Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003–04) review
Season 1 & 2.
Since the conclusion to The Clone Wars in 2020, various spin-offs following the show’s success, and Ahsoka’s recent appearance in the Mandalorian, the 2008 hit has officially been considered canon in the Star Wars media. However, before Star Wars: The Clone Wars, there was another animated series in 2003 that is hardly recognised beyond the fanbase. After the release of Attack of the Clones, in anticipation for the third instalment of the prequal trilogy, Cartoon Network ran a twenty-five episode series directed by Samurai Jack creator, Genndy Tartakovsky.
Unfortunately, ever since Disney purchased Lucasfilm in 2012, the events between the two films were retconned, thus the 2003 series is no longer considered canon, but fans of Star Wars and Tartakovsky cannot ignore the influences that paved the way for The Clone Wars’ success.
For this review I will be delving into the first two seasons of the series from 2003–04, before wrapping up with the third in 2005. A SPOILAR Warning is now in play. You have been warned.
Individual stories in a galaxy far, far away
This series takes place where Attack of the Clones left off, and expands on the Clone war throughout the galaxy between the Republic and the Separatist.
Within each short length episode, this series does something that a two and a half hour run time couldn’t do, give other supporting characters their own stories and a chance to shine. Apart from movie moments of Kit Fisto grinning after force pushing a droid with C3PO’s head (couldn’t make it up if I wanted to), Ki Adi Mundi showing utter concern by asking “What about the Wookies?”, or Shaak Ti’s having the most death count than any other Star Wars character, each episode is dedicated to shedding more personality and demonstrating their prowess as Jedi Masters: Kit Fisto leading his clone squad in an underwater battle more entertaining than the one in Thunderball; Ki Adi Mundi fighting off Grievous while acting as leader to Jedi Padawans, Knights and Masters alike; and Shaak Ti shows off her bravery as she has to fight Grievous twice, which I’ll be exploring even further in the second review of Clone Wars.
There is also a two parter where Mace Windu is fighting a droid army in the fields, only to lose his clone army and his lightsaber, yet in the next chapter goes all Ip Man on the droids. It’s in these two part episodes where the full extent of Mace’s power of the force is on display, his immense strength and overwhelming speed are what cement his statues as not only a Jedi Master, but the second strongest on the council next to Yoda.
Speaking of Yoda, the Jedi Master goes on a rescue mission on the snowy planet of Ilum to find Jedi Master, Luminara Unduli and her apprentice, Barriss Offee, then free them from the wreckage of a crystal temple after a previous episode dedicated to Undeli and Offee battle invading droids. The next episode has Padmé Amidala venturing through Ilum, accompanied by R2D2 and C3PO in search for Yoda since she was the one who transported him to the planet. The episode is spent on the three heroes fighting droids, before Yoda returns to them with the rescued Jedi. Episodes 14 to 16 are probably the weakest of the first two seasons, or the entire series as a whole because even though Mace and Fisto’s episodes didn’t contribute to Anakin, Obi-Wan and the Sith’s storyline, they at least lasted for one or two episodes with the right running time to showcase their best traits as Masters, but the story that took place on Ilum lasted for three episodes and although it seemed to be leading into something important, ended up not having any impact on the third season or Revenge of the Sith. The ark just came across as padding and seems to solely exist to give Yoda, Padme and the two droids something to do. However, I will give credit to the fourteenth episode for expanding on the lore of the lightsaber, and how they’re made.
New players
The show is also known for introducing new characters, all of whom would would go on to venture into the Star Wars universe, and one of them would later play a role in the Revenge of the Sith.
Asajj Ventress made her first appearance in this series, in episode 6. A dark assassin with overwhelming force powers and wielding two lightsabers. Despite showing no Sith qualities, Ventress proclaims herself to be a Sith. From what can be gather, Ventress seemed to be a former Jedi, but something happened along the way, now motivated by her hatred for the Jedi and wants for the order’s destruction. There was some potential to explore her backstory and have a place as Darth Tyranus’ apprentice. Those ideas however would be waisted after her battle with Anakin, but those concepts would get a second chance at life in The Clone Wars and other expanded media.
Although this isn’t the first appearance in Star Wars media, this is the first televised debut of Durge, a bounty hunter under the employment of Count Dooku to fend off the pursuit of the republic and the clone army lead by Obi-Wan.
And finally, in the last episode of season two, we are introduced to General Grievous. Like many who saw Grievous in Revenge of the Sith in theatres before this cartoon, I was confused at the sudden appearance of a cybernetic warlord without any backstory or presence from the last movie. Those who saw his debut in the cartoon first are going to be left questioning if the General Grievous from the show is the same one in the movie (and the 2008 series), because instead of spending most of his runtime coughing, fleeing, and speaking in a weird accent, the Grievous in this show is like a combination of both the Xenomorph and the Predator. Grievous is a relentless cyborg with a boundless body structure and unconventional lightsaber skills that surpass both droid and Jedi, his skeleton design and cloak really brings the personification of death to the Jedi. This awesome concept would of course be nullified when the lame incarnation of Grievous in the movie would be the bases for the one in The Clone Wars (2008).
A touch of Genndy
This show came out at the same time Samurai Jack was running its fourth season, so you could expect Tartakovsky adding on a dose of Samurai Jack into it, mainly its emphasise on action and less dialogue. This creative decision shows a radical difference between the cartoon and Attack of the Clones: Not only does each episode have more engaging action, but the dialogue actually seems to progress the plot more than the movie did, and the pacing is more self-contained.
The fight scenes further more are an improvement as they illustrates the character’s drive, emotions and personality: With the ARC troopers in episode three, they are professional and determined as elite soldiers who despite having their helmets on through out the show are still a compelling collection of characters to watch; Obi-Wan establishes his experience as a Jedi knight in a time of war; Yoda, despite his age still exhibit his ever imposing connection to the force; and now we come to Anakin Skywalker, spending most of his screen time leading his Clone army against the droids in space instead of complaining about sand. Despite his master’s objections due to his inexperience, Anakin is able to prove himself not only as a commander, but as the best pilot in the galaxy without his occasional recklessness getting in the way of his task. When Anakin and Ventress collide, their motivation and differed ideologies gives the audience an enthralling duel that lasts a total of eight minutes, with Ventress fighting for her place as a Sith and Anakin striving to defeat his foe. As the fight progress, Anakin starts to change tactics by being on the offence with full-on aggression that showed a glimpse into his path to the dark side.
All of these creative choices do not detract from being a Star Wars show, it’s still it’s own series with a director inserting his own flair into this adaptation.
Final thoughts
2003’s Clone Wars may no longer be apart of the official canon of Star Wars anymore thanks to the childhood juggernaut we all love and hate, but it’s important to recognise it’s significance as a undeniable achievement in animation, and how it paved the way for further expanded media. The animation and visuals are top notch, especially with the character design styled after Cartoon Network of all things, and the action is spectacular.
The only downsides I can think of is General Grievous’ characterization in this series never made it to Revenge of the Sith or The Clone Wars. In fact, Grievous’ tendency to caught and runaway is now officially canon. I’m not saying this affects this show, I just thought it was worth mentioning. I also would’ve liked to have seen more development and screen presence from the other supporting characters, which will all be further explored in further Star Wars media.
Star Wars: Clone Wars stands on its own as a masterclass in animation and mature storytelling. I’m giving Star Wars: Clone Wars seasons one & two a 9:10
