Clone Wars: Savage Opress Rocks
We check out the upcoming Star Wars episodes and like what we see.
December 7, 2010
Level 5
by Eric Goldman
The first half of Star Wars: The Clone Wars's third season has not exactly been the most exciting period for the animated series, and during his introduction to the upcoming three-part Savage Opress storyline last night at a Los Angeles screening, supervising director Dave Filoni acknowledged the recent criticisms of some viewers that there has been way too few lightsaber battles versus way too many political storylines.
Filoni promised that there were some payoffs coming to the political storylines down the line that would explain why so much time was spent on them – but also vowed that the second half of Season 3 is much more action-heavy, and indeed doesn't have a single scene set in the Republic Senate.
After Filoni's encouraging words, the Savage Opress trilogy was shown, presented in an edited together form that turned it into one big film – and wow did it work in that regard. For those waiting for a lot more action again on The Clone Wars, let me say that these are the episodes you've been looking for. The villains get a huge spotlight here, with major storylines and scenarios for Count Dooku, Asajj Ventress and, of course, the brand new character, Savage Opress.
As you've probably heard, Opress is the successor to Darth Maul, brought into the storyline after a big turn of events between Dooku and Ventress. Without going into detail about all that occurs, I'll say that these episodes delve into Ventress' backstory, while also showing the origin of Savage, voiced by The Kurgan himself, Clancy Brown. Written by Katie Lucas (yes, that's George's daughter) this is strong, compelling and dark material that is one of the best storylines the series has delved into.
There are a ton of fight scenes, including several for Ventress that show just how formidable she can be with or without a lightsaber. But when it comes to lightsaber fights especially, Star Wars fans should love what these episodes offer, as there are a ton of notable ones, the majority of which involve three participants.
While Ventress and Savage both have some great material here, these episodes also are an awesome spotlight for Count Dooku. Multiple lightsaber battles for the man also known as Darth Tyranus prove just how much of a bad ass he can be – perhaps best displayed during a scene first shown last summer at Star Wars Celebration V, where Dooku has been drugged and is fighting against three invisible, lightsaber wielding opponents, and yet still proves to be one hell of a difficult guy to take down.
As someone who loves The Clone Wars, I have found myself among those frustrated by Season 3, which has been so top heavy with politically themed episodes, seemingly one after the other, many of which have failed to come alive (there have been exceptions, such as the strong "Heroes on Both Sides"). But this Savage Opress storyline is exactly the kick in the pants this season has needed, veering back into stories of both Jedi and Sith -- Yes, Obi-Wan and Anakin are part of this storyline, though they are truly supporting players to the villains this time out -- and just how dangerous the Dark Side of the Force can be.
- Lucasfilm
The Los Angeles screening, which is one of many being held in several cities across the country this month, was capped off by a preview highlighting the rest of Season 3, following the Opress story. There was no dialogue, just a lot of cool imagery, including plenty more Jedi action, such as the Clone Wars debut of prequel character Even Piell. However, it was the very end of the trailer that will have fans talking the most. And this probably warrants its own spoiler warning…
We see Anakin screaming, "No!" and then a shot of a furious looking Ahsoka, holding her ignited lightsaber, and leaping off a ledge and seemingly attacking Anakin - who is standing down below her, holding his lightsaber at the ready.
Yeah, my interest was piqued by that one!