Over the past couple episodes from the fourth season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, we have seen one of the most compelling and action packed story lines of the series entire run. This week's episode, Plan Of Dissent picks up right where last week's The General left off. There is finally a victory for the 501st on Umbara. The Clone Troopers under the temporary command of General Pong Krell have taken control of an Umbaran air base.
While Umbaran insurgents are still causing some havok around the base, the Clones of the 501st have managed to get a little bit of a break from battle. But, Jedi Master Krell wont let it last long. A message from Obi-Wan Kenobi informs Krell that the Umbaran capitol is far better protected than previous thought. While the airbase may have been a line of supply for the Capitol, it wasn't the only one, and a Separatist supply ship in orbit is keeping the Capitol fully supplied & armed.
Krell, doesn't think this changes anything. He insists that this is only further proof that he and the Clones of the 501st MUST proceed toward the Capitol at any cost. Before Obi-Wan can object, their transmission is jammed. Once again, Krell's lust for victory and Captain Rex's protective nature towards his Clone brethren is at odds.
However, Arc Trooper Fives, has no such conflict. His anger and distrust of Krell are no longer under the surface. He is completely disgusted with Krell's command and has no intention of being led into a suicidal assault on a well armed and well supplied citadel. Finally, Fives proposes a plan. The clones have already made good use of the commandeered Umbaran starfighters. Why couldn't they just fly up to the orbiting supply ship, get past their defenses, and blast it out of the sky?
Captain Rex proposes the plan to Krell. Of course, Krell views this as a waste of time, and a complete distraction from their objective. They must take the Capitol and the General insists that they will need every single clone. frustrated, Rex can no longer deny the logic of Fives plan. He orders Fives to take two other clones and prepare the mission. Though the preparation doesn't go quite as planned, Fives, Hardcase and Jesse take off from the airbase and fly in solid formation towards the supply ship. Once the clouds part...All hell breaks loose.
While I have heard a few complaints about the Umbaran story arc and this episode in particular, I must say, I dont see it. Not in the entire run of Clone Wars have I seen a story arc that is so cinematic and absorbing. There is also an astonishing realism to the story that isn't normally present in the show. In this story the Clones have been battling actual humanoid beings. Not droids. With the absence Anakin Skywalker, there hasn't been much humor to balance out the battle carnage. What has been present is a palpable tension between the Clones of the 501st and their temporary Commander General Pong Krell. Krell's disregard for the clones and his selfish lust for victory have created a mistrust that will likely live with these clones for a long time.
Which leads to a quiet truth about this story line. We always wondered, HOW exactly the Clones could turn on their Jedi Masters when Order 66 occurs in Episode 3. Krells arrogant commands have killed more Clones than any other Jedi. No matter how this situation turns out for General Krell, This is surely the beginning of a gulf between the Clones and the Jedi that will simply become bigger. Mark my words, the seeds of distrust towards the Jedi have been sown here, in this instant classic. Another superb episode.
-Admiral Duke
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