The Clone Wars: Grievous Intrigue

My friends and I are watching 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: "Grievous Intrigue"
Series: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Season 2, Episode 9
Original Air Date: January 1, 2010

via Wookieepedia

Jedi Master Eeth Koth is taken hostage by General Grievous.  Obi-Wan, Anakin and Adi Gallia set off to rescue him, though it quickly becomes apparent the whole kidnapping was just a ploy to ensnare Kenobi.  Basically, the story is straight forward Jedi vs. Sith with a reminder of the personal animosity between Grievous and Obi-Wan.

There is, however, an interesting wrinkle worthy of note.  While Grievous is in contact with the Jedi via holo-transmission, he lords over a seemingly inert Koth, exhausted by the torture his captor has exacted upon him.  However, Koth manages to communicate his coordinates through hand gestures.  This is the first and, as far as I can tell, only appearance of a Jedi sign language within a canon story.

As noted last week, The Force Awakens has definitely raised the bar for future Star Wars stories.   The new movie has also brought me to reevaluate the place of The Clone Wars within the franchise.  At its best, the series provides much of the personal intimacy that was lacking in the prequels.   It rests on the timeline between movie episodes so it does nothing to alter the broader narrative.  Instead, it provides richer context for a time in the galaxy's history when the Jedi were still powerful, if threatened.  Koth's hand signals, for instance, are a subtle but meaningful enhancement of Jedi culture.

However, Star Wars often struggles to break away from its basic story structures.  I have discussed the tendency toward formula with The Clone Wars but even the new movie adheres a bit too close to A New Hope for my comfort.  How many times are our friends going to have to destroy a Death Star?  The new characters offer exciting possibilities going forward.  If Episode VIII comes off as an Empire Strikes Back rehash, I will be miffed.

That said, let's be clear: I can't wait to find out!

*****

via Wookieepedia

Eeth Koth is an Iridonian Zabrak from the planet Nar Shaddaa.  He was first introduced in The Phantom Menace, in which he was played by Hassani Shapi.  In The Clone Wars, he was voiced by Chris Edgerly.

via Disney Wiki

Edgerly was born August 6, 1969 in Silver Spring, Maryland.  He and his family moved to Savannah, Georgia when he was two years old.  He graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism.  Beyond Star Wars, his television voice credits include Hot in Cleveland, The Simpsons and Wolverine and the X-Men.  His video game work has been more extensive, including several Lord of the Rings titles in which he is the voice of Aragorn.

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