Obi-Wan, Vader, and Maul: The Head Canon Contradiction

 The closer it gets to May 25th the more excited I get.  Yes, it's the 45th anniversary of Star Wars, and yes, I'll be at Star Wars Celebration after spending a few days at Disneyland.  But of course, the Obi-Wan series will be premiering on Disney+.  As I've said, Obi-Wan Kenobi is my second favorite Star Wars character next to Luke Skywalker, and I'm looking forward to some possible vindication for both Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen after years of prequel bashing.  When news came that Hayden would be in the series, and as Darth Vader, some fans cried foul.  After their epic duel on Mustafar, Obi-Wan and Vader never saw each other till their fateful meeting on the Death Star 19 years later.  Or at least that is what we thought.

"The circle is now complete. When I left you I was but a learner, now I am the master." -Darth Vader

These are the words Darth Vader said to gives us an indication how long it's been since the once-brothers saw each other.  But let's be honest. The idea of them not meeting for 19 years is Head Canon.  I still remember the 2008 The Clone Wars panel at the Chicago Comic Con.  Someone came up to the microphone and said, "Anakin never had a padawan," and while I don't remember what member of Lucasfilm was fielding the questions at that panel, I do remember his response, "You don't know that."  Because he was right, we didn't know that.  In between Star Wars films laps years and years of untold stories.  So, who's to say Darth Vader and Obi-Wan never saw each other in between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope.

"Obi-Wan once thought as you did." -Darth Vader

 In almost two decades Obi-Wan could have tried at least once to bring back his best friend from the dark path he had gone down.  Especially when the fate of the galaxy depended on it.  Lucasfilm President, Kathleen Kennedy, has said these two will meet again, and another lightsaber battle will ensue.  The facts are that Darth Vader just never knew where Obi-Wan hung his robe in those 19 years.  If Obi-Wan goes off planet in the series, escapes, then just returns to Tatooine and not seen by Vader till nine years later, then it's plausible the two could meet without breaking Canon.  And if it bends Canon a little for the sake of a great story; I'm ok with that. It wouldn't be the first time Lucasfilm, or George Lucas himself, did just that.  

When the Obi-Wan series was announced another rival of old Ben's was brought up, Darth Maul. Those who had seen the Star Wars animated series were quick to refute that Maul could not make an appearance because their meeting one night in the desert of Tatooine was the first time they saw each other since Maul murdered the Duchess of Mandalore (pausing to cry a little).  Now someone can correct me if they want, because I'm just going off my memory here, but don't Obi-Wan and Maul fall into the same Canon facts as Obi-Wan and Darth Vader?  Maul didn't know Obi-Wan was hiding on Tatooine and they hadn't seen each other in years.  But maybe just nine years?

To be honest, I'm going down this rabbit hole to remind everyone that as fans, we only assume what we know.  Head Canon is nice, but when actual Canon is created, we have to let go of what we want to have happened for what actually did happen. 

"Learned to let go of everything you fear to lose."-Yoda

Following me down into this Dagobah cave, will you?  This Obi-Wan series takes place 10 years after Revenge of the Sith.  That is the same time frame that Solo: A Star Wars Story takes place.  In the galaxy at this time the Empire reigns supreme but Maul is also leader of the criminal organization known as Crimson Dawn.  What drags Obi-Wan off-world?  It could be a number of things.  Maybe he has decided to just try one more time to talk to Vader. Maybe an old friend is in trouble (crossing my fingers for a Dexter Jettster appearance).  Maybe Obi-Wan leaving is a way of him trying to keep Luke safe and hidden. With the thuggish Empire tightening its grip on the galaxy it can be more difficult for criminal syndicates to conduct business, unless you do it where the Empire doesn't go, like maybe Tatooine?  Maybe Crimson Dawn puts Luke in peril and Obi-Wan has to follow the source to stop them, and that leads him to another meeting with Maul?

Again, I want to reemphasize I don't expect Maul to be in the Obi-Wan series.  This is just me explaining how he could be.  We're going to get Darth Vader and the Inquistors in this, and I am hoping for Clone Wars flashbacks of Anakin and Obi-Wan. Adding another layer of Maul could crowd the villains and characters in this six-episode miniseries.  But if this series were a non-miniseries it could be an idea for future seasons, or even a tale for a novel or comic book.  But I see enough Star Wars fans barking at each other thinking they know better, when really, we all know bantha doo doo. 

Let's continue down the cave, shall we?  A meeting of Maul and Obi-Wan would add more tension and possibly give us an appearance by one former lover of Han Solo, Qi'ra.  Maul went from the leader of Crimson Dawn at the end of Solo to stranded in the tombs of Malachor in Rebels.  Some fans speculate Qi'ra may have played a part in Maul being marooned on the deserted planet.  Sounds cool, but, what if Obi-Wan helped her?  What if, once again, Obi-Wan cut down Maul in his prime? That would only fuel his hatred for Kenobi even more.  

I think Star Wars fans can debate who is Obi-Wan's true rival, Darth Vader or Darth Maul?  Both have handed General Kenobi much heartache in his life, which is why I think they both would be fitting foes for him to see in his transitional period.  I think this Disney+ series is going to see Obi-Wan dealing with the past, learning to let go of his grief, and focus on the future. 

"Don't center your anxiety, Obi-Wan.  Keep your concentration here and now where it belongs. Be mindful of the living force." -Qui-Gon Jinn 

I'm excited to see what Deborah Chow, Ewan McGregor, and everyone else working on the project gives us.  But my wallet is not looking forward to all the Obi-Wan merchandise I will want to buy in the coming months.  Whatever we get, it will be Canon, but we will still have years of untold Obi-Wan, Darth Vader, and Star Wars story holes to fill in. And we as fans will continue to speculate what kind of adventures encompass those untold tales, but when the day comes that Lucasfilm contradicts my Head Canon I will do as Obi-Wan Kenobi instructed 45 years ago.

"Let go, Luke."  -Obi-Wan Kenobi

My "The Force Awakens Prep Guide" Part II: The Clone Wars

"You fought in The Clone Wars?" Luke asked Ben Kenobi this question in the very first Star Wars film and fans speculated for years what exactly The Clone Wars was.  There has been several interpretations of The Clone Wars; the very first being in the comic book series Star Wars: Republic.  The next would be a series of novels from Shatterpoint to Labyrinth of Evil.  On our TV screens, we've gotten Genndy Tarakovsky's miniseries, and an animated series that lasted five seasons on Cartoon Network with a sixth season on Netflix.  

Despite what some say about the prequel era of the Star Wars franchise, The Clone Wars has a rich tapestry of stories and great new characters that were added to Star Wars lore like Asajj Ventress, Ahsoka Tano, and the return of Darth Maul.   

Probably the brightest shine in The Clone Wars was something Obi-Wan referenced back in 1977. "He was the best star pilot in the galaxy. And a cunning warrior.  And a good friend."  We see Anakin Skywalker as all these things, and not just the annoying character from Episodes I-III.  We also see the adventures of Obi-Wan and Anakin like we always dreamed they would be.  If you're an Anakin hater than you don't know The Clone Wars.

While I don't expect people to check out everything Clone Wars related, I've highlighted below some of my favorites from this era.  Again, I'll be using a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being my most recommended.

OMNIBUS: CLONE WARS VOL. 1-3 (1)

This is the ongoing comic series that was running through the years the prequel films were released.  After Attack of the Clones the series was the first to show us what The Clone Wars was.  There is a lot of content to read, but I always focus on the stories involving Obi-Wan and Anakin.  There are a few good ones with Mace Windu, Yoda, and Quinlan Vos as well.  But you can pick and choose what characters you want to follow through The Clone Wars.  One of my favorite story lines is Obsession, and right before that we get something no other Clone Wars interpretation has given us; an explanation as to how Anakin got that scar on his eye.  This is still my favorite interpretation of The Clone Wars.

  

CLONE WARS: 2003-2005 (3)

Before Lucasfilm made an entire TV series they agreed to let Dexter's Laboratory and Samurai Jack creator, Genndy Tarakovsky, produce a series of 5 minute shorts taking place during The Clone Wars.  A sequel was then made leading right up to the events of Revenge of the Sith as we see General Grievous kidnap the Chancellor and Mace Windu give Grievous the vicious cough he has at the beginning of Episode III.  The miniseries was then put into two 1 hour volumes on DVD, or you can watch them on YouTube now.  Highlights of this interpretation include the knighting ceremony of Anakin Skywalker, Skywalker's deadly(yet badass) battle with Asajj Ventress, and Mace Windu having a phenomenal battle against an entire army of battle droids.

THE CLONE WARS: 2008-2015

In August 2008, Lucasfilm and WB released the seventh Star Wars theatrical film.  It was a CGI animated film that would set-up an animated series on Cartoon Network come Fall.  The series, supervised by Dave Filoni and George Lucas himself, would be centered around Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and the rest of the Jedi as they fight against the Separatists for the Republic.  A new character was also introduced; Ahsoka Tano as Anakin's padawan.  While not my favorite character to start off, by the end of the series I was really hoping we'd get to see Ahsoka later on in the Star Wars mythology.  

Listed below are some of my favorite episodes out of the 125 that were made.  All these episodes, along with the movie, can be found on Netflix.  This series was very theatrical, and with several episodes spanning one storyline it's like a bunch of mini movies.  The Clone Wars is like a spin-off film series unto itself. And I put The Clone Wars above The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones in my Star Wars film preference.

Season 1 Ep. 4: Destroy Malevolence (2)

The last episode in the first multi-episode arc of the series sees Anakin and Obi-Wan trying to save Padme, who is being held captive by General Grievous.  It's a very light-hearted episode, much like the early seasons of this series were.  But it's fun, and the series does get more mature as it continues.

Season 2 Ep. 1-3: Holocron Heist, Cargo of Doom, and Children of the Force (3)

The introduction of Cade Bane is pivotal because he is the badass bounty hunter everyone thinks Boba Fett is.  Darth Sidious hires Bane to break into the Jedi Temple, steal Jedi Holocrons, steal potential Jedi babies, and deliver them to Sidious.  Anakin and Ahsoka finally catch up to Bane on Mustafar; the future planet of Anakin's damnation.

Season 2 Ep. 12-14: The Mandalore Plot, Voyage of Temptation, and Duchess of Mandalore (1)

Obi-Wan has a girlfriend!  Master Kenobi is sent to protect the Duchess of Mandalore from rebel terrorists(whose leader is voiced by Jon Favreau).  But the Duchess and Obi-Wan have a past.  They had feelings for each other back when Obi-Wan was a padawan, but unlike his own padawan, Obi-Wan chose the Jedi Order over his desires for the Duchess.  And hell hath no fury like a Duchess scorned.

Season 3 Ep. 12-14: Nightsisters, Monster, and Witches of the Mist (2)

Count Dooku tires of Asajj Ventress's constant failures so he decides to cut her loose.  Ventress escapes back to her home world of Dathomir, where her Nightsister family helps her in plotting Dooku's death.  They even recruit a warrior who will aid her.  One who comes from the same tribe as the former Sith Lord; Darth Maul.

Season 3 Ep. 15-17: Overlords, Altar of Mortis, and Ghost of Mortis (4)

Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka become shipwrecked on a planet very powerful in The Force.  It is ruled by The Father who is the balance between the Light Side, The Daughter, and the Dark Side, The Son.  But soon The Father can not keep The Son at bay and the balance begins to shift.  This puts The Chosen One in a very tough place.  A place where Anakin and his friends begin to prophesies what their destines in tale.  Liam Neeson comes back to voice Qui-Gon Jinn and The Force Unleashed & Being Human star Sam Witwer voices The Son.

  

Season 4 Ep. 18: Crisis on Naboo (5)

Cade Bane is back in the series, and this time he's after the Chancellor.  It's up to Obi-Wan Kenobi to go undercover to try and stop the infamous bounty hunter.  Did I mention because of this TV series Obi-Wan Kenobi has become my 2nd favorite Star Wars character?

Season 4 Ep. 19: Massacre (5)

After learning that the Nightsisters helped Asajj Ventress try to assassinate him, Count Dooku sends General Grevious to Dathomir to eradicate the sisterhood, and leaves Asajj truly alone in the galaxy.

Season 4 Ep. 21: Brothers (4)

Mother Talzin has told Savage Opress where to find his brother, Darth Maul, but Opress finds Maul having gone mad from spending years on a junk planet.  Now Opress must try and piece together his brother's mind in order to save them both.

Season 4 Ep. 22: Revenge (1)

With the help of Mother Talzin, Savage Opress is able to save Darth Maul's soul, but Maul has only one thing on his mind; revenge.  Maul and Opress seek out Obi-Wan in hopes of giving him a slow and painful death.

Season 5 Ep. 1: Revival (5)

Darth Maul and Savage Opress rip across the galaxy looking for allies against Obi-Wan and the Jedi.  Master Kenobi and Master Gallia find them on a pirate world hoping to end their reign before it begins.

Season 5 Ep. 14-16: Eminence, Shades of Reason, and The Lawless (1)

Darth Maul and Savage Opress find their allies in the Madalore rebels and begin taking over the planet.  When Maul finds out about Obi-Wan and the Dutchess's past he is all to eager to lure Kenobi to Mandalore in hopes of finally ending his life.  The Lawless is probably my favorite episode of The Clone Wars.  It ends so tragically it had me begging for a sequel to this story line.  But with the series cancelled soon after we never see it.  I've heard ideas on how this all gets resolved, but sadly those episodes were never made.

Season 5 Ep. 17-20: Sabotage, The Jedi Who Knew Too Much, To Catch A Jedi, and The Wrong Jedi (1)

Ahsoka has come a long way since we first see her step out of that shuttle on Christophsis. Now she is being framed for destruction to the Jedi Temple and multiple murders.  Ahsoka is banished from the Jedi Order and is hunted by her own Master; Anakin Skywalker.  She'll have to team up with Asajj Ventress if she has any hope of clearing her name.  Another story that was terrific, but we never saw a climax to the character of Ahsoka due to the shows cancellation.  I am so glad to see her back in Rebels.......oh yeah.....SPOILER.

Season 6 Ep. 1-4: The Unknown, Conspiracy, Fugitive, and Orders (4)

Clone trooper Tup assassinates a Jedi in the middle of a mission after the number "66" is spoken.  Clone trooper Five is the only one who knows why Tup went crazy, and must get to the Jedi to warn them about "Order 66".  Something tells me Supreme Chancellor Palpatine doesn't want that information getting out.

Season 6 Ep. 5-7: An Old Friend, The Rise of Clovis, and Crisis at the Heart (3)

Clovis used to be an old friend of Padme Amidala's.  That is until he tried to kill her for the Separatists.  Now Padme must partner with a reformed Clovis in order to convince the Banking Clan to give the Republic more money for the war.  But Anakin still doesn't trust Clovis.  This puts tension on Anakin and Padme's secret marriage, more than we've seen in the series or the entire Clone Wars.

Season 6 Ep. 10: The Lost One (1)

Master Sifo-Dyas, the Jedi Master who allegedly commissioned the creation of the clone army, has been found.  Obi-Wan and Anakin are sent to retrieve the dead Master's remains and investigate the still mysterious origins of the clone army.  Along the way the two Jedi run into Count Dooku, and the Jedi begin to believe the entire war might be the work of the still mysterious Sith Lord.

My Top 6 Lightsaber Duels

Last week starwars.com came out with their Top 10 Fights from the Star Wars live-action films.  This list seemed a little peculiar to me.  Not only did I disagree with spots certain fights fell on their countdown, but how some of their fights weren't lightsaber fights.

I will openly admit, the minute an actual lightsaber becomes available to sell to the public I will max out every credit card I have for it.  For me, my love of Star Wars has always been rooted in the Jedi mythology and ideology.  Sure I enjoy the spaceships and bounty hunters, but the Jedi(and Sith) are what has made me a life-long fan.  

So because of my quarrels with starwars.com's list I decided to make my own.  These choice are mainly based on emotional impact.  I think a fight, or any scene, is so much better when their is a history behind it, or high stakes at risk.  Since their are six films in the Star Wars saga I'm counting down My Top 6 Lightsaber Duels.

6) Obi-Wan Kenobi vs Darth Vader (Episode IV: A New Hope)

It's the first ever lightsaber duel in history so it gets major points for that.  But when you look at the saga as a whole it's really quite epic.  20 years after Obi-Wan left his best friend for dead they meet again.  Their both off their game a little, but the scars from that day on Mustafar still seem fresh.  

In the end Obi-Wan gives up citing, "if you strike me down I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine."  To this day I still ponder Obi-Wan's reasoning behind his surrender and have come up with three answers. He A) knew his sacrifice was the only way for Luke to escape 

B) knew he could serve Luke better by joining The Force or 

C) feared he would fail Luke as he did Anakin and would rather him seek Yoda to complete his training.

5)Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn vs Darth Maul (Episode I: The Phantom Menace)

Before Episode I was released George Lucas said that this will be the first time we get to see an actual Jedi in action.  In the original trilogy we saw an old man, a half-trained Jedi, and a half-machine Jedi.  This fight did not let down.  The duel starts with a door opening and Darth Maul behind it ready for a skirmish.  And when Qui-Gon says, "we'll handle this." You know some real sh*t is about to go down.  

Darth Maul brings out the double-edged lightsaber that makes every uber nerd in the audience wet themselves a bit.  The fight is long and far as Obi-Wan eventually watches his master fall.  Then, Obi-Wan and Darth Maul engage in a sword fight so fast and unreal our eyes could barely keep up with our brains as to how cool(yet short) it was.  

The finale of this fight does two key things.  It turns Obi-Wan into an apprentice who agrees with the council on Anakin's training, to a Jedi Knight who will see his mentor's dying wish fulfilled.  And as most Star Wars fans know, it isn't the end of Darth Maul.  Instead it sets up a great rivalry between Kenobi and Maul that will continue in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and hopefully beyond.

  4)Master Yoda vs Darth Sidious (Episode III: Revenge of the Sith)

While Obi-Wan has been sent to deal with his former padawan Yoda decides to take on the Phantom Menance himself; Darth Sidious.  The rest of the Jedi are being slaughtered throughout the galaxy so Master Yoda makes an effort to stop the bloodshed at its source. 

The two start out with their lightsabers and end up going through the rage of Force powers such as throwing giant objects, Force pushes, and Force lightning.  It's a step-up from the Yoda/Dooku fight in Episode II, with the stakes even greater.  Sadly, Yoda flees knowing that he may not have what it takes to take down the Dark Lord of the Sith, but perhaps someday, someone will.  

3) Luke Skywalker vs Darth Vader (Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back)

Let's rundown what Vader has done to Luke at this point in Episode V.  Luke thinks Darth Vader killed his father and his killed Obi-Wan, his mentor.  He has also captured his closest friends and tortured them, and plans to sell them to a bounty hunter.  And this is on top of killing millions, if not billions, of people throughout the galaxy.

Luke comes into this carbon freezing chamber looking for a fight, but only half ready.  He is outmatched, but still foolish enough to think he can win.  He is that consumed by hatred for this man.  Luckily, Luke is a little more spry then Obi-Wan in Episode IV so we get a decent fight.  But then, at the end of the battle, Vader drops the bomb.  "I am your father."  The idea blows up Luke's entire outlook on life.  The man he hates so much is his father.  Luke is so confused by this information he bails into a thousand foot drop that he may not survive knowing it's either that or get taken my Vader.  This is where everything gets Shakespearean. 

    

2) Obi-Wan Kenobi vs Darth Vader (Episode III: Revenge of the Sith)

This is my favorite duel to watch because it's so fast and choreographed.  From a fantasy perspective these two Jedi are so powerful in The Force they can fight this fast and make it an even battle.  From a real-life perspective these two actors are actually swinging their swords that fast, which is awesome.

At this point in the film Obi-Wan finds his best friend choking his wife.  Anakin, who is now calling himself Darth Vader, has just killed children and Jedi, and plans to enslave the galaxy because Sidious has twisted his mind into thinking it's what's best for everyone.  Obi-Wan doesn't want to fight, he begs his best friend and brother-in-arms not to fight him.  But they do.  It's pretty awesome, and of course Vader's arrogance becomes his undoing as he tries to leap over Obi-Wan, but Obi-Wan cut him down.

Obi-Wan stands there, seeing what he has just done, what he had to do, to is closest friend.  The man is almost in tears.  "You were my brother Anakin.  I loved you." As Vader begins to burn Obi-Wan walks away.  I'm not sure if it's because he feels that the flames will finish him off or that Obi-Wan just can't bring himself to finish Vader off himself.  Either way, the two meet 20 years later on the Death Star to finish the duel.  When I watch the Star Wars saga from Episodes I-VI, by this point I feel so bad for Obi-Wan Kenobi and all the people he has lost over the course of three films.  When he then reappears in Episode IV you know everything the character has been through and it makes Alec Guiness's performance in the original Star Wars film that much better.

1)Luke Skywalker vs Darth Vader (Episode VI: Return of the Jedi)

To me, these last two lightsaber duels on my list are what the entire Star Wars saga is all about.  The Obi-Wan/Vader fight was what the prequels all lead too, and this fight between Luke and Vader is what the original trilogy, if not the saga, is all about.

When Luke finds out the most evil man in the galaxy is his father he has a tough choice to make.  Does he join him or does he kill him?  Instead, Luke wishes to redeem him, a feat that nobody; not Obi-Wan, not Yoda, not the Emperor, and not even Vader himself; believes is possible.  It is only when Vader threatens his sister does Luke lash out, and takes off his father's hand.  He looks at his own hand and realizes if he takes one step more he will become Vader.  Luke then does something nobody saw coming.  He is willing to sacrifice himself to bring back Anakin Skywalker.  The Emperor is electrocuting him and he pleads to his father to save him.  And it works!  Vader sees his son dying before his very eyes.  In that moment Vader/Anakin reaches inside himself and finds the love he had for Padme and his unborn child and decides to stop Luke's suffering.  He kills the Emperor and sacrifices himself to save his son.  I don't care who you are, there is no greater storytelling than the events that unfold in that throne room while the rest of the galaxy battles outside the window. 

  

End, The Clone Wars Has

As a kid growing up I always thought I was a Jedi.  I had good instincts, I was very perceptive, and I could handle myself with a lightsaber.  A while back I realized I had the power to predict the future, because I knew exactly what was going to happen when Disney decided to buy Lucasfilm.  I saw Dark Horse comics stopping their 20-year publishing run of Star Wars comics and Marvel now publishing Star Wars comics.  Later this year, that is exactly what will happen since Disney owns Marvel comics.  I also saw the animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, switching over to DisneyXD and leaving Cartoon Network.  Then word came that they were canceling the show all together and making a new Star Wars animated show on DisneyXD.

Now I am an unbashful Star Wars.  I try to soak up everything I can that is Star Wars. So, I have been watching Star Wars: The Clone Wars since it started.  In the season 5 finale, Ahsoka Tano, the character specifically made for the show, left the Jedi Order.  I was shocked that the series was going to be left with such an open ending like that!  It was later announced that the 6th, and final, season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars would air directly on Netflix.  My only hope was that all the questions about season 5 would be resolved.  

One thing I have liked about Star Wars: The Clone Wars through the years is that even though it was a 1/2 hour program most story lines took several episodes to get through; like having lots of mini movies.  Occasionally you had the childish episode, like one starring Jar Jar Binks, in which case I skipped over those episodes.  But this really was a family show in that it had something for all age groups.  The later seasons started getting a little darker, but it was still good plots with good characters.  So after finishing season 6 on Netflix I've decided to share my favorite story lines from a series that I hope I can watch with my kids in about 10 years.

Season 1: Episodes 2-4

Rising Malevolence, Shadow of Malevolence, Destroy Malevolence

This is the first multi-episode story line in the series and it really set the tone for the show.  The main characters were Anakin, Obi-Wan, Padme, and Ahsoka. This was also the first introduction of General Grievous in the show since the character had not been in The Clone Wars theatrical movie that set-up the series.

The Separatists have a new weapon, the Malevolence, and it threatens to hurt the Republic unless it is stopped.  Anakin leads a fleet against this massive ship and after disabling it he, and Obi-Wan, must rescue Padme who is on Malevolence.  The third act is Star Wars it's finest!  It's action-packed, fun, funny, and makes us remember why we love the classic characters like Obi-Wan Kenobi and C-3PO.  In one scene Obi-Wan is surrounded and Grievous drops in and says, "hello there."  Obi-Wan paid Grievous back for that one in Episode III. 

When The Clone Wars began Dave Filoni, show creator, said that this series was going to finally show Anakin Skywalker: the war hero and good guy.  He was right.  Throughout the course of the show we saw Anakin and Obi-Wan's relationship and why Obi-Wan loved him so dearly.  We also see how brave and valiant Anakin was, but with the occasion anger management issue.

Season 2: Episodes 1-3

Holocron Heist, Cargo of Doom, Children of the Force

The end of the first season introduced a new bounty Hunter, Cad Bane.  Bane is everything some Star Wars fans think Boba Fett is, but we have yet to see it on-screen.  Bane is bad ass and makes being the bad guy look cool.  

Bane is hired by Darth Sidious to steal a Jedi holocron from the Jedi Temple.  Then he has to find himself a Jedi to open it.  The main three (Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka) chase Bane down for the holocron and later must stop him when they find out he's kidnapping children who are potential Jedi.  This leads Anakin and Ahsoka to Mustafar, the planet of Anakin's future damnation and his epic battle with Obi-Wan.  Just seeing Anakin on Mustafar was enough foreshadowing to get me excited.  These episodes also begin to show Anakin's attachment to Ahsoka and how they both have a lot to learn from each other. 

Season 2: Episodes 12-14

The Mandalore Plot, Voyage of Temptation, Duchess of Madalore

Did anyone else know Obi-Wan had a girlfriend?  Apparently he met the Dutchess Satine years ago when he was still Qui-Gon's apprentice.  But Obi-Wan stayed true to his vow to the Jedi Order and continued his training to become a Jedi Knight.

It's years later and Obi-Wan has returned to Mandalore to protect Satine against the rebel group known as 'Death Watch.'  These are the guys that Jango Fett came from.  Satine and Obi-Wan bicker for all three episodes making us believe these two must really have liked each other.  When Anakin shows up we see him try to encourage Obi-Wan to be alone with Satine.  To me, this gives insight that Anakin sees Obi-Wan put into the same situation he was in with Padme, only Anakin gave in to his desires.  

I love that this was not only an Obi-Wan centered story, but also we get told a little more about Obi-Wan's past.  He did love someone at some point in his life, but he chose to stay with the Jedi.  Iron Man director and actor, Jon Favreau, also lends his voice to the Death Watch leader in these episodes.

Season 3: Episodes 12-14

Nightsisters, Monster, Witches of the Mist

For those fans still saddened that Darth Maul died so quickly then this is the story for you.  We get to learn where Maul came from and how many more where like him.  And by the time the story is done we get a hint that Darth Maul just may not be done in the Star Wars universe after all.

After countless failings, Count Dooku decides to let his apprentice, Asajj Ventress, die.  Ventress makes it back to her home world with her people, the Nightsisters, and begins plotting her revenge against Dooku.  We learn about Ventress's past and that she comes from a tribe of very powerful women. The Nightsisters persuade Dooku to take a new apprentice of their choosing, one who came from the same place as Darth Maul.  

Savage Opress is given extra powers by the Nightsisters and goes to work for Dooku.  Soon Ventress comes to exact her revenge with Opress by her side just as Obi-Wan and Anakin have tracked down Opress, whose been leaving a body count throughout the galaxy.  All the characters escape with their lives and Opress returns to the Nightsisters lost, but is given the location of his brother; Darth Maul.

Season 3: Episodes 15-17 

Overlords, Altar of Mortis, Ghosts of Mortis

This story line was very character driven that focused on 'The main three' but was mainly about Anakin being 'The Chosen One'.  After being sucked into a magical world that is very powerful with the Force the Jedi are introduced to Father, a force-wielder who wants to know if Anakin truly is 'The Chosen One'.  Father has two children; Daughter, who represents the light side of the Force, and Son, who represents the dark side of the Force.  

After a test Anakin refuses to take Father's place in keeping his children in balance.  Son then tries to persuade Anakin to the dark side and help set him loose upon the galaxy.  Along the way Daughter is killed by Son, Ahsoka sees her future self, Obi-Wan sees Qui-Gon Jinn, and Anakin sees what he will become in a giant, black, formed cloud accompanied by some heavy breathing.

At the end of the story Father makes Anakin forget what he just learned and 'The main three' feel like they just had a really bad acid trip.

Season 5: Episodes 14-16 

Eminence, Shades of Reason, The Lawless

This was the last episode I went back and re-watched because it had been so long since I watched it.  And I gotta say, I think The Lawless is one of my top 3, if not my favorite episode, in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.  When Darth Maul comes onto the show I feel it got a little darker and The Lawless is the kind of episode I never thought I'd see in this show if I was back watching season 1.  WARNING!! MAJOR SPOILERS BELOW!!

Darth Maul and Savage Opress are picked up by Death Watch and they swap stories about their mutual hatred for Obi-Wan Kenobi.  Maul then convinces them to join him in uniting all the criminal underground in the galaxy under them; even The Black Sun and the Hutts.  Then they stage an attack that puts Death Watch in charge of Mandalore and imprisons Satine in hopes of luring Obi-Wan to Mandalore.  Maul then kills the Death Watch leader, still voiced by Jon Favreau, and takes control of Mandalore for himself. 

Obi-Wan of course comes to save the day, but is captured.  Then Darth Maul kills Satine right in front of him!  I totally forgot about this event and it shocked me as if I had just watched 'The Red Wedding.'  But someone else who doesn't like Darth Maul in charge of Mandalore is Darth Sidious.  He comes to confront his former apprentice, tells him he is messing with his own plans, and then kills Savage Opress.  The Lawless ends with Obi-Wan fleeing Mandalore, vowing to return and restore order, and Darth Sidious sparing Darth Maul's life saying that his has plans for him still.

These cliff hangers are ones I hoped season 6 would tie-up but didn't.  So now we're just left hanging in regards to Mandalore, and Darth Maul, because he doesn't pop-up in Episode III as part of Sidious's plan. 

Season 5: Episodes 17-20

Sabotage, The Jedi Who Knew Too Much, To Catch A Jedi, The Wrong Jedi

As if The Lawless didn't shake up this animated series enough the following story line left us coming up with more questions and theories as to what will happen to these characters.  This story is Ahsoka centered.  Which is nice because at the time we all thought this was the last of The Clone Wars we'd ever see.  So wrapping it all up with the character who was specifically made for The Clone Wars seemed right.

The story starts out with Ahsoka and Anakin investigating a bombing at the Jedi Temple, but soon all the evidence begins to point to Ahsoka.  She stages a prison break after she is expelled from the Jedi Order and Asajj Ventress becomes her most trusted ally as she is a fugitive on the run.  It kind of reminds me when Batgirl teamed up with Catwoman on Batman: Animated Series.

So eventually Anakin finds out that is was Ahsoka's friend, Offee, who framed Ahsoka.  Offee accused the Jedi of losing their way in this war and doesn't believe in the Jedi Order anymore.  This is something that was brought up by Anakin in Episode III and is how the galactic public starts to feel about the Jedi, which makes it that much easier when Order 66 comes to pass.  The Jedi Council re-instates Ahsoka but she turns them down.  After a heart-felt goodbye with Anakin the last shot of her is walking into the sun set.  Seriously, that's the last we see of her in the whole series except for a dream/vision.

When Star Wars: The Clone Wars started I felt like something had to happen to Ahsoka; mainly death.  She's not in Episode III and it would fit to help bringing Anakin closer to the dark side.  But she walks into the sunset with all her limbs still attached!  Looking at it now I'm glad they didn't kill her.  This now gives Star Wars creators use of this beloved character in other stories.  Maybe she'll pop-up in Star Wars: Rebels, maybe she'll be in Episode VII, or maybe we'll get a story where Ahsoka and Anakin, I mean Darth Vader, meet later and he kills her?    

Season 6: Episodes 1-4

The Unknown, Conspiracy, Fugitive, Orders

The last couple of episodes in the series were centered around Yoda and how he learned to better become one with the Force, and why he went to live in Dagobah at the end of Episode III.  There is also a nice lead-in to that one about the Jedi finding out what happened to Master Sifo-Dyas, who ordered the creation of the clones, and how they learn that Count Dooku might actually have been responsible for the creation of the clones.

However, this story was one that really stuck out to me in season 6.  One of the clone troopers in Anakin's platoon ends up snapping and killing a Jedi.  Everyone is stunned and wants to know why.  The trooper's friend, Fives, then goes on a grand suspenseful tale about what happened, what Order 66 is, what Palpatine has planned, and how nobody believes him.  

It's quite interesting how this show really did have so many great characters.  I like how they showed that even though the troopers were all cloned from the same person, they still had their own personalites.  I know that Cody turns against Obi-Wan in Episode III, but I'd love to know that happens after that.  Does he have remorse for someone he spent years with?  What about Anakin's right-hand man, Rex?  What happened to him?  

There are so many things that are left unanswered in this series I hope at some point within the Star Wars universe we get some answers.  But I think that's how you know it's a good show.  It's not about how many Emmy's it won (several by the way) but that you want the series, and the characters, to continue.  Seriously though, if they never bring Ahsoka back, ever, I'm going to have carved on my tombstone, "What happened to Ahsoka?"