Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 4 "Darkness on Umbara"

The start of only our second four-part Star Wars: The Clone Wars event left the fans with high anticapation going into the first episode. The Clone Wars has always had the potential to deliver greatness, but recent episodes have disappointed many among their fans.

It's always a good sign for a great episode when you're favourite character appears for the first time this season, albeit briefly. I really liked this little introduction to the episode, especially the usual witty remark passed between Obi-Wan and Anakin. "Does my battalion have to do everything?", "You always seem to volunteer!". Classic Obi-Wan and Anakin scene.

As an action-based person, you know that an episode will only truly win me over if it has quality action. Needless to say, this episode more than rose to that challenge, even taking me by surprise how good it was, considering it was the introduction to a 4-part event, which would have to be considered. But the action in this was epic, and I loved all the fighting scenes, even the brutal ones, such as when ARC Trooper Fives decked an Umbaran, smashed his helmet before shooting the Umbaran. There was a lot of excellent fighting shown.

Halfway through the episode, came the moment everyone was anticapating. The debut of Jedi General Pong Krell. Howeverm what people might not have anticapated is, how he would treat the Clones, as if they were nothing more than lambs for the slaughter. The Clones knew all about Krell, known for his victories, but also for the highest Clone-casualty rate among the Jedi. While most have grown to hate him because of how he treats the honourable Clones, I really like Krell, and he is certainly an interesting character for the show, and not your usual Jedi. I'll put it this way, you either love him for what he is, or you hate him because of how he treats Clones. Krell even goes as far to make a speech in anger, saying "Captain, do I need to remind you of this battalion's strategic mission, in conquering this planet? Look back! See those platoons? They're mission is to take this city and swiftly! Time and rest are luxuries, the Republic cannot afford. We are the key to this invasion. The other battalions are counting on our support, if we fail, everyone fails! Do you understand this?!?! Do ALL of you understand this???"

As this is a Clone-centric arc, we were bound to get lots of Clones and they didn't disappoint. So many named Clones, and I've found myself panicking when I've thought a named one was going to die. Experienced heads such as Jesse, Kix and Hardcase from "The Deserter" joined Rex and Fives, along with the new Clones Dogma & Tup for this 4-part event. Jesse, Tup and Dogma, left to right, played fairly small roles in this episode, Tup is younger, and more of a newbie and Dogma is a bit of a "rule follower". I was disappointed at how small a role Dogma had here, one scene, his introduction, and that was about it for him. Tup was a bit more important, and some of the more experienced ones like Rex and Jesse teased him a bit early on. Such as Jesse's line "That's why they're called the Shadow People, Tup!" referring to the Umbarans. Lots of awesome Clone action in this episode, and I hope for more of the same from the rest of this event.

The animation in this episode was epic, arguably the best of the show so far. This green explosion was just one of the well-detailed animated moments of the episode, and looked really class. The lighting of Umbara in general was also stunning, and I can't wait to see what the animation will be like for the rest of the season.

The climax of this episode was one of the best in the series in my opinion. Having retreated, Rex is confronted angrily by Krell, who tells Rex what he thinks of what he has done. Fives argues that Rex saved the platoon, but Krell draws his lightsaber on Fives, silencing him. Rex then makes a small speech to Krell, which for me was one of the most inspirational speeches I have ever heard, regardless of how short it was. "Sir. If I may adress you're accusation, I followed you're orders, even the poor plan, that wasn't my opinion nearly flawed! A plan that cost us men, not Clones, men! As sure as it is my duty, to remain loyal to your command, I also have another duty, to protect those men!" Krell informs Rex his opinion has been noted, while Fives says Krell then almost compliments Rex. The episode then ends with the Umbarans launching another attack, and the episode concludes with the Clones holding their ground.

Now, this episode showed personalities and development of several characters, such as Rex and Fives, but there was one other who stood out more so:

Some may remember him, some may not, as this Clone was little more than scenery in his only other appearance besides this 4-part event. His name is Hardcase. As I said, all the way back in season 2, his only other appearance, he could easily have been mistaken for part of the background, his role was that minimal, even some characters who appear for a few seconds are more recognizable than the nothing Hardcase did in season 2, and he had a full episode. No longer. Hardcase was explored with MUCH more depth this time, and has immediately shot to my second favourite Clone (no one beats the Wolffe!!!), but he was great to watch. He actually makes for a really interesting character, and he has some of the best quotes I have ever heard. I definitly look forward to seeing more of Hardcase, and I hope he survives this arc, he's too cool to toss away now. Here are a few of his best quotes:
"Time to lock and load!"
"You want a piece of this???"
"HAHA! Where are you going???"

In season 2, his personality and character wasn't explored, it was explored here, and I now really enjoy this character...

My verdict: WOAH! I did expect brilliance from this episode, but just HOW brilliant took me completely by surprise. This has at least equaled the best if not bettered my previous best episode of the series. I would give it 1000/10, but I realize that's not possible, so 10/10 will have to do.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 4 "Nomad Droids"

The second of the "Droids" arc featuring R2-D2 and C-3PO was held in high expectation. Though that was due to people expecting it to be very rushed.

The animation in this episode was pretty neat. The Space scenes were really cool, and I feel they detailed Space well. I also enjoyed the animation in the scene where R2-D2 and C-3PO are electrocuted by those "little creatures". Also, the mist surrounding that big leader which was really a hologram used by Pit Droids was pretty neat. The explosion when C-3PO and R2-D2 flew away from the incinerator room was also nicely detailed.

The episode kicked off well, but like I said, it was very rushed. We really were only just getting into the fight on the Jedi Cruiser when it ended. It was nice to see 91st Reconnaisance Clones show up for the first time, but I am disappointed their Commander, Neyo, didn't appear. But he probably wouldn't have done much anyway. Adi Gallia's duel against Grievous was pretty good, and the lightsaber noises when lightsabers clash actually sounded like the movie lightsaber duels, something I feel the Clone Wars crew failed in for the first three seasons. I still wish they killed off Gallia here, as now they will have to waste another episode or more in the future on her. Not that I don't like Adi Gallia, but honestly, she has to be killed before the series ends so she can be replaced by Stass Allie.

I found it funny when R2-D2 knocked aside an R4-droid that was trying to get into a Y-Wing, before nabbing the Y-Wing himself. C-3PO reluctantly got in too, and a funny part was R2-D2 activating the ship while C-3PO was lying crouched on the ship, and upon activation, the Y-Wing send C-3PO flying into the cockpit. This scene in space was the only humourous part of the episode involving the two droids, and considering this and the last one "Mercy Mission" were meant to be humourous episodes, I feel they failed on those counts.

We were then introduced to these little creatures. This is a reference to some movie (Guilliver Tales, spelling?). These little creatures were strange, and we got comparison shots of how tiny they were compared to an Astromech Droid like R2-D2, Astromech Droids themselves are not exactly the hugest things. I honestly thought the worst was over after last week's disaster, but I was wrong. When these creatures marched up blowing those horns or whatever they were, I was like "ENOUGH for one adventure!". And then something bigger came along. The big Hay-Zu arrives. His death was rather stupid, for that matter, so was the character. Hay-Zu says to R2-D2 "Big talk for a small droid!", which is stupid, reason being is that Hay-Zu is MUCH smaller than R2-D2. C-3PO then tries to turn R2 off, but accidentaly pushes R2 on top of Hay-Zu, squashing him to death. One of the lamest deaths on the show by far.

Next planet up, and it was more interesting here. Several weird pirates capture R2-D2 and C-3PO, before bringing him before their leader, who is shrouded in mist. The leader kills the pirate responsible for bringing him non-living beings. That was pretty dramatic and unexpected, and anything but a lame death. It was discovered by R2 that Pit Droids were using holographic images to make a fake leader. I liked the way several of these pirates went in through into the room where the Pit Droids were using these images, and started to shoot and blow everything up, including the Pit Droids. Though I can't be certain if the pirates blew themselves up too.

With their adventures continuing. R2-D2 and C-3PO find themselves aboard a Weequay ship. They are brought to a gladitorial arena, and having watched a torture droid (KO-5D) dismantle and blow up another droid, C-3PO and R2-D2 are saved by the enemy! General Grievous who has arrived, decides the ship would be good for target practice, and opens fire on it. I liked this part, because it shows us a part of what Grievous used to be like, sadistic, something he has not really been on the show. R2 and C-3PO end up on Grievous's flagship, and are brought to the incinerator room...

While most have stated they didn't like the ending to this episode, I actually really enjoyed it. It was rushed, yes. But I still feel it was pretty cool, my only complaints would be it should have been longer, and that Gallia's line sounded like a boy speaking, and Gallia is a female, "Thanks for the rescue, Master Plo!". I enjoyed seeing my favourite, Commander Wolffe, see some action this time. Plo Koon and Wolffe were portrayed very well here. While I really like Commander Wolffe and stick by the character a lot. I must say I laughed at him at the end when C-3PO was telling him about his adventure. Wolffe was like "Actually, sir-" and "Excuse me-" and in the end just ended up sighing, having to listen to C-3PO's adventure...

My verdict: This was a decent episode, not one of the best in the series, but it was okay. A much better adventure episode than "Mercy Mission" last time. This episode was very rushed, and I would have liked to see longer battle scenes involving Jedi & Clones at the start and end, but it was still decent. I would have liked to see Plo Koon duel Grievous, but you can't have everything, right? I look forward to seeing Wolffe and the Wolfpack again later this season. Rating: 7/10.

Next-time: A new planet is explored! The Jedi & Clones battle something other than droids? New Clones! A massive conflict! A planet rises against the Republic! A new Jedi is revealed! The Battle of Umbara! Next-time on the episode "Darkness on Umbara", airing October 28th.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 4 "Mercy Mission" Review

And now we come to the fifth episode of the season already. The previous ones have treated us to thrilling-action, and some rather surprising moments. With this one being more of an adventure episode, how well would this one fare with fans? All depends on your point of view.

I've been waiting endlessly for this episode. Why you ask? I've got one word for you! WOLFFE!!! My favourite clone returned in this episode, and rocked some really sweet phase 2 armour. I like how the helmet design is based around Commander Neyo's, and not giving Wolffe the standard clone helmet, as he is too awesome for that. Aside from "Rising Malevolence" all the way back in the early days of season 1, this was Wolffe's first fairly important role. He had a lot of dialogue in this one, which is all the better for me. I was both surprised and happy that the Clone Wars crew made him slightly Imperial towards the droids, with his actions and words. Ironic, considering the Imperials wouldn't take on someone who had lost an eye.

The animation of this episode was really good. Especially in this little space scene. I really like all the colours they gave to that insect-creature there. And the clouds are a nice touch too.

Our favourite droids were taken along on this mission because clones and Aleenan people don't share the same lanaguage. So it was a good idea to use C-3PO's true role, which is as a translator droid.

Other than his EPIC armour, the other thing I was immensely impressed by with Wolffe's design was his cybernetic eye. This episode showed that it's not just a cybernetic eye, it's a cybernetic eye with the shape of an eye on it! Aside from the fact it is cybernetic, you might well think it is a real eye. Wolffe's design really caught me off-guard in this episode, I already really liked Wolffe and his design, but actually seeing it in the episode, well it is an excellent design.

Now to the parts I didn't like. Never mind I didn't like them, I hated them! While I like the general idea of our favourite droids (R2-D2 and C-3PO) having their adventures. I think the plot could have worked much better by changing around many things. For one, I didn't like the fact that they fell down a hatch to land where the adventure started. Seemed pretty lame and basic from my point of view. I didn't like the new creatures they showed us also. These tree-like creatures didn't impress me. They had a decent voice, but they just seemed pretty pointless and uneccessary. R2-D2 and C-3PO probably could have found their own way, albeit in a strange fashion, but that's just my opinion. I also didn't like that green female creature. She was really strange, and just seemed to be there to mock the droids. She was quite uneccessary to, and unlike the tree-like creatures, she didn't have a cool voice. The music chosen for whenever she appeared was absolutely dreadful. I'm fairly certain I heard several seconds of music from one of the Harry Potter videogames at one point. I'll have to look into that later. But, once their adventures there were over, I could relax, I really almost fell asleep, it bored me that much. The only episode I've ever fallen asleep during is "Evil Plans", the one Clone Wars episode I rated at 0/10.

When C-3PO and R2-D2 finally escape "the underworld", water blows them up and out of that place. The animation in this shot was pretty stunning, especially the water added into it.

One of the only things I actually liked about the episode was the inclusion of several of my favourite clones, plus the inclusion of the Wolfpack. From my point of view, the only good scenes in the episode focused on clones. We also saw the return of clone troopers Boost and Sinker, who haven't had a proper appearance since "Rising Malevolence", even though their names were called in "Padawan Lost", they didn't truly appear. Sinker and Boost could have easily just being used as obscure background characters in this episode, but I'm glad they gave them a couple of fairly important scenes, where they were the main part. Especially when they picked on C-3PO at the very start of the episode, Sinker's part I will put the quote after the review, and Boost then punches C-3PO lightly, and says "Suck it up, shiny!" referring to getting dirt on his armour, to show he's been in the "battle lines" and C-3PO replies "That will leave a mark!". Even later, Sinker and Boost still pick on him, Sinker knocking him against the wall of a building. I wasn't impressed with the way they portrayed Wolffe and C-3PO together. In the Clone Wars Adventures online game, they meet during a battle, and Wolffe dislikes C-3PO. However, the episode seems to show that they are meeting for the first time, and Wolffe's wanting to "be rid" of the droids by the end of the episode is more out of frustration, than dislike.

My rating: This has been far and away the worst of the season so far! It was great to finally see clones, and better still, some of my favourites, play an important role in the episode. But, it was really was a truly shocking episode. It wasn't rushed like the previous four, I can give it that. But to be honest, if it had been rushed, it might have seemed better and more action-packed, it was really bad. It was nice to see someone among my top three Star Wars characters (Wolffe), play such an important role, but, you just don't rate episodes based one character, or any number of characters. The Aleenan chanting really annoyed me as well, and looked so silly on-screen. Rating: 3/10.

Next-time: The Republic is under attack by General Grievous! Adi Gallia faces Grievous, the 91st Reconnaisance Corps appear! C-3PO and R2-D2 are captured by pirates. The droids fight in a gladiatorial arena? Plo Koon and the Wolfpack launch a rescue mission! Next-time on, "Nomad Droids!"

Quote:
C-3PO:"Oh really! Must you be so rough?"
Sinker:"You think this is rough? Wait till we get to the surface!"

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 4 "Shadow Warrior" Review

Four episodes in already, and we have our first stand-alone episode of the season! "Shadow Warrior" gives us lots of the Gungans, who appeared just a couple of episodes ago in "Gungan Attack", but didn't do much...

There is a crisis growing on Naboo. With the threat of the Gungans possibly rising up against the Naboo people. I like the way the Clone Wars crew take the time to slot a N-1 starfighter, which appears hardly anytime, into the background of this shot. I also really like the battle gear Padme Amidala wears. I felt it was one of the only good things to come out of The Phantom Menace, and so I'm delighted we are given the chance to see it in animated form. I just wish we got to see a bit more of in the episode. Hopefully it will appear in a future episode though...

We were introduced to a new villain in this episode. His name is "Rish Loo", and he is advisor to Boss Lyonie. However, he is secretly conspiring with the Separatists. While I liked the idea of a Gungan Separatist, this guy just doesn't really do it for me. The way he was portrayed, the voice he was given, just doesn't really add up in my opinion. I also don't like the movement he does in this picture, this guy can't do force-powers, so why do they make it look like he can? Rather stupid, if you ask me. I can't believe he failed to kill Lyonie when he stabbed him. I was like "what the heck?" when he didn't kill him. He was right in front of him, and could have gone anywhere into the body, but somehow failed to kill him. I liked the way he was killed by Count Dooku, no less than he deserved to be honest...

I really liked the action scenes in this episode. This one was brief, but I still really enjoyed it. Mainly due to the appearance of the Commando Droids, but sadly they didn't do much, just did a little bit of fighting before Padme and Anakin destroyed them. I would have liked to see them do a little more, but at least they will appear again later in the season. This photo really does show how good Padme's battle gear looks in animated form, very true to the movie look. Mesa likee!

Back in "Gungan Attack", when we first saw Boss Lyonie, I thought to myself "Why does he look a lot like Jar-Jar?". Thenm, when we first got news of the episode, we discovered Jar-Jar was going to replace Lyonie as a Gungan Boss when Lyonie got injured. Makes sense. Especially as to the reason they didn't include fan-favourite Boss Nass. His spitting/shaking of his head type thing would have looked really cool on this show. I did find it quite amusing how Anakin and Padme only see the resemblance between Lyonie and Jar-Jar after Jar-Jar puts Lyonie's crown on.

I really liked the dialogue in this episode. For the most part, the last three episodes had very weak dialogue to be honest, but this really took it up several notches. The pictured above was my favourite dialogue moment, when Jar-Jar started messing around General Grievous, frustrating him. When Jar-Jar accidentaly spoke in his voice and not Lyonie's, he eventually realized he had been tricked. I'm surprised it took Grievous that long to figure it out, considering several times Jar-Jar spoke in his own voice before that... But anyway, the dialogue was really good.

I especially loved the scene right near the very end. Gungans led by General Tarpals attacking General Grievous. Grievous defeats a few Gungans, but gets cocky, and Tarpals manages to knock one lightsaber of Grievous's away, but Grievous manages to slay Tarpals regardless. I really loved Tarpals death scene, the way he was being portrayed as being so brave there. And he is lierally the only Gungan unfazed by his opponent. When Grievous finally stabs Tarpals, and Grievous asks "How does it feel to die?". Tarpals ignores the mocking in his voice and says undoubtedly the best line of the episode, and in my opinion, the best one-liner I have ever heard "Not die... sacrifice!" and with the final effort of his life, he manages to electrocute Grievous by forcing his spear into him, and the remaining Gungans follow Tarpals lead and defeat Grievous. It was one of the best, if not the best, worked death scenes in the show.

Once I watched the episode, I was thinking about something. A couple of things actually, but I'll only mention one. People have been stating how could the Gungans defeat Grievous. Well, let's also ask "How can so few Rebels and Ewoks defeat the mighty Empire in the last movie?", it's simple, they may look weak, but to quote Asajj Ventress "But looks aren't everything!" amd besides, Jar-Jar may be a daft dimbo at times, but who says the rest of his species are. Though if it wasn't for Tarpals, they may not have captured Grievous. Pity that Tarpals death was to be in vain...

While all the Gungan business was going on, Anakin had followed Rish Loo to Dooku's position. I know some people are complaing about another Anakin vs Dooku duel, but I felt this one was rather enjoyable. Besides, they needed to have at least one duel against Dooku with Anakin  in his new outfit, right? Anyway, it was pretty good, and the lighting on the Magnaguards here was terrific in my opinion. Even though they are not actually meant to be yellow, they are always purple. Anyway, it was pretty boring at this stage to see Anakin tortured in similar circumstances two episodes in a row, electrocuted by eels and this time, electro-staffs. I'm sure any Anakin haters would have enjoyed this though. I liked it kind of myself, though more the lighting of electricity shocking Anakin. I found it quite interesting how Dooku took a leaf out of Grievous's book, by leaving the dirty work to his Magnaguards. But not counting on Anakin's excellent will power, even while being electrocuted he managed to force-push all the Magnaguards off him. It eventually was left to Dooku to defeat Anakin with the force...

There was a massive moment of controversy right at the end of the episode. In the third movie, after the Clone Wars, it is the first time Anakin and Grievous lay eyes on each other. However, here, Grievous sees Anakin and laughs (I'm not saying he laughs at Anakin's state, but probably that he is escaping again). But, anyway, massive moment of controversy right here, and it just lucky Anakin is unconcious, otherwise there would have been a lot of complaints from older fans...

My rating: It was a great and very enjoyable episode. The actions scenes were terrific, the dialogue was much better, and Tarpals was portayed exactly how I wanted him to be! In my opinion, the best episode of season 4 so far. It wasn't perfect, and it had some moments that didn't impress or even frustrated me, such as Grievous seeing Anakin at the very end. But it was a very solid episode, and hopefully season 4 will continue to get better. Rating: 9/10.

Next-time: A small species is explored! My favourite clone character, Commander Wolffe returns! Along with my favourite legion, the Wolfpack! And a droid-adventure for R2-D2 and C-3PO? Next-time on the episode, "Mercy Mission".