Episode 21 of Season Three Padawan Lost hits Sky Movies Saturday evening at 19.30pm. Here’s a brief run-down of tonights episode, available in the UK before anywhere else in the world.
Opening Moral: Without humility, courage is a dangerous game.
Review: It’s a treacherous Jedi safari in the penultimate episode of Clone Wars season 3. Stripped of her lightsaber, and amidst a group of terrified and demoralised younglings, it’s up to Ahsoka to put her Jedi skills into action and inspire them to save the day.
Mortal enemies of the wookies, the cold-blooded culture of the Trandoshans is vividly brought to life as the scaly scumbags mercilessly track down the Jedi. Clone Wars has been pushing its way into more intense territory in season 3 and director Dave Filoni isn’t afraid to show just how dangerous these reptilian hunters are; from the unfortunate deaths of some less fortunate fugitives, to the sight of a Trandoshan trophy room decorated with wookie skins.
One of the most technically impressive and atmospheric episodes yet, the jungle world of Iwasskah feels suitably oppressive and threatening, while the exemplary audio work makes the Trandoshans seem even more formidable. Using a barking call that’s a little reminiscent of the raptors in Jurassic Park, the Clone Wars team have created a signature sound for the Trandoshans that is as memorable as it is intimidating.
Older viewers may notice that there’s a slight similarity between the concept for the movie Predators and Padawan Lost; although, in all fairness, Filoni does a much more effective job with the premise. Keeping the tension ratcheted at all times and with palpable danger around every corner, there’s a constant feeling that any of the characters, including Ahsoka, could fall foul of the hunters at any time.
As always with the Clone Wars, however, despite the darker aspects of the storyline, there’s no question of the episode descending into mindless violence, with the action and jeopardy revolving around a strong moral core.
Further exploring one of the main themes of season 3, and Star Wars as a whole, Padawan Lost is about growing up and using your experience to take control of your life; as well as knowing when to listen to your mentors and when to trust your own judgement.
As such, the episode’s tone and message is pure Star Wars and an extremely promising first half to what looks to be the best Clone Wars finale yet.