Full Series The Clone Wars- Episode 109: Cloak of Darkness Discussion Thread (Spoilers Allowed)

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

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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

 

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.

 

This episode should've been called,


Viceroy Gunray ownz Commander Gree!

 

Ashley Eckstein talks Ahsoka

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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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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!

 

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

 

It ties into next weeks.

 

oh this one is gonna be a good one!! CAN'T WAIT!

 

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.

 

Looking forward to this one.

It's in good hands with Dini.

 

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.

 

Looking very forward to this as well .

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...

 

Very good webcomic for this one. Really an essential read to understand why Ahsoka is suddenly assigned to Luminara in escorting Nute. I thought it was very strange from the preview, but the webcomic explained it very well and it makes perfect sense. Once again Anakin's attachment leads him to irresponsible decisions. I also like how this webcomic refers to events in several other episodes, tying the series together. It's unfortunate that the chaotic production/release order of the episodes prevent them from including such things in the episodes themselves, hopefully as the series progresses they'll learn to manage it, so it all looks more like a progressing story instead of simply a pile of independent adventures.

 

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http://starwars.com/theclonewars/news20081205.html

James Marsters Talks Clone Wars

As Spike (AKA William the Bloody) on the hit TV shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, and as Captain John Hart on Torchwood and Milton Fine on Smallville, actor James Marsters has a talent for playing anti-heroes and witty villains you can't quite figure out until it's too late. As Captain Argyus on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Marsters again portrays a character who may not be all that he seems. Argyus appears in "Cloak of Darkness", the ninth episode of the series, airing on December 5th on Cartoon Network.

StarWars.com chats with Marsters about Captain Argyus, his childhood memories of Star Wars and why his proud to play so many roles in the sci-fi/fantasy realm.

How did the character of Captain Argyus come your way?

When George Lucas was casting The Phantom Menace he, for one day maybe, considered me for the role of Anakin Skywalker and possibly found that I was too old. But it was an honor to meet his production crew during the audition and to be considered. I also grew up in the same town, Modesto, as George Lucas and lived about a mile away from him in Marin County when Star Wars came out. I would go to the end of the earth for George, as would anyone else.

How did you prepare for the role of Captain Argyus? What was the reason you wanted to use a different accent instead of your normal voice for the character?

I was using what I understand to be Standard Stage American, which is what they train you for in school for Shakespeare -- think of it as an island between America and England. I wanted the character to be a bit arrogant so I used kind of a stuffy accent. I hope it worked, otherwise George won't hire me again.

As a voice actor do you feel like you have more freedom than you do with on-camera roles?

Yes, it's like reading a book in the dark. You can create the whole universe. It's wonderful.

Were you a Star Wars fan as a kid?

Yes! George Lucas actually invited my entire drama class in 1976 to go to the North Point Theatre in San Francisco to see the first public showing of Star Wars. We waited in line for 3 1/2 hours. When we finally sat down, George Lucas came downstairs and apologized before the movie and said that they were still editing and that the special effects weren't perfect, but said that "I think you'll like it." Then he went back upstairs and it started.

You've played iconic characters (both in front of the camera and as a voice actor) in beloved pop culture franchises like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Torchwood, Smallville, Superman, Dragonball and now The Clone Wars. Why are you proud to play characters in sci-fi, horror, anime and comic book realms?

I believe sci-fi and horror function as a jester. Back in the Middle Ages the jester was a fool and was the only one who could call the king a fat idiot, as long as he was funny. In sci-fi, as long as you're talking about vampires and Clone Wars and bugs attacking nature, then we can be honest about human beings. We allow the audience to be blindsided and can really be brave about the theme.

In addition to The Clone Wars, fans can catch Marsters as Lord Piccolo in the movie Dragonball. Read news and updates as well on the Official James Marsters web site.



Is this guy going to end up being Palpatine's son or a clone of him? He sorta looks like a younger Palpatine, at least in 3D cartoon form.

A HUGE spoiler about Argyus,

Ventress kills him.

 

Well since spoilers are allowed...

Lumiya leaves Ahsoka to guard Gunray while she goes to investigate a strange distrubance on the ship (they've been invaded), which turns out to be Ventress. Lumiya fights Ventress. Ahsoka gets antsy, tells Gree to watch over Gunray and goes to help Lumiya fight Ventress.

Also, I'm guessing on the holonet news section at the beginning is where they added the bit about how Ahsoka ended up being with Lumiya?

 

Filoni directing. Check.
Dini writing. Check.
James Marsters voiceing a character!!! Check.

Let the win commence.

 

Yep looks pretty good, can't wait. They've really gotten some great voice acting talents on this show: Tom Kenny, Ahmed Best, James Marsters, and soon Seth Green, that's pretty sweet!

 

Wow!!! I cant believe they got James Marsters to be in the clone wars! Im a huge Buffy and Angel fan and i had no idea he liked star wars like that! Is it really true that he was considered for the role of Anakin or do you think he was just saying that??? because that sounds really....i dont know...just unbelievable. He actually knows George lucas? I have to say thats really something else!

This episode is going to be awesome! maybe even one of the best of this whole season!

Epic win.

 

Actually, according to a comment on the official website, it appears that this is incorrect:

Just wanted to mention, this episode was actually directed by Dave Bullock. I should know, he's me.

I'm too lazy to see which other episodes he's directed...but I haven't had any problems with any of the direction on the show so far, so I'm sure he'll do a good job.

 

Ummm who's Lumiya??? I thought it was Luminari Unduli
Lumiya is old school OR legacy novels....

 

Even better. The directing is good. IMO, Coleman is best, followed by Bullock, then Filoni.