THE VIBRANT ANIMATED series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” expands the universe established in George Lucas’ long-finished space saga, adding previously unseen characters and conflicts to the rich mythology.
Chronicling the events between episodes II and III, “The Clone Wars” reveals that Anakin Skywalker became a mentor to young Padawan (Jedi apprentice) Ahsoka Tano, who was introduced in 2008’s “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” animated film. Like Anakin’s headstrong character, Ahsoka nevertheless learns the virtue of patience, while her master gradually wizens up to make more mature decisions.
Yes, Anakin will embrace the Dark Side of the Force later, but for now, he’s a hero and leader. His eventual downfall is barely hinted at.
The first season of “Clone Wars” is characteristically rife with epic battles and drama across several worlds; unexplored story angles, like alien races choosing sides during the conflict, are finally focused on. There are complexities to the war that were never mentioned in the prequels, and frenetically paced conflicts that look breathtaking as digitally rendered images.
Viewers are spared the wooden, awkward acting and the occasional iffy dialogue that marred the prequels. The distorted and textured faces consistently project the right emotions, the characters still recognizable despite being cartoon-ized.
But while new visuals and dynamics make “Clone Wars” quite immersing, some familiar action sequences, like the spaceship battles, drone with a mechanical, video game-y quality. The never-ending swarm of dumb and expendable Battle Droids can be tiring as well. Thankfully, we only get a few minutes of Jar Jar Binks’ disastrously klutzy antics in the first season.
There are things that translate well, like the lightsaber duels, and Yoda’s combat prowess (he effortlessly takes on a droid battalion in the first episode). We get to see the secret romance between Anakin and Padme Amidala flourish. Also, Jedi Council members that only briefly appeared in the movies are given attention. And R2-D2 gets to kick butt when a double-crossing Astromech droid is exposed.
The TV show is able to explore a balance; it’s occasionally dark and intense for grownups, but colorful and accessible enough for younger viewers, whether they’re new or not to the Star Wars galaxy.
“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” airs Monday to Thursday at 9 p.m. on Cartoon Network.
New on Q
“Drop Dead Diva,” a Hollywood TV series starring actress Brooke Elliott, premieres Dec. 4 at 8:30 p.m. on Q Channel 11.
Brooke is Deb Dobson, a model wannabe who, after meeting a fatal car accident, returns to life in the recently deceased, plus-size body of Jane Bingum, a brilliant attorney.
Also new on Q every Saturday at 7 p.m. is “Pinoy Silver Screen,” which brings box-office Pinoy movies at the comfort of one’s home. Airing on Dec. 5 is “I.T.A.L.Y.” starring Dennis Trillo, Rufa Mae Quinto, Jolina Magdangal, Rhian Ramos, Mark Herras and Eugene Domingo.
Presidential forum
ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel, brings together key presidential candidates in a face-off live from the University of Santo Tomas on Dec. 2 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Former President Joseph Estrada and Senators Noynoy Aquino and Manuel Villar are among the hopefuls to join “Harapan: The ANC Presidential Forum” on Dec. 2.
Also expected are former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, former Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Angeles City Councilor JC de los Reyes and environmentalist Nicanor Perlas.
The forum is co-sponsored by the Commission on Elections and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting. The online community may join the live chat on abs-cbnnews.com.
It will be replayed on ABS-CBN on Dec. 6 on “Sunday’s Best” at 10:30 p.m.
