Shattered

Clone Wars and other joys of watching in community

I cannot express how much I love Star Wars animation although I first fell in love with Star Wars as a child in the movie theater. I can remember the car ride and the palpable excitement leading up to that experience and still being overwhelmed. But, Clone Wars was important to my son as a child and young adult. Also, of course, Clone Wars redeemed the franchise because the prequel trilogy never landed with me like the original trilogy. Then came Clone Wars’ final season in all its operatic glory hit just when we needed the emotional outlet and connection of community. How can we not love Star Wars animation after that?

So why am I talking about Clone Wars? Because we are getting a new Star Wars animated series. Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord just dropped its first two episodes and although I was unprepared and only learned recently that this was a thing I have been beyond excited ever since I learned via one of my favorite podcasts. Fortunately for me the day I learned I was able to talk to both a friend and my son about the show or I might have exploded. But this post is not about Maul, but about Clone Wars because I rewatched three of the best story arcs of the show in preparation for Maul and I am still in my feelings about that experience.

Act One: The Return of Maul

This three episode arc (Clone Wars 87-89) may feature Maul and his brother Savage Opress, but is so very Clone Wars from the weird splitting of the arc over seasons (wrapping Season 4 and kicking off Season 5) and then separating the next act of this opera with other arcs, but most of all for the content. I cannot tell you how many times I squealed with the delight when watching these episodes and then listening to their discussion on the podcast A More Civilized Age.

I fell in love with Clone Wars all over again from the delightful diner scene with Anakin and Ahsoka, the Obi-Wan/Ventress teamup, and, of course, Hondo just being Hondo:

So proud. So betrayed.

Insolence? We are pirates. We don’t even know what that means.

I texted my son after watching this arc because I had forgotten how entertaining Clone Wars can be when it is on its game (which I fully admit it isn’t always). This arc really captures the magic in so many ways. We get most of our favs in great locations delivering snappy dialogue while performing terrific action sequences.

Act Two: The Rise of Maul

The Shadow Collective Arc (Clone Wars 102-104) is a great transition from peak Clone Wars to the end of the war as well as the fall of the Republic and the Jedi. These episodes are full of terrific action, character moments, and gut-punching losses. The teamup of the brothers with Deathwatch and crime bosses was something to watch. Maul’s devastating understanding of human weakness (“Greed never fails to motivate”) gets me every time (is this a Sith superpower?). So much betrayal that cannot help but lead to the devastation of Order 66 and our final act of this amazing opera. Watch the episodes and listen to A More Civilized Age for more thoughts.

Act Three: Victory and Death

I cannot tell you how many times I have watched the final Clone Wars arc (which is typically considered 9-12 but I rewatched 8-12 because 8 is the final pivot). This arc reminded me again how my favorite Jedi did not follow the traditional Jedi path (Ahsoka and Kanan Jarrus - we can talk about Rebels another day) because the Jedi are a flawed organization run by flawed humans whose training is only acceptable when compared to the Sith (can any organization built on child trafficking be healthy?).

We all know where this story is going and what events are happening elsewhere in the universe even when we don’t hear the voices in the force and still I am on the edge of my seat, my eyes filled with tears, every time I watch. This is such a human story despite the heart-wrenchingly beautiful and epic weight of each episode and that is what makes these arcs together an opera. It is space opera and yet we are left to consider the ethical consequences of the path we choose, love and friendship, the invisible wounds of war, and the power and fearful loss of love and connection. Casual Star Wars fans do not need to engage with seven seasons of Clone Wars to understand my deep love but these three arcs (the equivalent of three movies I think) might help you understand and inspire you to think about the inspiration that can be found in these stories.

It was the final season of Clone Wars that truly taught me the pleasure of watching in community. I was supported through that watch and many other Star Wars shows since then by podcasts like What the Force and Skytalkers. I love how other fans inspired me to think more deeply about the themes of Star Wars and the essential life lessons we can learn from engaging with these stories and characters. I have mixed feelings about the movies and live action shows, but Clone Wars and Rebels are near and dear to my heart alongside the original trilogy so I have high hopes regarding Maul - Shadow Lord. I know what happens to him in Rebels but cannot wait to find out what happens after he flies away when Ahsoka releases him in Clone Wars. I do love George Lucas and Dave Filoni.

Watching In Community

I am more than halfway through my practice retirement and a quarter way through the year so it is a good time to take stock of my Watching in Community activities. According to Letterbox I have watched 34 movies this year which I am very confident is far more than I watched in all of 2026 (and probably combined with other years because I just haven’t been a big movie watcher). I started a 2026 Movie Bracket to keep track of my favorite movies. My favorite movie for March was The Bride! (see What’s In A Name?) but often I am much more about shows than movies and so I made some lists on Reelgood to include my favorite shows and movies for January, February, and March. In March I did enjoy some strong movie watching although I am deep into Season 2 of House of the Dragon. In February George RR Martin also ruled with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (see Monkey Paws and Wanderlust). January was definitely mostly about Murderbot (my library just informed me there is a new book coming out and you better believe I hit that hold button). Like Star Wars, GRRM fans also offer a robust community which makes the viewing even more enjoyable.

I feel like I am behind with both the Pantsuit Politics Book and Film Club 2026 Movie Challenge and the New Rockstars Road to Doomsday because I haven’t watched any movies in April yet (I did start The Amazing Spider-Man but…). I have been more about my books and shows, but I hope to get back on track. I think the movie challenge has been good for me even when I have not loved the movie. Much like my book clubs, the challenge has pushed me out of my comfort zone which is a good think for us retired (or practicing) folks. The Road to Doomsday journey is not an assignment and I’ve already skipped some movies by choice or access. It is fun to dip in and out. I do need to work on book to screen adaptations because that adds such an interesting level to the reflection/conversation. I know that is one of the things I love about GRRM (because yes I have read the books). What book to screen adaptations should I consider? Check the list or recommend older options (I’ve got True Grit on my list of movies to watch already).

How do you enjoy watching in community? What movies and shows are inspiring you to share the experience with other humans?