jeremyagroves

Many reviews here already have used the term "buildup;" I've yet to see one review, even the low ones, to say "filler." That's because every story has to have some level of slower, more detailed, less explosive storytelling that brings the story along its path, otherwise the Ozymandias's of the world would not be 10/10's. Big, explosive, pay-off episodes are that way because they have weight behind them, weight created by disciplined, careful storytelling that slowly raises stakes until everything comes to a head (hence the term "pay-off"). BCS and BB will forever be masterclasses for this kind of storytelling, which essentially every writer/showrunner should reference since they're all trying to tell some type of story... the difference between filler and buildup is the writer of a filler episode doesn't know how to get where they're going let alone where they're going at all, but needs to fill space to fill quota so they can "get to the good part." The writer of a buildup episode understands where they want to go and how to get there and is willing to take the time necessary to get there organically and realistically, through character development and careful plot details that some less patient viewers might call "slow." BCS has never been a victim of filler episodes. This is classic and perfect buildup.

If you think you're a Star Wars fan and yet have only seen the movies, you don't know what you're missing out on. Once you watch The Clone Wars, you will soon realize that, ironically, every movie has been child's play, and the animated series' are where the adults are talking. There is some unbelievable story-telling and writing here that transcends anything the films have ever done or tried to do, and it opens up a completely new understanding of what Star Wars is capable of. Everyone freaking out about The Mandalorian owes a massive thank you to this series because this is the series that showed Lucasfilm they can be and do so much more - and fans will love it, if it is well done, as so few films and shows are these days. Without giving spoilers, this series will also renew your perspective of the prequels - as you will see that their stories are actually incredibly interesting and complex, it was just their execution that needed serious guidance. This show made me love watching the prequels, as unbearable as they may be at certain points. If you watch, you will see why.

Watch The Clone Wars (and Rebels!) for the best Star Wars stories ever told, and then you'll have a new metric by which you measure every other Star Wars material.