The Clone Wars: Duel of the Droids

My friends and I are embarking on an exploration of Star Wars: The Clone Wars.  Every Tuesday, we will be featuring an episode from the series which began in 2008 (as opposed to the one that started in 2003).  All are welcome to join us for all or parts of the fun.

Episode: "Duel of the Droids"
Series: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Season 1, Episode 7
Original Air Date: November 14, 2008

via Wookieepedia

The R2-D2 development story (there should really be more of those) from last week concludes as Anakin and Ahsoka rush to rescue him from General Grievous's clutches.  Grievous employs Gha Nachkt, a Trandosha scavenger, to access Artoo's memory banks, finding quite a treasure trove indeed.  Gha, realizing the increased value of his work, hints at renegotiation and pays a high price for his insolence.  (Seriously, has the guy never seen any gangster movies?)

Rescue narratives are bread-and-butter for the Star Wars franchise.  Anakin takes a team of clones to plant explosives in the Separatist listening station while Anakin searches for Artoo in same.  R3-S6, Artoo's temporary replacement, reveals his true colors as an agent for Grievous, betraying the Jedi.  Ahsoka shows her nerve in a confrontation with GG while Anakin and the clones fend off various mechanical adversaries in the hangar.

*****

via Wikipedia

Ron Perlman (Gha Nachkt) was born April 13, 1950 in New York City.  He is best known as Vincent in The Beauty and the Beast series and the title character in the Hellboy films.  Over the course of his long and successful acting career, he has specialized in roles requiring heavy makeup.  In addition to the two mentioned above, he has found such work in The Name of the Rose, The Island of Dr. Moreau and Star Trek: Nemesis.  His voice-over career has also been extensive, in both television and, of course, video games.

Perlman's appearance is just one of many indications as to how far animated television has come.  In Star Trek's animated series, regular cast members covered multiple voices in every episode.  Regularly paying for high-profile guest stars was far beyond the budget.  Also, with the explosion of animated media - Pixar, Ghibli, Simpsons, Cartoon Network, video games - voice acting is a far more lucrative career than it was in the mid 1970s.

If you would care to join us for all or part of our travels, sign on to the list below.  Please visit the other participants today.  Next week: "Bombad Jedi."

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