introduces herself to Anakin (and Obi-Wan) – The Clone Wars movie.
- Domino Squad is introduced – most notably, Hevy, Echo, and Fives – Rookies (S1E5).
- Ahsoka causes the deaths of her entire squad due to her disobedience – Storm Over Ryloth (S1E19).
- Anakin’s padawan disobeys orders, with her squad again being overrun, although this time, most of them are saved – Holocron Heist (S2E1).
- On Geonosis, the Jedi suffer huge setbacks and significant casualties. In the end, Ahsoka and her friend Barriss Offee save the day but almost sacrifice themselves in the process. They’re only rescued by Anakin’s desperate attempts to free them – Weapons Factory (S2E6).
- Rex is injured on Saleucami as the Republic hunts General Grievous and is cared for by a deserter. It humanizes the clones and makes them relatable. This is also a great episode to get to know some of the more important clone troopers: Jesse, Hardcase, and Kix – The Deserter (S2E10).
- The introduction of Mandalore, Duchess Satine, and Death Watch – The Mandalore Plot, Voyage of Temptation, and Duchess of Mandalore (S2E12-E14).
- Anakin (with Obi-Wan and Ahsoka) winds up in the mysterious realm of Mortis, inhabited by three powerful Force users. Anakin sees a glimpse into his future – Overlords, Altar of Mortis, and Ghosts of Mortis (S3E15-E17).
- Echo is supposedly killed during a daring rescue attempt to free Jedi Master Even Piell. We also meet Tarkin in the previous episode – Counterattack (S3E19).
- On Umbara, the clone troopers take disastrous casualties. These episodes do a fantastic job of making them relatable and showcasing their independent thinking – Darkness on Umbara, The General, Plan of Dissent, and Carnage of Krell (S4E7-E10).
- Savage Opress finds and saves his long-lost brother, the severely injured and insane Maul – Brothers, and Revenge (S4E21-E22).
- Maul seizes control of Death Watch and Mandalore, killing Pre Vizsla and Duchess Satine to run his crime empire and deeply hurt Obi-Wan Kenobi – Eminence, Shadows of Reason, and The Lawless (S5E14-16).
- Through a series of failings, the Jedi Council expels Ahsoka from the Jedi Order. These episodes highlight the weaknesses of the Council: their unwillingness to admit their mistakes, overinvolvement in politics, and how blinded they are to the Dark Side. Anakin also becomes further disillusioned with them, paving the way for his turn to the Sith – Sabotage, The Jedi Who Knew Too Much, To Catch a Jedi, and The Wrong Jedi (S5E17-E20).
- Fives oh-so-nearly uncovers Palpatine’s Order 66 plot, discovering the clones’ inhibitor chips and that the Chancellor himself plans to use them – The Unknown, Conspiracy, Fugitive, and Orders (S6E1-E4).
- Yoda almost discovers the truth of Order 66 himself and is visited by Qui-Gon Jinn’s Force spirit – The Lost One, Voices, Destiny, and Sacrifice (S6E10-E13).
- The Bad Batch is introduced (paving the way for the Bad Batch series) with their unique talents. Echo is alive and rescued from the Separatists and Admiral Trench – The Bad Batch, A Distant Echo, On the Wings of Keeradaks, and Unfinished Business – (S7E1-E4).
- Ahsoka, now living a life of exile, becomes involved in defending Mandalore from Maul and turns to Anakin and Obi-Wan for help. They are to rescue the Chancellor from General Grievous above Coruscant but instead send Rex, Jesse, and the new 332nd Division of the 501st Legion to assist her and Bo-Katan – Old Friends Not Forgotten, and The Phantom Apprentice (S7E9-E10).
- Ahsoka, the clones, and the Mandalorians capture Maul. Shortly after, Order 66 is executed, and the clones – including Rex – turn on their friend. While Tano manages to save Rex, she cannot save Jesse and the rest of her squad, who all perish – Shattered, and Victory and Death (S7E11-E12).
Key Clone Wars Characters
- Anakin Skywalker – Star Wars is all about Anakin. The Clone Wars gives us a greater understanding of Anakin’s frustration with the Jedi and how he is easily influenced by dark tendencies. Anakin is mainly motivated by his emotions and desire to protect those he loves.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi – as Anakin’s mentor and friend, Obi-Wan is laid back and cautious but also bold. He provides the much-needed balance to Skywalker’s outright power and upfront nature. Obi-Wan is committed to the Jedi Order and will do anything it takes to protect its members or those it serves from suffering.
- Ahsoka Tano – Ahsoka joins Anakin as his padawan in the Clone Wars movie. She’s initially a young, headstrong character but develops into a quiet, patient warrior with time. After being expelled from the Jedi Order for political reasons, she loses all trust in the Jedi Council, further pointing Anakin down the path to evil. As she matures, Ahsoka wants nothing more than to help the galaxy’s oppressed.
- Darth Sidious – as Chancellor of the Republic, Darth Sidious continues to orchestrate the war, dictating both sides in his grand scheme to wipe out the Jedi. Although the Jedi realize that he’s behind everything, they’re too late.
- Captain Rex – Anakin’s loyal first-in-command on the 501st, Rex serves the Republic willingly and is close friends with Commander Cody, as well as his right-hand men Jesse, Kix, and Hardcase. Through the series, he becomes more independent and follows orders less blindly. Rex is motivated by the protection of the Republic, the men under his command, and the Jedi he serves.
- Duchess Satine – Satine is the pacifist ruler of New Mandalore. Mandalorians are traditionally warriors, with warring clans fighting each other. Satine, however, unites the families with slight resistance from the terrorist group Death Watch. She functions to highlight the corruption within the Republic, keeping her planet firmly away from each side of the Clone Wars.
- Maul – once a mighty Sith Lord, Maul was left to rot by Sidious after his defeat at the hands of Obi-Wan. He does, however, know of his old master’s plan to rid the galaxy of Jedi and looks forward to it with fascination. He’s only loyal to himself.
- Mother Talzin – the leader of the nightsisters on Dathomir, Mother Talzin wields powerful magic, interacting with the Force in a different way to either the Jedi or Sith. The nightsisters have an allegiance with Dooku and the Separatists, sending two of their own to be his assassins: Asajj Ventress and Savage Opress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Who won the Clone Wars?
Answer: Neither the Republic nor the Separatists won the Clone Wars. The entire war was orchestrated by Darth Sidious, with the primary purpose of seizing absolute power in the galaxy. In a sense, he and his few loyal supporters (such as Tarkin) were the only winners in the Clone Wars.
The Republic was dissolved, democracy disappearing along with it, and replaced by the new Empire, granting Palpatine absolute control. The Separatists were all but wiped out after the deaths of Dooku and Grievous, with the Emperor sending Anakin (as Vader) to kill the remaining leaders on Mustafar.
Question: How does Clone Wars fit in the timeline?
Answer: The Clone Wars series fits between Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones and Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith. The Clone Wars last for three years, between 22 BBY and 19 BBY.
The show further highlights how the Jedi have become too wrapped up in politics and are now spread across the galaxy, making Order 66 all the more effective.
Question: What caused the Clone Wars?
Answer: Ultimately, Darth Sidious, masquerading as Chancellor Palpatine, orchestrated the Clone Wars. He ran both sides through his position as the head of the Galactic Republic and through commanding his apprentice, Count Dooku (Darth Tyranus).
After the Sith invasion of Naboo, Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas secretly requisitioned the clone troopers from the Kaminoans, recognizing that the Republic would eventually need a highly-trained army. He was given the funds by Damask Holdings magister Hego Damask (in reality, Darth Plagueis). Around the same time, Sifo-Dyas’ close friend, Dooku, fell from the Jedi Order, turning to the Sith. His first quest was to kill his old acquaintance.
The Kaminoan cloners were unaware of Sifo-Dyas’ death until Obi-Wan Kenobi told them in Attack of the Clones, almost ten years after he first contacted them. With Sifo-Dyas dead, Dooku – on Palpatine’s instructions – continued to keep the clone army a secret, eliminating all records of Kamino from the Jedi archives. He then paid off the Kaminoan leadership (Lama Su, Nala Se) to implant the inhibitor chips in the clones’ brains, preparing them for Order 66. Exactly how much the Kaminoans knew is still a little unclear.
The Confederacy of Independent Systems, a group led by ex-Jedi Count Dooku that broke away from the Republic, also formed their own army of mass-produced battle droids. While inferior to clones, they had greater numbers. Since Dooku was also Sidious’ apprentice, the battle droids also technically fought for him.
On Geonosis, Obi-Wan Kenobi uncovered a battle droid factory before being captured by Dooku. He, Anakin, and Padme held their own in a Geonosian arena for a time before Jedi knights arrived to help them. The Separatists gave their battle droids the command to attack the Jedi and pushed them back to the center of the arena. Just before initiating the final devastating attack wave, Yoda arrived with the clone troopers, saving the surviving Jedi.
Although they were suspicious of the clone troopers’ origins, the Jedi felt they had no option other than to rely on them, as they had no army of their own. They would even discover that Darth Sidious was behind the army’s creation towards the end of the war, but by then, it was far too late to do anything to stop Order 66.
Question: What did I think of The Clone Wars?
Answer: Like many fans, I found the Clone Wars movie a little challenging to enjoy, mainly because of Ahsoka’s frustrating personality at the start. Season 1 also spent a little while finding its feet, but it’s a great watch for kids.
After Season 2 commences, it only gets better, with almost every story arc relevant to the complicated deception overseen by Palpatine. All seven seasons of it, the Clone Wars are a must-watch for any avid Star Wars fan.
In particular, I find the plots surrounding Ahsoka and the clones’ inhibitor chips fascinating additions to the overall story that provide a good deal of clarification.
There are a few extremely hard-hitting moments, such as the separate deaths of clones Hevy, Echo (supposedly), and eventually Fives, along with Duchess Satine and Master Di, and magnificent creatures such as the Zillo Beast. Arguably the hardest thing to watch in Clone Wars is Ahsoka and Rex burying the casualties of their crashed starcruiser in the immediate aftermath of Order 66, carefully placing Jesse’s helmet down as a memorial.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend a watch. All 133 episodes are currently available to stream on Disney+.