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If the reaction to the newest trailer for Season 7 of The Clone Wars wasn’t enough to hint to you how big the animated show is, then nothing will. What started with a less-than-liked movie in 2008 grew into one of the most important and beloved pieces of Star Wars media. The series focuses on Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker’s exploits during the multi-year Clone wars, something that’s only hinted at in Revenge of the Sith. It introduced Ahsoka Tano, another beloved character, and humanized the Clone troopers and showed that they had different nicknames, desires, and personalities. 

The impact it’s had on fans and the grand scheme of Star Wars is immense but also pretty vast. So it might be a little hard to remember all that happened or recall the ending for certain characters. But don’t worry: here are some important arcs and episodes for you to recap and rewatch before Season 7 premieres. But just so you know, if you haven’t watched The Clone Wars, maybe don’t read below if you want to be surprised. 

Anakin meets the Son on Mortis, 'The Clone Wars' Season 3.
Anakin meets the Son on Mortis, ‘The Clone Wars’ Season 3 | Lucasfilm

The Clone Wars movie

Ahsoka introduces herself to Anakin

Say what you want about The Clone Wars, the movie, but it was a good stepping stone for the show. The animation and writing aren’t as good as later in the series, but it has important parts. It shows the very first time Ahsoka meets Anakin and Obi-Wan and asserts herself as the snippy Padawan everyone was bound to fall in love with eventually. It shows Anakin’s reluctance to be her teacher, but it also shows the foundation of their strong bond.

Season 1

Ahsoka fails big time, for the first time

During the Battle of Ryloth arc, Ahsoka is put in charge of a fleet of battleships and leads them fearlessly into battle. But she doesn’t follow orders, relying on the independent, aggressive attitude her master instilled in her and loses nearly all her men. It teaches her a lesson, and it’s the first episode in an important arc, going into the first season finale. [Season 1, Episode 19 – end of season]

Season 2

Death Watch’s introduction 

When first introduced, there wasn’t a lot known about the Mandalorian people outside of Boba and Jango Fett (who weren’t even true followers of the culture). The show spends quite a bit of time on Mandalore itself, but also takes the time to highlight an extremist group of Mandalorians known as Death Watch. Led by Pre Vizsla, they are very important going forward, and even for The Mandalorian. [Season 2, Episode 12 – 14]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7eH816jxLE

Season 3

The introduction of the Nightsisters and more on Asajj Ventress

Asajj Ventress is a major player for the Dark Side all through The Clone Wars. She’s linked to Count Dooku, even though she’s not his apprentice. But Palpatine becomes weary of their connection and forces Dooku to kill her. She survives and goes back to her people, the Nightsisters, to plan her revenge. This arc not only gives background to Ventress, but also shows the creation of Savage Opress and more of Dathomir. [Season 3, Episode 12 – 14]

Mortis

Season 3 really picks up. Not only do the characters and animation get a newer look halfway through, but the writing and stories becoming bigger. The Mortis arc is another major example of this. Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka get a weird distress call from the planet and find Force-wielding beings the Father, Daughter, and Son. A lot happens: Anakin sees his dark, Sith future, Ahsoka dies and then is resurrected, and more. Truly one of the most important arcs of the whole series. [Season 3, Episode 15 – 17]

Season 4

Umbara and the Clone troopers

The Clone troopers are obviously very important to The Clone Wars, as you can imagine. And the show really does a great job of making you feel for these soldiers who are easily expendable to those in power. This arc shows how they do have brains and don’t just blindly follow orders all the time. Plus it’s gritty and visually stunning. [Season 4, Episode 7 – 10]

Darth Maul returns

Savage Opress is sent by the Nightsister’s leader Talzin to find his brother Maul, who Obi-Wan Kenobi severely injured in The Phantom Menace. This is the first time the character returns since his supposed death, and he makes a powerful recovery from his madness. They become major players looking for revenge from Obi-Wan. [Season 4, Episode 21 – 22]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPLCUH9ZOFc

Season 5

Maul takes over Mandalore and is working with Palpatine

As stated above, Maul has a lot in store for the Jedi he hates most and his ideas for power. He starts the season, bringing those plans to fruition, and then the end of the season shows how he gains control of Mandalore with the help fo Death Watch. In addition, he kills Duchess Satine, breaking Obi-Wan in a way that’s more significant than physical (although Maul still wants him dead). [Season 5, Episode 14 – 16]

Ahsoka leaves the Jedi Order

Probably one of the most significant moments in all of The Clone Wars, Ahsoka leaving the Jedi Order has so many domino effects. This arc shows the huge failings of the Jedi Council and their distrust of Anakin and blindness to the Dark Side. It also shows their unwillingness to see their faults and change for the better. It also planted more disillusionment in Anakin, who lost one of his closest companions because of an Order he was supposed to be devoted to. This moment is surely a catalyst in Anakin’s turn to the Dark Side and the Jedi’s demise. [Season 5, Episode 17 – 20]

Season 6

Fives’ (almost) discovery of Order 66

This is a moment that could have changed the outcome for the Jedi and Palpatine’s plan for destruction and total rule. Clone trooper Fives discovered the inhibitor chip in trooper Tup’s head, which caused him to kill a Jedi. Following a series of tests, clues, and instinct. Fives roughly discovers Palpatine’s plan and tries to warn the Jedi. He obviously fails, but it’s so hard to watch him come so close to discovering what would be Order 66. [Season 6, Episode 1 – 4]

Yoda’s visions of the future

Yoda goes on a mission in hopes to finally uncover the mysteries surrounding Master Sifo-Dyas’ death. Of course, it’s all connected to Darth Sidious and Count Dooku, so they also try to stop the wise Jedi master from finding the truth. Qui-Gon Jinn’s knowledge of Force ghosts and the afterlife is also explored. [Season 6, Episode 10 – 13]