The 15 Best ‘Star Wars: the Clone Wars’ Arcs, Ranked

First premiering in 2008, Star Wars: The Clone Wars would lay the foundation of the expanded galaxy in Disney’s new Star Wars canon. The series filled the galaxy far, far away with new characters and became essential viewing for fans of the prequels. After facing an untimely cancellation after six seasons, The Clone Wars returned bigger and better than ever with a new and final season in 2020 that gave us all a bit of closure — and with it some tears — by finally connecting the show to Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. 

Here are our favorite moments along the way.

The Mandalore Plot 

Episodes 2.12–12.14

Mandalore has long been a source of fascination since Boba Fett’s introduction to the original Star Wars trilogy. The Clone Wars explores this longstanding history when Obi-Wan travels to Mandalore and discovers the insurgency known as Death Watch is trying to undermine the current established government. This arc is the first appearance of Satine (Anna Graves), the Duchess of Mandalore and the object of the Jedi Master’s affection. At first glance, they seem cordial, but as the plot thickens, Obi-Wan’s past comes to light. 

Though Satine wishes to be neutral in the Separatist conflict, she and Obi-Wan once shared a passion that almost made him leave the Jedi Order. As the two work together, old flames reignite but it doesn’t change either of their paths. Satine is destined to rule all of Mandalore, and Obi-Wan stays true to the choice he once made. His mindset contrasts specifically with the choices Anakin has made. Anakin has no problems with disobeying the Order by marrying Padmé. But that is where he and his former master are different and throws into sharp light the differences that will tear them apart down the road. Satine and Obi-Wan must tragically part ways again, but she will reappear a time or two later with devastating consequences.

The Nightsisters

Episodes 3.12–3.14

Obi-Wan and Anakin have long gone head to head with Ventress (Nika Futterman), Count Dooku’s (Corey Burton) formidable apprentice. However, in The Nightsisters arc, viewers get a closer look at the Sith and understand she is more than meets the eye. After Palpatine commands Dooku to sever ties with her, the Count follows orders and attempts to kill her. She lands on her home planet of Dathomir, which introduces the audience to the mysterious Nightsisters. Also known as the Witches of Dathomir, these women wield abilities quite different from the Jedi. Through their magic, they stand on no moral high ground and use their gifts as they wish. Ventress relives her memories which indicate she was not much different from most Jedi. Taken away from her mother at a young age because of her abilities, Ventress had all agency taken from her, just like all other Jedi (except Anakin.)

Dathomir also happens to be the homeworld of Palpatine’s former apprentice, Maul. Dooku also chooses his next apprentice from the planet, a Zabrak aptly named Savage Opress (Clancy Brown) – Maul’s brother. A pawn in Ventress’ bid for vengeance, Dooku’s former apprentice uses Savage in a plot to kill the one who betrayed her. Savage realizes this deception and becomes yet another casualty in the war between the Jedi and the Sith. But more than another lesson in the ways of war, the Nightsisters arc is the first hint of Maul’s return, who Savage goes to seek out to teach him the ways of his dark power.