Five Best Episodes of "Star Wars: The Clone Wars"
These episodes will be judged not only on their enjoyment, but how they added to the development of the characters, the series, and their effect on the source material. Also, given that the series had several multi-parters, I will include subsequent episodes in the same arc if it is warranted. NOTE: This list may contain some minor spoilers.
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- DirectorSteward LeeStarsDee Bradley BakerDave FennoyMatt LanterDuring an assault on the shadowy world of Umbara, General Skywalker is called back to Coruscant. He has to relinquish command of the 501st legion to legendary Jedi Master Krell, who turns out to have a low opinion of clones.1) Darkness on Umbara/The General/Plan of Dissent/Carnage of Krell - Season 4, Episodes 7-11
This is by far the most cinematic story arc throughout the entire series. This four part story involves Skywalker being temporarily replaced as the leader of the 501st. In his place is the ruthless and brutal Jedi General Krell, who sends the clones troopers on countless assaults that are near suicidal. The result is the most engaging and exciting story since Revenge of the Sith.
This is the kind of intense and in depth combat that the audience wanted to see ever since the Clone Wars were first mentioned in A New Hope. The action in the episode is among the best of the entire franchise has seen in any media. It displays the dark and brutal nature of the war with soldiers on all sides falling left and right. Most of all, it legitimately feels like a military operation, as both factions employ intelligent and effective strategies throughout the episodes.
But that is only one of numerous aspects of this story arc that make it great. Another important feature is the characters. The clones seen in this episode all have diverse and relateable reactions and opinions on their seemingly hopeless situation and express them in a believable manner. So much so that it occasionally feels like you are watching a live action episode. The same can also be said about General Krell, as despite his ruthless nature he leaves you unsure as to whether he is evil, misguided, or just a realist who will accept high causalities.
The discussions the clone troopers have about Krell's behavior is another highlight of the episode. It raised questions of loyalty, duty, and self worth as the clones question at which point is it justified to defy their orders while at the same time working to complete their mission without having their lives thrown away needlessly.
These episodes succeed in delivering every positive aspect that is expected from Star Wars. Great action, great characters, great environments, and most of all a great story. All this makes that Umbara series the apex of the Clone Wars series. - DirectorKyle DunlevyStarsSam WitwerJon FavreauKevin Michael RichardsonDarth Maul and Savage Opress join forces with the Death Watch and together they recruit the Black Sun and Hutt crime lords to form the Shadow Collective.2) Eminence/Shades of Reason - Season 4, Episodes 14-15
Although the return of Darth Maul has received a mixed reaction from fans, these two episodes make a great case in support of it. The plot involves Darth Maul and his brother, Savage Oppress, being found by Death Watch. Having common enemies, primarily Obi-Wan Kenobi, they decide to form an alliance to help Death Watch reclaim Mandalore and reestablish its warrior culture.
It is the intelligent way that the group enact their plan that is the story's defining feature. They do not execute a straightforward assault, they actually form a well organized and believable plan. Covering things like resources, manpower, funding, and public perception.
This is especially interesting in regards to Maul. While in The Phantom Menace he was Sidious's silent assassin, here he has developed into an skilled strategist and plotter. Very much like his old master.
Naturally, the alliance between the Mandalorians and the Sith would fall apart at its earliest convenience. This leads to one of the most exciting and brutal saber duels of the series. Not just because of the choreography, but because the tension between the duelists and what is ultimately at stake.
Now you may be wondering why the third in the series is not included. Although a good episode, it did not live up to the previous two largely because it ends abruptly and has many unresolved issues. It is still good, but it did not feel right to be included. - DirectorSteward LeeStarsMatt LanterCatherine TaberRobin Atkin DownesAt the Jedi High Council's request, Padmé investigates a Separatist conspiracy in the Senate.3) Senate Spy - Season 2, Episode 4
This is most likely the sleeper of the list. On it's surface, it is a standard one shot episode of the heroes trying to expose a traitor in the Senate. But what makes it one of the best is how it developed the relationship of Anakin and Padme. The two being romantic is nothing new, but this was the first time they felt like a married couple. Showing their life in a more domestic environment as well as how Anakin's Jedi duties can cause tension between them. Which made their romance more relateable.
Something else that makes this episode unique is how the characters react intelligently to accomplish their mission. The quick thinking of both Anakin and Pamde is legitimately clever and believable making it a refreshing departure from the "aggressive negotiation" seen is most other episodes. Also the light-hearted humor shown throughout was fitting to the story while not sticking out or diverting from the plot.
It is one of those cases that shows that good characters can make the most rudimentary plot enjoyable. - DirectorBrian Kalin O'ConnellStarsAshley EcksteinMatt LanterDee Bradley BakerThe Separatists have invaded the Twi'lek home planet of Ryloth. Anakin and Ahsoka lead a squadron of fighters against a Trade Federation battleship commanded by Neimoidian Captain Mar Tuuk.4) Storm Over Ryloth - Season 1, Episode 19
This episode was good because it showed the rougher side of being a Padawan as well as adding more of an edge to the relationship between Anakin and Ahsoka.
The plot focuses on the Anakin and Obi-wan trying to liberate the planet of Ryloth. Here Anakin is attempting to break through a blockade with Ahsoka leading a squad of bombers. Being her first time in command she is uncertain and nervous of her capabilities. The result ends up being a near catastrophic failure, due in part to Ahsoka disobeying an order.
As stated before what makes to episode special is how it developed Anakin and Ahsoka both as individuals and as a duo. Ahsoka experiences a giant failure on her part not due to skill, but due to her inability and unwillingness to adapt to new situations and follow orders. The situation requires Anakin to both teach Ahsoka the importance of following orders while at the same time being confident in her own abilities.
This led in a rather profound moment where the two get into an argument where Ahsoka is told to go to her quarters to "cool off". It was interesting seeing Jedi in a heated argument since anger is something they avoid. Although, at the same time, it is understandable how these conflicts can happen in a master/apprentice relationship. - DirectorKyle DunlevyStarsOlivia HackJeff FischerTom KaneAhsoka escorts a group of younglings to Ilum where they meet with Yoda and seek out the Kyber crystals needed to build their own lightsabers.5) The Gathering - Season 5, Episode 6
Although Star Wars has a reputation of having sup par child characters, this episode has a group of well developed Jedi children, each of them with distinct personalities and obstacles to overcome.
The titular Gathering refers to a ritual in which a group Jedi younglings embark a quest to find the crystal for their lightsaber. In addition to being a departure from the action oriented stories, this episode showed the audience part of the Jedi culture that had not been seen much in the saga. Young Jedi Initiates taking their very first steps to becoming a Jedi Knight.
What made the episode particularly notable was that their quests were about self discovery instead of combat skill. In order to find their crystals, each of the children had to confront and overcome a character flaw in order to discover which saber crystal is truly "theirs".
It was also nice to see Ahsoka is a more authoritarian position, giving both advice and admonishment to the children. Which further helped develop and mature her character.
The story of these children was continued in the three subsequent episodes and while good, they felt unneeded as the children had already went through a story arc. It did give some additional character development to Ahsoka and delivered some good action, but that wasn't enough to make the list.