Star Wars the Clone Wars 24 Week Plan

Week 2 of the Plan!

This week's episodes:

Clone Cadets:

• On September 17, 2010, the first episode of Season Three, or third in chronology, Clone Cadets aired as the Season Premier of Season Three.  The episode follows the Domino squad through their rocky training road on Kamino to becoming a part of the Republic army.  Heavy, Fives, Echo, Droidbait, and Cutup must overcome their differences and work together in order to pass their final test.
• The episode was written by Cameron Litvack and directed by Dave Filoni.
• In one of the tests of the clone cadets, Commander Colt orders a challenge "version THX, variable 11-38" which is a reference to George Lucas's first feature film, THX 1138."
• I really love this episode! As I've said before, I love exploring all the aspects of war(politics, the front line, training, it's effects, etc.)  We also get to see the back-story of the Domino Squad from "Rookies," and who doesn't love them?

Supply Lines:

• This third episode of Season Three originally aired on September 24, 2010.  Being the fourth episode in chronological order, this story shows us the effort used to convince Toydaria to allow a relief effort to use their planet to reach the struggling Twi'leks on Ryloth.  Master Ima-Gun Di desperately tries to save what Twi'lek people he can as Jar Jar Binks and Bail Organa negotiate with King Katuunko of Toydaria.
• This episode was written by Steven Melching and Eoghan Mahony and directed by Brian Kalin O'Connell.
• It is almost clear of Master Ima-Gun Di's fate from the beginning of the episode.  The name was no accident; however, the Clone Wars team could have been a little more sublte.
• I think this episode is one of the more well-rounded episodes of the series.  We see the politics of war, the quirkiness of Jar Jar, and the battles on Ryloth.  The story is also pretty good and gives us more insight into, both the struggle on Ryloth, and the state of Toydaria's neutrality.  I hated seeing Master Di, well, die; and I really wish we could have seen more of him throughout the series, but he did have an honorable death.

Ambush:

• The very first episode of the Clone Wars, airing on October 3, 2008 actually comes fifth in chronological order.  In this episode we continue the story of Toydaria's neutrality as Master Yoda tries to reach King Katuunko in order to hold negotiations on the planet's alliance with the Republic.  He is, however, blocked from his goal by a legion of droids lead by Asajj Ventress.
• The episode was written by Steven Melching and directed by Dave Bullock.
• Voice actor Tom Kane not only voices Yoda, but also Admiral Yularen and the opening for each episode.
• In my opinion, this episode is definitely a classic!  It will long be remembered as the first episode of the Clone Wars, and there isn't much else you can say about it.

Rising Malevolence:

• Episode two of Season One(or number six in story order) also aired on October 3, 2008.  This episode tells the story of a mystery weapon the Jedi have been trying to track down and destroy.  Master Plo Koon has just engaged the weapon, but soon loses all contact with the outside world.  Though there have been no survivors to this elusive tool of the enemy, Anakin and Ahsoka believe Master Plo has survived and mount their own rescue mission.
• Written by Steven Melching and directed by Dave Filoni.
• The firing chamber of the Malevolence's ion canon very much resembles that of the Death Star from Episodes IV and VI.
• I will always remember watching this episode, and the one before, enamored by the animation and action of the episodes.  I was young at the time, but both episodes will always remain favorites of mine!

Shadow of Malevolence:

• Coming in at number seven in the story order, the next episode of Season One aired on October 10, 2008.  After finally discovering the abilities and location of the Malevolence, Anakin, Ahsoka, and Plo Koon mount a small bomber strike force to take down the menace.  While Obi-Wan brings the fleet as quickly as possible, Anakin leads his pilots through a dangerous shortcut in hopes of cutting Grievous off before he can do anymore damage.
• Written by Steven Melching and directed by Brian Kalin O'Connell.
• Y-wing fighters, used in this episode, where still utilized in the Original Trilogy time period.  They are then considered old ships that can take a lot of damage.
• The four-legged power droid of the PLNK-series is named for the "plunk" sound it makes.
• I again loved seeing these first Clone Wars episodes, and thoroughly enjoyed the first space battle!

Destroy Malevolence:

• The next episode of Season One and the story line follows the final attempt of the Republic fleet to destroy the Malevolence.  After his prized ship sustains extensive damage, Grievous makes one last attempt at escape by abducting Senator Padme Amidala in an effort to stop the fighting long enough for his hyperdrive to be repaired.  Anakin and Obi-Wan must rescue Padme and destroy the starship before time runs out.
• Written by Tim Burns and directed by Brian Kalin O'Connell.
• I thought this was a great conclusion to a great story ARC!  Though, throughout the first season, good would seem to win a little too much, we find our balance a little later in the show and these episodes can be regarded as the classics of the series.

Sorry I wasn't able to post yesterday... I was really busy... haha  I again hope you enjoyed this post! Check back next Friday to see what episodes come next! Until next time, MTFBWY!