Clone Wars: The Gungan General

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: "The Gungan General"
Series: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Season 1, Episode 12
Original Air Date: January 9, 2009

via Wookieepedia

"The Gungan General" concludes the story begun last week.  Anakin and Obi-Wan find themselves in a prison cell along with their favorite person, Count Dooku.  The three must work together to escape from Hondo Ohnaka [now that I know, I can't not hear Ricardo Montalban when he speaks] and his band of pirates.   Meanwhile, a Republic ship is on its way with the ransom.  Included in the entourage is... oh, boy... Jar Jar Binks.  More on him in a bit.

As I said last week, this story arc has a lot going for it.  I like the pirates and in Part 2, there is some intrigue within their ranks, only adding to the fun.  I also enjoy the interesting dynamic of Jedi and Sith in temporary, reluctant alliance.  But I still feel like we're stuck in a pattern of prison escape stories.  And let's not kid ourselves.  There are issues with the Gungan.

via Wookieepedia

We need to talk about Jar Jar.  I've avoided the subject but it's time.  Love him or hate him, we all know that for most people it's the latter.  For the faithful, he is the emblem of all that is wrong with the prequels, especially Phantom Menace.  There are those, in fact, who rank him among the worst characters in the history of cinema.  But Papa George, for whatever reason, clearly likes him so on some level, we're going to have to accept him - that weird cousin who makes everyone uncomfortable but it would be wrong not to invite him to the family reunion.  Just keep him away from the kitchen.  And the glassware.  And...

I feel the intention with Jar Jar was good.   Lucas wanted a character who would appeal to kids and who would provide comic relief.  C-3PO's role in Episode I is minor and Jar Jar, to a point, fills the gap.  But, silly as he can be, Threepio falls short of self-parody.  It's nearly impossible to take Jar Jar seriously.  Plus, there are the alleged racist overtones, equating Jar Jar with blackface caricatures.  Both Lucas and actor Ahmed Best deny any ill intent but perception is in the eye of the beholder.

The message of "The Gungan General" is clear: give the guy a chance.  Jar Jar definitely does not start off the episode on a good foot.  His bumbling gets a couple of the good guys killed.  But as Clone Trooper Commander Stone says, "He's smarter than he looks."  Binks manages to devise a few clever and helpful tactics, perhaps reassuring us all that there's hope for the guy in the long run.

*****

Ahmed Best played Jar Jar in the movies and in one previous Clone Wars episode.  But he decided to take a break from the character to pursue other work.  BJ Hughes performed the character for the first time in "The Gungan General." 

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: "Jedi Crash."