Following the 2002 theatrical release of Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, animator and director Genndy Tartakovsky debuted a 2D animated Clone Wars series on Cartoon Network. The show aired both on the channel and online. Both volumes of Star Wars: Clone Wars, a self-proclaimed microseries, would go on to win Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program, leading to the creation of future projects following the Clone Wars. Sometimes overshadowed by the 2008 series of a similar name, Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars deserves a place in the franchise’s discourse. Here’s why the Star Wars microseries is still great today.
The Varied Viewpoints
Warner Bros. Television Distribution
Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars premiered in the fall of 2003, nearly a year after Episode II, and ran until March 2005. The series aired its finale less than two months before Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith arrived in theaters. The story utilizes a model of varied viewpoints to show multiple characters as the focus. In taking time to craft a narrative following not only Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, but less prominent Jedi such as Shaak Ti and Kit Fisto, Clone Wars shows the scope of the war itself. Arranged in vignettes, heroes not often considered on-screen before were captured in considerate and characterizing snapshots. Bridging the second and third films of Star Wars’ prequel trilogy, the series serves well in showing the Clone Wars’ affects.
While featuring captivating moments from established villains like Count Dooku and Palpatine, the series is often noted for introducing General Grievous in his first appearance. While Grievous was still being developed for Episode III, his Clone Wars appearance is impactful, delivering a noticeable change in demeanor and morale in those who must face him.
Style & Storytelling
Although the series was struck from canon following Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars directly develops the story from where Episode II leaves off and where Episode III starts. Following the Clone Wars, viewers see stories from Jedi, Sith, and clone perspectives alike, but the focus is primarily set on the Jedi. Viewers are also shown just how powerful many Jedi have become, such as Mace Windu, who shows no problem taking out full fleets of droids, and the ever-present Kenobi, who pulls off unlikely and extraordinary feats through often cartoonish means. All of this comes down to the show’s style and excellence in storytelling. Tartakovsky, who at the time was already known for other series such as Samurai Jack, utilized his experience to his advantage and told a story that captured both the joys and hardships of the universe.
With nearly two decades now passed, the series’ art style, soundtrack, and voice work are still standout. The voice cast includes Mat Lucas as Anakin and James Arnold Taylor as Kenobi, whose tenures as the characters are equally impressive. Among others, the series employs the talents of Grey Griffin as Asajj Ventress, too. The soundtrack is also nothing to ignore. Clone Wars featured a great collection of pieces from the original score, many newer at the time, such as John Williams’ now beloved “Duel of the Fates.” As with any Star Wars property, the difference in tone is palpable when the soundtrack utilizes the brilliance of Williams’ score.
Understanding Anakin
It’s no secret that Darth Vader is considered by many to be one of the greatest villains in cinema history. Making numerous appearances since his 1977 debut, Vader is a hot commodity even today, and while the character is adored, his portrayal has sometimes strayed from original conceptions. Where Vader’s development is often noted as underwhelming is in Anakin Skywalker’s portrayal during the franchise’s prequel trilogy. While the prequel trilogy contains many intriguing elements, the character’s limited appearances between time jumps left some gaps in the storytelling. Seeing Anakin’s drastic turn towards villainy in Episode III was in many ways a quick turnover, albeit one of the trilogy’s most fascinating ideas.
Extended tales such as Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars brought forward the vital development of Anakin before his complete descent in Episode III. Similar to the 2008 series, Clone Wars offers moments of significant change for Anakin, moments that will lead to his transformation into Vader. Diving into the emerging Jedi Knight’s struggles, his need to prove himself, and his fascination with victory, Clone Wars tackles Anakin’s challenging induction into the Jedi Order with surprising sincerity.
Also exploring Palpatine’s manipulation of the young Jedi in new detail, the story showcases the Senator’s interference with Anakin’s integrity and principles at an impressionable age. The series also includes a fantastic original villain with Asajj Ventress, an assassin who primarily serves as a foil to a newly-promoted Anakin. Along with Grievous, Ventress is a highlight of the series as an inclusion to the franchise’s rouges gallery. Ventress is most interesting in her interactions with Anakin, which often force the Jedi to make difficult choices.
