Star Wars: The Clone Warsis still considered by many as one of thebestStar WarsTV showsto this day - so it may surprise some that the highly touted series, during its early run, was initially not well-received by fans. The animated series was coming off the heels ofThe Clone Warsmovie, which still holds a shocking 19% review score onRotten Tomatoes. As the series got underway, there were concerns about how the story was presented and the content of those stories. 16 years later, the series is now the pinnacle ofStar Warscontent.
The series took some time to find its footing. The newly introduced character,Ahsoka Tano, was initially not welcomed by audiences as they struggled to understand the young Padawan of Anakin Skywalker and her place in theStar Warsfranchise. Despite the show taking on some serious issues, it was also shrouded in a sort of goofiness that was new forStar Wars. Viewers still say that after getting through season 1, the series picks up around the middle of season 2, but why? What exactly were the growing pains thatThe Clone Warsovercame?
The Clone Wars' Storytelling Style & Characters Took Getting Used To
The stories weren’t chronological, Ahsoka needed time to grow, and more
One major issueThe Clone Warsseries initially faced was that the series was not going in chronological order. Newcomers to theStar Warsfranchise might find it confusing how the series is supposed to be watched chronologically versus how it was released. Thankfully, there are now resources detailing how to watch the series properly in full, but this was not the case during the show’s initial run.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Episodes In Chronological Order (Correct Watch Order)
With Star Wars: The Clone Wars being released non-chronologically, you need the correct viewing order to make sense of its different plotlines.
The series was also not the most well-received at first because of how the stories were told. The show is filled with goofiness and gags that are reminiscent of some of George Lucas' special editions of his movies. The cartoon aspect of this animated series was sometimes a bit much for viewers. Although humorous,the gags and comedy in the first few seasons would sometimes overshadow the seriousness of what the show was attempting to tackle. As the series went along, the comedy was dialed back enough for the show to attain a proper focus.
Perhaps the biggest gripe that audiences had, however, was Ahsoka Tano. Viewers downright hated the young Padawan of Anakin Skywalker. In the eyes of many, she was an over-confident, annoying little girl who did not have a place inStar Wars. With her attitude, and a highly problematic outfit, she could do nothing right. The fact that she was Anakin’s Padawan was also a sticking point among audiences who were unwilling to accept that concept. Like many characters in the series, however, Ahsoka was given the proper time to grow and soon blossomed.
As The Show Developed, So Did The Characters
In doing so, the prequels were redeemed and made better
AsThe Clone Warscontinued its run, the development of the stories was getting significantly better - and in turn, so were the characters. Anakin Skywalker was suddenly getting more depth to his character, helping build up the reputation of the great hero of the Clone Wars thatStar Wars: Episode III -Revenge of the Sithcouldn’t fully explain. George Lucas and Dave Filoni did a fantastic job filling in the faults of Anakin’s character with excellent patchwork.The Clone Warswas the best thing that happened to Lucas becauseit indirectly helped fix the prequels.
It cannot be overshadowed that the development of the villains also contributed to the show’s improvement.
Obi-Wan Kenobi was another character who saw his arc evolve to become even better than it already was. The king of trolling expanded his comedic element while adding crucial historical context, demonstrating why he was the most dedicated Jedi amongst the council. The banter between him and Anakin can always create a laugh as their brotherly dynamic is displayed properly. These characters and all the others shown in the prequels saw their character arcs bloom better than they did during the prequel movies.
The Characters Have Truly Sold This Show’s Success
Ahsoka, Rex, and all the clones especially
Characters like Ahsoka Tano may not have been loved at first, but that changed fairly quickly. The turnaround of her character’s arc is perhaps the best in theStar Warsfranchise. At first, she was a sort of tool that would show how Anakin’s path to the dark side was paved. To then carve her own amazing path is Filloni’s finest work.Her ascension into the hearts of audiences was a byproduct of how much her character had improvedalongsideThe Clone Wars. As the series gained traction, characters like her started making the show a staple for the franchise.
Anakin & Ahsoka’s History In Star Wars Explained
Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano have a meaningful, yet tragic relationship in Star Wars. How did they meet, and what happened between them?
The most significant step in that process is the clones in the series. They started becoming well-known figures that left massive impressions on viewers. The soldiers of theGalactic Republicwere constantly sacrificing their lives as soldiers, and many had story arcs dedicated to them. Groups like theDomino Squadgot an origin story in season 3 after their debut early in season 1. Clones like Captain Rex began having regular appearances, with Rex becoming a household name as the most popular clone and shadowing Anakin and Ahsoka wherever they went.
After battling through its first season and a half,The Clone Warshas become the bestStar WarsTV show in the eyes of many. Hatred towards Ahsoka shifted into love as the show continued to develop and improve both her arc and the series itself. Foundational characters from the prequels, like Anakin and Obi-Wan, were given more depth and improved upon, while the newly introduced clone troopers were given more time in the spotlight.The Clone Warsfound its formula in the middle of season 2 and went from hated to loved.
Rating (Out of 10)
Victory and Death (Season 7, Episode 12)
9.9
9.8
9.7
Carnage of Krell (Season 4, Episode 10)
9.3
9.2
9.1
Shades of Reason (Season 5, Episode 15)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Cast
Star Wars: The Clone Wars is an animated series that explores the intense conflict between the Republic and the Separatists. Featuring a mix of loyalty shifts and alliances, it delves into complex mysteries of the Force and showcases pivotal moments for characters like Anakin Skywalker and Master Yoda.
