Thank you, Young Jedi arc, for being so entertaining.
This week, the Jedi Younglings call General Kenobi for help, informing him of their situation and Ahsoka’s capture by Hondo Ohnaka. He tells them to stay put: he’s going to send Cody after them while he and his fleet travel to Florrum, but they end up getting attacked by Grievous, thus delaying the rescue of the younglings. Meanwhile, Zatt points out that their ship is venting coolant, and they need to land so that the system can reset before the engines explode. Petro comes up with a plan that leads them to Florrum, to allow the ship to reset while they attempt their own rescue of Ahsoka. The younglings come across a traveling circus run by a Dug named Preigo, and join him as a tumbling act called “Animal Instincts.” They arrive at Hondo’s citadel, put on a performance for the pirate, and rescue Ahsoka, then head off back to the ship with the pirates in pursuit.
I tell you what, when things get weird on Clone Wars, that’s when I really seem to dig the show. And once the young Jedi came across Preigo’s circus, I knew I was going to be sold. I absolutely loved every aspect involved with the “Younglings performing as acrobats plot,” and I completely lost it upon seeing the Gamorrean clown (Side note: Hasbro, please make a Gamorrean clown action figure. I will buy one for each of my friends and maybe three for myself. Thank you).
As for the rest of the episode, I enjoyed it. I liked the “B-plot” with Obi-wan’s fleet coming under attack by Grievous’ forces, and it reminded me of how much I miss seeing space battles in Star Wars. Although it felt a little strange to be spending quite so much time with Obi-Wan and his story, I have a feeling that it’s going to pay off in the next episode (I seem to remember rumors regarding the showing of this back at CVI indicating that Grievous ends up attacking Florrum before the end of the arc).
Hondo, as usual, had some good moments. It’s important to note that this episode was meant to air before the season premiere with Darth Maul, and if I had to guess, probably before the Onderon arc as well. I mentioned it last week, and I think it bears repeating: Hondo is much more like his appearances in Season 1 and 2 than how he’s been presented in this season so far, which makes sense if this episode is out of place on the timeline. Still, I did like his line about changing sides based on moods, and also his mention of Dooku’s vendetta against him for the hostage plot from way back in Season 1.
Otherwise, it was just another fun, well-told episode. The story arc wraps up next week, and I’m a little disappointed. This has been one of the more fun runs on Clone Wars in awhile, and I think it may be the best example of how to do Star Wars “light.”
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