|
|
Post by Spidyyr on Mar 1, 2019 22:43:58 GMT -5
Here is an odd one. Made for Season 5. Released with Season 6. And oddly put in chronology with the aired order even though it clearly took place before the next arc. Weird. And the arc itself? Didn't seem to get a strong reaction either way. But did it deserve one? Is there more to love? More to hate? Let's find out!
March 1nd - 7th 2019
|
|
|
|
Post by Newan on Mar 2, 2019 10:31:00 GMT -5
Anyone want to find a background? A bit too busy lately and gotta go to work in a few minutes
|
|
|
|
Post by Spidyyr on Mar 2, 2019 15:27:19 GMT -5
Anyone want to find a background? A bit too busy lately and gotta go to work in a few minutes We should probably do the one where the Gunships are arriving on Scipio. |
|
|
|
Post by Star on Mar 2, 2019 16:06:26 GMT -5
Anyone want to find a background? A bit too busy lately and gotta go to work in a few minutes We should probably do the one where the Gunships are arriving on Scipio. That or something with the Embo chase would be cool. |
|
|
|
Post by Spidyyr on Mar 9, 2019 19:49:32 GMT -5
I’ll try to watch this one tonight. I’ll get my reviews up once I’m all caught up.
|
|
|
|
Post by Star on Mar 11, 2019 22:42:11 GMT -5
Was this arc meant take place before the Shadow Collective and subsequent episodes, or did we choose to put this one here because of its original intent to be part of S5?
|
|
|
|
Post by Spidyyr on Mar 11, 2019 23:04:40 GMT -5
Was this arc meant take place before the Shadow Collective and subsequent episodes, or did we choose to put this one here because of its original intent to be part of S5? The second one. They put it with Season 6 as far as continuity goes but it doesn't really make sense there. |
|
|
|
Post by Spidyyr on Mar 11, 2019 23:06:03 GMT -5
I guess maybe we should have but it after Onderon since it was originally going to be released there but the main thing is that it has to be before Satine dies and Palps turns into Tim Curry.
|
|
|
|
Post by Spidyyr on Mar 12, 2019 1:13:53 GMT -5
An Old Friend is pretty standard politics for the better part of its run, but it's bolstered by a truly amazing sequence at the end.
But more on that later. I like seeing Clovis again. He's a pretty interesting character and he stirs up some good conflict for Padme and Anakin. The main plot isn't the most exciting thing in the world but it's paced pretty well and the sheer presence of Embo keeps the tension up through the whole episode.
The episode also portrays Clovis in a pretty good light and shows there's more to him beyond a traitor. And of course, once Anakin shows up all the interactions become pretty fun. And the snowboarding scene, the one we literally waited years for may be the highlight of the whole arc.
It's one of the better political episodes. I give it a 6.5/10.
|
|
|
|
Post by Spidyyr on Mar 12, 2019 1:21:54 GMT -5
The Rise of Clovis is a pretty unique episode. We knew this from the last scene of the previous episode, but here we get to see Palpatine in one of his crucial power grabs and how he manipulates people into giving it to him. And at the same time pushing Anakin closer to the dark side. Good stuff here.
Anakin is at one of his darkest moments here. I'm not gonna lie, Anakin vs Clovis is incredibly satisfying. I was waiting for that since 2009 and I lol'd the first time I watched it. But it really is a good scene, as is the one that follows. Matt Lanter and Cat Taber do a great job in this episode. It feels very real when they talk about Anakin's inner darkness and his struggle with it. Anakin's scene with Obi-Wan is another really good one. It's moments like that which really give these characters definition.
In some ways, in many ways, this feel like a much different show than The Clone Wars. It's slower and it's more character driven. And I give credit to the show for doing that and letting the characters breathe. This is a good episode. 7.5/10
|
|
|
|
Post by Spidyyr on Mar 12, 2019 1:34:45 GMT -5
If you were missing action, Crisis at the Heart has plenty. And it’s a good conclusion that thanks god comes in the third, not the fourth part.
Once again, Palp creating crises to take over the Galaxy is just fun to watch. The entire thing is just a plot from him and Clovis has no idea that he’s just become a pawn in it. It actually is quite sad to see Clovis’ fall from grace and the knowledge that he’ll be remembered as a traitorous moron.
And we get some good action, including Commander Thorn’s last stand. Now that’s iconic. The rest of the action is alright if unremarkable as most of the drama comes from inside the tower.
I’m not a fan of the literal cliffhanger but I guess it works alright here. Again we Clovis moved to madness as he threatens Padme and then realizes the only thing he has left to do is try to make his death meaningful. Anakin and Padme’s reconciliation feels a little bit too easy though I guess he was technically totally right about Clovis and she’ll never get the full picture.
It’s a bjttterswer episode as is the whole arc. Honestly, I enjoyed this arc much more than I remembered. It is a pretty good story and it has some of the most interesting moments with Anakin in all of Star Wars. I’m curious to see what you guys think but I’ll give this one an 8/10.
|
|
|
|
Post by Star on Mar 12, 2019 10:06:56 GMT -5
We get some of the more complicated political concepts in An Old Friend, which I personally don't mind. Yet it definitely slows down the episode at times, since finding a good balance of politics has always been tricky for Star Wars. The characters and setting keep this one from falling short of success though, delivering a solid start to a political arc.
Although Clovis wasn't a favorite of mine, he improves a lot here and in later episodes. Padme works well in this one, but it gets more exciting once Anakin is involved. Seeing the Muuns is cool, especially given Darth Plagueis was a member of their race. I'm also guessing San Hill wasn't present due to his clear partisanship for the CIS.
The highlight of this episode is the Embo chase, which is a bunch of fun. It's nice to have an extended scene where Embo gets to showcase how awesome he really is. Scipio is also a neat planet and makes the InterGalatic Banking Clan feel more pristine.
It's a pretty good episode, especially among the political stories this show has had unfortunate luck with making interesting in most instances. 7/10.
|
|
|
|
Post by Star on Mar 12, 2019 10:23:09 GMT -5
The Rise of Clovis might be my favorite of the trio simply for how skillfully it handles Anakin's character. His scene with Obi-Wan is stellar, as we get a look into two Jedi that previously or continuously face issues with attachment. It may be a brief interaction, but it encompasses their struggles with following the Code in a way the prequels couldn't.
Anakin's later conversation with Padme is a sobering moment for them both, too. Padme is a pretty rational and mature individual, but her love for Anakin is a contradiction to that and this moment captures that very well. Anakin is also faced with problems within their relationship that he doesn't want to accept. His powerful emotions for her are a major factor in his turn to Darth Vader. As far as subject matter goes on TCW, this episode is toying with some really deep stuff.
In between these two parts is Anakin's fight with Clovis. It might seem a little overdone with how aggressive he gets, but I think it's pretty accurate to how he is in the movies. Regardless, it's an intense scene, and I really like how Clovis lied to avoid further complications between Anakin and Padme.
Like we saw in the Rako Hardeen arc, Palpatine is once again testing Anakin's emotional limits. It's execution is really good, and I also enjoy how Palpatine is pulling the strings on so many conflicts just to gain more power.
As Spider said, this episode feels tonally different than most other TCW episodes, and I really like it. 8/10.
|
|
|
|
Post by Star on Mar 12, 2019 10:32:22 GMT -5
Although it's a bit abrupt in its change from character drama to action, Crisis at the Heart is still a strong finish. The action sequences are impressive, particularly the last stand of Commander Thorn. It's also done in moderation so it doesn't take away from the main conflict with Anakin, Padme, and Clovis.
This episode does a good job at making Clovis a tragic character. I can't say that when he dies, he's a favorite of mine, but I give credit to how he was handled. Even though his death wasn't shocking when it happened, the manner of how it did was pretty dark. The whole rise and fall of Clovis is compelling enough, and Palpatine's involvement adds to it. I'm not sure why Dooku was really needed in this episode, but at least they didn't force another Anakin v. Dooku.
My only other complaint is how quickly Anakin and Padme appear to resolve their conflict from the previous episode. I suppose more could've happened off-screen, but I wish we saw that if it was the case.
Initially, I was going to rate this one lower, but I think it pulls off a satisfying conclusion to a surprisingly enjoyable story. The way this arc incorporated Palpatine's continued rise to unlimited power and Anakin's character are definitely its narrative high points. I'll give it 8/10.
|
|
|
|
Post by Newan on Nov 23, 2019 14:46:32 GMT -5
Alright I’m watching this one now... probably be the last arc for today. And just watch the rest of the episodes in order. Maybe try and finish season 5 tonight and then rest of season 6 throughout the week, hopefully before next Friday.
|
|
|
|
Post by Newan on Nov 23, 2019 15:16:33 GMT -5
An Old Friend is for the most part your typical Padme/ Politics episode. At its core it ain’t too much better than some of the season 2 and 3 stuff however that final chase with Embo makes it all the more worth it. Does seem like a rather big risk for Sidious to be contacting bounty hunters directly though. I guess Embos task was just to cause confusion and get Padme off the planet.
Clovis is boring and unlikeable, he isn’t too much better than Lux in my opinion. I don’t know there’s not a whole lot to say, Scipio is cool, the Munns are cool. Anakin and Embo save the entire episode but this wasn’t overly interesting unless you really care about the banking politics of Star Wars. This episode doesn’t exactly set up a ton of intrigue.
I’m going to say 6/10 honestly, and would probably be lower if not for the ending.
|
|
|
|
Post by Newan on Nov 23, 2019 15:43:52 GMT -5
The Rise of Clovis is better and gives Clovis some much needed character development with his childhood being unveiled. I also really liked seeing Anakins emotions on full display and the fist fight was pretty interesting. At least Anakin/ Padmes relationship is much better than AOTC although it’s still sort of awkward. Other than that I don’t have much else too say, it’s cool that Dooku and Sidious are working closely together here but that was a reoccurring theme for The Lost Missions/ “season 6”. I also liked seeing Anakins chambers in the temple, I’m guessing his room has a lot more stuff in it then most Jedi. But it was a nice touch for him to be tinkering with droids. Although wasn’t taking battle droid parts considered a crime back in season 1?  Anyways I’m going to say 7/10, the story picks up due to the involvement of Sidious and Dooku but it’s still kind of slow and it’s more of a character episode than anything else and I don’t care much for Padme stuff. |
|
|
|
Post by Spidyyr on Nov 23, 2019 15:58:31 GMT -5
Good point about Palpy directly taking to bounty hunters like Embo and Cad Bane. Would be a lot smarter to work through a proxy.
|
|
|
|
Post by Newan on Nov 23, 2019 16:14:42 GMT -5
Crisis at the Heart is actually a pretty good episode and has some much needed action in this arc. Commander Thornes last stand is one of the coolest clone moments in the show. Oh and I’m actually both surprised and glad they didn’t force another Dooku vs Anakin fight into this episode. Also I like the Z-95s wish we saw more of those.
Honestly I wonder was Ahsoka cut out of this arc? We know this was supposed to be season 5 but got delayed to season 6 and that’s obviously post Ahsoka departure. We got a Kenobi cameo yet no mention of Ahsoka anywhere. We know at some point Ahsoka was planned to learn of Anakins marriage, there seems to be no better place than this arc tbh. I could see them cutting out Ahsoka to avoid confusion that this was actually a season 5 arc. I don’t know, there just seems to be something missing here, 3 episodes for this seems rather extreme when it could have been told in 2 or even 1 if they played it right.
Anyways good episode with decent action and characters we actually want to see. Glad Clovis died though, one of the most unlikeable characters in the show. I’m going to say 8/10. This arc got gradually better over time.
|
|
|
|
Post by Newan on Nov 23, 2019 16:15:24 GMT -5
Final arc score is 21/30 or 70%.
|
|
|
|
Post by Newan on Nov 23, 2019 16:16:33 GMT -5
Good point about Palpy directly taking to bounty hunters like Embo and Cad Bane. Would be a lot smarter to work through a proxy. Yeah I know in the old EU book “Labrynth of Evil” right before rots they capture some of Viceroys belongings in the siege of Cato Nemoidia and they trace a call from Sidious back to his lair in Coruscant. |
|
it’s been quite a while. I’ve been pretty good, how about yourself? 