Star Wars - The Clone Wars - Secret Weapons

I have ranted and raved about this latest season of The Clone Wars and this four part story arc is one of my favorites of the series. Five 'mechs' (including R2D2 - the bravest astrometric droid in the galaxy) and their diminutive and dismissive commander go on a important secret mission for the Republic to steal and return a key encryption module to their leaders. The action here is fast and furious as one thing after another threatens their progress. Along the way we see loyalty, bravery, resourcefulness and enough goofy humor to propel the thrilling action and adventure.

I like the way this year they have expanded the series arcs into what could be considered full length animated features. You don't need to know much about the Star Wars Universe to enjoy the story but if you are steeped in all the nuances of the world the characters inhabit there is everything here that makes the Star Wars experience so great.

If you aren't watching this with your kids you could be charged with parental abuse. With all the often poor choices so much choice provides for families these days this is the kind of entertainment that can be watched over again without being too scary for the littlest ones. The droids are charming and the lessons learned are timeless. Someone please tell me I am not the only one who 'gets' this program.

The premise sounds a little bizarre: a team of droids (including R2-D2) called D-Squad are led by a tiny alien colonel to infiltrate a Separatist dreadnought and recover an decryption module. But the results are actually thrilling — each droid gets its chance to shine and show off its special modifications — and the episode runs the gamut from espionage to action to comedy. Check out the accompanying Clone Wars Download featurette, “The Droids You’re Looking For,” to see how the creators of The Clone Wars pulled it off.