Reimagining Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)

Alright, so there have been talks about redoing the prequels, sequels, originals, and even one for SW Rebels. Given The Clone Wars (TCW) is back for its finale, I thought I’d ask if and/or how you would want to reimagine TCW? If so, would you want to stick to the old EU continuity or follow what the show has provided? What tone would you want to use (something more like The Mandalorian or more kid-friendly)?

Now, I’m going to come out and say it: While I can enjoy bits here or there, I don’t really like TCW as everyone does (and this is ignoring how the show contradicted with pre-existing EU materials at the time of its initial airing). Personally, I never liked the show’s episode format (i.e. how it was drawn out or not put in chronological order at time) or how dumb down it felt in comparison to Tartakosky’s Clone Wars or the Clone Wars multimedia project, including-but not limited to-the heroes (Anakin and Obi-Wan, while given a bit of depth, felt a bit static in terms of their character growth; it took me A LONG TIME to care for Ahsoka’s character, etc.) and the main villains (Grievous and Dooku don’t need to be said; Ventress never killed a single Jedi throughout the entire time TCW had been on air; Mother Talzin’s plan barely made a lick of sense; etc.).

That being said, I do understand that the show did (re-)introduce Star Wars to a lot of people, and again, there are bits I like. It’s kind of why I want to discuss and see what anyone here can come up with. I personally think is more for fun than to prove one side is wrong or I can do something better.

As for me, whether or not I stick with the old EU continuity, I am doing this:

1. Anakin and Obi-Wan are not the main focus of the show. I’m doing this because they already have an entire trilogy (one that didn’t flesh them out fully but still) and having them in the show would kinda take away any from wondering if they’re going to make it. They can still show up as recurring characters (maybe even dedicate a couple episodes to their bonding) and we can still see how their relationship grows (I believe TCW had done this with lesser known character, except it’s just Anakin and Obi-Wan instead). Ahsoka, or a character like her, would still be in the main cast, now comprised of less-known or original characters (probably consist of Jedi, Republic spies, soldiers, etc.) who doing their own things, but slowly gather together until mid-way or the end of season 1.

2. Make the main antagonists (the Separatists) threatening. I already stated my thoughts on TCW’s villains. The main conflict of TCW is boiled down to Republic vs Separatists, and the Separatists were rarely-if at all-given any long lasting victories. Villains like Darth Maul are good in the show, but they should be acting as tertiary antagonists, not overshadowing the main ones (which happens in TCW due to the incompetency of the Separatists military leaders). If anything, the Separatists would be a little closer to what is seen in Tartakovsky’s Clone Wars. Plus, I’m thinking of using original villains that don’t take away from characters like Grievous but still stand on their own and add a bit of ambiguity to the war.

3. Streamline the story and try to focus it on the main characters. Again, I’ve mentioned how I didn’t like TCW’s episode format. While it did show aspects of the Clone Wars, certain stories were unnecessarily drawn out over several episodes (did we really need three/four episodes dedicated to the antics of the droids and the frog Republic officer?). What I have in mind is something more like SW Rebels and The Mandalorian mixed with Avatar: The Last Airbender, showing more “episodic” stories that build into an overarching narrative. This could include stuff like: the Jedi being suspicious of the clones early on (something the actual show didn’t touch on until near the end), what the populace think of the war, etc. More than likely, the story itself would start from Geonosis or right after and continue way past Order 66 (to show the dark times).

That’s all I have for now. I think I might have more, but please let me know what you think and how you would you want to reimagine TCW yourselves. Take care.