At this point in season 3, it seems that most Clone Wars episodes can be divided into two categories, boring political intrigue episodes or remarkably violent episodes I can't let my children watch. This episode is a boring political intrigue episode.
When you watch the Star Wars films, or read the books, or play the video games, there is an excellent balance between plot development and action. Star Wars wouldn't be the same without the lightsaber duels and space combat and storm troopers. Which is why episodes like this fail. There is lots and lots of plot development, but nothing else. And frankly, the plot development wasn't even that interesting.
Even more grating was the insertion of the writer's leftist ideology into the political debate. I doubt my son would recognize the thinly veiled references to the cost of war and its impact on the people's health care, but I do. If I want political commentary, I'll watch CNN or Fox News. I didn't turn on Star Wars for that.
Of course, I'm not actually going to let my son watch this. The episodes have become increasingly violent and feature more and more inappropriate material. There is one scene that involves a senator being beaten up, and it shows the attackers kicking and stomping the victim. It was very disturbing and I won't let my children watch that kind of violence. Also, it seems that in every episode now there is the obligatory scene in a cantina of some sort, complete with gyrating aliens. That material doesn't belong in any show targeted at kids.
Up until now I've given "The Clone Wars" a pass on some of these issues, but no more. I will be watching the shows first from now on and if there's one that's suitable for my son I'll let him watch it, but if the last few episodes are any indication, it's likely he's watched his last episode.