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Tuesday, November 1, 2016

The Clone Wars: Plan of Dissent

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: "Plan of Dissent"
Series: Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Season 4, Episode 9
Original Air Date: November 11, 2011
via Wookieepedia
This story's getting good.  "Plan of Dissent" is the third episode in a four-part arc.  General Krell continues to be obnoxious and foolhardy.  The clones of the 501st Legion serving under him continue to grumble.  This week, Krell has yet another suicidal assault plan and, of course, the clones have a better idea.  Their scheme might be the only real chance of success but carrying it out risks a court martial for all involved.  So, of course, they swallow their pride and follow Krell's crazy orders.

Haha!  Just kidding!  Wouldn't that be boring?  The climactic scene is highly reminiscent of "Rookies," still my favorite single episode of the series.  There's also a nice little gift for the devotees, a recreation of Han Solo's intercom riff during the prison break scene in A New Hope.  I've said it before and I'll say it again: stories about the clone troopers themselves are the best thread going in The Clone Wars.  Still true, four seasons in.

*****

"Plan of Dissent" was directed by Kyle Dunlevy.  It is the ninth of 17 episodes he directed.  Prior to Star Wars, Dunlevy worked with C.A.G.E. Digital.

Over the course of the series, The Clone Wars used 15 different episode directors.  While Dunlevy directed the final two episodes of this four-part arc, chapter one was directed by Steward Lee, chapter two by Walter Murch.  It seems a strange way to divvy up the work but I supposed you do what you have to in order to meet deadlines.  Meanwhile, the same writer is credited for all four episodes: Matt Michnovetz.  I suppose that makes sense.

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: "Carnage of Krell."




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4 comments:

  1. Andrew LeonNovember 1, 2016 at 9:32 AM

    Frequently, especially with a show like Clone Wars, they're working on multiple episodes at the same time, so the same director isn't able to direct back-to-back episodes.

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    1. The Armchair SquidNovember 3, 2016 at 10:12 PM

      Sure. I'd still expect the same director to work one arc but I guess not.

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  2. SpacerGuyNovember 2, 2016 at 3:05 PM

    Star Wars always struck me as a movie franchise but now I'm learning these directors helped created a nexus of episodes.

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    1. The Armchair SquidNovember 3, 2016 at 10:15 PM

      I've probably said this before but I've come to the conclusion in my exploration of both that Star Wars is better at movies, Trek is better at TV. It seems only right that should be the case. Clone Wars does an admirable job of fleshing out the Star Wars universe but they still feel supplemental.

      Delete