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: "The Zillo Beast Strikes Back"
Series:
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Season 2, Episode 19
Original Air Date: April 10, 2010
The homages to the classic monster movies continue with the second part of the
Zillo Beast tale. Despite the creature's reptilian appearance, the climbing of skyscrapers and the swiping at aircraft evoke King Kong more than Godzilla. It would seem that the Zillo Beast grasped an essential truth about the galaxy far, far away long before any of the Jedi did. On Andrew Leon's
post last week, I commented my surprise that no one caught on to Palpatine's evil nature before it was too late. But the Zillo Beast knew.
Palpatine has brought the creature back to Coruscant in order to study its seemingly impenetrable armor. When it becomes apparent that the armor cannot be removed without causing great pain and distress, Palpatine orders the beast killed. He makes the grave mistake of assuming the monster is not intelligent enough to understand him. The Zillo Beast escapes and runs through the city in a destructive rampage. But he is not lashing out randomly. His target is specific. The Beast is after Palpatine and Palpatine knows it. For the first (and only?) time in the entire saga, we see genuine fear in the eyes of the Sith Lord. For once, there is a piece in the game he cannot control.
*****
Dr. Sionver Boll, the scientist ordered to do Palpatine's dirty work upon the monster, might also have an inkling about the future Emperor's darker side. She is a Bivali from the planet Protobranch. She initially protests against harming the Beast but ultimately caves. The
Zillo Beast arc marks the character's only appearance. Dr. Boll is voiced by Cara Pifko.
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: "Death Trap."
I'm not convinced that that was not why Palpatine did what he did. He wanted the creature killed and he wanted the Jedi to be a part of that as a way of humiliating them. It's very possible he orchestrated the whole thing.
ReplyDeleteOr maybe not.
It's the possibility I find interesting.
I buy that much was by Palpatine's own design. But he did seem genuinely afraid - afraid for his own safety and perhaps even fear of the beast's glimpse of his own dark heart.
DeleteTAS: Well, sometimes even when you plan something, it can get out of control.
DeleteThe best laid plans of mice and Sith Lords.
DeleteI've set my season two review for Thursday, March 31.
DeleteI figured you might. I'll probably do the same. I have enjoyed Season 2.
DeleteI haven't watched the Clone Wars but darn, what a shame that beast didn't take down Palpatine and save everyone else the trouble!
ReplyDeleteI know, right?
Delete