Episode 18-19: “The Zillo Beast” and “The Zillo Beast Strikes Back”
Synopsis: In the first episode the Republic uses a new super bomb to try and maintain control of a key planet for their war effort. This weapon awakens a giant monster long thought extinct. The locals want the monster dead. The Jedi want the beast alive for moral… and military… reasons. In the second episode, someone has the genius idea to bring the beast to Coruscant – because nothing could possibly go wrong with that plan.
Rating: AotC. These episodes are a lot of fun! They’re the Star Wars equivalent of Godzilla movies. You have a “nuke”, a monster, the debate about the intrinsic value of things that will eat you, scientists vs the military, and some corny humor along the way. If you like monster movies, you’ll love these episodes.
Flow Walker Warning: These episodes along with “Bounty Hunters” actually take place before the Geonosis arc.
Episode 20- 22: “Death Trap” “R2 Come Home” “Lethal Trackdown”
Synopsis: Boba Fett! Boba Fett! Where?! Right here! In the first episode Boba sneeks about a Jedi Cruiser posing as a clone in training (good thing he has the look for it). He’s out for revenge against the man who killed his father: Mace Windu. Yes, the second episode is essentially an episode of Lassie. If by Timmy in the well you mean Mace and Anakin stuck on a burning ship on a planet crawling with gundarks. With Boba Fett, Aurra Sing, and Bossk in the mix. Yeah, an episode of Lassie. In the third episode Plo Koon and Ahsoka go on a search for Boba and Aurra. And cross paths with my favorite, Hondo Ohnaka!
Rating: ESB. These might be the grittiest episodes to date. They’re great for fans of bounty hunters, criminal underworlds, and high adventure! There’s also some great Jedi feels as Mace deals with his part in Boba’s plight. Boba is a bit on the brooding side (complete with brooding theme music), but he’s got his good moments. It’s definitely a high action way to end the second season.
Fun Fact: Daniel Logan reprises his role as young Boba Fett.
And that’s Season 2 of the Clone Wars! Overall, I think it’s a big step up from the first season. The animation is spectacular. The story complexity, especially in terms of multiple episode arcs, has grown. And the show has released that it has more than 10-year-old fans. The time jumps are a tad confusing, but you really won’t notice them unless you’re paying super close attention. And where this season leaves off, Season 3 keeps right on going! See you next time for the Season 3 Guide to the Clone Wars!
