"General Kenobi, years ago you served my father in the Clone Wars."
- Hologram message from Princess Leia to Obi-Wan Kenobi.

It all started with this passing reference in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope.  The brief mentions in Episode IV (the only in the original trilogy) sparked fan imagination and smart money was on the Clone Wars featuring heavily in Episode I-III. 

But, George Lucas focussed the Star Wars prequels on Anakin Skywalker’s fall from grace, transforming the Star Wars saga from the Rise of Luke Skywalker to the Rise, Fall and Redemption of his dad.

The opening shots of the Clone Wars were fired in the climax of Episode II Attack of the Clones, while Episode III Revenge of the Sith depicted the conflict’s dying days as Senator Palpatine’s insidious plan to rule the Universe with his Galactic Empire came to fruition.

That's correct - the saga is not yet complete, music to the ears of Star Wars fans all over the galaxy.

Using laser edged computer animation Star Wars: The Clone Wars has the same grandeur and epic action as the seven movies (including The Clone Wars theatrical release).

 Jedi and clones ready for action

For Clone Wars newbies the story runs:

 

It is a dark time for the Galactic Republic .Separatists under the command of Count Dooku are luring thousands of star systems away to form the Confederacy of Independent Systems.

 

The Clone army, under the control of Senator Palpatine, is striking against Dooku’s Confederacy, with Yoda’s Jedis leading the assault.

 

Chief amongst the Jedi warriors are Generals Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, plus Jedi Master Mace Windu and Anakin’s fiery apprentice Ahsoka, matched on the villainous side by Sith Lord (anti-Jedi) Dooku, and his acolytes Asajj Ventress, and General Grievous.

 

Grievous, present in Episode III Revenge of the Sith but not seen in the theatrical Clone Wars movie, will be a major player in the TV series, and with his reputation for ordering the deaths of billions this wheezing, insane cyborg has the potential to become Darth Vader for a whole new generation.

 

Audiences afraid they will require a Lord of the Rings level of backstory knowledge, fear not: this is Star Wars and Lucas knows that audiences expect awesome space battles, spectacular lightsaber duelling, excitement, adventure and a healthy portion of wonder. 

 

Episodes are designed to be stand-alone adventures, similar to the classic sci-fi serials that inspired Lucas to embark on his space opera in the first place.

 

Taking a General’s eye view of the galactic conflagration, moving beyond the Anakin/Obi-Wan/Ahsoka triumvirate that powered The Clone Wars movie to include characters barely glimpsed in the prequels, the series’ possibilities and ambition are mouthwatering.  It’s not just about those dysfunctional Skywalkers anymore.

 

The premiere episode focuses on Yoda and three clone troopers battling legions of Count Dooku’s battle droids, the little green meanie once more busting House of Flying Daggers moves and robot heads, while later episodes include fan favourites Ahsoka Tano, Plo Koon and Kit Fisto. 

 It IS easy being green

Don’t worry if you don't know who they are, you will soon.

 

The 22 episodes of Season 1 are done and dusted, presumably being guarded by an entire legion of the Emperor’s finest troops for fear of leaking onto bit torrent sites, and word has it that episodes from Season 2 have already been completed, and Season 3 is in development, with at least 100 episode guaranteed to hit the screen. 

 

Close attention is being paid to continuity between the show and the movies, but expect the internet to become a hive of fevered debate on what new light episodes throw on past saga events.

 

If matching the excitement of the original Clone Wars mircoseries and The Clone Wars movie, The Clone Wars TV series will recapture the magic of the original trilogy. Advanced word is the series is similar in feel to Episode IV A New Hope, the original classic that started it all and changed the face of cinema forever.