Episodes 18-20: “The Citadel” “Counterattack” “Citadel Rescue”
Synopsis: Jedi Master Even Piell found the best hyperspace routes of all time. Unfortunately, the Separatists captured him and locked him up in a super maximum Jedi proof prison with Alien Christopher Walken as the warden. Anakin and Obi-Wan (along with a stowaway Ahsoka) lead a team to rescue the Jedi Master and his military officer Captain Tarkin. Action ensues in this three-part prison break that’s fun for the eyes, though not necessarily for the heart.
Rating: ESB. Ahsoka regresses back to her old ways and reaches heights of Mary Suedom never before seen in this series. Thankfully, these episodes have a lot of other great moments to make her tolerable. The progression of the breakout is well done. The early bonding between Tarkin and Anakin is simply wonderful. Rounding out the OT tributes, carbon freezing makes a creative appearance. Keep an eye out for a lot of other, smaller references to the first 3 films. It doesn’t earn a RotS rating for violence, but it still might be a bit intense for the kids.
Fun Fact: The Citadel looks strangely like the citadel in the “Clone Cadets” episode at the beginning of this season.
Episodes 21-22: “Padawan Lost” “Wookiee Hunt”
Synopsis: Ahsoka gets Jedi-napped by Trandoshan hunters. She wakes up worlds away from the Republic and finds herself prey in a twisted safari. She teams up with other captives in hopes to escape the deathtrap. And one of her allies is a very familiar furry co-pilot.
Rating: RotS. These episodes aren’t particularly dark but the violence is more graphic than usual. I know that after the last story arc an Ahsoka-centric storyline doesn’t sound like the best possible follow-up but these episodes legitimize her character is so many ways. Her talents are grounded and yet exceptional. Her attitude is determined yet humble. And her failures are every bit as real as her victories. Beyond her, the animation is stunning beyond what we’ve seen in the series thus far and the story structure allows for a detailed, emotional, and logical arc. Plus Wookiees vs. Trandos! It’s a great end to the season.
Now more than halfway through the series we’ve met some of the most iconic new characters. Themes in this season slowly make their way into the episodes to come. While there were some real duds, Season 3 has some of my favorite episodes. It is definitely a season where the series stretched its wing to see where it can go. Next up is Season 4. If you thought some of these episodes were strange I’d like to inform you that you haven’t seen anything yet.
