The Epic Legacy: How George Lucas' Clone Wars Revolutionized Star Wars

Summary

The Clone Wars provided vital context for the war effort, the Jedi's role, and Anakin Skywalker's character development, changing the perception of the prequel movies.

The series established the Rebellion's foundation by delving into the divergent strategies in opposing the Empire. It also set the stage for subsequent endeavors like Star Wars Rebels and Rogue One.

The Clone Wars expanded on and revitalized Mandalore and its cultural heritage, offering new characters such as Ahsoka Tano and Bo-Katan Kryze, thus significantly influencing contemporary Star Wars narratives.

George Lucas' vision for Star Wars: The Clone Wars significantly altered how the Star Wars franchise is perceived by audiences. Positioned between Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, The Clone Wars provided essential insight into the war campaign, the Jedi's involvement, and Anakin Skywalker's transformation from a headstrong apprentice to a courageous soldier and concerned husband. Despite initial criticism of the prequel movies, The Clone Wars expanded upon their narrative, ultimately reshaping the public's perspective on Lucas' earlier stories.

While not every character and storyline in The Clone Wars held equal significance, it undeniably left a lasting impact on the broader franchise. Many recent Star Wars projects owe their existence to crucial elements established by The Clone Wars, such as the animated series Star Wars Rebels, The Bad Batch, The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and more. Among the numerous noteworthy events within The Clone Wars, there are 10 that particularly shaped the overall storytelling of the Star Wars universe.

10 Star Wars: The Clone Wars Added Depth To Anakin & Padmé's Romance

Padmé Amidala's role as a love interest for Anakin was solidified in Attack of the Clones, where the movies attempted to portray their intense and rapid love story. Despite getting married by the end of the second prequel movie, the transition between their awkward and somewhat humorous interactions in Attack of the Clones and Anakin's sudden fear of losing Padmé and her subsequent pregnancy in Revenge of the Sith is quite abrupt. There was a noticeable lack of depth in their relationship, but this mistake was rectified by The Clone Wars. The animated series provided Padmé with a more significant and active role in the larger Star Wars narrative, demonstrating that their love for each other was genuine and displaying their secret relationship while Anakin hid it from the Jedi Order.

The development of Anakin and Padmé's relationship in The Clone Wars adds a poignant layer to his refusal to accept her inevitable demise, making her death all the more tragic. The animated show transformed their romance into one of the best aspects of the Star Wars franchise, in contrast to its previous portrayal as one of the worst. This relationship truly exemplifies the impact that The Clone Wars had on the franchise and its characters.

9 The Clone Wars Showed The Birth Of A Complex Rebellion

The genuine Rebel Alliance was formed after the Empire took control, but the Rebellion's beginnings can be traced back to the war with the Separatists during the Clone Wars. During the Dark Times, the rebel effort is split into two factions. One group supports Senators Mon Mothma and Bail Organa, advocating for a diplomatic approach to fight the Empire. The other follows Saw Gerrera, who employs more active and violent grassroots tactics. The Clone Wars portrays the origins of this divide. Padmé Amidala plays a significant role in the birth of the Rebellion, collaborating with like-minded senators to navigate the challenges posed by the Separatist Senate. Saw Gerrera learns defensive and offensive tactics from Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ahsoka Tano. His motivation stems from the death of his sister, Steela Gerrera. This division within the Rebellion established in The Clone Wars carries over into subsequent projects like Star Wars Rebels, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Andor.

8 Mandalore & The Mandalorians Were (Re-)Established Through The Clone Wars

Though Mandalore and Mandalorian culture were previously well-established in the Star Wars Legends continuity, The Clone Wars retconned and reintroduced certain aspects of Mandalorian lore to the wider Star Wars canon. This included the introduction of new changes such as Duchess Satine Kryze leading a centralized pacifist government and the existence of Mandalore's domed cities. The role of Mandalore, particularly the coup against Satine, the significance of the Darksaber, and the Siege of Mandalore at the end of the Clone Wars, have made characters like Bo-Katan Kryze, Sabine Wren, Din Djarin, and his covert vital to the recent Star Wars storytelling.

7 Obi-Wan Kenobi Was More Like Anakin Skywalker Than Either Admitted

Duchess Satine played a significant role in The Clone Wars, not only as the leader of Mandalore but also as an unexpected love interest for Obi-Wan Kenobi. While their backstory isn't fully explored, Obi-Wan and Satine first met when he was a Padawan and they were tasked by the Jedi Council and the Republic to go to Mandalore. Their reunion in The Clone Wars evokes both heartbreak and beauty, with Obi-Wan confessing that he would have left the Jedi Order if Satine had asked him to.

6 Star Wars: The Clone Wars Added So Much More Depth To The Force

Obi-Wan's relationship with Satine brings a deeper significance to his bond with Anakin. Despite Anakin's reluctance to confide in Obi-Wan about his love for Padmé, it is strongly hinted that Obi-Wan was aware of the situation and empathized with Anakin's dilemma. It is even suggested that Obi-Wan allowed Anakin and Padmé to pursue their relationship undisturbed. This love story adds a whole new dimension to Obi-Wan and Anakin's connection, showcasing Obi-Wan's unwavering dedication to the Jedi Order.

One notable achievement of The Clone Wars was its role in unraveling the mystical aspects of the Force. In season 3's Mortis arc, Star Wars, under the guidance of Lucas, conveyed a clear understanding of the Force's notion of balance and Anakin's significance as the Chosen One. Furthermore, in season 6, Yoda's journey across the galaxy to acquire knowledge on retaining consciousness after death allowed him to eventually manifest as a Force ghost. Prior to The Clone Wars, the Force had a more abstract nature, but the series successfully bridged the gap between comprehensibility and the fantastical essence it embodies.

5 The Clone Wars Showed The True Nature Of The Jedi Order

The Clone Wars offered viewers a profound look into the internal workings of the Jedi Order. This included their decision-making and the dynamic between the Order, the Republic, and the Senate. The Jedi's deep connection with the Republic made them vulnerable to Palpatine's manipulation, ultimately leading to their downfall through Order 66. This downfall was not an isolated incident, but rather a culmination of events that were gradually building up.

Moreover, it became evident that not all Jedi shared the same beliefs as the Order. While Anakin expressed his frustration with the Council and Order in Revenge of the Sith, Ahsoka Tano chose to depart from the Jedi after being wrongly accused of treason. Similarly, Barriss Offee turned against the Order due to her disagreement with their stance during the war. The Clone Wars highlighted the flaws within the Jedi Order, despite their noble intentions. It served as a reminder that no institution can be an unwavering symbol of goodness, peace, and light at all times, as all are susceptible to corruption.

4 Clones Were Established As Individual People In Their Own Right

3 Star Wars: The Clone Wars Retconned Order 66

: The portrayal of the clones in The Clone Wars ensures that they are depicted as genuine individuals. They possess their own unique identities, physical appearances, personalities, friendships, loyalties, and senses of humor. By familiarizing ourselves with these characters and recognizing them as more than just a product of genetics, the full impact of the war and its devastating aftermath becomes even more powerful. Nowhere is this concept of free-thinking and individuality among the clones better exemplified than in the Umbara arc from season 4. In this particular storyline, the clones boldly rebel against the authoritarian rule imposed by a fallen Jedi general.

The clones in The Clone Wars were not just faceless soldiers. They had distinct personalities and identities, making the retcon of Order 66 all the more chilling. These individuals had their own thoughts and beliefs, but Darth Sidious took away their freedom by implanting inhibitor chips in their brains. It was a shocking revelation - suddenly, they were no longer in control of their actions. They were tragically forced to betray their friends and comrades, unknowingly executing the Jedi across the galaxy.

While some may argue that the independent decision of clone troopers to kill the Jedi led to a darker and more distressing narrative, the real tragedy lies in the existence of the inhibitor chips. These chips amplify the entire twist, making it even more heartbreaking. Palpatine exerted control over everyone, leaving no one unscathed, yet the clones were marked as targets from birth. Despite their illusion of autonomy, they had no command over their own fate. This is a far more terrifying concept than characters willingly betraying their friends.

2 Darth Maul Was Resurrected In Star Wars: The Clone Wars

George Lucas has openly acknowledged his regret in prematurely killing off Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. However, fans were fortunate enough to witness the character's resurrection in The Clone Wars series. The revival of Maul, previously known as Darth, gave rise to one of the most intricate and captivating villains in the Star Wars universe. Maul's involvement in criminal activities, his unending animosity towards Palpatine, his complex bond with his "brother" Savage Oppress, and his ongoing conflict with Obi-Wan Kenobi not only embody the essence of The Clone Wars but also contribute to the brilliance of the entire Star Wars saga.

1 The Clone Wars Introduced Anakin Skywalker's Padawan, Ahsoka

Maul’s persistent fury towards Palpatine is intriguing as it emphasizes the complete expendability of individuals to Darth Sidious. No one is immune to his anger, not even those who were once faithfully devoted to him. The Clone Wars, with its captivating storytelling, added to Palpatine's malevolence and significance within the broader franchise.

The introduction of Ahsoka Tano as Anakin's Padawan in The Clone Wars brought about a significant change. Initially met with criticism from Star Wars fans, Ahsoka has now become one of the most beloved characters in the franchise. She will even have her own live-action show soon. Ahsoka's presence provided Anakin with a supportive companion and deepened his attachment. When she decided to leave the Jedi Order in season 5, it further eroded Anakin's faith in the Jedi and drove him closer to the dark side. Ahsoka's departure, however, symbolized everything the Jedi should have represented: unwavering, determined, and selfless - a true embodiment of light.

The Clone Wars revolutionized the Star Wars universe by introducing significant changes that ultimately enhanced the overall lore. It not only reinforced familiar story elements but also paved the way for fresh endeavors and the creation of new captivating characters. The franchise's true essence was successfully captured through Star Wars: The Clone Wars, shaping the present state of Star Wars into what it is today.