“Pursuit of Peace” is one of the most sophisticated, mature and adult installments of The Clone Wars to date. It features a complex look at the social consequences of war, for everyone from the citizens to the politicians to those charged with fighting on the battle front. Perhaps the only aspect it manages to misfire on is in the fact that the episode’s villains are just a bit too simplistic and “evil” to fit the rest of the story’s complexities. Otherwise, this is an exceptional episode, combining thoughtful dialogue and debate with plenty of intense and suspenseful action.

Picking up almost immediately after “Heroes On Both Sides” left off, the Republic Senate is busying gearing up to vote for an increase in clone troops. Having already removed banking regulations, the troop increase is seemingly a formality vote away from being a reality. When Dooku appears in a taped holo-message, accusing the Republic of murdering Mina Bonteri — the Separatist senator who had originally sponsored the peace negotiations — the Republic senators are sent into a frenzy. Padmé and Bail Organa, with assistance from Onaconda Farr, struggle to find some way to stop the inevitable.

Much of the opening act of the episode centers around the debate itself. Increased spending on troops will leave fewer resources for the rest of the Republic, putting social services in jeopardy. A small-but-significant establishing shot of Coruscant demonstrates that the city is under rolling blackouts. The people are beginning to suffer. But some Senators seem to think that without the increased troops and the defeat of the Separatists, matters can only get worse. Padmé’s job is to demonstrate that the ends do not justify the means — that bankrupting the Republic will destroy it as surely as a Separatist victory will.

These are the prescient arguments of the episode. They acknowledge that, in fact, “winning at all cost” on the battlefield can result defeat at home. Padmé even advocates on behalf of the clones themselves, which have been designed purely as cannon fodder. The retort from a Republic senator? That the clones aren’t the people he represents and are, therefore, less important. It’s a chilling (but honest) portrayal of a society who seems to think nothing of using dispensable people as a means of maintaining security.

If there is a complaint, though, it’s in that we don’t see enough of this viewpoint to provide it a measure of plausibility. It’s not that the episode has to condone such a point of view, merely provide it enough of a rational voice to demonstrate why so many would agree with it. Likewise, Count Dooku once again fills the role of mustache-twirling villain, ordering assassination and mugging attempts on Senators in the hopes of scaring them away from Padmé’s point of view. It would be both interesting and remarkable to explore the principles and motivations behind his actions.

As it is, Onaconda Farr and Bail Organa are attacked and injured and we see two bounty hunters attack Padmé Amidala and literally put a knife to her throat. It’s a rather graphic visual which quickly morphs into the episode’s action set piece as Padmé flies through Coruscant, being chased by bounty hunters, on Return of the Jedi-like speeders, evoking the chase scene on the Endor moon. The chase is well-choreographed and exceptionally animated.

But that isn’t the high point of the episode.

It’s a sign of the sophistication in this installment that its emotional and dramatic climax comes from an impassioned plea from Padmé before the Senate, evoking the plight of the citizens as primary reason why voting for more troops would be the wrong thing to do. Between her words and the camera angles the scene is effective — and it sways the Senate, too. But just as important is the episode’s coda in Palpatine’s office. Alone with Mas Amedda, he acknowledges Padmé’s victory and decides to bide his time. It’s the most explicit depiction of Palpatine’s patience, determination, and resolve yet portrayed in the series.

And it’s bloody chilling to watch.

Overall Grade: A-

“Pursuit of Peace” is an exceptional episode of The Clone Wars. The depiction of how war affects the society which wages is it is not only an important message, but it’s handled with dexterity and sincerity. And far from being a dry, sermonizing installment, it balances its message with action and honesty. A terrific combination. The only missing element is a bit more balance from the villains. But for a half-hour action-drama, this episode has just about everything one could want.

Featured Article: The Clone Wars Episode Timeline
Topics: Chancellor Palpatine, Corsucant, Count Dooku, Fantasy, Lolo Purs, Mas Amedda, Mon Mothma, Padmé Amidala, Robonino, Sci-Fi, Senator Bail Organa, Senator Halle Burtoni, Senator Onaconda Farr, Senator Orn Free Taa, TV Reviews
Filed under: Clone Wars

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