“Star Wars: The Clone Wars”  – Season 7, Episode 2: “A Distant Echo” Review

Story posted March 3, 2020 in Arts & Entertainment by Andrew Field.

“A Distant Echo” is the second installment of the final season of “The Clone Wars,” as it premiered on Disney+ on Feb. 28. It highlights the voice acting talents of Matt Lanter (Anakin Skywalker), James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Catherine Taber (Padmé Amidala), and Dee Bradley Baker (Clone Troopers).

The episode continues the arc introduced in the previous week, as Rex and “The Bad Batch” look to find a fellow clone trooper that they thought was dead. Anakin Skywalker accompanies them on the mission as Rex is determined to find his friend, dead or alive.

“A Distant Echo” flows seamlessly from the conclusion of “The Bad Batch” which makes the transition from episode to episode natural. This is key, as it creates a well paced show that keeps the attention of fans and viewers.

What this installment did particularly well was give the audience fast-paced action paired with an intriguing plot, which makes a recipe for a solid episode of “Clone Wars.”

The choices when to use sound and music is also a highlight here. There are certain fight sequences where no music is used. This was intentional, in order to help make the combat feel and sound more real. There were other times when the music fit perfectly back in when the stakes are at their highest for the main characters.

Anakin is a real bright spot in this episode. Not only did he have emotional moments with Rex and the Clones, but he and Padmé also had a truly special conversation.

It has been a long time coming, and to watch Anakin and Rex work together for what should be one of the last times is very special. The nostalgia and weight that the plot carries will be important for future storylines in the weeks to come.

Even though Dave Filoni and his team had around six years to prepare for this final season, they certainly haven’t missed the mark so far with the first two episodes. The intensity, dialogue and story have all been interesting, yet not too complex. It’s a perfect blend of a serious and fun tone, which is exactly what fans of the show are looking for.

Obi-Wan and Anakin’s relationship is a perfect example of this. There’s moments in the episode where they’re serious, but there are times when they joke around like old friends. When the time comes for Anakin and Obi-Wan’s showdown in “Revenge of the Sith,” Anakin’s ending is even more tragic because of the friendship he fostered with Obi-Wan. 

When Obi-Wan says the line, “You were my brother Anakin, I loved you.” That means something now because of this show and the moments that the two characters have shared together. Without it, it makes it difficult for the audience to buy in to what’s about to happen.

Although the direction of the next few episodes is unclear, there will probably be more story arcs that continue throughout the season. What is apparent though, is how much potential this season has. There is room for the show to grow and develop as its characters do the same.

With only 10 episodes remaining, this season is already shaping up to be one of the best in the entire series. So if you aren’t on board yet and are thinking about watching the show, do it. It will certainly be a fun ride.

 

 

Andrew Field is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email aaf5329@psu.edu.