The Clone Wars: Mercy Mission

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: "Mercy Mission"
Series: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Season 4, Episode 5
Original Air Date: October 7, 2011

via Wookieepedia

I'm starting to worry a little about Season 4.  The stench of formula is creeping in.  For the third story in a row, we have two intelligent species coexisting on the same planet.  "Mercy Mission" is also a droid story and I'm not such a fan of those.  As much as I genuinely love Artoo and Threepio, any narrative that's too dependent on them tends to fall flat.  This isn't the weakest droid story I've seen in The Clone Wars but it's not the direction I want to see the series heading either.  Looking ahead, next week's a droid story, too.  Sigh...

The planet Aleen is in crisis after a series of groundquakes.  Our two favorite droids accompany clone troopers on an aid mission.  The Aleena are sort of like Ewoks without the fur, even demonstrating divine reverence for C-3PO.  After helping to set the food and communication situations right, the droids are led by the Aleena to a huge golden seal embedded on the ground like a huge manhole cover, partly open.  When a tremor hits, Threepio is knocked into the hole.  He falls down to the underworld and, of course, faithful Artoo must follow.   Once there, they encounter the Kindalo, tree-like beings who have some issues with the way the Aleena on the surface are handling matters.  There is a bit of an H.G. Wells Time Machine feel to all of this which is endearing.

via Wookieepedia

King Manchucho is the leader of the Aleena.  This episode marks his only appearance in the series.  He is voiced by James Arnold Taylor.

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: "Nomad Droids."