The Cartoon Network (CN) premiered a new Star Wars animated series on Friday 10/3/2008.  This newest installment of the franchise does the movies series (both animated and live action) justice.  The series is worth a look both from the technical and creative sides.

Technically speaking the production value is through the roof.  Nothing is lost in translation from the latest movie animated movie in the series.  The computer animation and effects are top notch.  Apparently no expense was spared in the generation and rendering of the models and environments.  Much attention to detail is also evident in the technical aspects of the direction and camera angles.

Creatively, the CN and Star Wars crews have gone above and beyond.  The premier was actually 2 separate episodes the were shown consecutively.  Instead of trying to make one big mini movie that would cover all the angles they wanted to introduce, CN ran two separate self contained episodes that introduced what looks to be the two competing story lines for the season and probably the series.

The first episode was what you would expect from a story line set during the time period between episodes 2 and 3.  Anakin is still a good guy, is growing in the force, and has been saddled with a Padawan almost as reckless as he is.  The episode has Anakin and his apprentice Ahsoka running around half cocked and saving the day after a direct battle between the separatists and the republic.  It was well done, and we get to see the separatist’s secret weapon. (SPOILER ALERT) The separatists have developed a HUGE ion cannon that wipes out the electronics on multiple battle cruisers at a time which allows the separatists to then wipe them out a leisure.  Anakin and Ahsoka are key in its discovery for the republic.

The second episode takes a more unexpected approach by showing how the two sides are sparring for allies.  (SPOILER ALERT AGAIN) Asajj Ventress (Count DooKu’s apprentice) and a battalion of droids are tasked with preventing Yoda and a handful of clone soldiers from negotiating for the rights to put a base on the planet with those lovable little aliens from Episode 1.  You remember Anakin’s charming flying elephant owner?  This race makes a re-appearance as having a planet strategically key to both sides and the Jedi and the separatists are vying for the right to put up supply bases on their planet.

Both episodes offer good story lines and well thought out dialog.  Yes, Yoda gets on his soap box, but hey, he’s Yoda.  Are you going to tell him to pipe down?  I’m not!  Especially after he goes off on that batallion of droids with his lightsaber.  We also get a look at Jedi other than those we have grown to know and love in the movies.  This also looks to be an interesting facet of the series if we get to really know all those “other” Jedi in the background of shots during the movies.

Altogether this series is worth the time to either watch live or Tivo.  Spend some time with your Jedi buddies, and ‘May the Force be with you.”

Check out our reviews of other Clone Wars episodes!

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