Countdown to the Rise of Skywalker: Week 6.5

By some fortuitous luck I got a chance to watch several Clone Wars episodes this week. Thus, I get to sneak in a bonus post as I countdown to Episode IX.

I would have loved to watch more episodes, but I have a job, am a parent and prefer to sleep rather than binge a whole ton of TV episodes. What I did get to watch was primarily from the end of season 1 and about half of season 2, namely the episodes introducing Hondo Ohnaka, the Ryloth trilogy, the first Cad Bane story arc, the Zillo beast story arc, and the first part of the second battle for Geonosis.

Some Thoughts
-While the character animation in the early seasons is basic, the lighting and effects work is outstanding. One visual that stands out is of Cad Bane standing next to a window with blinds that cast shadows in a film noir fashion.
-Some of the galaxy's most memorable characters are in this show. Ahsoka is obviously an amazing character, but the supporting characters of Hondo Ohnaka and Cad Bane are masterful creations.
-Anakin Skywalker in this show is far more watchable than in Attack of the Clones. He is energetic, passionate, and clearly troubled but not in a heavy-handed way.
-The episode Landing at Point Rain is a visual feast and does a great job depicting the intensity of battle.

Some Memories
-I remember that I was in Graduate school when this show first debuted, and it was a light in the depressing darkness of endless grad school work. I hosted a couple parties at my tiny duplex to celebrate the season opener. The house was packed, but great times were had. I even convinced Melissa (my wife) to make a clone helmet cookie cake for one of the parties!
-This show reinvigorated my Star Wars fandom during a time when it was starting to fade from the cultural consciousness. I was a tireless evangelist for the show, and my fandom has not abated since.

I definitely cannot wait for the final season to release on Disney+ early next year! Next up, the last of the prequels, Revenge of the Sith​.