'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' recap: Death of a Jedi

The end is near.

I know. It’s sad. Star Wars: The Clone Wars has become one of the most cinematic shows on TV—each episode a model of craftsmanship, storytelling economy, and emotional resonance. And, as I’ve said before, actually one of our most political series. This marks our second to last recap for the season that’s redefined a good series as a great one. Last night’s episode, “Citadel Rescue,” also saw the end of a visceral, rock-‘em-sock-‘em, Dirty Dozen-style three-parter featuring possibly my favorite Star Wars character ever: Tarkin.

When we returned to our heroes, Jedi Master Even Piell, Russian-tinged accent dripping thicker than borscht, contacted the Jedi Council about the rescue they had been promised—a rescue that would have to involve an entire fleet group to penetrate the fortress world of Lola Sayu. Yoda said they should head for an island for the rendezvous, but, to paraphrase the aged Master, careful timing they would need.

Meanwhile, prison warden Osi Sobeck had to explain to Count Dooku why he’d been out of touch: “I was hoping to surprise you with good news.” Proving that turning to the Dark Side doesn’t rob you of a sense of humor, Dooku replied, “Good news would indeed be a surprise.” He’s got the body of a geriatric Sith Lord and the wit of…a geriatric Sith Lord. He then went on to reiterate the importance of capturing Piell and Tarkin so as to extract the location of a secret hyperspace route that would enable the Separatists to attack Coruscant by surprise. Dooku needs to realize that if he wants to get any job done, he has to do it himself. Never trust your minions to get it done—especially if they’re doing their best Al Pacino impression.

NEXT: What Oscar Wilde and Walter Sobchak have to do with The Clone Wars.