Author Topic: The Clone Wars- Episode 109: Cloak of Darkness Discussion Thread (Spoilers Allowed)
GARTH_MAUL  8247 posts
Title: LACWAC Manager & White Wizard
Registered: May '02
18631_Barriss Offee
Date Posted: 12/4/08 10:25am Subject: The Clone Wars- Episode 109: Cloak of Darkness Discussion Thread (Spoilers Allowed) - Date Edited: 12/21/08 10:12pm (8 edits total) Edited By: The2ndQuest
PLEASE DO NOT DISCUSS SPOILERS FOR EPISODES 110 OR LATER IN THIS THREAD.

Use the General Discussion (Spoilers Allowed) thread for any discussion beyond Episode 109


From Starwars.com: Female Jedi Take the Spotlight in The Clone Wars




This is currently the preview version of the Episode Guide. Come back on December 5th for the full guide.

" Ignore your instincts at your peril."

Synopsis: Ahsoka and Jedi Master Luminara escort captured Viceroy Nute Gunray to trial, unaware that Count Dooku has dispatched his deadly apprentice assassin Asajj Ventress to free the prisoner and eliminate the Jedi.

Director: Dave Filoni
Writer: Paul Dini
Key Characters: Ahsoka Tano, Luminara Unduli, Viceroy Nute Gunray, Count Dooku, Asajj Ventress, Clone Commander Gree, Senate Guard Captain Argyus
Notable: All female warrior fight between Ventress, Luminara and Ahsoka; written by comics / animation superstar Paul Dini; directed by series supervising director Dave Filoni.


View the Webcomic HERE
Watch the Video Preview to this episode HERE!
Explore the Official Episode Guide HERE

 

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Sinrebirth  18911 posts
Title: Sith Emperor of the SWC
Registered: Nov '04
47748_Dath Vectivus
Date Posted: 12/4/08 10:26am Subject: RE: The Clone Wars - Episode 109: Cloak of Darkness Discussion Thread (Spoilers Allowed)
Ventress best kick their backsides, that's all I say. The villains need to win! Winnnnn!

That and if Ventress can beat the stuffing out of Kit, she can take out a simple Master and Padawan. shame_on_you

 

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GARTH_MAUL  8247 posts
Title: LACWAC Manager & White Wizard
Registered: May '02
18631_Barriss Offee
Date Posted: 12/4/08 10:28am Subject: RE: The Clone Wars - Episode 109: Cloak of Darkness Discussion Thread (Spoilers Allowed)
Female Jedi Take the Spotlight in The Clone Wars

Acclaimed animation-and-comics writer Paul Dini (the "Justice League," "Superman," "Batman" animated series) amps up the action for Jedi heroines Luminara Unduli and Ahsoka Tano in "Cloak of Darkness," an all-new episode of the hit animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, premiering at 9 p.m. ET/PT Friday, December. 5, on Cartoon Network.

In "Cloak of Darkness," Ahsoka and Jedi Master Luminara escort captured Viceroy Nute Gunray to trial -- but they're unaware that Count Dooku has dispatched his deadly assassin Asajj Ventress to free the prisoner and eliminate the Jedi.

Supervising director Dave Filoni, who also directed "Cloak of Darkness," and story editor Henry Gilroy have made concerted efforts to grow the series' expansive universe of characters throughout the first season. When the focus turned to the strong female fighters of the Star Wars galaxy -- both heroes and villains -- they felt writer Paul Dini was a perfect choice to create the scenario.

Dini's work in animation and comic books have built him a strong following among enthusiasts, and he is noted for creating stunning, memorable female characters. Dini, who has taken time away from the animation realm to be a story editor on ABC's "Lost," said he didn't hesitate to take the assignment from Lucasfilm Animation.

"It was interesting to take Ahsoka, who plays by her own rules, and put her under the tutelage of a more established Jedi," Dini says. "She can't get around Luminara the way she plays with Anakin and Obi-Wan. It's not just their generational difference, it's a difference in methods -- Luminara is very much by the book, and expects any Padawan to follow the rules. Ahsoka grabs a lightsaber and runs into battle, whereas Luminara wants to take a moment and assess the situation through her mastery of the Force. Throw in the wildcard of Ventress and you've got a very interesting mix."

Filoni says the Star Wars galaxy is filled with compelling female characters, but many of them have not had major roles -- so far. "This series gives us an opportunity to use them in a much larger capacity," he says. "In this episode, the focus is on how Luminara, an old-school Jedi Master, would work with a young Padawan like Ahsoka. Putting Luminara and Ahsoka together offers a real contrast in learning for both characters."

In both comics and action-driven animation, Dini says, a preponderance of male characters provides a challenge to develop their underappreciated female counterparts with equal complexity and motivations.

"A lot of times, female characters -- particularly the villains -- come off as very one-dimensional," Dini says. "They get the short shrift in that they're only given the snappy comeback, or they're relegated to a very stereotypical role. I want to know what's driving them -- that's what's really interesting. If you can find that human moment, then attach a human element of motivation, the character becomes more relatable and, even if she's a villain, more sympathetic."

But Dini says viewers won't find much sympathy for Ventress -- and not because she lacks crystal clear motives.

"Ventress has a savage desire to prove herself," he explains. "She really wants to be the next Sith Lord, and she'll do anything to achieve her goal. She's as ruthless, cunning and merciless as any character in the series, and that intense, loose rage makes her a wild card. When she unleashes it, she becomes a berserker. When she fights, she's like a snake, almost reptilian in some ways. If she kept her rage in check, she might win. But she gives in to that rage, and that is her undoing, her weakness."

Jedi Knight Luminara Unduli confronts vicious assassin Asajj Ventress in "Cloak of Darkness," an all-new episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars premiering at 9 p.m. ET/PT Friday, December 5, on Cartoon Network.

 

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Super_Battle_Droid  3489 posts
Registered: May '02
7381_Super Battle Droid
Date Posted: 12/4/08 10:28am Subject: RE: The Clone Wars - Episode 109: Cloak of Darkness Discussion Thread (Spoilers Allowed) - Date Edited: 12/4/08 10:28am (1 edits total) Edited By: Super_Battle_Droid
This episode should've been called,


Viceroy Gunray ownz Commander Gree!

 

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GARTH_MAUL  8247 posts
Title: LACWAC Manager & White Wizard
Registered: May '02
18631_Barriss Offee
Date Posted: 12/4/08 10:31am Subject: RE: The Clone Wars - Episode 109: Cloak of Darkness Discussion Thread (Spoilers Allowed)
Ashley Eckstein talks Ahsoka





Standing saber-to-saber with some powerful female enemies and allies, young Padawan Ahsoka Tano features prominently in "Cloak of Darkness," an all-new episode of the hit animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, premiering at 9 p.m. ET/PT Friday, December 5, on Cartoon Network.

In "Cloak of Darkness," Ahsoka and Jedi Master Luminara escort captured Viceroy Nute Gunray to trial, unaware that Count Dooku has dispatched his lithe and deadly assassin Asajj Ventress to free the prisoner and eliminate the Jedi.

A veteran of hit live-action films and TV shows such as Sydney White, Blue Collar TV, That's So Raven and Drake & Josh, Ashley Eckstein is a relative newcomer to voiceover work, but she has enthusiastically embraced the craft -- as well as her role within the Star Wars galaxy.

"It's such a fun line of work because you really get to tap into your imagination," Eckstein says. "The action is in your mind and it has to come through your voice, so you have to envision everything. I have to think, 'How would I sound if I were fighting Ventress right now? How would I sound if I were picked up by a giant bird, flown across the room, and dropped on the floor?' It's like imagination boot camp when you go into a session with (supervising director) Dave Filoni and the rest of the cast."

While the role-play offers the opportunity to stretch her imagination, Eckstein admits that acting from a recording studio has its difficulties, as well, particularly in a project as epic in scale as Star Wars: The Clone Wars

"The physical sounds are hardest because, well, you don't think about these things in everyday life," Eckstein says. "We talk all the time, so the dialogue is easy compared to figuring out what sound you'd make if you got hit by a lightsaber or fell out of a spaceship. I definitely have to get physical in the booth, and I probably look like the biggest nerd in there, using a pencil as a lightsaber. I really try to get into it, and it just helps to sound like you're in the heat of battle."

Ultimately, though, it is the character's coming-of-age experience that helps to ground Eckstein's performance. Despite her planet-spanning adventures, Ahsoka remains relatable thanks to her universal foibles and fumbles.

"Ahsoka's emotions are very raw, and kids and teens can look at what she's going through and really understand it," Eckstein says. "Even though they're not fighting in life-or-death battles, they may be dealing with bullies or trying to make the sports team or trying to impress a teacher. All of those situations easily mirror her emotions. That's one of my favorite things about Ahsoka -- while her experiences may be different, the personalities and the emotions are the same for everyone.

 

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Kualan 
Registered: Dec '08
20058_Ki-Adi-Mundi
Date Posted: 12/4/08 10:35am Subject: RE: The Clone Wars - Episode 109: Cloak of Darkness Discussion Thread (Spoilers Allowed) - Date Edited: 12/4/08 10:36am (1 edits total) Edited By: Kualan
I hope Ventress dominates the fight, but at the same time I contradict myself by hoping Luminara provides a serious challenge and shows what it means to be a Jedi Master.

 

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GARTH_MAUL  8247 posts
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Date Posted: 12/4/08 10:39am Subject: RE: The Clone Wars - Episode 109: Cloak of Darkness Discussion Thread (Spoilers Allowed)
It's cool how they've treated Yoda and Plo Koon as serious Masters, and you can tell Obi-Wan isn't there yet.

I expect Luminara will be similar to Yoda and Plo - they should be on another level.

 

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Kualan 
Registered: Dec '08
20058_Ki-Adi-Mundi
Date Posted: 12/4/08 10:45am Subject: RE: The Clone Wars - Episode 109: Cloak of Darkness Discussion Thread (Spoilers Allowed)
GARTH_MAUL posted:
It's cool how they've treated Yoda and Plo Koon as serious Masters, and you can tell Obi-Wan isn't there yet.

I expect Luminara will be similar to Yoda and Plo - they should be on another level.


Agreed, especially in the way Plo Koon came across, in my eyes at least, as being very similar to the 'Old Ben' Kenobi we meet in ANH.

By the sounds of it, Luminara is another 'old-school' Jedi, and let's face it, I think we all agree they tend to be the coolest cool

 

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Ludo_Kressh  6145 posts
Registered: Jun '05
49358_Cad Bane (100509)
Date Posted: 12/4/08 10:45am Subject: RE: The Clone Wars - Episode 109: Cloak of Darkness Discussion Thread (Spoilers Allowed)
Seriously looking forward to this one...and finally spotlighting a new Jedi; it will be interesting to see Luminara's style of fighting in this one. And to see how Ahsoka handles being under the guidance of a new Master.

Oh, and of course some serious Ventress action! grin

 

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Darth_Neznarf  112 posts
Registered: Oct '08
42363_Darth Vader's Apprentice
Date Posted: 12/4/08 11:16am Subject: RE: The Clone Wars - Episode 109: Cloak of Darkness Discussion Thread (Spoilers Allowed) - Date Edited: 12/4/08 11:18am (2 edits total) Edited By: Darth_Neznarf
This one looks to be another great one! Im really looking forward to it. I agree that the seperatists need a victory but in the cartoon series it may not happen lol. Does anyone know if this one just a 2nd part of last week or does it tie to next weeks episode as well?

Anyone want to see my DVD motion menu I created for my personal DVD of the 1st 5 episodes? Heres a link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89DlVccB4Pk

 

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Super_Battle_Droid  3489 posts
Registered: May '02
7381_Super Battle Droid
Date Posted: 12/4/08 11:23am Subject: RE: The Clone Wars - Episode 109: Cloak of Darkness Discussion Thread (Spoilers Allowed)

posted:
Does anyone know if this one just a 2nd part of last week or does it tie to next weeks episode as well?


It ties into next weeks.

 

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"Sir, over there, the Jedi is escaping." - Battle Droid
"Not likely." - Super Battle Droid
"Open this door and I'll buy you a planet!" - Viceroy Nute Gunray.
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Lady_Skywalker87  391 posts
Registered: Aug '08
48387_Anakin and Padme (50809)
Date Posted: 12/4/08 1:31pm Subject: RE: The Clone Wars - Episode 109: Cloak of Darkness Discussion Thread (Spoilers Allowed)
oh this one is gonna be a good one!! dancing CAN'T WAIT! grin

 

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Vialco  286 posts
Registered: Mar '07
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Date Posted: 12/4/08 3:14pm Subject: RE: The Clone Wars- Episode 109: Cloak of Darkness Discussion Thread (Spoilers Allowed)
Yes it will, I particularily like Ventress, as she is skilled, and is the only Separatist commander to escape alive at the end of the war, although her current whereabouts are unknown. Here's a huge spoiler for the episode Gunray escapes and Ventress doesn't die. tongue

 

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Fettclone1  165 posts
Registered: Aug '06
47586_Clone
Date Posted: 12/4/08 7:52pm Subject: RE: The Clone Wars- Episode 109: Cloak of Darkness Discussion Thread (Spoilers Allowed)
Looking forward to this one.

It's in good hands with Dini.

 

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Arawn_Fenn  10293 posts
Registered: Jul '04
46079_Darth Plagueis
Date Posted: 12/4/08 9:35pm Subject: RE: The Clone Wars- Episode 109: Cloak of Darkness Discussion Thread (Spoilers Allowed)
I just hope it's made at least somewhat believable that Ventress could take on a Jedi Master and a padawan together.

I tend to think that Luminara should be able to handle Ventress by herself, but I concede that Luminara is no Yoda.

Maybe Ahsoka gets taken out of the fight early somehow ( Force-pushed into a pipe, maybe? ) like Anakin in AOTC.

 

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Strika23  251 posts
Registered: Jan '08
42091_Darth Talon
Date Posted: 12/5/08 12:11am Subject: RE: The Clone Wars- Episode 109: Cloak of Darkness Discussion Thread (Spoilers Allowed)
Looking very forward to this as well happy .

and yes, while Luminara is probably one of the best jedi of her time (shes a master), shes no Yoda. Shes not on the council either. I Always thought she should have been though...

 

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