I am a MASSIVE Star Wars fan, and the main reason for that is The Clone Wars. The beloved movies are really fun, but I’ll be the first to say that Star Wars is kind of…well, silly. The Clone Wars, while also silly at times, is a superb show and it’s the reason I got into the fandom in the first place. I was fourteen years old, and at the time, so was my favourite character, Ahsoka Tano. Lately, I’ve been rewatching The Clone Wars and aaaah, I just want to talk about how much I love it. So here’s 10 things I think The Clone Wars did right.

1. Ahsoka Tano

Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker’s padawan learner, started out as one of the most hated characters in the fandom. I was oblivious to this because I loved her from the first second she came on screen. Eventually, though, Ahsoka became a fan favourite (as evidenced by the new live action Ahsoka show that Star Wars will soon be releasing). Ahsoka is funny, spirited, brave, and unexpectedly wise. She complements Anakin well, and I really think she’s one of the most enjoyable characters in The Clone Wars, and in the wider Star Wars universe. I love, love, LOVE her and I cannot imagine even getting into Star Wars were it not for her.

2. Anakin’s Character Development

The movies leave a lot to be desired for Anakin Skywalker. While they show his arc from gifted Jedi to youngling-murdering serial killer, and then show his arc towards the light again, his development was, in a lot of ways, quite contrived. The show expands on his character and gives us a lot of signs to how he was groomed to be Vader from the very beginning. He’s also a funny, entertaining character and every moment with him on screen is delightful. His brother-sisterly relationship with Ahsoka is also a joy to watch, and just makes my heart sing. They’re so funny together. Disaster duo.

3. Anakin and Padme’s Relationship

I confess I’ve never liked Padme. I don’t know why she used to annoy me, but well, The Clone Wars gives her and Anakin a real relationship, and as such gives both of them more depth. I still didn’t like Padme much by the end of it, but that’s okay. I appreciated understanding their dynamic a bit more anyway.

4. Obi-Wan Kenobi

Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of the best characters in Star Wars. The show gives him so many incredible arcs. My favourite was the one between him and his ex-flame Duchess Satine of Mandalore. It provides a bit more context as to why Obi-Wan pretended not to notice Anakin and Padme’s obvious secret relationship–he’s been in the same position. He understands. I love my guy Obi.

5. The Clone Troopers

The clones in Star Wars play a very important role. They fought in the war, of course, but they were also the tool the Emperor used to destroy the Jedi. So it was a bit odd that the clones seemed so strangely sidelined in the movies. The clone troopers are given wonderful storylines in the The Clone Wars, and they are some of the best characters in the show. I loved any episode that featured them prominently, though I have a fondness for the Umbara arc.

6. Captain Rex

Rex, Captain of the 501st command, is one of the best clone characters in the show. He is fearless, creative, loyal to a fault, and so noble. He was Anakin’s right-hand-man and a great friend to Ahsoka. He was an incredible leader, and a pleasure to watch on screen.

7. The Inhibitor Chips and Order 66

I always felt that Order 66 was too bizarre and confusing in the movies. The Clone Wars provides some much needed context to the disaster with the arc involving clone trooper Tup and the mysterious “inhibitor chips”. This explains why the clones suddenly turned on the Jedi, and really deepens the tragedy of the whole thing.

8. Villains New and Old

While the show featured the usual villains like the Emperor and Dooku, we also enjoyed a slew of new ones like Asajj Ventress and Savage Opress. I also liked that they brought back Darth Maul and gave him such a prominent role in the show towards the end.

9. The Cost of the War on the Jedi

Throughout the show, you can actually see the way the Jedi are forced to compromise on their ideals, acting more and more like soldiers and generals. The show depicts how they stumble in the dark, falling over and over again in the Emperor’s trap. It’s so sad, and it makes Order 66 seem inevitable, a long time coming.

10. THE FINALE

I was curious how they’d end the show, and The Clone Wars did not disappoint. I think it’s one of the best finales I’ve ever seen. I was practically screaming at the screen, marvelling at how they tied up loose ends. The action sequences were breathtaking and the emotional fallout, utterly devastating.

Ultimately the The Clone Wars remains an all-time favourite and Star Wars is simply incomplete without it. It stands far above the movies in quality and it’s one of those shows that get better with every season. Have you seen it? What were your favourite parts?