In 2014, Star Wars: The Clone Wars came to an end after its initial run. However, six years later, Disney added a seventh season to the show, which turned out to be the most remarkable part of the series. Taking place between Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, this season delves into the war that erupts following the Battle of Geonosis, known as the Clone Wars. While Obi-Wan Kenobi briefly mentions this conflict in the original Star Wars film, it is in this series that audiences truly witness its magnitude.
The addition of The Clone Wars season 7 brought numerous reasons why it became a standout within the show. Not only does it expand on the details mentioned in the movies, such as Anakin’s relationships with Obi-Wan, Padmé, and Chancellor Palpatine, but it also introduces new elements to the story that were absent from the films. These include the introduction of Anakin’s Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, the portrayal of individuality among the clone troopers, and the ongoing battle against General Grievous. Initially intended to fill the gaps in an intriguing yet unexplored era of the Star Wars movies, the series quickly evolved from a casual children’s show into a beloved addition to the franchise. The Clone Wars season 7 took this admiration to new heights, captivating fans in unprecedented ways.
Expanding the Star Wars Universe
Following the conclusion of the sixth season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the writers and directors had the chance to expand their horizons and gain further expertise within the Star Wars universe. Dave Filoni, the creator of the show, had been involved in numerous Star Wars projects, including the subsequent series Star Wars Rebels, during the hiatus. This allowed him to bring a unique perspective to The Clone Wars season 7 that was absent in the previous six seasons. With this newfound experience, Filoni was able to weave together aspects of the show that remained faithful to the original storyline while introducing captivating new elements.
The arrival of The Clone Wars season 7 served as an opportunity to build upon the foundations established in earlier seasons. The creators of the show had a deeper understanding of which story arcs were worth revisiting and which characters resonated most with fans, capable of driving those narratives forward. Season 7 was meticulously crafted to seamlessly blend the qualities that made the show exceptional with the themes and atmosphere of the Star Wars movies.
Evolution of Animation
The animation style of Star Wars: The Clone Wars has been a subject of division among fans. The blocky and stylized look of the characters initially created a disconnect between the live-action movies and the series, making it a tougher sell for older Star Wars enthusiasts. However, as the show gained popularity and the animators had more opportunities to refine their skills, the animation of The Clone Wars gradually improved with each passing season. This allowed the series to explore diverse settings and confront new challenges. During the hiatus, The Clone Wars season 7 took advantage of the opportunity to reevaluate and strengthen the animation style.
In addition to slight updates in style, the animators used this chance to align the characters’ appearances more closely with their live-action counterparts in the subsequent movies within the timeline. While the characters had already aged and evolved throughout the earlier seasons, season 7 completed their visual transformation. This was particularly evident in the case of Anakin, whose altered appearance emphasized his character’s journey from a brash and confident young general to a Jedi Knight burdened by newfound anxieties, ultimately paving the way for his descent into the dark side.
The Epic Culmination
By the time The Clone Wars season 7 arrived, the show had transcended its initial label as a children’s series. While the early seasons offered action-packed storylines and entertainment, the later seasons delved into darker and more serious themes that directly impacted the overarching saga. Season 7 took this progression even further by crafting its entire narrative to culminate during the events of Revenge of the Sith. With a feature film serving as the definitive endpoint for the season and the previous seasons setting the stage, The Clone Wars season 7 had a meticulously designed blueprint for a compelling storyline.
Following Ahsoka’s departure from the Jedi Order and Maul’s escape from Darth Sidious’ clutches, the seventh season of the show presented highly dramatic content, allowing the writers to capture that electrifying energy with exceptional conciseness. The final season, particularly its last few episodes, elevated the show’s excitement to a more cinematic level. The events of The Clone Wars season 7 and the plot of Revenge of the Sith became intricately intertwined, intensifying the thrill of the show’s conclusion.
Reshaping Destiny
Season 7 of The Clone Wars proved to be the crucial link that fully connected the show’s narrative with the live-action movies. While the conclusion of season 6 left a significant gap between the show’s timeline and the culmination of the war, season 7 perfectly aligned with the opening attack depicted in Revenge of the Sith. As Anakin and Obi-Wan grapple with the events from the movie, special attention is given to Ahsoka and Darth Maul. Notably, Maul foresees Sidious’ plot to corrupt Anakin, adding anticipation for the impending Order 66.
The emphasis on individuality among the clone troopers is one of the standout features of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Despite being initially portrayed as expendable soldiers, the show treats them as fully developed characters. Season 7 explores Order 66 through various perspectives, highlighting that the clones are more than just pawns of Palpatine or trusted companions of the Jedi—they have become beloved characters in their own right over the course of the show’s seven seasons. The direct connection between the series’ events and the devastating Order 66 intensifies the emotional impact, making it all the more tragic to witness.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars captivates with its adventurous spirit and expands upon the Star Wars prequel era, which is why it has garnered such a dedicated fanbase. The series has become the foundation for many subsequent stories, including live-action projects. However, the belated addition of the seventh season stands out as the best thing that could have happened to the show. It reignited excitement among fans and elevated the already remarkable qualities of the series to new heights.