2.06 – Weapons Factory – Clone Wars Review

Posted by Samuel Walters

“No gift is more precious than trust.”

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It’s all about character. And action and impressive visuals. But really, “Weapons Factory” is the kind of episode that illustrates why the Clone Wars series isn’t just another cartoon or just another kid’s show. In fact, behind the glitzy exterior is quite a bit of subtle characterization – through dialogue, action and even body language – particularly for Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan Ahsoka Tano. True, these aren’t quite Shakespearean explorations of the human psyche, but they are purposefully placed within the narrative and provide a significant amount of depth. The result is an episode which is very, very good.

In this installment, Anakin and Ahsoka, along with Luminara Unduli and her Padawan Barriss Offee, must destroy a weapons factory. But this is a backdrop to the more important story of Anakin and Ahsoka – of their relationship as Master and Apprentice, as well as Anakin’s inherent difficulties with letting people go. To contrast these characters, we’re introduced to Luminara and Barriss – who have a much more balanced relationship. This, then, is the heart of the episode.

It begins with Ahsoka’s briefing on a frontal assault of the factory. Anakin repeatedly interrupts his Padawan, causing Ahsoka to question her Master’s faith in her. And really, it’s not that Anakin doesn’t believe in her, rather he’s so concerned about everything going right that he doesn’t stop to think about Ahsoka. The tensions between Anakin and Ahsoka are further reinforced when Luminara and Barriss offer a new plan, which is based on Luminara’s confidence in Barriss’ abilities: Barriss will lead Ahsoka through an underground catacomb to destroy the factory from the inside, while Anakin and Luminara create a diversion with a frontal assault.

The battle sequences are briskly paced. Once again, the series doesn’t hide the fact that in war, people die (a point that finds its way into incidental shots showing dead and wounded clones and Geonosians). There’s good lightsaber action from Anakin and Luminara, funny dialogue from the battle droids, strategizing on both sides (Anakin’s “You shall not pass!” ploy to get rid of the super tanks was fun) and plenty of action. The catacombs through which Ahsoka and Barriss must travel are nicely done, creating a very spooky and ominous mood. These are entertaining scenes, which are nicely paced, but they serve primarily as a bridge to get to the episode’s more profound moments.

Though Ahsoka and Barriss make their way to the reactor, their plans are stymied by Poggle the Lesser and his troops. Left with no other option, they must use a tank to destroy the reactor – bringing the entire factory down onto them in the process. From an emotional standpoint, the moment is handled surprisingly well. But more important is the effect this has on Anakin. Luminara seems almost resigned to the fate of her Padawn, but Anakin is not, provoking his outburst of, “I refuse to let Ahsoka die. She will find a way out.” Anakin’s darker emotions are clearly surfacing and it’s illustrated not only in the dialogue, but also the voice acting and facial expressions. Furthermore, Anakin’s attachment is fully revealed – as well as his anger at even the prospect of letting go.

Of course, Ahsoka’s resourcefulness helps Anakin locate her and both she and Barriss survive. Anakin never did lose faith in his Padawan and all would seem to be well. But, of course, this is just another step along Anakin’s path to the Dark Side. Luminara ominously notes, “Unlike you, when the time comes, I am prepared to let my student go. Can you say the same?”

We already know the answer.

Overall Grade: A-

“Weapons Factory” is an excellent character-driven episode of the Clone Wars. Unlike the early episodes of the series, the Anakin-Ahsoka relationship is much more nuanced and informative for both characters. There’s a great deal of craft going into this show, proving that while it is a show geared for children, it isn’t simply a juvenile tale.

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