The Force runs strong in the Lucas family. George Lucas has it, as does his daughter Katie. She is the scribe for the Savage Opress story arc for Star Wars: The Clone Wars as well as earlier episodes of the show, and her contributions to the galaxy far far away are incredible.
Last night, I attended the Atlanta screening of the Savage Opress storyline, and the three episodes shown amazed me. Joined together to create a seamless mini-movie, the episodes are scheduled to air on Cartoon Network in January. Seeing the animation on the big screen truly brought every digital detail to life, from the expressiveness of Asajj Ventress’ eyes to the all-too-familiar sounds of lightsabers engaged in battle.
The basic story: Darth Sidious commands Count Dooku to kill Ventress to prove his loyalty. His plan fails, and a wounded Ventress returns to her home planet of Dathomir to lick her wounds and plot revenge.
From the moment Ventress lands on Dathomir, we are immersed in a world very different from anything seen before on the Clone Wars series. The air is thick with a blood-red haze, but it cannot obscure the Nightsisters with their movements lithe and fluid like dancers. Their chanting and the accompanying musical score call to mind the scene in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom when Mola Ram removes the victim’s heart and holds it above his head. I’ve always loved that scene, by the way, so it’s no surprise I was riveted.
We are then introduced to Mother Talzin, leader of the coven, and she is a sight to behold. Her soulless eyes are set into a tattooed face, and her strong, angular features are in sharp contrast her calm and grandmotherly voice. Her scarlet attire is dramatic, with portions of her cloak undulating behind her like fiery serpents. She is almost beautiful in a dark and twisted way.
The story continues and includes an intense lightsaber battle with a pajama-clad Count Dooku and later the selection of his new apprentice, Savage Opress. Yoda fans (myself included) can rejoice that the diminutive hero makes a brief appearance, but don’t look for Ahsoka. The voice talent is incredible, as always, and Clancy Brown (the Kurgan, Highlander) is perfectly suited to voice Savage Opress.
Suffice to say that anyone bored with the endless politics of Season 3 thus far will be pleasantly surprised. These three episodes are very dark in nature, and Savage Opress is a villain who possesses the perfect name. The humanity has been ripped from him, and only a killiing machine remains.
Attendees of the screening were asked to bring toys for charity, and everyone received a T-shirt and poster at the conclusion of the film. But prior to that, director Dave Filoni introduced a sneak preview of the remainder of Season 3, and I’ve heard varying opinions about what we were shown. Has a character from the past returned? Is there a surprise twist to the story?
There is no way to know until January. Star Wars: The Clone Wars returns to the Cartoon Network on January 7 at its new time 8:30 PM EST. Season 2 has recently been released on DVD, so there is plenty to watch from now until the new year.
And I think fans of the show will be just as thrilled as I was with what they see.