In perhaps the best episode of the series, Episode 9 raises the emotions and the stakes for Ahsoka Tano for the final 3 episodes of The Clone Wars. What were the best moments? How did the episode grade out?

No opening theme. No quote. We’re not in The Clone Wars anymore friends. We’re thrown right into part one of the final arc of the series. We’ve officially reached Revenge of the Sith and it’s time to leave Star Wars: Episode II firmly behind.

Episode 9 is part of the final 4 episodes of The Clone Wars. The episode immediately throws us into Commander Cody and his troops desperately needing reinforcements on the planet Umbara. Outnumbered and overpowered, Obi-Wan makes a grand entrance saving Commander Cody. In first of many memorable scenes in this episode, Anakin tricks the droids, takes out their general with a Force pull and takes back the bridge.

It was a fantastic moment between Anakin and Obi-Wan. Anakin’s overconfidence was on full display. Watching Anakin initially react to Ahsoka Tanao’s presence was really well done as well. In fact, it only infuriates me that we just wasted an entire 4-episode arc with the Martez sisters and without any character development between Anakin and Ahsoka. Apologies to Trace and Rafa, but this episode should have been the beginning of the second arc.

It’s time to put the second arc behind us, we’re in the endgame now…

Ahsoka Tano and Bo-Katan tell Obi-Wan and Anakin that they have a plan to capture the Sith Lord Darth Maul. I loved seeing how eager Anakin was to take down Maul and his affection towards Ahsoka Tano. Bo-Katan tells the Jedi Knights that Darth Maul is on Mandalore and his presence has led to the suffering of her people. Obi-Wan insists to consult with the Jedi council with Bo-Katan

This is the character development I have been waiting for. Watching Anakin and Ahsoka reunite was pure bliss. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy the Martez sisters, it was just such a waste for a final season that only consists of 12 episodes. Anakin and Captain Rex honor Ahsoka as Commander as well as an entire legion of clones to command.

Ahsoka Tano confronts Obi-Wan Kenobi…

With General Grievous attacking Coruscant, the heart of the Republic, Obi-Wan and Anakin are faced with the decision to help Ahsoka take down Maul or rescue Palpatine. Obi-Wan opts to rescue Palpatine and Ahsoka finally confronts Obi-Wan and cements herself as the leader she is destined to become. “This is why the people have lost faith in the Jedi,” says Ahsoka to Obi-Wan.

The focus of the Jedi and who they truly protect has been a subplot of The Clone Wars since Trace and Rafa Martez were introduced during the second arc. Ahsoka, the Jedi of the people, is enraged that Obi-Wan would rather save Chancellor Palpatine than help Bo-Katan and the people of Mandalore. The Jedi Knights head to Coruscant but Anakin delivers one of the most emotional moments of season 7.

“One more thing. I killed Maul once. He doesn’t seem to stay dead.”

Knowing what’s ahead for Star Wars: Rebels, watching Anakin give the white, dual wielding lightsabers to Ahsoka was a really effective moment. Assuming this is the last time they see each other before Anakin becomes Darth Vader, I successfully fought back the tears. The next moment, however, wasn’t so successful. Rex and Ahsoka are under attack as they head for Mandalore.

Watching Ahsoka jump ship to ship with her white lightsabers with the beautiful John Williams score in the background was just another emotional highlight of an incredible episode. It was a triumphant moment for the The Clone Wars. This was the moment I realized that we have fully moved on from Attack of the Clones. Everything about this scene just felt bigger and more significant. The John Williams score was a reminder that we are in Revenge of the Sith territory now.  

If you needed another reason why Ahsoka is the most badass character in the Star Wars-Verse, this episode delivered and then some. The moment Ahsoka lands on Mandalore with the ship exploding behind her was hands down the best moment of the season. I could not be more excited for live-action Ahsoka Tano in season two of The Mandalorian. There is so much potential for Ahsoka’s character to be further fleshed out and I’m glad she is finally getting that opportunity.

The emotions from episode 9 do not let up. Bo-Katan identifies that Ahsoka has been led into a trap, but not before she holds the hand of a dying Captain Vaughn. Surrounded and outnumbered, Ahsoka is finally greeted by the one and only Darth Maul. Only hearing Maul’s footsteps as he stepped closer and closer towards Ahsoka was pure genius. “I was hoping for Kenobi. Why are you here?” says Maul. It’s dead silence as the credits roll.

Final Grade & Thoughts

What a start for the Siege of Mandalore. Everything about episode 9 clicked differently than the previous episodes. This is the endgame friends. The pacing was masterful. The action scenes were beautiful and Ahsoka carried it with memorable moment after memorable moment. This felt like an apology letter from Dave Filoni regarding the previous arc. The second arc was a waste. I don’t want to go backwards, let’s talk about going forward.

I loved how episode 9 intertwined with Revenge of the Sith and Order 66. For just a 30-minute episode, you really had a feeling that something larger is taking place. This was the best episode of the series to date with some truly cinematic experiences led by Ahsoka Tano. Between the dialogue, the non-stop action and the score by John Williams, everything was perfect. This was the Infinity War of The Clone Wars. Is is next Friday yet?

Grade: 10/10 MASTERPIECE

Follow us on Twitter @SuitUpTPL! We will be doing a podcast review of episode nine tonight! Check out our most recent review of The Clone Wars below.

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