Im not sure how to feel about The Clone Wars Season 5 finale.
The final scene of Ahsoka leaving the Jedi Order, walking down the steps that her former master, Darth Vader, would climb during Order 66 was emotional and heartbreaking. I have always thought that Ahsoka was the one character that expressed emotion the most realistically in the animated show and this episode didn't disappoint. There was an obvious 'grown up' tone in her voice that had Ashley Eckstein pretty much using her own voice rather than the younger version viewers have been used to. Along with a slow, heavy version of 'Ahsoka's Theme' and a decidedly upset Anakin the final scene was a hugely emotional finish to the show's fifth season.
But, is it a satisfying ending if we've just seen our last episode of Star Wars-The Clone Wars?
If the show is truly done then I think viewers have been shortchanged.
I'm not suggesting, like many people have, that the only ending for Ahsoka is for her to die. The reality is that wouldn't happen considering that Lucasfilm has consistently said that show is for a younger audience and although we've seen some decidedly adult themed episodes, killing a role model to many young girls just isn't in the cards. I think having Ahsoka walk away can be a satisfying end to her place in the show if we are able to see how Anakin copes with it in Season 6.
We learned in the theatrical release that precluded the TV show that Yoda has placed Ahsoka under Anakin's tutelage to help him learn about dealing with loss. We know that a large part of Anakin's turn to the dark side is partially due to his inability to cope with loss. Watching his struggle with losing Padme in Revenge of the Sith would mean so much more if we are able to see how his loss of Ahsoka affects him in the TV show. Not only has he lost her, he must cope with the reality that he (and the Jedi Order) have failed her as well. Greater is his pain because he feels he's partially responsible for her leaving. He apologizes for not believing her. It's worse to know that he will have to live with this failure even though he shares the same opinion with her regarding the Jedi losing their way. He will now carry this guilt knowing she is out in the galaxy on her own now. He won't ever have closure as long as she is gone from the Order. It's an important link to Revenge of the Sith and one that fans of the show deserve to see.
If we've seen the last of this TV series then I think we've missed an opportunity. Let's hope the show continues in some form (direct to DVD, digital download) so that it becomes a bridge connecting Episodes 1 and 2 more completely to Episode 3. If not, then we'll just have to fill in the blanks ourselves.
After all, Star Wars fans have been doing that since the first Kenner action figures came out in 1978.
I thought that the culprit behind the attack was rather lame. It reminded me an of an episode of the Simpsons where all the kids are trapped on the island. At the end of the episode they still weren't rescued and then James Earl Jones' voice narrates this ending: "And then they were all saved by...oh...let's say, Moe."
ReplyDeleteThat aside, I am not a big fan of the constant usage of well known Star Wars phrases throughout the series - HOWEVER - I think this episode could have used one. Except not a phrase, but an image. Final scene, Ahsoka walking away, Anakin turns to walk away, ARMS HELD BEHIND HIS BACK, he looks back once at his padawan leaving, and then he continues to walk away with his hands held behind his back - a la the end Empire Strikes Back.
I think the series could end on this episode, many of the loose ends were tied up. Except Maul of course.
I'd disagree. When Vader walks away from the Star Destroyer window after the Falcon goes to hyperspace, it's almost like he is contemplative about it. Kind of like, "well played Luke." He may also be thinking about what his next step will be now that he has told Luke that he is his father
ReplyDeleteWhen Ahsoka walks away Anakin is hurt, bewildered, stunned and probably angry.