Welcome back to your favorite galaxy far, far away. As I continue my marathon of Star Wars The Clone Wars, I continue to realize that I did a major disservice to myself by not watching this show, mostly, during its initial run. Though it can be argued that I saved it for a better time in my life where I am truly starting to realize that there are some real shining moments to the Prequel era. This season we also see the transition of the show’s animation take the next step. Let’s get down to my favorite episodes of the season.
Season Three starts things off with an AMAZING episode called ‘Clone Cadets’. This is an episode that acts as a prequel to the episode ‘Rookies’ from Season One. 
We get to see some fan-favorites in action like Fives, Echo, and Hevy as they take their place as ARC Troopers, but not without a challenge first. The episode takes place on Kamino and deals with the training of the troopers. The Republic has hired a couple of bounty hunters to train the troops. You may ask why the Jedi aren’t involved more in the training but it’s explained that the ‘edge and ruthlessness’ that a bounty hunter can teach is unparalleled. This is portrayed the best by Bric who is very unforgiving and has no faith in the squad. But of course they prove themselves in battle by finally learning to work together and pass their test. The true highlight of this episode is the “dysfunctional” clone known as ’99’ who acts as the spirit of the team, pushing them to work together when things seem at their worst. I really like the attention to the individual clones and their personalities in this episode and throughout the show. This episode is followed up by “ARC Troopers” in which Kamino is attacked by the Separatists. The team really gets to show what they are made of there are also some sad moments.
Just like “Clone Cadets”, a few other episodes in Season Three are from other seasons that SHOULD have been in a different order. The whole Ziro the Hutt chain of events is part of this. Remember the episode “Hostage Crisis” from Season One? Yeah that should have been set during this arc. Basically Cad Bane does all he can to break Ziro out of jail, these episodes are interesting as they deal more and more with the Underground aspect of the Star Wars universe. 
We even get to meet Sy Snoodles, who we learn had a romantic relationship with Ziro in the past. You may remember her from the musical scene at Jabba’s Palace when she is part of the Max Rebo Band. I like that Clone Wars takes the opportunity to show off established characters from the Star Wars universe. Speaking of established characters, Twi’Lek freedom fighter Cham Syndulla makes another appearance, which is always appreciated, yet again an episode that should have taken place earlier in the chronology. Later in season Chewbacca shows up, which may or may not be his true “first appearance” in the Star Wars universe timeline, from a certain point of view.
Quinlan Vos, who plays a part in the upcoming novel “Dark Disciple” makes his first appearance on the show. Though he was introduced in the Prequel movies this is the first time we really get a sense of his personality. Known best for his Force ‘touch’ ability and tracking skills, Vos comes in handy when Obi-Wan has to track down Ziro the Hutt, even if his tactics are unorthodox for a Jedi. Speaking of “Dark Disciple”, Asajj Ventress takes center stage as we learn more about her origin. 
She is betrayed by Dooku when he is commanded by Darth Sidious to kill her due to her growing powers. Betrayed she seeks refuge with her people, the Nightsisters. Originally introduced way back when in the now ‘Legends’ novel “The Courtship of Princess Leia”, the Nightsisters are a group of witches who inhabit the planet of Dathomir and practice the dark arts of the Force. Neither Sith or Jedi this group led by Mother Talzin pledges to help Ventress get her revenge on Dooku. This begins with finding him a new apprentice. Remember Darth Maul? Well Dathomir is also home to a group of Zabrak warriors who are adepts to the Force. Enter Savage Oppress. This character, the brother of Darth Maul, passes all of the tests to become the next candidate and is put through a ceremony which turns him to the Dark Side. Unbeknownst to Dooku, Oppress is a trojan horse for Ventress as she attempts to assassinate her old master. Things don’t go as planned and the plan fails. Oppress learns from Talzin that Maul may still be alive and sets off on a journey to find him. Ventress, defeated, secludes herself to exact her revenge another day.
One of the best and strangest arcs in Season Three deals with Anakin’s status as “The Chosen One”. My wife really loved this story and I have to agree that it felt more like Star Trek than Star Wars, well besides the whole thing about the Force. 
It was nice to get away from the war aspect of the show for awhile and tackle an issue that was a little ambiguous in the films. Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka are drawn by a “mysterious force” to a planet that ends up being some kind of alternate universe/reality. On this planet a man called “The Father” has always maintained the balance between his two children. His daughter representing the Light Side and his son who represents the Dark Side. The Father is dying and he wants Anakin to take his place to maintain this balance. So you see maybe it was a “cheap” way to explain what Qui Gon Ginn said all those years ago, maybe it was just another part of the Skywalker story, who knows. I’m not even sure if this arc would have existed if Lucas didn’t have his hand in the series. Now don’t get me wrong the episodes were pretty cool and Anakin showed off his powers in some pretty impressive ways. I won’t get into the specifics and spoilers because it’s pretty important when it comes to his path to becoming Darth Vader. Overall I was pretty satisfied with the way it was handled and it becoming part of his mythos.
Season Three was pretty good. Not my favorite so far due to the amount of political storylines and also with things being out of order, it was a little frustrating. Yet there are some pretty stellar episodes. There are episode guides that give you a better chronology on how to watch the entire run in order, you can check one of those out here. But a lot of what happens this season is pretty badass and the show continues to impress me, but it is sad that I am past the half way point now. Will the Prequels be better after watching this series? Look forward to my write up on that and also my recaps on Seasons 4-6. May the Force be with you!
