The Clone Wars Strikes Back

Dominic and Ciaran conclude their look back at season seven of The Clone Wars with PART THREE of their "Siege of Mandalore" discussion. They discuss the way the Order 66 was depicted over the course of these final episodes. They discuss Ahsoka and Rex reflecting on the war, and how their conversation on the bridge just before "the moment" encapsulates their entire arcs. They also talk about the "I am one with the Force, the Force is with me moment". Plus, Ahsoka's feelings pre-Order 66, the Fives cover-up, Darth Vader, and Anakin's password. All this and much more!

Dominic and Ciaran continue their look back at season seven of The Clone Wars with PART TWO of their "Siege of Mandalore" discussion. They look at some of the key relationships Ahsoka has in this arc, starting with Bo-Katan. They break down the unexpected partnership between the Jedi outcast and the Mandalorian outcast. Then they delve into Ahsoka and Maul's confrontation in the throne room, Maul's offer to Ahsoka, and her reasons for ultimately rejecting him. And to close out the show they do a deep dive on Ahsoka's final conversation with the Jedi council. Plus, how Obi-Wan and Padme's reactions to Anakin's fall compare to Ahsoka's, what does the future hold for Mandalore, and in defense of Mace Windu? All this and much more!

On this episode, Dominic and Ciaran continue their look back at season seven of The Clone Wars with PART ONE of their "Siege of Mandalore" discussion. They discuss the reaction to the arc, as well as the ways the arc calls back to the 2008 The Clone Wars movie. Then they delve into Ahsoka's tense reunion with Obi-Wan and Anakin, and how Ahsoka and Rex's journey's impact their stories in this arc. Plus the similarities between Duchess Satine and her sister Bo-Katan, Maul's visions of Sidious, and an epic tangent about Anakin's visions in Revenge of the Sith and Sidious' potential role. All this and much more!

Dominic and Ciaran continue their look back at season seven of The Clone Wars by discussing the Bad Batch arc. They delve into how this arc brings Rex's arc (almost) to its conclusion through his connection with Echo and Anakin's influence on him. They also talk about the Bad Batch as characters, and their reactions to the news that Star Wars: The Bad Batch is coming to Disney+ in 2021. Plus, did Palpatine overlook Ahsoka in his plans for Anakin, the connections between this arc and the Martez Sisters arc, and the role of the separatists in the Clone Wars and what they tell about the Empire and the First Order. All this and much more!

This week on The Clone Wars Strikes Back, Dominic and Ciaran begin their look back season seven of The Clone Wars by discussing the Martez Sisters arc. They get into some of the galactic issues presented in this arc, including how the Jedi are perceived by the people of the galaxy. They also discuss how this arc depicts the ways Palpatine was able to rise to power by playing on the already existing problems in the galaxy. Plus, they get into some of the issues in the fourth episode, Ahsoka's mindset going into this episode, and a further defense of the ship name The Silver Angel. All this and much more!

On this episode, Dominic and Ciaran are joined by Din of the band F-105, Kareem Dharsee from Order 416, and Matt Neugebauer of the For Christ's Sake, Anakin! podcast to discuss the 2003 micro series Star Wars: Clone Wars. They look back on the series and how it compares to the 2008 series, as well as how it connects to the larger themes of the saga. They also break down the series' depictions of Anakin, Obi-Wan, Padme, Asajj Ventress, and Grievious. All this and much more!

On this episode, Dominic, Ciaran, Ben, and Chris discuss the series finale of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, "Victory and Death". They discuss the way the episode portrayed the drama of Order 66 from a different perspective than Revenge of the Sith. They also discuss the relationship between Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex, and how their bond is what saves them in the end. Then they delve into the meaning of the title and discuss the shocking epilogue. Plus, Vader's thoughts on Ahsoka pre-Rebels, Maul goes all Force Unleashed, and the legacy of The Clone Wars. All this and much more!

On this episode, Dominic, Ciaran, Chris, and Ben are joined by Clare Stribling (The Imperial Senate Podcast) to discuss the penultimate episode, "Shattered". They discuss what it was like seeing Order 66 play out on screen again, 15 years after Revenge of the Sith was released. They also discuss the near team up between Ahsoka and Maul, as well as the lengths Ahsoka goes to to save Rex. Plus, is Ahsoka in denial about what really happened to Anakin, Bo-Katan's future on Mandalore, and the divide between Ahsoka and the Jedi council. All this and much more!

On this episode, Dominic, Ciaran, and Chris are joined by friend of the show Katie Horn (@PoeHotDameron on Twitter) to discuss the episode "The Phantom Apprentice". They delve into Maul's motivations in this episode, and what it says about his character. They also talk about the way Ahsoka responds to reveals from both Maul and Obi-Wan and how that plays into her beliefs about the Jedi council and her friends, as well as what could have happened if Maul and Ahsoka really had teamed up. Plus, what's next for Maul, where are we in Revenge of the Sith, and the lack of trust in the Jedi council. All this and much more!

On this episode, Dominic, Ciaran, Chris, and Ben are joined by Eric Strothers of The Bad Motivators and The Sith List Podcasts to discuss the episode "Old Friends Not Forgotten". They discuss Ahsoka's various reunions of this episode, with Anakin, Rex, and Obi-Wan. They also discuss how the previous arcs impact the story of this arc. They also break down some of the best action scenes from the series, including the opening battle scene, and the invasion of Mandalore. Plus, Bo-Katan and the politics of Mandalore, Maul's continuing obsession with Obi-Wan, and Ben has created a petition! All this and much more!

On this episode, Dominic, Ciaran, Ben, and Chris discuss the Clone Wars episode "Together Again". They discuss how this episode brings to a conclusion the "Ashoka's Walkabout" arc, and whether the elements that were included to set up the next arc, the siege of Mandalore. They also delve into the importance of this moment in Ahsoka's live, and how the fortune cookies for the episodes in this arc spell that out. They also look at where Maul is at this moment in time and what he is looking for. Plus, some thoughts on how this episode depicted Trace and Rafa, the Pyke syndicates place in the "shadow collective", and what Ahsoka means when she says she's not a Jedi. All this and much more!

On this episode, Dominic, Ciaran, and Chris are joined by friend of the show Din of the band F-105 to discuss the episode "Dangerous Debt". They break down how this episode (and larger arc) shows the failings of the Jedi order, and Ahsoka's reactions to it. They also talk about the Martez sisters' backstory and how this episode furthers their journey. They also get into the surprise appearance by the Mandalorians. Plus, the greatness of this seasons "fortune cookies", ideas for where the larger Star Wars story needs to go in the future, and the return of Mr Borkus. All this and much more!

On this episode, Dominic, Ciaran, Ben, and Chris are joined by Kareem Dharsee from Order 416 to discuss the episode "Deal Or No Deal". They discuss Ahsoka's continued exposure to what life is like outside the Jedi order. They also break down how the episode challenges our notions about the "goodness" of the Republic and the Jedi, and the challenges for people like Trace and Rafa in navigating the galaxy. They also delve into the layers of Anakin and Ahsoka's relationship, and why Anakin lets Ahsoka go in this episode. Plus, connections to Solo: A Star Wars Story, a new side to Kessel, the Pykes are back, and a defense of the name "Silver Angel" for a ship. All this and much more!

On this episode, Dominic and Chris are joined by Lauren Scott of Channel 1138 to discuss the episode "Gone With A Trace". They discuss the introduction of the Martez sisters, Trace and Rafa, and their current dynamic and how Ahsoka may impact that. They also talk Ahsoka's adjustment to life in the lower levels (the underworld) of Coruscant, and the way the Jedi are perceived by the people of the galaxy. Plus, the droid chase sequence, Palpatine's influence on the people of the republic, and how laundry works in the galaxy far, far away. All this and much more!

On this episode, Dominic, Ciaran, and Ben, are joined by Dan Georgiev of the Tune Walkers Podcast to discuss the episode "Unfinished Business". They break down Echo's decision to join the Bad Batch, Rex's reaction to that choice and what it says about their bond. Then they discuss the role of the Separatist leaders in this story arc and their various machinations throughout the prequel trilogy. Plus, Anakin drifts closer and closer to Darth Vader, should more have been done to suggest Echo might have been turned by the Separatists, and how would The Rise of Skywalker been different if Admiral Trench had been the surprise villain instead of Palpatine. All this and much more!

On this episode, Dominic and Chris are joined by Selene Jade of the Star Peace Podcast and Chris "Starrapter" Abbott to discuss the Clone Wars episode "On the Wings of Keeradaks". They discuss how Echo and Rex's views on the future differ, and what the future might hold for both of them. Then they discuss the way Anakin and the clones bring the Poletacs into the fight, and the moral dilemmas and ethical questions faced in doing so. Plus, the Techno Union's neutral status in the war, some love for Wat Tambor, and the multiple shades of utilitarianism. All this and much more!

On this episode, Dominic and Ben are joined by Corey Van Dyke of Kessel Run Transmissions to discuss the episode, "A Distant Echo". They discuss how the war has impacted Captain Rex, and how that informs his drive to save Echo. Then they discuss the reveal that both Rex and Obi-Wan know (at least a little) about Anakin and Padme, and how that impacts how we view their relationships with Anakin. Plus, who do the Bad Batch report to, the story of Domino Squad throughout the series, and what might the future hold for Star Wars animation on Disney+. All this and much more!

On this episode Dominic is joined by Ben Hart and Chris Seekell of The Star Wars Underworld Podcast to break down the first new episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars in six years, "The Bad Batch". They talk about how thrilled they are The Clone Wars is back, and how the series influenced them as fans. Then they delve into how Rex has evolved through the series, and how this episode shows that. They also discuss the four members of "the bad batch", Hunter, Wrecker, Tech, and Crosshair. Plus, how the final episode differs from the story reels that were released in 2015, is there more to Rex's hunch, and a message from "Dave Filoni". All this and much more!

On this episode, Dominic and Ciaran look back at one of the standout characters from The Clone Wars, the bounty hunter Cad Bane. They delve into the character's introduction in “Hostage Crisis” and disucss whether this was a better introduction than his chronological one in “Holocron Heist”. They also look at his relationship with Palpatine/Darth Sidious, and speculate about his future. Plus, they share some of their favourite Cad Bane moments. All this and much more!

After another accidental hiatus, Dominic and Ciaran return to have some fun talking about Star Wars: The Clone Wars. They reflect on what they learned about the new season back at Star Wars Celebration Chicago. They discuss how season seven may be different from previous seasons, as well as how having the arcs focus on Ahsoka and Rex builds to a perfect conclusion. Plus, some thoughts on the panel, and much more!

On this episode, Dominic and Ciaran ask the question what does it mean to be a Mandalorian? To do this, they explore the three characters Pre Vizsla, Duchess Satine, and Bo-Katan. They look at how all three of them approach their heritage and how their shortcomings show just how complicated being a Mandalorian is. Plus, where does Sabine Wren fit in all this and how might this impact the upcoming live action series The Mandalorian. All this and much more!

On this episode, Dominic and Ciaran break down the story arc of Darth Maul across Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, and Solo: A Star Wars Story. They share their how they reacted to Maul's (first) return back in 2012, analyze his relationships with Obi-Wan Kenobi and Savage Opress, and speculate about where his story might go in “Siege of Mandalore” and how that might connect to Solo. All this and much more!

On this episode, Dominic and Ciaran celebrate the tenth anniversary of The Clone Wars by watching the 2008 theatrical release of Star Wars: The Clone Wars and discussing it as they do. They share their memories of the first time they saw and their reactions to some of the features that would become staples of the series. They also speculate on how these episodes would have been received had they aired on TV instead in the theaters. They also discuss how the movie lays the groundwork for what was to come in the series. Plus they announce their new website! All this and much more!

A podcast left unfinished.... Until now. Dominic and Ciaran return to discuss the exciting news that Star Wars: The Clone Wars is returning to screens in 2019. They discuss how the announcement was made, with Dominic sharing what it was like to be in the room at San Diego Comic Con when its return was revealed. They also discuss what episodes we might see in the new season and how this decision came to be. All this and much more!

On this episode Dominic and Ciaran have returned from Star Wars Celebration and discuss their experience at this year's biggest Star Wars party in London! They discuss the "Ahsoka: The Untold Tales" panel, share their thoughts on Forest Whitaker playing Saw Gerrera from The Clone Wars in Rogue One, and debate what other Clone Wars characters they would like to see appear in the films. Plus, Clone Wars connections in the new Rebels trailer and a very silly game. All this and much more!

On this episode Dominic and Ciaran are joined by "Irish Chris" of the 501st to look back on and discuss the journey of Captain Rex on Star Wars: The Clone Wars (and a little Star Wars Rebels). They focus on the episodes "The Hidden Enemy", "The Deserter", "Carnage of Krell", and "Orders" as they track the character development of Rex, from his role as the ideal clone to Rebel leader. All this and much more!

It's a special episode of The Clone Wars Strikes Back! Now that they have reached the end of The Clone Wars material, Dominic and Ciaran look back on Revenge of the Sith in the form of a commentary track. Watch the film along with them as they put a Clone Wars spin on the third installment of the saga!

Dominic and Ciaran are back to wrap up The Clone Wars "legacy" content by discussing the remaining chapters of Star Wars: Dark Disciple by: Christie Golden. They discuss the fall of Quinlan Vos to the dark side, the redemption of Asajj Ventress, and Dooku's failure. All this and much more!

On this episode Dominic and Ciaran discuss the Comic Series Darth Maul: Son of Dathomir. What did they think of the way Mother Talzin's story wrapped up? What do they think is next for Darth Maul? And how do these events effect Darth Sidious. All this and much more!

Dominic and Ciaran are back to discuss the first twenty five chapters of the novel Star Wars: Dark Disciple by Christie Golden, based on on unfinished scripts for The Clone Wars episodes. They discuss Asajj Ventress and Quinlan Vos' surprising relationship, the mission to assassinate Count Dooku, Obi-Wan's role in the saga, the powers of the nightsisters, and Boba Fett's development. All this and much more!

On this episode, Dominic and Ciaran discuss the "Bad Batch" Story Reel arc which was screened at Star Wars Celebration and available at StarWars.com. They break down the arc discussing Rex's motivation, how the Bad Batch came to be, and whether or not it was a good idea to bring back Clone Trooper Echo. Plus, a few stories from Celebration Anaheim! All this and much more!

On this episode Dominic and Ciaran break down the "Crystal Crisis on Utapau" arc which was released as a story reel last year! They discuss the differing opinions of Anakin and Obi-Wan on if Ahsoka made the right decision, the impact the war is having on public perception of the Jedi, and how this episode relates (in a small way) to The Force Awakens. All this and much more!

On this episode Dominic and Ciaran break down the 'Yoda Arc' from Season six. They share their memories of watching the final proper episodes of The Clone Wars. The they discuss the Syfo-Dyas mystery, the Dagobah cave, balance of the Force and how this stuff could be brought forward in future movies. All this an much more.

On this episode Dominic and Ciaran are joined by our old friend Irish Chris of the 501st Irish Garrison to discuss the Jar Jar Binks and Mace Windu duology from Season 6. Listen as they discuss Jar Jar's swan song and try to make sense of the mysteries of the Force (is magic just an illusion?) All this and much more!

On this episode Dominic and Ciaran are joined by Eric from Twin Suns Outpost and Twin Suns Transmission to discuss the Clovis Trilogy from Season 6. They get in depth about Anakin and Padme's relationship. Why do they stay together? Could the Jedi Order have done more for Anakin? They also explore the character of Rush Clovis and examine Palpatine's machinations up close. All this and much more!

On this episode Dominic and Ciaran discuss the Order 66 arc from Season Six of The Clone Wars. What did they think of the mystery surrounding Protocol 66, how about the conclusion to Fives' story, and how might this have affected Rex. All this and much more!

At long last, The Clone Wars Strikes Back is back! On this episode Dominic and Ciaran discuss the Ahsoka Arc that wrapped up Season 5. They look at Ahsoka's journey through these episodes, the relationship between Anakin and Ahsoka, and the failings of the Jedi order. Plus, is Bariss truly a villain? All this and much more!

On this episode, Dominic and Ciaran are joined by Obi-Wan Kenobi himself, James Arnold Taylor to discuss some of Obi-Wan's greatest moments on the series and the legacy of The Clone Wars, plus some great behind the scenes stories. Then Dominic and Ciaran break down the Darth Maul/Death Watch arc from Season Five! They delve into Sidious' motivations, Maul's weakness for family, and the tragic death of Duchess Satine. Plus Bo Katan, Obi-Wan, and rapid aging on Mandalore. All this and much more!

Dominic and Ciaran are back to chat about the controversial Droid Arc from Season 5. The tackle topics such as the void, Clone Commando Gregor, and does Col. Gascon have tragic backstory. All this and much more!

On this episode Dominic and Ciaran are once again joined by Star Wars Insider Editor Jonathan Wilkins to discuss the Younglings arc from Season 5! The break down the process of building a lightsaber, discuss Ahsoka's role, and debate the possibility of the Younglings surviving Order 66. Plus Doctor Who, Hondo Ohnaka, and so much more!

On this episode Dominic and Ciaran discuss the Onderon arc from the beginning of Season 5. They delve into how this arc relates to the current Star Wars Rebels series, the failures of the Jedi, and the politics of the planet Onderon. Plus they look at Ahsoka's growth in these episodes and examine the characters of Lux, Steela, and Saw. All this and much more!

On this episode Dominic and Ciaran discuss the Darth Maul Returns arc from the end of Season 4. They break down the episodes "Massacre," "Bounty," "Brothers," and "Revenge" focusing on the characters of Darth Maul, Asajj Ventress, and Obi-Wan Kenobi. They also get into Nightsister Magic, Bounty Hunters, and the ways of the Dark Side. Plus Talzin's plan, Boba Fett, Savage Opress, Morley, and much more!

On this episode Dominic and Ciaran break down the Rako Hardeen arc from Season 4. They delve into Palpatine's, the role of the Bounty Hunters, Obi-Wan undercover and more!

On this episode Dominic and Ciaran break down the Slavers trilogy and the stand alone episode A Friend in Need from Season 4! They delve into Anakin's past with slavery and discuss how that might have affect this arc and his eventual fall to the dark side. They also explore Obi-Wan's story in this arc and discuss how Rex's actions may have been affected by the Umbara arc. Then they delve into the Luxsoka relationship and explore what happened to Death Watch since we last saw them. Plus, music cues, Game of Thrones references, and R2 to the rescue! All this and much more!

It's a new year and Dominc and Ciaran are back to break down more Clone Wars episodes! This episode their joined by Chris Lynn of the Irish Garrison of the 501st Legion to talk about the Umbara Arc from Season 4. What did they think of Rex's story in this arc? What about Fives? What Order 66 implications exist in this arc? Plus, the republic's invasion of Umbara, Krell's plot, and how might Palpatine have secretly been involved in this story? All this and much more.

On this Christmas themed episode Dominic and Ciaran (aka Santa and Rudolph) break down the episodes Shadow Warrior, Mercy Mission, and Nomad Droids. From Jar Jar and Grievous to 3PO and R2 wacky adventures, they cover it all! Plus the death of Tarpals, Clones being jerks, more discussion about what powers in the galaxy are the Force and what aren't. All this and much more!

On this episode Dominic and Ciaran discuss the Mon Cala arc from the start of season 4. From Prince Lee-Char to Riff Tamsen, and everything in between! They also look at Ahsoka's growth in these episodes. Plus, Captain Ackbar, No Sori, the history on Mon Cala, and the gungan army. All this and much more!

On this episode Dominic and Ciaran are joined by Ben from the Star Wars Underworld to break down to the Ahsoka/Wookiees duology from the end of Season 3. What did they think of Ahsoka's character growth, the look of the Wookies and the Trandoshan hunt? Plus, just how perfectly did the crew pull off Chewbacca? All this and much more!

On this episode Dominic and Ciaran discuss The Citadel Trilogy from season 3. They're joined by voice actor Stephen Stanton to talk about playing Tarkin in this arc, the legacy of The Clone Wars, and a little bit about Rebels! They then break down the rest of the arc including Ahsoka, Even Piell, Echo, the Citadel Prison, and Carbon Freezing. All this and much more!

On this episode Dominic and Ciaran are joined by Chris from the Star Wars Underworld to talk about the Mortis Trilogy. They delve into some of the biggest questions around the Star Wars universe as a whole. What is Balance of the Force? Is Anakin the chosen one? Plus they delve into what this arc means for Ahsoka and how it could have influenced her decision to leave the Jedi Order. Also, what is Mortis, can someone be brought back to life, and is does Mortis affect the rest of the galaxy or does Mortis affect the rest of the galaxy (or a bit of both)? All this and much more!

On this episode Dominic and Ciaran are joined by Star Wars Insider Magazine Editor Jonathan Wilkins to discuss the game changing Nightsisters/Savage Opress arc from season 3. What did they think of Ventress' story? What is their take on Sith Training? And just what is Nightsister magic? Plus, the rule of two, some incredible action, the effects of Force lightning, and the return of Darth Maul. All this and much more! NOTE: we experienced some technical difficulties during the second half of the show that make it a bit hard to understand at points. But I promise the discussion is worth sticking with!