Full Series The Clone Wars: Episode 407: Darkness On Umbara Discussion Thread

I'm going to watch this again after my niece gets picked up. She wouldn't shut up the entire episode. She kept asking where Ahsoka was.

 

I'm not gonna sugar coat it, this episode was excellent, I loved every minute of it. The only major con I had with it, was that it ended. I wanted it to keep going.

Thoughts on the characters:
-Fives, above Rex, Hardcase and Krell, I felt like he was the star of the show. They finally showed why he got his ARC promotion. The grenade in the creature's mouth, the constant impressive moves in battle. My two favorite scenes were with him standing up to Krell and owning the Umbarian in combat and then blasting him in the face. I loved how apparent it as how much he didn't trust Krell until at the end when he couldn't take enough of it. He got his much needed character development and is no longer a cardboard cutout. Good job TCW.
-Rex, the most character development he's gotten since The Deserter,it's apparent he's not the same clone we've known the past three seasons. I don't want to say he looks like he's tired of war but it's definitely something, we have another 3 episodes to go though so I didn't expect everything to be thrown at us. Him standing up for himself at the end(and Fives) was great and besides several of his bad a$$ scenes(like in Trespass) might be my favorite scene of his.

Also the line when Rex is explaining to Anakin at how "by the books" Dogma is and Anakin replying "Heh, kinda reminds me of you." with Rex replying.."Yeah...maybe before."(or something along those lines) is something we should look out for the rest of the arc(and the season/series) with Rex.
-Krell, I feel like GGrievous and Seerow hit him pretty well already, but it's nice to see someone so different then everyone we've seen before. He comes off as this completely obnoxious, stubborn Jedi who has no respect for his men. Obviously Rex put him in his place at the end and I'm interested in seeing their dynamic for the next three episodes. Though I will say I don't see him coming out of this arc alive.
-Hardcase was just awesome, the episode speaks for itself and the name is perfect.

I thought they did a good job with Anakin here too, gave him enough friendly scenes with both Rex and Fives, though it's something I wanna see more. I also see him coming back into the picture in the last episode or second to last. I think it would be interesting if Fives tells Anakin how Krell acted and see Anakin's response to that, whose is very loyal to his men(a trait that stayed with him when becoming Vader) and has a lot of respect for him men.

Overall giving it a 10, there aren't many episodes I buy off Itunes to watch on my commutes to school, this will be one though.

1. Eh, nothing to major though, definitely not something that should bring an episode down.
2. I experienced no fuzziness. It was a little dark(it was a dark planet) but nothing the blu-ray won't bring out. Kinda reminds me of the greenish color we had in the Mon Calamari arc.
3. It was actually like most of the other episodes, Umbarians are sided with the Separatists now and are very loyal to them, h

 

hey GGrievous, tell us some more about the "cardboard" characterization. Not sure you made that point yet...PETA's gonna be on your case for beating a dead horse if you're not careful

On topic again though, gotta say this was a great episode. I haven't been impressed with season 4 yet, but definitely was tonight!

 

One thing that occurred to me... Is this the first true cliffhanger we've had? Sure, we've had episodes leaving us wondering what's going to happen next, but this is the first time the episode stopped right as the action was starting. I both hate it and love it!

 

So far I've only enjoyed two episodes from the mon cala arc and Mercy Mission, but this was definitely an amazing episode and made up for Nomad Droids and Shadow Warrior, which are pretty down there for me alongside Evil Plans from s3.

You can totally tell this episode is s4 quality and the past few filler episodes were left over from s3. This is what TCW team is capable of producing, and I hope they can continue down this path for the rest of the season .

 

I'll keep it in your format to shorten the length.
1. Having had my speakers turn a little louder than usual for a TCW episode, I heard instances of repeating dialogue. "That's the stuff" was probably something they had stored.
2. I have a nice 37" HDTV TV, and it's some 5 months old, so it's not that old. Pretty much at times it felt fuzzy. At times, for me, and it could depend on the viewer's vision, the picture wasn't sharp enough for me to actually see what's going on. Something that didn't help me with figuring out what's going on in the episode.
3. That needed to explained in the episode. As the viewer, I shouldn't have to figure out what they wanted to tell when they should be the ones to establish the plot of the episode.
4. I could go on and on regarding this, but my best advice is to go to my original discussions of this with Seerow and others in this thread.
5. To keep it consistent and avoiding the viewers to exclaim "Uh?" "what.. wait when did this happen?" or "Oh, it's TCW. Let me guess, this happened off screen?" they should've just avoid it in this episode. CT-27-5555 is fine, or 5555, or just Fives for god sakes.
6. They could've kept Anakin out all together without dragging him in, him leading troops, to only be taken out not even half way through the episode. It just was so odd.
7. Actually, since we're pretty much focusing on Rex's team, I think it's safe to say Obi-Wan isn't needed. At least for now. Again, I don't have to work as a viewer and figure out where's Obi-Wan. If he was part of the battle, as suggested, he needed some screentime. Otherwise, they could've saved him for later when he will be receiving screentime.

quigser- It's an older discussion discussed at various times here on LACWAC, but basically Fives has no character. No character moments whatsoever and just following the crowd like a good cardboard stand-in.

 

Yeah the whole cardboard cutout thing was something that going on for awhile here, Fives unfortunately earned it because he was someone who kept living and receiving no character development while his squadmates(with development) were killed one by one.

1. They definitely could use some more different dialogue. I remember in The Zillo Beast Strikes Back we heard everything a clone has ever said in this show. Ever. It was so out of place.
2. It might be the vision, I have to wear glasses when I wear t.v(and drive at night)so my vision with my glasses is almost perfect when they're on or maybe something was off for your broadcast.
3. True, it's something we have come to expect though. Hopefully the full reason is given within the next 3 episodes.
4. I haven't read it yet, I'll do it after this post.
5. It wasn't needed I agree, just calling him ARC trooper or 5555 would of been easier. Though I admire Krell's ability to remember the clone numbers. I wonder how many of the 501st troopers he has memorized?
6. I think it's something they'll address.
7. I see it as nothing but a small cameo for him, Cody and Waxer to appeal to us hardcore fans, not to mention something to bring everything together later when I assume they attack the capital with all their forces.


Also I see the ending clips of the Season 4 trailer being the ending of this arc or one of the episodes. Kinda like a "On to the next mission type thing." Also the clip with all of them standing around has all the major clones we know being alive. We'll see what happens though.

 

I experienced blur as well but I can't hold it against the episode because its definately a combination of my TV's slow response fault and the quality of my HD programming so I can't hold it against the episode. It was a pain in "Water Wars" but not much of a problem here. I have a few month old 37inch LED TV by Panasonic that I've painsteakingly caliberated. The blur or boxing I see is called motion blur which is a common problem with HDTV's with 120hz or less refresh rate. The improve animation is meant to be theatrical so can probably take advantage of 240hz or higher. TCW really brings out my sets weakness.

 

I have the same problem, TCW doesn't look nearly as good on my TV on Friday nights as it does the next morning when I watch it on iTunes.

 

1. It would definitely add more diversity
2. I'm like you regarding the need of wearing glasses when watching TV or driving, though yeah it varies from person to person. I don't believe it was comcast or my TV, and comcast was actually generous tonight. No delay feedbacks or random pauses of the episode. Probably it's their producing of the episode. Everyone's vision is not the same.
3. Which is not a good thing. It's lazy writing. Again, you can have flashy animation, but the writing is just as important and critical.
4. Yeah, I have a concept that respects Rex and his authority.
5. Yeah, and Krell does a poor job with calling their names (thanks, TCW writers.) Plus Fordo > cardboard stand-in.
6. Hopefully
7. I want to see Obi-Wan and Cody. Yet, I think this arc is mainly for Rex and his pov. That's what I think mostly.

Yeah, I'll probably do the "watch TCW on the computer" as well. I have to anyway.

 

I never have a problem with my blu-rays so I honestly think its my cable and not my set. My set is only 60hz but I read somewhere most HD cable providers and satellite as well only broadcast with a 60hz refresh rate anyways which is pretty lame considering plasma TVs have a 600hz refresh rate. I bet AT&T Uverse and Fios would be the exceptions in the U.S. but I dunno. I have this problem with programming HubTV-HD and Palladia as well. Most of the stuff on Cartoon Network doesn't exactly have animation that would be worthy of HD anyways.

 

Loved the episode, and nearly everything about it. Krell is cool. I like seeing that not all Jedi are warm and fuzzy like Ani and Obi. Sets the stage well for Kota too.

Awesome seeing the clones again. Loved the Umbarans, who actually seem like a real threat. Their constant attacks really left the episode on the edge, and I hope they capitalize on that later, that an attack could come at any time without warning.

Looking forward to next week. This is what Season 4 should be. This is what this SHOW should be, and though it's not this episodes' fault, it's a shame it took so long to get here.

 

Like I said before too, I'll give them that I never been so intrigued or interested in a TCW character before. Cad Bane was one, but he sort of diminished as he appeared in bleh episodes.

Krell is interesting.

 

Krell definitely has my interest.

 

Tonight's episode was pretty good although one minor complaint.

That tentacled creature supposed to be a Sarlaac done Clone Wars style? If so then that's the worst looking one. It looked too small and what was up with its mouth being all glowy?

 

I think it was something that might be related to the sarlacc but definitely not a sarlacc.

I just rewatched the episode and Hardcase is awesome.

"Oh..that's not right."

Also him screaming at the Umbarians for retreating was hilarious.

 

Loved it, loved, loved it!

-Expansion Region and Ghost Nebula both mentioned. Nice.
-Nice (if very short) space scene in the beginning. I looking forward to the space combat that should be coming somewhere in this arc, if the preview videos are anything to go by.
-Visual designs were outstanding. Umbara's life and tech were very visually distinctive and aesthetically pleasing. The flying creatures and the lighting bug droid both stood out to me.
-The Umbarans actually used tactics. Unleashing the droid to sow chaos and attacking when they were distracted was an especially clever trick. Their overall strategy of using hit and run tactics to wear down the clones mentally and physically is greatly appreciated after getting used to droids who march at the enemy head on every battle.
-I enjoyed seeing how Anakin's rather...unique leadership style has affected the clones. Early in the series, I think many clones would have honestly preferred Krell to Anakin, judging how expendable they saw themselves and how uncomfortable they were at being treated like people.
In particular, I thought it was a nice touch to have Anakin in the beginning and Krell later on so we can see their command styles in the same episode.
-Man, Hardcase is a nut.

Two things bugged me though.
1. How the heck can Krell's command style be considered effective? I know discipline is important, but someone who doesn't allow his officers to change plans in the face of a changing situation is an idiot, pure and simple.
Not to mention that throwing away clones for speed is a pretty terrible idea in the long run considering how badly the droids outnumber them. How did this guy ever even win one battle.

2. "That's the stuff". My mind always went "Hostess."


I am also sad the official sit does not have concept art or screengrabs of the flying animals.

 

Really good episode. Very impressive action and tactics. Loved the animation for the night world. Glad to see Rex move to the forefront. Krell was often an ass for the sake of being an ass but I think it's interesting to have a Jedi who views the clones the way he does.

 

I know right. Hardcase reminds me of Sterling Archer as a clone. I think some of his quotes from this episode might make it into my sig.

Just watched it a second time and loved it more. Loved hearing the clones debate as they walked up the road, the interplay between them is quite interesting. I also have to complement the attention to detail with body language and facial expressions. I think Rex my have mouthed a bad word the last time Krell walked away from him. xD

 

I think it was something that might be related to the sarlacc but definitely not a sarlacc.
I doubt it is even related. Probably just something that fills the same ecological niche as a sarlacc.

Animals in star wars seem to evolve very similar forms regardless of environment.

 

Convergent evolution. It happens.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convergent_evolution

 

Yes, that is the term I was thinking of.


Speaking of the lifeforms, I am curious as to the purpose of all the bio-luminescence (besides looking cool that is). Something similar to deep life probably.

 

In these species its used for attraction, repulsion (like a coral snake's bright banding), communication, and illumination. A couple fish also use it to lure prey which are attracted to the light and warmth, like thermal vents. It makes since for the trait to evovle on a dark planet.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioluminescence

Just noticed this. First one since "Hostage Crisis" and definately the most epic. Folks who were sayin' -- "Oh I wish we could get a cliff hanger like the season finally of Transformers Prime." -- Just got one upped IMHO. =P

 

The Sarlacc like creature that attacks the clones is called a Vixus.

From the image gallery,

"As they march their way through the gloom, troopers Tup and Hardcase nearly trip over what appears to be a thick, ropey vine. It's the tentacle of a hungry creature: a terrifying vixus. The stationary beast opens its sharp-toothed maw and flails its tentacles, as it draws an ensnared clone trooper into its mouth. ARC trooper Fives is nearly dragged in, but throws an armed thermal detonator into the monster's mouth. "