It's Perfect

Ahsoka boarded the heavy Transport, her montrals and lekku hidden under a cloak.
She was on her own now, the Council, and Jedi, were behind her now.
A wide eyed Rodian reached for a blaster at his hip and she instinctively reached her her lightsabers only to remember she had left them behind.
I'm a nobody now . . . She thought as she looked out over the glistening city planet of Coruscant.
"Now leaving for the Outer Rim." A voice blared over the speakers as the cargo doors closed out the galactic center with a metallic thud.

Where should she go? What would she do? She mingled with the other refugees, if she were a Jedi she could have helped these people have a better life, now she was one of them. A stranger in a strange place.
No free taxi rides, no perks, just an ordinary galactic citizen. She still had the Force.
She recognized a little Twil'ik boy who pointed to her, she smiled back, at least she had done some good in the galaxy before she left.
"You seem troubled." A voice said and she was snapped out of her thoughts.
The speaker was a young human boy about her age, sixteen, seventeen maybe.
"It's nothing." She replied back not making eye contact.
"What happened? Did you lose someone?" He inquired.
With a sigh she answered;
"You could say that."
The ship rumbled as the landing gears extended.
"We have arrived on Dantooine. Please exit to your left. Thank you." The same monotone voice announced.
"My name's Bessen, look me up." He said reaching into his pocket and handing the Togruta a small card.
"Um, thanks." Ahsoka replied stashing the card.
Soon Bessen was lost to the crowd that was herded off the giant ship. Ahsoka followed them rubbing shoulders with beings from every corner of the galaxy.

The city was small, a mining outpost, maybe, that looked like a ghost town in the making.
She watched as the great boarding ramp retracted and the ship hovered above the ground and then shot into the upper sky to ferry the next batch of refugees to a better life.

"Ahsoka? Is that you?" An all too familiar voice said from behind. She turned to see, of all people, Lux Bonteri, the rebel senator wading through the crowd towads her as if it was a thrashing sea.
"What are you doing here?" He asked through the bustle.
"I . . . I . . . " She stuttered awkwardly. She saw him read her bewildered expression and the pair moved to an isolated spot in the run down city. When the crowds were behind them she said;
"Lux, I, I left the Jedi."
"Why?" He asked truly concerned.
"I'd rather not talk about it, Lux."
Those eyes of his pleaded for an answer and she finally delivered;
"A close friend of mine attacked the Temple and framed me for it." She confessed.
"I'm sorry." Was all he said. It was all he could say.
Ahsoka cracked a small smile at his accent, she always found it cute.
"So what are you going to do now?" He asked.
"I don't know . . . " She trailed off stealing a glimpse at his thick, unkempt, dark brown hair.
After a moment of awkward silence Lux began;
"You helped restore order on Onderon. You're a hero. You're my hero."
Even now she still held her feelings deep inside her and kept a straight face, like the remark meant nothing.
She turned her back to him and tried to look busy.
"Well . . . If that's how you feel." He said turning and heading the other way, a sad note hung in his voice.

Her emotions screamed at her, pushing and pulling, in a million different directions. She was letting the love of her life just walk away. It was what the Jedi would have wanted, but, was it what she wanted?

“Lux, don’t leave.” She said turning and running to him with tear filled eyes.
“Lux, I’ve loved you since the day we meant, and I can’t imagine life without you.” She finally said. It felt like a bantha was lifted off her chest.
She clenched his hand tight.
“Lux, please, don’t leave. I need you.” She met his warm eyes, eyes that had seen courtrooms and battlefields and maintained their alluring glow.
She lowered her head onto his chest and listened to his heartbeat.
Ahsoka stayed there as long a possible not wanting to face whatever he may say.
Lux placed a warm hand on her back and held her there.
Their eyes met again and then it happened.
He planted a firm kiss on her lips leaving her dumbfounded for a second.
And then she kissed him back, this time with all the passion she had pent up for him over the years.
They emerged for a breath and Ahsoka remarked;
“That’s payback for on Carlac.”
“Do you really have to bring that up now?” Lux remarked sarcastically.
They held each other for awhile as Ahsoka felt waves of energy ripple around them along with something else. Love?
Finally they released and held each other’s hands.
“There’s boarding house on the outskirts of town. We could stay there, escape the war, just us.”
“That sounds wonderful.” She said beaming.
As she followed Lux she remembered Bessen’s card. She stopped and pulled it out to examine it for the first time.
It said;
Bessen’s Armory and Weapons: Headquarters on Dantooine.

“Is everything alright?” Lux asked looking back at the love of his life.
She met his eyes and said with confidence;
“It’s perfect.”

"The Jedi Who Knew Too Much" - Review

While I've always been a fan of Ahsoka this episode only served to boost my admoration for her even more.
The sheer emotion carried by the music and animation took my breath away and this is by far the best episode so far in my opinion.

I'm truly bewildered as to how Ahsoka will get out this mess and clear her name. Will she be able to return to Anakin? Will any sense normancy ever be possible again or has she reached the point of no return?
I don't have answers to these questions and that's what makes this episode truly fantastic.
Does she know something that we don't? Who framed her?
I could speculate for hours and I can't stop praising the brilliance of this episode.

One theory that I've proposed is that the dead Jedi, the one who trained Barriss, faked his/her death so as not to be suspected of scheming. And they may have forced Barriss herself to be part of their plan which is why she was acting so strange and not making eye contact.

Another theory is that Ahsoka was framed by a Jedi deserter who was assumed dead and brought back through technology, much like Vader, this could possibly be the masked feminine character we see Ahsoka fighting in the trailers, or it could be Ventress.

Or Barriss could have framed her best friend on her own. While this seems irrational it's still possible.

Whatever the case I can't wait for tomarrow's episode.

That Wasn't Nuna

Ahsoka sat in the Temple library consumed by silence as she watched the minutes tick by. Ever second of ever second a small eternity; the embodiment of utter boredom.
She looked at her wrist communicator. Who could she contact? Who would liberate her from this invisible prison?
The com beeped sounding louder then normal in the silence.
"This is Ahsoka Tano." She said into the device.
"Ahsoka, this is Barriss, I was wondering if you wanted to hang out with me. Maybe we could have dinner in the city."
Ahsoka replied;"Sure. I need to get out any way. Obi Wan was telling me of this really nice place. He says he knows someone who works there."
"What's it called?" The other Padawan asked.
"Ummm . . ." Ahsoka said trying to remember.
"Dex, yes, Dex's Diner, I'll send you the coordinates and meet you there." With that she closed the channel. Finally an escape.

The two Padawans arrived at Dex's Diner. Its interior a snapshot from a simpler time.
The pair found a booth seated themselves.
Both girls took in their vibrant surroundings. Unlike the rest of the city planet the Diner was cleaner and not perverted by modern advertising and what have you.
"What are you going to have." Barriss asked watching her own menu.
"I don't know. I wonder if their nuna is any good." Ahsoka answered.
"Why hello there Jedi." A bellowing voice said and both looked up. It was the Diner's owner and namesake Dex; a pot bellied, four armed, alien with a welcoming air that smelled of grease.
"You must be Skywalker's Padawan." He said giving Ahsoka a wide grin.
"Yes. That's me." Was all she was willing to say.
"It's an honor to have you here. Obi Wan has told me so much about you."
Both girls gave each other looks.
"That's great, umm, do you have anything new. Maybe exotic?" Barriss asked eager to change the subject.
"Of course, and since both of you have done so much for our Republic how about I prepare a special dish just for the two of you"
"Sure." Ahsoka answered while Barriss weighed the risks.
With a giant grin Dex left the two and headed for the kitchen to prepare their meal.
"What are you doing?" Barriss asked as she leaned over the table pondering her friend's logic.
"C'mon Barriss, lighten up, we deserve it."
Barriss sat back with mock satisfaction at her friend's answer.

There came an animal cry from the back followed abruptly by the sound of a blade contacting flesh. Barriss cringed and Ahsoka could sense her gag reflex.
The remaining minutes they waited were filled with the usual ambient noises and nothing extreme.
Dex emerged carrying two large steaming platters.
"Enjoy, my friends." Dex said leaving them to enjoy his creations.
The large platters smelled savory and was an assortment of steamed veggies and meat; maybe nuna meat.
Both girls eat.
"Not bad." Barriss remarked at the food quality.
"Told you." Ahsoka said back almost smirking through her filled cheeks.

"No. No; I need these as soon as possible. They're a huge hit." They heard Dex say to someone in the back.
"I don't care what it costs. I need this for the Jedi Special. It's . . ." Dex's voice was lost to the other noises.
Reaching out in the Force both girls strained to hear the rest;
"Who do you think you are. . . Butchered . . . Endangered and ruined lives." Was all they were able to decipher.
With their mouths full both girls looked each other in the eyes and then they looked to their plates. It wasn't nuna. And it wasn't nerf either. What was it?

"Slaves of the Republic" Review

While this episode started out slow it carried echos of Luke's plan, in ROTJ, to free the carbon frozen Han from Jabba's palace. I like how the Jedi had their lightsabers concealed in R2. It was a nice homage to the final episode of the Star Wars Saga. 

The Zygerrian culture, with its slave markets and alpha predator mentality, reminds me of the Egyptian and Persian empires both of which thrived on slave labor. The Zygerrian queen reminded me of the Biblical feminine fatal Delilah who seduced the mighty Samson. In fact her Zygerrian counterpart did much the same thing to Anakin.

By the end of this episode the stakes had been raised and our hero, Anakin, was caught in a conundrum. With Obi-Wan and Ahsoka practically slaves he's forced to be the queen's bodyguard; and if he doesn't comply it's his friends who will pay.
I liked seeing Ahsoka Force nudge her soon to be slave master over the edge, however, once he reclaimed himself he activated a shock collar around her neck. Not a pretty sight.

I really liked Ahsoka's slave outfit of flowing blue silks and semi-precious stones. Her small head-dress dress was also a very elegant piece.

The Zygerrians used what appeared to be lightwhips. I don't think these were necessarily that. I, personally, think the whip part was made of conductive nanofiber that could rapidly retreat into the small handle.  

In all it was a good episode. The only downside is now we have to wait a whole five weeks for the rest of this arc and the next episode. So . . . Until then.

Shadow Warrior Review

While lacking any truly climatic battles this episode also wasn't overbearing on the politics either. In all, a good compromise for both.

Jar-Jar has been toned down lately and his role in this episode wasn't as exaggerated as it was in, say, "Bombad Jedi" and "Gungan General". The plot was very dark and Jar-Jar's comic relief was used sparingly.

This episode was, I thought, full of references and motifs to "The Phantom Menace" and "Attack of the Clones", but more of the former. And the Gungans' fight with Grievous was well done, and the rain added a nice foreboding feel to the conflict. Tarpal's sacrifice in the ensuing fight only added more weight to the episode.

The prisoner trade off of Grievous and Anakin, while not completely defying established canon, came very close to doing so.   

I though Rish Loo's role was cliche, being the manipulating adviser and all, and like all minor minions under the Sith met his end at Dooku's blade. The fact that Jar-Jar, a klutz, had to fill in for his people's Boss leader spelled an interesting story from the start.

As for the animation, the smoking orbs in Rish's office added a very sinister effect to the room and the same can be said for the hovering lamps in the adviser's secret lab.  The final fight between Anakin and Dooku seemed to hark back to their duel in "Attack of the Clones" where Anakin lost his arm to the Sith. And Dooku's remark; "The Sith control everything. You just don't know it." mirrored his conversation with Obi-Wan back in Episode II.

In all it was a good episode. As I said before it felt like "The Phantom Menace". Hopefully later in this Season there will be an episode, or series of episodes, with a more "Revenge of the Sith" feel.

Like a Father

The sound of the ship's seasoned thrusters was a comforting sound, its steady drone filled the Jedi's cabin as he sat on his small bed, deep in thought.
The Kel-Dor 's thoughts dwelled not on his destination, nor the expendable lives of his troops, and their sacrifice to the war effort. Instead they lingered on her, the one he was proud to call daughter.
Ahsoka Tano, a strong young fourteen year old Togruta Padawan, had become the focal point of his thoughts whenever he was alone.
He'd seen her grow over the years, in both strength and beauty; true, whenever he saw her a father's pride would well inside of him.

He thought of her know, and her safety.
He closed his goggled eyes and let his mind drift back to their first meeting.

He was back in the fields of Shili, her home-world, he could smell the grass and feel the wind on his face. Then, a sudden awareness of another Force-sensitive, and finally the discovery of the little girl.

He smiled under his breath-mask at the thought of her innocent face.



I wonder if he's thinking about me know? She thought as she laid on the hard bed in the center of her small cubical, it had become a puerperal prison with her Master away in some distant part of the Galaxy.
Know she laid there and gazed lazily at the ceiling, imagining it was invisible she drifted deep into thought.
She drifted back to her first thoughts; and all she could see was Plo's face looking back at her. True, many a Jedi could not determine the Jedi's mood via expression; it being hidden beneath his breath mask and goggles. She, however, was one of the few who knew which expression he wore.
Know he was smiling, she smiled back, no one saw her, alone with her thoughts.
A sense of gratitude welled inside her chest; if not for Master Plo where might she be now? She shuddered at the thought.
Father, Papa, Daddy. She'd never called him that out loud but it was how she felt about him in her heart. "Come home Daddy, come home." she whispered to herself.

I love you. He'd never told that to his Little-soka, but he wanted to, it felt awkward, was that wrong? Still he contemplated; did she know how much he loved her? It bothered him; such words were uncommon in the Temple. He reached out to the Force.

Ahsoka closed her eyes and let her spirit drift away. And it traveled past stars and through a nebula until it came to a star-ship, she went inside.
She could see though all the walls.
Plo felt his daughter's presence on the ship, and it was sweet and comforting.

I miss you so much. Plo heard, as much as felt, her say to him; he replied; I miss you to. 
For a moment they could almost see each other's faces.
The door hissed open.

"Sir."  came the voice of a clone officer dressed in standard gray uniform, the connection was gone. The crewman continued; "We've emerged from hyperspace sir, you're wanted on the bridge."
with that Plo rose to his feet, Duty calls. He thought as he left the small room behind . . . .

                                                   -THE END-

"Cestus Deception"-- Review

I really enjoyed reading this novel by Steven Barnes. His descriptions of the characters and places was very compelling and accurate.
The plot was very deep and intriguing. The Jedi Killers, deadly bio-droids, were an excellent plot device, much deadlier then the standard B1-battle droid.
For me, this story opened my eyes to the day-in day-out life of a standard clone trooper; in this case that trooper is Nate (CT-96/298, Jangotat) ; I thought he was very interesting.
Also, Kit Fisto was a wonderful addition to the story.

A Jedi Killer droid!!

Jangotat's sacrifice towards the end out the book is one of my favorite parts in this book. He wasn't a run-of the-mill trooper who obeyed orders; and his character develoment seemed to be focal point in the story.

This fits well into the continuity of the Star Wars universe, and I am very pleased with it.

A side note: Obi-Wan's lightsaber pictured on the front cover is his first one from TPM, which we all know he lost.

This is a great book and I recommend it as a must read for anyone interested in the Clone Wars era.

May the Force be with you.                            -Joshua Yoder-

A Moment in Time

A thousand thoughts flourished in her mind, was this really happening? Was she really here, now? The twelve members of the Jedi Council surrounded her in a wide circle in the Hall of Knighthood, their faces solom.
Behind her stood her oldest known friend; Plo Koon, the Kel Dor's face was unreadable beneath his breath-mask and goggles.
The chamber was dark, but the Force told her she was among good company, a sliver of fear and excitement shot through her like lightning. She looked to Master Yoda, who stood before her, his aged features seemed youthful in the dim light.

One-by-one each Jedi Master on the Council ignited their emerald or blue blades, their song became a choir of perfect harmony.
No one spoke, she knelt on one knee before the humble Grand Master Yoda, her eyes closed in respect. I did it, I'm finally here. She thought.
She listened with alert ears as Yoda recited the ancient passages for the ceremony; then she jumped a little as the little man's Shoto severed the two shell Padawan-Braids from atop her sprouting head-tails. Her emotions spiked as they fell to the floor.

She slowly rose and looked to the braids that now laid at her feet; she felt bitter sweet seeing them there. She'd anticipated this day for as long as she could comprehend, and know it was complete.
She gathered the braids and exited the chamber in total silence.

She stirred, something within her told her it was morning. She sat up and worked the stiffness out of her limbs, as did she felt her head-tails, the Padawan-Braids still there, as they had always been. She gave a disappointed sigh, her Knighting Ceremony had gone with the night.
I will be a Jedi Knight some day, I know I will. She told herself as she gathered her lightsaber and Shoto and clipped them to her belt. The door to her small cubical hissed open and she left to face the many challenges of being a Padawan . . .

                                                                  THE END

Final Request

Setting: In the wake of the events on Wasskah.

Prologue:

Reality was slowly slipping away from her. She gasped for air, and couldn't find enough of it.
She looked into her friend's face, that looked back at hers', the worry there evident. With the last of her failing strength she slipped a token to her comrade with the words;
"Take it,". In the short time the two had known each other, their friendship had blossomed, despite the crushing circumstances.
She lowered her head, and her spirit became on with the binding Force.



Ahsoka followed her Master into the hanger, as she walked she felt the Wookiee's gaze behind her.
"It's good to have you back, Ahsoka." Anakin said, she knew what he meant, a smile crossed her lips.
A delicate looking feminine Jedi arouched the pair from ahead.
"Kalifa, have you seen her? Is she safe?" She asked, the concern painted her features.
The pair stood silent for several minutes; finally Ahsoka said;
"She's gone. She was killed on Wasskah before the Wookiees rescued us."
The other Jedi's gaze fell, and silence overtook them. Ahsoka broke the quiet with;
"She . . . She gave me this before she died." The Togruta Padawan held out her palm, in it a small charm, carved from some exotic wood; and on it, carved with a rought knife, was the name Nava.
The token fell into the Jedi's hand,
"Thank you," She said, their eyes met for a brief moment, Anakin injected;
"C'mon Snips, let's get you cleaned up." and they walked on. A song of emotion welled in Ahsoka's chest as she watched Kalifa's Master embrace the last bit of her fallen Padawan . . .

Ghosts in the Night

A week after the events on Mortis

Silence filled the still air around her face. The only sounds, the sounds in her mind. She tossed on her side. The great Jedi Temple was as still as a tomb, its thick walls blocked the noise of the bustling city world outside.
Her thoughts these last few days had been a little chaotic, why, she didn't know.
You think I am gone? Came a sinister voice from the air next to her face, followed by what felt like warm rancor breath.
Ahsoka turned on her other side, the voice came again. I am still here. It said; the voice sounded like her own, only with a deranged ring in the tone.
Ahsoka shot up and looked around her small sparsely furnished cubical, nothing out of place was to be seen. She slowly laid back down, her heart racing; maybe it was just nerves.

She closed her eyes and slipped out of reality. When the fog in her mind cleared she saw her Master, Anakin. The same voice as before came again, this time it was in her head and all around her; it said; I may not have your body anymore, but I still have your mind.
A sense of dread creeped up on her; like a nexu stalking its prey. What was happening? Was she going insane? She pounded on the mental barriers, trying to escape back to reality, where she was safe. No use.

"Now, you are mine." Came the voice  followed by hot breath. She turned to see a corrupted and evil version of herself, with malice yellow eyes, and a vein covered face. The sight sent chills down her spine.
The thing attacked her like a frantic beast.

She shot up and looked around for a second time, as she did she breathed a heavy sigh, It was just a dream, she told herself, and laid back down.

                                                                      THE END

Shining Light

Setting: Sometime after the "Mortis Trilogy".


Air. She desperately needed air. She took in a deep breath, her lungs ached with an unimaginable pain that shot through her body like thousands on tiny needles. What had happened?
She couldn't concentrate, her limbs had no feeling in them, if she could she just might be able to use the Force to heal herself.
The world around her was becoming more and more blurred with each passing minute, she struggled to stay awake.
A warm hand was placed on her now cold shoulder; "It's ok Ahsoka. Everything is going to be ok." the masculine voice was saying to her, the words brought little comfort, she had reached the point of no return.
Ahsoka struggled to make eye contact with her Master, who was standing over her like a guardian angel. She tried to tell him she was fine, her lips struggled to form the words, all that came out was slurred together in an unorganized mess. No one understood her. If only I could say something to comfort him. She thought to herself. In her fading vision she saw two crystal tears run down his cheeks. Watching Anakin's face slowly fade away she barely noticed her own tear stained face. Don't cry, please don't cry. She thought as the face vanished entirely. "We have to get her into a bacta tank, now!" She heard someone say before the world went black


Her body suddenly felt light, lighter then it had in years. She felt as if she where on a swaying sea bond ship, rocking back and forth. She kept her eyes closed, the darkness beyond her eyelids was to great for her to confront. She couldn't tell if she was standing, or siting, or laying down, there seemed to be no ground.
There came a blinding white light that shone through her locked eyelids; she felt herself being sucked in; a voice in her head was saying; Wake up Child, wake up.
She opened her eyes, as she did the white light began to dissipate, but not vanish.
She was standing in a lush field surrounded on all sides by great peaks, all flush with greens and vibrant blues, it was utterly breath taking. She looked around, surely such a beautiful place could not be uninhabited. A thousand questions all filled her mind, she'd never seen this place in her short life, and yet she felt completely at home here, as if she'd been here all her life. The dying sense of lose and despair she'd felt when she saw Anakin's face fade had washed off her like a heavy garment, now she only felt love, peace, and joy.


A figure behind her. She turned around and saw a man wearing shining Jedi robes, with Wookiee colored hair that fell to his shoulders.
"W-who are you?" she stuttered.
"I am Qui-Gon Jinn." he answered calmly, and then added,
"And this is the Realm of the Force."


She stood there, eyes on Qui-Gon, frozen. Had she really died? Or was this just all an elaborate, dream and she was still in the sick bay with Anakin by her side?
"Your troubled Young One; I sense it in you."  Qui-Gon said to her ever so calmly, how many now dead Jedi had he welcomed into the Force, she wondered. 
"Y-yes," She said. There was no pretending here.
"Don't be," He said walking up to her and placing a fatherly hand on her warm shoulder.


Her Jedi senses, which she had strived to prefect in her lifetime, now preformed at their climax, she never felt so close to the Force before. And this truth was bitter sweet in her soul. If only Anakin could see this place. She though, she held back the tears. Jinn had her face him, and he placed both hands on her shoulders, like a father correcting his daughter. The wise Jedi said nothing, his warm gaze calmed the storm in Ahsoka's soul.
"Ahsoka? Is that you?" A small voice to the side called out.
Ahsoka turned to see a familiar looking young human girl run towards her. When she was close enough the Togruta called out with surprise; "Kalifa!" 
Both girls embraced one another, Ahsoka felt no blaster wounds on her friend's back as she was warmed by her friend's strong embrace. Their faces met. Kalifa; who Ahsoka remembered as being soiled and dirty from living in the bush, now stood before her with a cleaned face, the lone lock of hair that had once fallen out from the rest was now tucked in nicely with the others, where it belonged.
"I'm so glad to see you," Ahsoka said, struggling to hold back the tears, tears of joy.


She looked to Qui-Gon, something was wrong with the expression on his face.
"What is it?' she asked into the wind. She then met Kalifa's brown eyes.
"You can't stay here Ahsoka." The girl said; Ahsoka saw her freind's face grow solom once the words had left her mouth.
Ahsoka looked to Qui-Gon, her expression preplexed. The wise Jedi joined the girls, and faced Ahsoka.
He began; "Your Master needs you, Young One, you are not yet ready to become one with the Force as we are."
Ahsoka let her gaze fall to the ground, her emotions where so confused right now.
"But how can I continue living, knowing this place exists?" She said not making eye contact.
 Jinn lifted her chin and made her look into his eyes. And then he said;
"You will, Young One, you will."
Ahsoka sensed another presence and turned to see the shining figure of the Daughter, the very incarnation of the light side of the Force, approuch her. With Qui-Gon behind her, and Kalifa at her side, she felt like all of these were her family. And they truly were.
The Daughter, shining more then she remembered, waved two fingers over Ahsoka's eyes, and their lids closed. She felt a pair of warm hands on her cheeks as a soft whisper came to her. I am here. And I always will be. The voice was in front of her as much as it was in her head. As she felt the Realm of the Force melt away like a dream around her she engrained the image of Qui-Gon and Kalifa in her mind. The voice continued, this time even softer. I am not a Force. I am a Presence. It said, the words echoed on; I am a Presence. Until the one word remained; Presence. Suddenly there was feeling in her limbs.

Air shot into her lungs as she sat up, and she wiped the sweat from her brow. Her vision began to clear up.
"Ahsoka! Your alright!"
 A voice beside her said, and she was swept up in Anakin's embrace. She breathed again, the air tasted stail. There came a pungent taste that filled her nose and mouth, it was as much a smell as a taste. It was bacta.
"Don't ever scare me like that again Snips. Ever!"  He said, concern, and relief, filled his eyes.
"Master I--" She began, but couldn't finish.
the door hissed open and Obi-Wan entered the sick bay.
"Good to see you in one piece Ahsoka," He remarked in his optimistic voice.
"we thought those Trandoshan smugglers had scored a point for their goddess."
"Trandoshans?" Ahsoka echoed.
"Yes," continued Obi-Wan;
"Thanks to your valiant efforts, young one, their now getting what they diserve."
Ahsoka placed a weary hand on her forehead.
"Leave us Obi-Wan." Anakin said to the older Jedi. The door hissed shut as he left.

                                                                       THE END

Clone Wars: Season III, Recap

Season Three has come to a close. In hind site it's been a good Season, there were a few weird episodes, mainly during the first half of the Season. I can't wait to find out what's waiting for use in the Fourth Season.

   Clone Cadets  

This was an awesome episode, and a great way to go into the Season. Great storyline, great cast. I was particularly fond of Bric, I wish they would have explained his sourness a little more. The introduction to one 99 showed us that not all clones ended up on the battlefield, he was a very unique clone in my opinion, and a mentor for Heavy. It was good to see Heavy again with his iconic rotary blaster; I'm sure everyone remembers his cry from "Rookies". I was pleased with the introduction of the Togruta known as Shaak Ti, she presented herself as calm and well versed; the conflict between her and Bric was very compelling. In the end the members of the Domino Squad are elevated to the rank of Arc Troopers, and Bric, believe it or not, helped them achieve their goal while trying to destroy it.

I love this episode and Dave and crew did a superb job with the animation, music, etc.

 

  Arc Troopers

Another superb episode. Arc Troopers was clone action non stop. Considering I'm more of a Jedi fan, this episode blew us out of the water. The Aqua Droids were an exultant addition, almost like the commando droids introduced to us back in "Rookies". Among the casualties was 99, he fought, and died, a true soldier. There were several epic duels in this episode; Anakin's fight with Ventress was very well done; and the same can be said about Obi-Wan's fight with General Greivous. They were some of the best duels in my opinion. The visuals were truly stunning.

Supply Lines

I wasn't all that fond of "Supply Lines" to be honest. We were introduced to clone Captain Kelli, and Jedi Master Di (both of which are killed at the end of the episode). The plot wasn't all that intriguing, and I'm sure the fact that Jar-jar Binks was involved in galactic politics didn't please a few fans. I found this episode a bad mixer of politics and war, and while the two are bond together in a sense, it wasn't really the best episode in my opinion. I don't want to say they did a horrible job, 'cause really they didn't. I will point out that they passed up a chance to expand upon Numa, a little blue skinned Tweli'k girl, first seem in the Season One episode "Innocence of Ryloth". As far as Jar-jar and politics, not the best combination.

Sphere of Influence

You'll remember Greedo from ANH; this episode integrated him into the Clone Wars. And it really was him, and not his father as some of you may have assumed; I just wanted to clear up that fact to avoid any confusion. And while not directly visited, we did get to see glimpses of Pandoria. And speaking of the Pandorians, the Pandorian senator briefly glimpsed in ROTS was also in this episode. The plot revolved around his daughters being kidnapped and help hostage by the Trade Federation. This was a good episode. I enjoyed watching Ahsoka and Chuchi sneak around the Federation blockade. The shadowy halls there were very resembling to the Death Star. All in all, a good kid friendly episode with a slight OT feel.

Corruption

Corruption was by far the worst excuse of a Clone Wars episode. I'm sorry, the plot was very bland, and revolved around children and poisoned tea. If this was meant to feel like a mystery story it sure didn't. And while it showed the level of corruption on Mandalor, it did so in a very underwhelming way. It also presented a very brief moment of "action" at the end; and that couldn't make up for the dullness of the plot. There were no Jedi, and hardly any blaster fire. This episodes sits with "Senate Spy","Senate Murder", and the "Mandalor Arc" of Season Two. If I offended anyone I'm sorry.

Academy

This episode follows "Corruption". This was a cool episode. We got to see Ahsoka in a teacher role, you might say the student became the master, in a sense. There were some action filled scenes, it was an improvident from the dullness in the previous episode. The very end was very suspenseful, and I felt as if Ahsoka, and Satine were in real danger. In the end everything worked out. This episode held an air of suspense "Corruption" never had. A few of the students under Ahsoka's tutelage were, Korky, and Lagos.

    Assassin

I was particularly fond of "Assassin"; the internal conflict Ahsoka was faced with was really intriguing to me. Her visions harked back to Anakin's nightmares towards Padam`e in ROTS. Padm`e was very much a mother figure to Ahsoka in this episode, I enjoyed the scene with them playing "chess" on the senator's yacht, a very intimate moment, and very well done. They did an exultant job on this episode. And while it lacked the heart pumping clones vs. droids conflicts all of us Clone Wars fans crave, it didn't really need it; and confinsated very well with Ahsoka questioning her visions reliability. Another scene I enjoyed was Ahsoka and Padm`e on the balcony on Alderaan, very well done indeed.

Evil Plans

Evil Plans indeed. This was one story that didn't need to be told. In all, it was dull and uneventful. Yet another EPIC FAIL on behalf of the guys at Skywalker Ranch. I'm sorry, this wasn't a good episode.

Hunt for Zirro

This episode was truly alien. For starters they touched on the intimate relationship between the slime Hutt known as Zirro, and one Sy Snootles (who I believe made an appearance in ROTJ). Being set on the Hutt's homeworld of Nal Hutta, a slimy swamp world, only added to the alien feel of things. The introduction of Quinlan Vos, from the EU, was very neat. I myself have not read very much EU so I can't compare him here to his appearance in the comic book, etch. And who could forget Mama the Hutt, a massive hutt, the mother to Zirro, she outsized Jabba by a parsec. this episode concluded with Sy killing Zirro, and Bane getting away.

Not one of my favorite episodes.

Heroes on Both Sides

Maybe it's Ahsoka and her character development in this episode that keeps me from hating this episode. And like the others before it, it was very underwhelming to say the least. Here we were introduced to a older, more matured Ahsoka Tano, and Anakin Skywalker. Though never used in this episode Ahsoka wore a Shota short lightsaber. And while the plot lacked action, it still carried substance, or so I though. Being set on the Separatist capital planet of Rexus (of no relation to Rexus Prime from TFU), the planet felt like 17th century France which its Gothic architecture and vaulted ceilings. With such a setting this may as well have been set during the French Revolution. Towards the end of the episode there was a hint that Ahsoka may fall in love with Lux Bonteri, it is still uncertain what will become of their relationship.

Pursuit of Peace

This episode sits with "Senate Spy" and "Senate Murder", both from Season Two. This was, like its predecessors, another drawn out senate episode with minimal action. And while it did touch on the level of bankruptcy the Republic was going into, it was fairly uneventful. The only really satisfying scene was at the end of the episode were Palpatine shows his true self in a very sinister manner, a very well done scene. If only the episode it was attached to was more shadowy and foreboding.

Nightsisters

I wasn't to fond of all the voodoo and spell casting in this episode, it gave me the shivers. Being set of the Nightsisters homeword of Dathomir, this episode focused more on the Sith, then the Jedi. And this episode probably had one of the best lightsaber duels in the whole series. That said, we learned a little about Ventress's past and the death of her Master. And while some minor details that were presented from her past conflict withed a little with the present canon, there really was nothing wrong with this episode, it was certainly better then any of the senate episodes.

Monster

A great episode. Picking up where "Nightsisters" left off this episode bordered on being rated as P-G. A lot of Zabraks were killed here, all in gruesome ways, this episode had intense hand-to-hand combat and superior animation. In the end the highly anticipated beast known as Savage Opress was "birthed", a true monster indeed.

Witches in the Mist

The conclusion to the "Nightsisters Trilogy", this episode rocked. Believe it or not, I was scared for Ventress for a split second. While the title may be a little misleading the episode was great.

plenty of lightsaber action. The team did an exulant job on this episode is every aria.

Overlords

Going into this episode felt like a cross between the "Twilight Zone" and "Star Trek Next Generation". I found this episode very allegoric in nature as it presented the Son, a mix between Hamlet, Starkiller, and Palpatine, as the dark side of the binding Force; and the Daughter, a medieval looking young woman with glowing skin, as the light side of the Force; and the Father, a bearded only man who's face seems to be carved out of granite, as the balance between them. There were a few hints of the dark future ahead as Anakin, Ob-Wan, and Ahsoka all had their own visions. Obi-Wan's being of his old Master Qui-Gon, Anakin's being of his dead mother Shmi, and my favorite, Ahsoka's; which was a warning sent by an future version of herself with longer head-tails. This episode emphasized the Chosen One, and presented him as almost a Deni god. The Chosen One being Anakin himself.

Alter of Mortis

 This episode was dark through and through. Opening with Anakin having a nightmare about the Son on board their ship as they try to escape Mortis. There were plenty of references to "Lord of the Rings" in this episode, and also some hints to C.S Lewis's "Loin the Witch and the Wardrobe". By far the most unnerving thing about this episode was the dark Ahsoka, the team did an epic job with this warped and deluded version of her. With veins branching across her face, and head-tails, and yellow eyes she was a living nightmare. And her voice, and logic, were just as warped as her body.

I might also note that this was the first episode in which we see Ahsoka fight with her Shoto short lightsaber and her original one. The fight was truly intense, but it wasn't truly "Ahsoka" fighting.

One thing that would have made this episode better would have been is Ahsoka had been awake while under the Son's control, a kind of internal struggle while she's fighting Anakin and Obi-Wan. In the end the Son kills his puppet, Ahsoka, and the Daughter gives her life to save the life of the Father. As a last act of selflessness the Daughter breaths a last breath of life back into Ahsoka, reviving her. I wonder if we'll see signs of the Daughter in Ahsoka in later episodes, only time will tell.

Ghosts of Mortis

The last two episodes in this trilogy were extremely deep; this was no different. I liked this episode, although it as, in fact, rather weird. For one the Son revealed Anakin's future to him; and then the Father comes along later only to wipe it from his memory, what's the point? Here Anakin fall to the dark side, and he resembles Vader from ROTS. I think Ahsoka's goggles are the most memorable thing from this episode (pictured above).

Citadel

Captain Tarkin and carbon freezing; it doesn't get anymore Star Wars then that. Both of which are in this episode. A clever mixture of New Trilogy and Original Trilogy, this episode was true blue Star Wars material, I loved it. Evan Peill was a great addition as well; the little man had the gruffness of a dwarf.

Counterattack

Rest in peace Echo. This was another action packed episode that I very much enjoyed. Other then Echo's passing, this episode rocked.

Citadel Rescue

A perfect conclusion to this epic trilogy.Truly cinematic. Evan's death was a tragic one, and some might say non-canon as well. Whatever your opinion it was still a great episode in all specters. The fact that Ahsoka's hand killed Osi Sobeck, the prison warden, was rather shocking to me, her first life to take.

Padawan Lost

Another one of my favorites. This was an epic episode. The animation was superb, and so was everything else. I love the setting of this episode, the character delevopment we see in the end with Ahsoka is amazing.

                                                                   

                                                                    

                                                                    Wookiee Hunt

This Season went out with a "Rwrrrrrawww", uttered from the lips of that classic Star Wars character Chewbacca. I loved this episode, great action and character development. All I can say is, well done Dave and crew, well done.

In the end I am left with a sense of aw. This has been a good Season for us fans. And I'm sure there will be many more adventures in store for us next Season. Yes there were certain flaws  towards the beginning of the Season, but I won't dwell on that. You can look foward to more episode reviews for the next Season, here, on "Padawan's Journal". Until then; may the Force be with you.

"Wookiee Hunt" Reveiw

I don't know where to start. I loved everything about "Wookiee Hunt".  Chewbacca was animated superbly, and his signature growls and groans that we all remember from ANH and ESB were reproduced flawlessly.
I enjoyed watching him interact with Ahsoka.
There were very many action sequences, and and a lot of hand-to-claw combat in this episode. All of it was done flawlessly.
The fight between Ahsoka and the head Trandoshan on the lizard's mother ship was perhaps the best fight scene to date, very, very intense, and very well done. I love Ahsoka's words; "Your son died because of your own actions." this almost seems to foreshadow a possible fate for her, if you could compare the unfortunate Dar to Ahsoka, and the boss lizard to Anakin. The fact that the lizards wanted the Jedi Padawans as trophies only added to the suspense and weight of the episode.
I loved the end of this episode with Anakin and Ahsoka. Anakin revealed his own weakness, and his inability to let go of people. Here, Ahsoka became the teacher to him. I loved the dialogue between Master and Padawan; "I don't know what to say." "I do. Thank you." A very touching moment.
Ahsoka is growing into a very nice, strong, young woman, and her growth, for me, is the focal point of the series. When I look back to her introduction in the Clone Wars movie, to Anakin's encouragements in "Storm over Ryloth", she's grown so much since then.
Ahsoka is truly a rose among thorns.
I noticed the classic Star Wars Original Trilogy opening was played during Chewie's introduction, very well done.
The opening for this episode was very well done as well, as was the whole episode.


This was a milestone for Ahsoka. A coming of age story where she was taken out from under her Master's wing, and placed in an environment were she was forced to choose her own path, and her make her own choices. This is essential, and what she has learned here will no doubt affect her choices later in life.
This is one of my all time favorite episodes for that reason.


"The hotter the kiln, the stronger the iron." This experience has strengthened both Anakin and Ahsoka's relationship even more, and their bond has grown even tighter. And I'm sure this bond will continue to tighten with proceeding adventures in Season Four.


I was very pleased with how well Ahsoka lead O'mer and Jinx against the Trandoshans. And their attack on the lizard dropship was a well thought out one. A true David and Goliath fight.


The omnipresent Force was heavily used by the Padawans here. Both as object manipulation, and the classic Jedi mind trick.


On a different note: The Padawan's Trandoshan captive's name was Spock, I found this interesting as Spock is the name of the iconic Vulcan in Star Trek. You might say this was an "illogical" move by the team at Skywalker Ranch.


The animation and setting for this episode were truly breath taking to say the least. The subtlest of details was not overlooked by the crew. Everything from dust particles in the air, to the dirtied faces and bodies of Ahsoka and her comrades.


All in all. This was an awesome episode, and a great way to close the Season. I highly anticipate Season Four. "Wookiee Hunt" has set one of the standards for a Clone Wars episode, with the animation getting better and better, and the stories becoming more intricate what's not to look foward to?
Until then. May the Force be with you.


                                                          -Joshua Yoder-