Jamaican Me Crazy

Well, well, well, what have we here? Oh that’s right, it’s Friday night and the mood is right for Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Tonight’s episode, Brain Invaders, felt somewhat like a consolation prize for me. After sitting through a ground campaign it was such a relief to be back in space. That’s not to say I haven’t enjoyed the “Geonosis Arc”, but I need variety and tonight proved as such.

Let’s start with the title of this episode. Brain Invaders encapsulates that pulpy, Saturday matinée serial feel. I mean, can you see the movie poster already? I just love it. It harkens back to those old school sci-fi b-movies. Not that I watched them or anything, but I mean, if i did, I imagine they’d be like this. ANYWAYS, it was a nice throw back.

As I tweeted on Friday, Dave and Company hit us with the foreshadowing dump truck. I had a near-visceral reaction to the nematoda-fueled betrayal of the Jedi by the clones. Regardless of the fact that “it really wasn’t their fault”, I couldn’t help but feel that familiar horrified sinking sensation that I get when I watch ROTS. What made this episode even more disturbing was the malicious intent: In ROTS the clones were cold and efficient, clinical even, when exterminating the Jedi. This time there was an undercurrent of malice and glee.

Yet again, we are presented with the conundrum of attachment versus compassion. Ahsoka is bestowed with an applicable scenario of sparing Barriss’ life over the greater good of the mission. Her own faith in her abilities and resourceful thinking are responsible for overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. To continue the philosophy discussion the padawans have a powwow of sorts in the frigate’s mess hall. Regardless of the words spoken, these glimpses into the conflicted minds of the Jedi humanizes them and adds more dimension to the characters.

I’m going to present a theory that will probably run contrary to the views of most for this episode. In Brain Invaders we see Anakin take a visible step towards the darkside. Where most are concerned, this is evidence of the future Darth Vader. I disagree. I think we are seeing Anakin being Anakin. I’ve found it difficult to reconcile the Anakin of The Clone Wars with the Anakin who slaughtered a village of Tusken Raiders. This is that Anakin. Is he “dark”? Yes. Is he evil? No. THIS is the difference between Vader and Anakin. That darkness has resided within Anakin since his days of slave labor. It’s just merely bubbling to the top during these instances. He sees his padawan in mortal peril and reacts. Would Obi-Wan have done the same thing in his situation? Probably not, but yet again we  see the attachment versus compassion angle in this situation and how Anakin handles it. From ROTS we know Poggle the Lesser is not still in custody. It will be interesting to see the legal ramifications of Anakin’s rough interrogation. Were two padawans and a handful of clones worth the lives that the freedom of Poggle cost? OH, and though this has been touched upon by others, the judicious use of the John Williams’ score during Anakin’s tiny day-trip into the Dark was prime.

PS. Did the final pose of Ahsoka holding Barriss look like a traditional Pietà pose? If it was, I love that crew. I really do.

I feel like I need a jingle for the list…

The Good

• I thought the clones’ voices were the most distinctive yet. DBB does an excellent job differentiating them as always.
• For some reason I loved seeing the mundane of Star Wars. The sleeping arrangements and mess hall scenes are always fascinating to me. What can I say? I’m a voyeur at heart.
• I love the throwback to the Tantive IV. It’s always nice when the animation team can make realistic and believable references.
• Barriss legitimately ran a clone through with a lightsaber. GRAPHICALLY. This was a good guy (human), under the influence of an outside power, who was killed by a Jedi. It doesn’t get any more adult than that.
• Oh Professor Fisto, can we just go sit on a beach and drink Red Stripe together?
• Barriss shattering the glass with the Force was visually stunning. Compared to Mace Windu’s glass shattering in the Ryloth Trilogy, hers is less controlled and  more wild.
• I like the reuse of the medical outpost.

The Fugly

• The bugs. I HATE bugs. The slithering animation is so realistic that it scares the beejeezus out of me.
• Barriss begging Ahsoka to kill her. It really broke my heart.

Remember, there will be no new TCW until the new year. If you’re feeling bored and if you’re in need of a TCW fix, I suggest you invest in the Season One DVD of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. I’ll have a review of the DVD box set up and running relatively soon. Please enjoy these stills from Brain Invaders!

Not gonna lie... First thought was Storm.

PSST. Hey Barriss... Do you think he thinks I'm cute?

I've got nothing. Bitch has balls.

Hey NALA Hey!

Awww come on. THAT IS NASTY, DAVE.