Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Episode Highlights
Episode Highlights
Rookies
This episode is the first to truly focus on the lives of clone troopers. A small squad of inexperienced "shinies" on a remote outpost must defend their position against a surprise commando droid attack. It introduces key clones like Hevy, Echo, and Fives.
"Rookies" was a landmark episode that established the series' commitment to humanizing the clones. It demonstrated that the show could tell compelling, character-driven stories about the common soldier, a theme that would become one of its greatest strengths.
The Mandalore Trilogy
This three-episode arc ("The Mandalore Plot," "Voyage of Temptation," "Duchess of Mandalore") introduces Duchess Satine Kryze and the pacifist New Mandalorians, who are threatened by the terrorist group Death Watch. It reveals Obi-Wan Kenobi's complex past with Satine.
This arc dramatically expanded the lore of Mandalore and introduced a fascinating political dimension to the war. The tragic, unrequited love story between Obi-Wan and Satine provided significant depth to Obi-Wan's character.
The Mortis Arc
In this three-part story ("Overlords," "Altar of Mortis," "Ghosts of Mortis"), Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka are drawn into a mysterious, ethereal realm inhabited by three god-like beings who represent different aspects of the Force. The arc explores Anakin's destiny as the Chosen One.
The Mortis arc is one of the most important and enigmatic storylines in the series, delving into the deepest mythology of the Force. It provides a powerful, allegorical foreshadowing of Anakin's fall to the dark side and his ultimate redemption.
The Umbara Arc
This four-episode arc ("Darkness on Umbara," "The General," "Plan of Dissent," "Carnage of Krell") follows Captain Rex and the 501st Legion under the command of a ruthless and reckless Jedi General, Pong Krell. The clones are forced to question their orders and their loyalty.
Considered one of the darkest and most mature arcs, it is a masterclass in exploring the horrors of war and the moral complexities of soldiers. It is a pivotal moment for Captain Rex's character development, forcing him to define his morality outside of his programming.
The Wrong Jedi
The finale of a four-part arc, this episode sees Ahsoka on trial for treason against the Republic. After Anakin uncovers the true culprit, the Jedi Council offers to welcome Ahsoka back, but she refuses and leaves the Order.
This episode is the culmination of Ahsoka's character arc in the original run of the series. Her departure is a heartbreaking and pivotal moment that highlights the flaws of the Jedi Order and has profound consequences for Anakin, pushing him further down his dark path.
The Siege of Mandalore Arc
The final four episodes of the series ("Old Friends Not Forgotten," "The Phantom Apprentice," "Shattered," "Victory and Death") run parallel to the events of Revenge of the Sith. Ahsoka and Rex lead a division of clone troopers to liberate Mandalore from Maul, only for Order 66 to be executed.
This arc is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the series and some of the best Star Wars storytelling ever created. It provides a powerful, emotional, and devastating conclusion to the story, masterfully weaving together the fates of its central characters with the climax of the prequel trilogy.