A Hundred Wars...

The forever war...

The Clone Wars celebrated a significant milestone on Friday...

100 episodes.  That's quite an achievement.  Now, not all of the episodes are great, a few are, but many are of a higher quality than the Prequels.  Certainly better than the first two, at least.

And this is the last, and fifth season of the contract for the show to be on the Cartoon Network.  If there is to be a sixth, then it'll likely be on Disney XD now that the Mouse owns it.  The problem lies in the rerun rights to the show, which will belong to the Cartoon Network for the near future unless Disney buys them out.

It's unknown how long the show will go, but it is still very popular.  The Clone Wars were only supposed to have lasted about three years in the films, so with a six season happening you'd have to wonder what time these events take place?  Two seasons every year?  And if they go beyond that, how would that work out?  Time in the Star Wars galaxy must be different than it is here I guess.

If you'd like to see a cool montage of the episodes over the last five years then check out Entertainment Weekly's article on the show.  And prepare for more episodes, and more series for the Star Wars universe.  Besides "Star Wars: Detours," I hear they're working on other ideas for animated shows.  I still like the idea of one that takes place in the original trilogy with Luke, Han and a bad guy named Darth.

Now if they could get ABC to work out something for that live-action series...

Fifth Season, It Begins...

Five seasons away...





The trailer for Cartoon Network's "Clone Wars" has been released...

Has it really been five seasons already? Wow, time flies. I can't remember if George Lucas said how many seasons the Clone Wars would comprised, but I keep thinking I read somewhere that it would be five seasons or at least a hundred episodes. But this could also be in articles where he was talking about the rumored live-action series which he mentioned desiring to have that number as well. While, there are structural problems I have with the show, and characters I don't really care for, the storytelling in this series is far superior to the Prequels (at least the first two, and part of the third). With the new Star Wars series from Seth Green on the horizon and the continual talk of the live-action Star Wars series it appears that this universe still has a lot of life left in it. Hopefully, not just on the small screen, but the big screen as well.

And that gives me a new hope that someday we'll find out what happened after the Empire fell...

Prequels Past In Present...

A character from the very first, and very worst prequel returns to the Star Wars Universe...

This week on the Cartoon Network, the Clone Wars has two episodes featuring Qui-Gon Jinn in Obi-Wan Kenobi-like afterlife appearance. Now, while I loath most of Episode I, Liam Neeson as the mystical and wise Jedi was one of the bright and underused parts of the film. Entertainment Weekly has the scoop as well as a nice CG clip showing the animated Jedi Jinn.

While the episodes of this series has been uneven, the majority of them have been far more entertaining and watchable than the first and second prequels (as well as bits of EP III). I think the further they get away from the prequels and the more Lucas lets others take control of this property, the better.

Now, if he'll just let go of Lucasfilm and let someone else take over...

The Third Clone...

Tonight the Cartoon Network debuts the third season of The Clone Wars to a wanting audience...

I can't wait to see how this ends. I sure hope the Republic beats back those evil Separatist. I want the Republic to win because they're in the right, you know. Don't know what would happen if those nasty rebels won. Gosh knows what would happen then, hmmm?

I've actually enjoyed this show far more than I expected. That said, I wish Lucasfilm would do some stories that involve a plot we don't know the ending to. How about some future adventures of Luke and Han? Or some forgotten tales of the Old Republic? The Star Wars Universe is vast and filled with opportunities that have yet to be explored. As much fun as I have watching this show, I find it hard to cheer for a man that kills a bunch of young kids when he turns out to be too ignorant to realize what he's been fighting for is a farce. For being so all powerful, Jedi Knights seem incredibly bad at noticing the obvious.

Watch it and give in to the Dark Side...

Star Wars World War Three...

The Cartoon Network has announced when we get to see the premiere of Season 3 of the Clone Wars...

I wonder what season we get to find out what happens to Ahsoka? Now that's an episode I want to see. Perhaps Jar jar can join her? Imagine the possibilities. Hmmm.

Here's the press release:

Secrets Are Revealed In All-New Season of Star Wars™: The Clone Wars™ Premiering on Cartoon Network, Friday, September 17, 9 p.m. (ET/PT)

Building on the huge ratings win from last spring’s second season finale of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Cartoon Network announced today it will premiere 22 all-new episodes for season three of the critically acclaimed CG-animated series from creator George Lucas and Lucasfilm Animation. The special, one-hour season three premiere event of Star Wars: The Clone Wars airs Friday, September 17, at 9 p.m. (et/pt).

The season two finale of Star Wars: The Clone Wars was the highest-rated telecast of the season among all key kid demos—2-11, 6-11, 9-14. The one-hour special also took the #1 spot as the most-watched telecast of the day (May 2) among boys 6-14, and #1 for its timeslot with kids 6-14 versus all television. Star Wars: The Clone Wars is a thrilling, weekly 30-minute “mini-movie” created by the talented artists at Lucasfilm Animation.

Mystery, intrigue and adventure await our heroes with all-new action-packed episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. As war continues to rage throughout the galaxy, the dark side grows even stronger and the Jedi Knights are pushed to the breaking point. The lines between good and evil become blurred as secrets are revealed, truths are questioned and alliances are betrayed. Loyalties are tested as new enemies emerge and heroes rise – and fall.

In this transformative new season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, surprises wait at every turn, the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance and the destiny of the “Chosen One” will at long last be uncovered. Thrilling, unpredictable and often humorous, the exciting new adventures of the Star Wars Saga will captivate fans of all ages.

I'm sure Decadent Dave is warming up his DVR as we speak...

The Darkening Seasons...

There's always room for Star Wars, we like to say...

At Comic-Con this year, they showed a preview of the upcoming Season 3 of the "Clone Wars" animated series on Cartoon Network. Here it is for your enjoyment. I'm sure that Decadent Dave is already getting his DVR ready as I type.

Say what you will about this show, the quality and story are becoming far better and more interesting than the Prequels ever were (save for some of Sith). Of course, that in and of itself isn't saying very much. Season 3 starts this October.

And Lucasfilm is already planning the fourth...

A New Hope: Part 2 A.G.*...

Holy Crap, this is cool...

When I first heard about a new Star Wars film back in the late Nineties, I had visions of awesome light saber fights, huge Clone War battles and really epic amazingness. That's not what we got obviously, but it appears that my friends and I aren't the only ones who thought this. There are a couple new Star Wars games coming out soon, both look much better than the Prequels, but one look like it's filled with that amazingness that I imagined a long, long time ago. In fact, it looks like they reached into my mind and pulled out those memories as research. Take a look at BioWare and Lucasarts' "Star Wars: The Old Republic" trailer of the upcoming game and dream of what could have been and might some day be.

Maybe Lucasfilm should let these guys work on a theatrical film, they seem to get it more than the Master does...

* A.G. - After George.

More Than A Galaxy, A Whole World...

$$$, $$$, $$$, $$$, $$$...


Young Padawan's everywhere will be happy to hear this...

As with the announcement of the release of "Clone Wars: Season Two" comes the news that Lucasfilm and SOE have partnered to let fans of the Cartoon Network series actually enter that world/galaxy(?).

So, from the press release:

Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) today announced the development of Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures, a free-to-play, action packed virtual world for fans of the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated television series on Cartoon Network.

Developed and published by SOE, creators of the critically acclaimed kids' game, Free Realms, and licensed by LucasArts, in conjunction with Lucasfilm Ltd., Clone Wars Adventures will launch online and in retail stores this fall.

For more info check out the full announcement here.

Cloning Available...

And so marches on the ever growing Lucas empire...

Lucasfilm is releasing the DVD/Blu-Ray of "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" Season 2. While it is imperfect and uneven, the series is far better than the prequels that began/disappointed fans a decade ago. It has steadily improved and could offer a new hope that there is a positive future for that galaxy a long, long time ago. I'm sure Decadent Dave and THX-1138 will be first in line.

The Star Wars universe grows and grows...

Episode 3...

Wow, those folks up north at Lucasfilm really aren't wasting any time...

With the second season of the Clone Wars just ended, they've already got a teaser trailer out for the next season of the series (the Third Season if you haven't been counting). That's working fast and using great marketing. In this ADD world, keeping people interested in what is waiting ahead is very important. Even for something as world renowned as Star Wars.

Nice Jedi mind trick...

Tis The Season...

The second season, actually...

I've not mentioned much about the second season of "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" on Cartoon Network in a while. Even though they're closing in on the end of this season, I haven't really talked much about it.

I've only watched a few episodes. They're were quite good, especially the ones written by Paul Dini, but a couple of them just fell flat. Overall, the quality has been better than I'd expected, but I still prefer Genndy Tartakovsky's 2003 version. I can't believe that Lucas is almost ready to start a third season. Think about it, that'll happen in October. Lucas' original plan was to go for 100 episodes, but that is a very difficult thing to pull off in/on television. That many episodes would take around five seasons and most shows are lucky to last three or four. Ratings are brutal. Luckily, the ratings have been very good. By then end of this season there will be 44 episodes and it's all but given that CN will green light a third season with the ratings they're giving the cable network. That'll put the show at 66 episodes and well on it's way toward the hundred episode number. If he keeps this up George is going to have enough content to start his own channel. I don't know if it would be the Star Wars channel or a broader Lucas Channel, but that Empire keeps growing and growing.

Now, back to my point. The end is near for CW's S2 and Lucasfilm has released the trailer for The Clone Wars - Season Two's finale entitled: ". "Lethal Trackdown" Take a look at it and see what you think. It has compelling elements, but I liked the conclusion of last year's season finale "The Ryloth Trilogy,"better.

The Force is strong in this one...

Clone Wars: Take Two, Too...

Again, it comes...

Those of you, like me, who slowly grew to like the first season of the Star Wars "Clone Wars" series on Cartoon Network will remember the first trailer for the second season was pretty good. Well, now they've released a second trailer for the second season that shows even more of the bounty hunter angle they're going for this time out. As an added bonus, IGN has posted a couple clips from this season that you can see here and here. Have a look and form your own opinion; it's only days before the animated series begins.

And years before the live-action series comes to the small screen...

Cloning Available Soon...

And now we go from Surrogates to Clones...

Now I have to do this post or else Decadent Dave, THX-1138 and Mola Ram will have nothing to write about. Far be it from me to leave them bored.

Lucasfilm will release on November 3rd, the first season (volume 2) of the Star Wars "Clone Wars" that Cartoon Network airs. This time, you can give George Lucas coinage for a DVD or Blu-Ray of the series.

If you read the blog you know I've been very, very sceptical of this series. I hated the Clone Wars movie that was released and expected the series to be just as bad. I was pleasantly surprised and found the series was quite fun by the season end. My biggest complaint of course, is the Hannah Montana Padawan that tags along with young Darth Vader-to-be. Otherwise, it's fun and I look forward to the next season.

Take it way, DD...

Judge Me By My Second Season, Do You...

If you remember my comments about Star Wars "The Clone Wars" television series, I was pretty critical of it...

But slowly, after a few episodes I actually warmed to it... mostly. I still can't stand "Hannah Montana in Space," but otherwise it's been a surprisingly good series. I can only hope that the second season is even better.

The guys over at G4 have released a trailer Lucasfilm put together for the Second Season of The Clone Wars. Check it out and feel the power of the Dark Side. Now where's the news about the live-action series, Lucas?

May the Force be with you, later this year...

What The Prequels Should Have Looked Like...

If you haven't seen the trailer for the three part conclusion known as "The Ryloth Trilogy,"("Storm Over Ryloth," "Innocents of Ryloth," and "Liberty on Ryloth") of the Cartoon Network's Clone Wars series Season One, then take a look...

It's pretty swanky if you ask me, and I ain't been too kind to Master Lucas' handling of the Star Wars franchise of late.

More Clones...

Well, George Lucas' "Clone Wars" series has gotten a green light from the Cartoon Network for a second season...

I have to say, the series is good most of the time(Just stop with the Gungans, already!). I just don't know what they were thinking about when they released that horrid theatrical film... it should have been buried, not shown in theaters. The series has turned out to be a surprise I must admit. But, I would love to have a little less of the Hanna Montana Padawan, pleeeeeeaase?

Here's the CN's press release:

________________________________________________

Cartoon Network Picks Up Second Season of Lucasfilm Ltd.’s
STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS Television Series

Groundbreaking Series Ranks #1 in Its Time Period With All Boys Demos Across All Television—Broadcast and Ad-Supported Cable, 2008 and January 2009

After debuting to record numbers and claiming the #1 series across the entire basic cable landscape in 2008 and through January 2009 with boys 6-11, Cartoon Network announced today that it has picked-up a second season of the hit CG-animated series STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, from creator George Lucas and Lucasfilm Animation. Slated to premiere in the fall of 2009, the second season will continue to take audiences on new and exciting adventures, combining the legendary storytelling of Lucasfilm with innovative animation. The season one finale of Star Wars: The Clone Wars airs on Cartoon Network Friday, March 20 at 9 pm ET/PT.

“Star Wars: The Clone Wars is like nothing else on television and has delivered for us on all levels,” said Stuart Snyder, President/COO Turner Animation, Young Adults & Kids Media. “It has helped us launch a great new night of action-adventure on Fridays and build on our dominance with boys. We look forward to continuing what has been a great relationship with George and everyone at Lucasfilm.”

"We're trying to push the envelope even further in the second season," said George Lucas. "In the features, I focused on telling the story of the Skywalker family. With The Clone Wars I'm exploring far beyond that and we barely scratched the surface in the first season. It's exciting to be able to take people to all these new places in the Star Wars galaxy."

The October 3, 2008 premiere of Star Wars: The Clone Wars scored as the most-watched series debut in Cartoon Network history, according to Nielsen Media Research. Since its premiere, Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Friday 9 p.m.) has ranked #1 in its time period on all television—broadcast and ad-supported cable—with boys 2-11, boys 6-11, and tween boys 9-14 through January 2009.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars showcases an entirely new look and feel to the galaxy far, far away, combining the expansive scope of the Star Wars saga with state-of-the-art computer-generated animation. Each week, viewers see a thrilling, 30-minute “mini-movie” created by the talented artists at Lucasfilm Animation.

On the front lines of an intergalactic struggle between good and evil, fans young and old join favorite characters such as Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padmé Amidala, along with brand new heroes like Anakin’s padawan learner, Ahsoka. Sinister villains—led by Palpatine, Count Dooku and General Grievous—are poised to rule the galaxy. Stakes are high, and the fate of the Star Wars universe rests in the hands of the daring Jedi Knights. Their exploits lead to the action-packed battles and astonishing new revelations that fill Star Wars: The Clone Wars. With a new story each week, Star Wars: The Clone Wars continues the tradition of thrilling stories, astonishing visuals and extraordinary music that have always been the hallmark of the Star Wars saga.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 97 million U.S. homes and 166 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Nightly from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.

Lucasfilm, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Lucasfilm Animation and related character names, vehicle names and properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

________________________________________________

Hat Tip to Ain't It Cool News.

Perspective/Retro-Afterthoughts...

Well now, far be it from me to not say when I'm wrong...

Or when something that I think is going to suck turns out to be good, or not suck. That out of the way, I just want to say that after having viewed the first few "Clone Wars" episodes on Cartoon Network, I must say that they don't suck like the Clone Wars film. I actually liked a couple of them quite a bit. The only exception to them so far is Anakin's new padawan, Hannah Montana... errr I mean, the Miley Cyrus inspired Ahsoka Tano, whom I just can't stand. Sigh... otherwise, it's a pretty fun show.

So far.

I hope that they stay this good and get better. I also hope that it bodes well for the live-action Star Wars television series too.

Clone Wars Debuts...

Today the animated series "The Clone Wars" debuts on the Cartoon Network...

Let's hope that the series is a step above the theatrical release of this Lucasfilm project.


Although, I don't have much hope in "The Force" behind this project anymore. Time to sell? Time to let your baby leave the home, fly the coup? What do you think, George? Or do you even care?

As for the series?

May the Force be with it. Because I feel it's going to need it...

If It Walks Like A Duck, Talks Like A Duck, Looks Like A Duck...

Here's what the reviews for George Lucas' "Clone Wars" are saying...

"It's difficult to say whether the dialogue or the characters are more wooden." - Charlotte Observer

"Has it come to this? Has the magical impact of George Lucas' original vision of "Star Wars" been reduced to the level of Saturday morning animation?" - Chicago Sun Times/Roger Ebert

"An enjoyable escapade and a great introduction to the forthcoming series - just not the seventh Star Wars film fans were hoping for." - Empire

"George Lucas is turning into the enemy of fun." - Entertainment Weekly

"In the absence of any extensive innovation, the video game-ready results play more like a feature-length promo for the imminent TV series of the same name than a stand-alone event." - Hollywood Reporter

"Despite some absolutely gorgeous animation and adjusting expectations for what Clone Wars is meant to be, the Force is not strong with this one." - Los Angeles Times

"The Clone Wars is minor to the point of irrelevance, nothing more than a stylized direct-to-DVD shrug projected onto a big screen while Lucas launches two more TV series filling in prequel blanks better left empty." - LA Weekly

"Dear George Lucas: Stop ruining 'Star Wars'!" - New York Daily News

"Expectations were set so low by George Lucas’s lousy trilogy of “Star Wars” prequels that the latest from the Lucasfilm factory comes as something of a surprise: it isn’t the most painful movie of the year!" - New York Times

"... It's more of a problem when a film feels like a videogame, which implies a story that's more fun to play through than watch. Unfortunately, there's no interactive option for Star Wars: The Clone Wars" - The Onion

"The best that can be said about the movie is that it's harmless and mostly charmless." - Philadelphia Inquirer

"The animated "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" movie is out today, and Lucas seems to be more in touch with his inner Ewok than ever. The movie's tone will probably send original-trilogy loyalists over the edge, the final shove that sends their Hoth Ice Planet action play sets into exile on eBay." San Francisco Chronicle

"The movie gets more cluttered and confused as it moves along, though it's dotted with so many generic battle scenes and paint-by-numbers light-saber combat sequences that you can see how it's at least attempting to mimic the illusion of excitement." - Salon

"The story lacks narrative tension. The dialogue is stilted and overblown, a problem also in some of the live-action incarnations. That, combined with visuals that consistently lack punch, leaves little to engage us." - USA Today

"... there's little doubt this stuff will look more at home on the tube than it does on the bigscreen, since one thing is for sure: This isn't the "Star Wars" we've always known and at least sometimes loved." - Variety

"Clone Wars will appeal only to the most tolerant, galactically minded children and their parents." - Wall Street Journal

"Unfolds with all the entertainment value of watching somebody else play a video game." - Washington Post

Blue Sky Disney Review: Clone Wars...

While I thought I wouldn't be reviewing this, I figured that after I devoted as much time to posting about "The Clone Wars" as I did, that I at least deserved to give you my opinion of the film...




Could have been worse... could have been a whole lot better...

Meh.