10 Greatest Star Wars: The Clone Wars Episodes That Changed Everything

133 episodes were made. Here stand the best of the best.

By Peter Lennon /

It's true that Star Wars: The Clone Wars didn't make great first impressions to say the least when it debuted as a feature film in 2008. The film failed to connect with audiences and critics, who noted the weak animation and poor plotting of what were originally three separate episodes strung together for a feature length showing.

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Even the series' first and sophomore seasons struggled to get along in its inconsistent quality and tones, before finally settling into its mature depiction of war and philosophical themes that it's lauded for today.

Having found its groove at last, Star Wars: The Clone Wars rewarded fans with some of the most compelling stories and characters ever devised in the Star Wars universe, so much so that they even improve Anakin's arc in Revenge of the Sith by proxy. Between the menacing return of Maul, the moral quandaries of padawan Ahsoka Tano, and the ever-entertaining shenanigans of the universe's bounty hunters, it's hard to narrow down the top ten.

Nevertheless, when limiting the spots to one entry per a story arc and including at least one from each season, a list can be comprised of the best that Star Wars: The Clone Wars has to offer!

10. Ghosts Of Mortis

The Clone Wars is built on inevitability. However, Ghosts of Mortis has the honour of being the first episode to directly acknowledge the fate of Anakin Skywalker.

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A follow-up episode to Altar of Mortis, Anakin, Obi-Wan and Ahsoka still remain stranded on the strange titular world, unable to contact the outside. With the balance of the Force having been shaken, after the Son murders the Daughter, Anakin must confront the possibilities of his future as the dark side lingers forth. Burdened by visions of the future, brought forth by the Son, Anakin is filled with anguish for the destruction that he may cause.

The episode creates a rare moment for Anakin in the series, rarely having to confront the meaning of the Chosen One prophecy himself. It's heartbreaking to watch Anakin be unable to overcome his very being, and even more tragic when The Father erases his memory, releasing him from the emotional burden, while also letting the future unfold as shown.

Eventually, Anakin brings balance to the world of Mortis, having killed the Son as the Father dies from his wounds. Balance and peace begot from total destruction is a bleak note to end on a suitably chilling ghost-story in this Star Wars requiem.

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