The Review

Much has been written on our site about the unbridled estrogen factor of shows like Strawberry Shortcake, Dreamer, Barbie and Tinkerbell. If those programs have indeed tapped into the sugar and spice- centric themes, I guess it could be said that Star Wars the Clone Wars is one hundred percent octane driven, pre-adolescent testosterone fun. (Too many adjectives? Sorry I’ll try to take it easy from now on.) With its light sabers, blasters, ships blazing away at each other and the usual odd assortment of aliens, show me a kid who doesn’t dig this cartoon and I’ll show you a little girl.

For those of you who mistakenly believed that George Lucas actually cared about the story line he began writing thirty years ago, allow me to bust your bubble with these words: “The Star Wars Holiday Special.” (Ed’s note: A review of the legendary Holiday Special is expected in the next few days. Stay tuned.) While there may have been a time when the old Jedi Master actually cared about the integrity of the story line, with Clone Wars he’s merely milking the cash cow.

As a kid I loved the original three, but with the release of the recent trilogy I’ve become a purist. If the new movies are to the Star Wars universe what the gospel of St Thomas is the New Testament cannon, The Clone Wars are like Edgar Cayce going into a trance and writing about Christ’s journey through Tibet and listening to his teachings on reincarnation.

The cartoon, taken as an isolated series is not terrible. It follows the adventures of Pre- Vader Anakin Skywalker, and his young trainee named Ahsoka Tano. Ahsoka is of a race that has evidently achieved a symbiotic relationship with a species of raccoon who attach themselves to the scalp in place of hair. At any rate, with the help of the other movie characters, and an army of clones, the Jedi fly from one end of the galaxy to the other, waging war against the separatist enemy. Visually the cartoon looks great. In fact, given that it’s all CGI, the series looks almost as good as the recent movies, except for the absence of live action actors. The writing may actually be better. There is not the awkward dialogue and contrived relationships of the full length films.

The Kids

Boys from the age of about six through thirteen will love Clone Wars. (The more nerdy among us may be watching into their twenties). They will swoon over Ahsoka despite her Davy Crockett like toupee, and the light saber battles will have them digging through the family junk drawers looking for a flash light.

The Verdict:Mostly Harmless

My objections to the series are largely about the originator. If you watch the show, expect to learn the back story to nearly every obscure alien race in the Mos Eisley bar scene. On our scale I’d probably put Star Wars the Clone Wars in the middle of the Mostly Harmless category. I must grudgingly admit that while it’s too scary and intense for young children, the show will certainly hold the attention of older kids and maybe adults alike.