This story arc is notable for a few reasons. First is the debut of General Grievous, Ahsoka (Anakin’s padawan learner), and our dynamic duo of Obi-Wan and Anakin. The aforementioned Jedi Master Plo Koon debuts as well with an apparent connection with tag-along Ahsoka.

Concerning General Grievous, it looks like we are continuing to follow the story from Revenge of the Sith, namely that Grievous should be renamed Generally Irrelevant. It is a complete departure from the micro series (illustrated and written by the venerable Genndy Tartakovsky), which, incidentally gave General Grievous his official debut prior to Revenge of the Sith. Generally Irrelevant has gone from a devastating Jedi killer to droid cruncher and overall general growler. He doesn’t seem good for much else. Perhaps as the season continues we will get a better glimpse as to why Grievous is the bad boy everyone thinks he is. To echo the Chancellor from the micro series, “one can only hope.”

Ahsoka's debut finds that, refreshingly, her banter from the Clone Wars film is left on the big screen. Instead, we are given a character that gives the jury time to deliberate as to her place in the Star Wars universe. So far I am in favor of her. I know she comes across as the annoying little sister with a lightsaber but it is not forced or overdone. In lesser hands this character could run away into a nightmare similar to Indiana Jones’ sidekick from the second Indiana Jones travesty Temple of Doom.

Master Plo Koon seems of standard Jedi stock. Koon continues in Master Yoda’s theme of connecting with the troops and establishing himself as a commander worth dying for. Thankfully, it is not pushy or preachy, and actually comes across as genuine. In lesser hands the exchange of “I value your life more than finding that weapon” would come across as sleazy, sounding almost like a Disney musical moment waiting to happen, complete with singing laser blasts and dancing asteroids. Episode writer Melching knows his stuff though and crafts a moment that is worth remembering. It also lends authenticity to the complete surprise the Jedis had when it came time for the clones to gun them down in Revenge of the Sith. (just for the fun of it, I am hoping we come across a Jedi Master that couldn’t care less for his troops and treats them with complete disregard. There has to be one out there, one bastard of a Jedi that has no problem chucking his clones into the grind. Let’s hope so. It could deliver some fine cartooning.)

Article Author: Tim Girard

Tim Girard is a mental gymnyst. He thinks too much and writes too little and enjoys caffeine with his sugar. When he isn't busy saving the world he is out writing. Good thing he doesn't write too much.

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