Let's try a review of sorts.

So, the first thing (well...second after the Inaugublog) that I think I shall talk about are my feelings towards the TV series The Clone Wars, George Lucas' televisual foray into the 3D CGI world of Star Wars.

Initial impressions so far, for the second series are positive; it seems to have learned from the often laboured dialogue of the first, and has pushed more mature themes forwards, such as the issue of Mandalorian terrorists.

The first series often felt as if it was trying to find it's feet, the overall storyline often feeling compromised due to the telling of individual characters. The inclusion of races such as the Lurmen brought up feelings of emnity that are usually saved for Ewoks (even if I quite like Ewoks...), and occasionally the tales smacked too heavily of moral tales - looking at The Gungan General in particular...

Some, however, stood out in other ways. 'Rookies' was a highlight, with some strong dialogue and action, as well as a sympathetic cast. A further highlight were the episodes concerning Ryloth. Giving a broader view of the war from three standpoints, the often isolated battles as presented felt more coherent, and they introduced the characters of Waxer and Boil, two clones whose camaraderie was very refreshing.












(Waxer, left, and Boil comfort Numa, a Twi'lek orphan they discover during the fighting on Ryloth.)

The second series then, with a strong foundation to build upon, set about creating a more dynamic, action-orientated series, reflecting the fact that this was a brutal Civil War.

Opening episodes 'Holocron Heist', 'Cargo of Doom' and 'Children of the Force' brought a small narrative into the tales, blending them well, and resetting the cast in a more agressive stance - as well as bringing the new Boba Fett to light; Cad Bane.

The second series also brought more epic set pieces, with 'Landing at Point Rain' being particularly noteworthy in terms of action and direction; showing that even Jedi could make errors of judgement. It also brought back issues of humanising the often robot-like clones, especially in the episode 'The Deserter', in which a clone and Captain Rex have to assess their own positions as people, rather than just cogs in a war machine.









(Cut Lawquane, the clone who chose his humanity over warfare.)

The episodes surrounding Mandalore also brought up the past of Obi Wan, letting viewers glimpse a side of him that is just as fallible as his impetuous Padawan, a refreshing change of direction and pace - even if Anakin steals the show with a few well placed one liners. These episodes also bring in the Mandalorians. Although familiar to many with knowledge of the Expanded Universe, for others this was the first time this race was brought to life outside of video games. Presenting the ideas of terrorism on a neutral planet hammers home the idea of a galaxy totally splintered by war, and shows how planets were also riven by internal strife - it was not a case of choosing one side to fight for.








(Duchess Satine of Mandalore and Obi Wan Kenobi share a moment, a relationship that brings to light how even the most noble of Jedi were not above the lure of their emotions.)

Overall then, these series have brought to light new issues in the Star Wars universe, humanising the clones, showing the fallibility of the Jedi, and exploring the scope of the war. Whilst there are critics, be they of characters, or how these stories fit into the established Star Wars canon, or how the show has overwritten other works, it cannot be doubted that The Clone Wars has brought Star Wars to a new audience, which cannot be a bad thing...