The Clone Wars: Duchess of Mandalore

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: "Duchess of Mandalore"
Series: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Season 2, Episode 14
Original Air Date: February 12, 2010

via Wookieepedia

With the terrorist group Death Watch threatening the neutral planet Mandalore, senators vote for a pre-emptive Republic invasion.  Sounds familiar somehow. Naturally, the situation is not all that it seems.  We, as viewers, are let in on the secret of the political manipulations of Chancellor Palpatine.  And, of course, Death Watch is still out to kill Duchess Satine.

With this episode the Mandalore story arc comes to an end.  The arc has a lot going for it.  Most importantly, it provides excellent character development for Obi-Wan Kenobi as we learn of his past affections for the Duchess, a compelling character in her own right.  The Mandalore-Death Watch history provides depth to the Boba Fett story and also a broader sense of galactic politics.  On top of all that, we get some always welcome exploration of city life on Coruscant.  So, there's a little bit for fans of the originals and a little bit for fans of the prequels.  Nicely done.

Pre Vizsla is the leader of Death Watch.  The Mandalore arc marks his entrance but he'll be back.  He is voiced by Jon Favreau.

via Clone Wars Wiki

Favreau was born October 19, 1966 in Queens, New York.  He went to Queens College but dropped out to pursue a career in comedy.  He got his first big break in the Notre Dame football film Rudy.  23 years later, he's a Hollywood titan, having found some success on screen but even more as writer, director and producer.  He wrote, produced and acted in Swingers.  He directed and acted in Elf.  He is executive producer for both Avengers movies.  This is just the tip of the iceberg.

via Wookieepedia

One of Favreau's more unusual projects was the TV series Dinner for Five.  The concept could hardly be simpler: Favreau would invite four people in the entertainment business to dinner.  They would eat in a real restaurant off of the real menu served by the real wait staff.  No scripts, just five people chatting about the biz.  Among his guests over four seasons: Ben Affleck, Ed Asner, Peter Bogdanovich, George Carlin, Tony Hawk, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Stan Lee, Alanis Morissette and Martin Scorcese.  The episodes were uneven.  Some of the groups were more interesting than others.  But the idea was wonderful.

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: "Senate Murders."