September 29 2012

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"Strength in character can defeat strength in numbers."

Episode Guide: Revival

Director: Steward Lee
Writer: Chris Collins

Synopsis: Fueled by vengeance and rage, the newly reunited brothers Savage Opress and Maul spread terror and violence across the galaxy. As the Sith brothers forcibly recruit Hondo Ohnaka and his pirates, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Adi Gallia chase them down, leading to a deadly confrontation.

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It wasn't a bad episode, but I didn't like it that much. Too much happening for so little time.

One small detail that always irks me (and it's not just from this episode) is the laser colours. Every time a rogue character happens to be fighting/allied to the "good guys", the laser fire turns blue (and vice versa)...

Thank you for the up, DP, it's greatly appreciated.

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In terms of the larger plot of the Clone Wars, this episode doesn’t move the yardage marker forward very much. However, that’s exactly the reason I enjoyed “Revival” so much. It’s a very good character-centric story (which is a sometimes rare thing in the Star Wars galaxy).

Based on the trailers, I assumed that Maul’s rise would be somewhat straightforward. Instead, the show wisely chose to throw a hitch in his plans immediately after his reintroduction. If Maul has one admirable trait, it would be his tenacity to survive and succeed. Here, Maul once again suffers a humiliating defeat. Yet, despite his failings, he remains sure of his abilities, purpose, and vision. If he was allowed to gather a full army from the get-go, I think this point would be a little lost.

Additionally interesting is Maul’s relationship with Savage. Despite his macho chest thumping at the start of the episode, Maul proves deep-down he does care for his wounded brother. Again, I think that this is interesting lair of depth that is being added to an originally one-note character. As compassion is easily exploited, I’m sure Savage will be used against Maul at some point by Sidious and/or the Jedi.

Also, speaking of Achilles’ heals, it’s important to note the green mist when Maul and Savage are damaged. It seems that the two are being held together by magic. In turn, the ultimate absolution of Mother Talzin may be the key to their defeat.

Overall, this was the right way to kick of the new season - even if it does end with a devilish and portentous smirk from the wickedest villain of all.

I would just remove the added line from the new Palpatine voice actor. It's noticeable and doesn't fit.

I know. What was up with that? And do we know the identity of the new voice actor?

No, he doesn't appear in the credits.

Was it a different actor, or was it simply cut and pasted from a rehearsal session or something?
Whatever the case may be; it did stick out like dogs balls. That wasn't enough to hinder my enjoyment, from what otherwise was a superb season opener.

I like what they've done with the Hondo character. He's such a likeable fellow. I can't help but wonder, if Han Solo hadn't crossed paths with Luke and old Ben Kenobi, would he have turned out something along the lines of Hondo Ohnaka?

The nod to the old Kenner blue Snaggletooth figure, was a nice little touch. Is this the first time we've heard a Southern accent, in a GFFA?

I think Ohnaka was a stand-in for Sidious. Both are amoral and play all sides.

Regarding the Snaggletooth, there was a Twi'lek with a similar accent in Season 3.

Episode commentary is back on the OS. Nice.

Here's next week's preview (complete with Jedi robes).

An alright episode. Nothing too remarkable. Not the strongest start to a season.

Small bit, but I liked Maul's entrance. Preying on the tripped droid at the end of the hallway. Very cool. And Hondo was pretty funny at points. Being both proud and angry at his men's betrayal and exclaiming that he and his men are pirates and don't know the meaning of the word insolence.

Really curious about this upcoming arc about the rebel faction mentioned in an early trailer for season 5.

Sometimes I wish they would revisit the previous seasons just to add small details like that (and fix others).

Well, a far, FAR better start than last season's fish opening. Loved the last little bit with Palpatine - "Oh, no, no, no....we don't need to worry about Maul...toodle-ee-um-dee-doo...". Yeah, the fill-in line wasn't bad exactly, it just sounded like it had been recorded somewhere else by the new actor and served to remind me "oh, yeah, he died didn't he?".

Just managed to catch up with the first 2 episodes...not bad at all.....Savage & Maul got their butts well & truly kicked in this episode & it's nice to see that they are not gonna be all invincible in every episode.
On another note...& no one has mentioned it on here yet...did anyone notice Yoda's hair at the end of the episode? It had changed from previous episodes...but in episode 2 it's back to the normal hair from the older seasons?
Also...are these episodes supposed to be running in chronological order now? In episode one Adi Gallia is killed by Savage, yet in episode 2 she is sat in the Jedi Council Chamber with the other Jedi???
I was gonna post a comparison pic up here but im not sure how to post a pic.

I noticed that too. Unless it's someone else who looks like her, then I guess the chronology of these episodes are not the same as the broadcast order.

It's probably Stass Allie

No it aint Stass Allie...the official site has details of the episode on the Trivia Gallery for the episode...here is the quote..."Though airing after "Revival," the Onderon story arc was originally placed before the events of that episode, as can be seen by a number of production clues. The older Yoda model makes an appearance, and Adi Gallia can be seen sitting on the Jedi Council despite her death. Perhaps it's Stass Allie? The true chronological placement of this episode in relation to "Revival" has yet to be determined..."

A War on Two Fronts, was originally intended to be the Season V opener, however they decided to go with the Maul/Opress Revival episode instead.

Bah to their time jumping!

Lots of TV series do this, though. I remember M*A*S*H doing that all the time. The production order and broadcast order are often at odds with each other, due to concerns about ratings, etc. I wonder if the Blu Ray will have the episodes in this wacky order too.

It would be nice, when all was said and done, the put out a chronologially ordered DVD set. That way the stories that were told in season 2 that predate the movie can be seen in order.

I don't think that's ever going to happen. I mean, did they ever release the Indiana Jones trilogy with Raiders positioned between Temple of Doom and Last Crusade?

I have a feeling the progression and character development would be apparently lacking if viewed in order. It is annoying when there's so much jumping around, especially because it doesn't have to be that way.

No, but you only have 4 episodes to arrange in order....not 100+ episodes.

Topeka, that's the thing that irks me. They don't have to go back to "setup" the Clone Wars movie...but they did. Filoni needed to map out the timeline and stick to it.