This week brought big news to the Star Wars universe. No, not that the world will end next year. Lucas says he was kidding, and who can doubt him?
More robustly sourced is the latest in Clone Wars stunt-casting: Liam Neeson will reprise his role as Qui-Gon Jinn, in episodes airing next week and on February 11. It'll be a "three-part arc about his former protégé Anakin Skywalker’s destiny as the Chosen One."
Before Obi-Wan can reunite with Qui-Gon, though, we need to finish the current story arc, about the Nightsisters & Savage Opress. In this week's episode, "Witches of the Mist," Count Dooku, Savage Opress, and Asajj Ventress begin to work out their folie à trois the only way they can–with red lightsabers.
And while all three are aligned with the dark side of the force, their characters and motives are quite different.
Corey Burton, the voice of Dooku, defends the Sith Lord as being less cruel than selfish: “With Dooku, the series' direction is pushing his character more towards that of a masterful diplomat, concealing a sinister agenda beneath a veil of polite sophistication. . . .He's a subversive political overlord – a major marketing force and seducer for the dark side ‘brand.’ It's all about his personal enrichment, power and position within the hierarchy; there's nothing intentionally cruel or vengeful in his manner, or behind his dastardly actions – as a Sith Lord, it's just how things are done to most efficiently preside over the fate of the galaxy. Mustache-twirling displays are beneath his sense of dignity.”
On the other hand, Nika Futterman spins Asajj Ventress as all vengeance, without regard for consequences: “She’s been wronged by so many, and I believe her experiences will lead her in an even more powerful direction . . . We are finally beginning to understand what makes Asajj tick; I think this is her quest for revenge and not power like the Sith. That’s what separates her. She does things that may seem like her quest for power, but, I think she aligned herself with the dark side as a means to an end. She doesn’t ever forget who has done right by her and, of course, who has done her wrong. All this time, I had hoped that I would be able to delve into what made her so fabulous and complex. It turns out my hopes are coming true!”
Meanwhile Clancy "The Kurgan" Brown notes that he trusted the writing on the show: “I'd been a fan of The Clone Wars since the first season; and then caught up with the second season with my son. . . . He was excited because it was Star Wars and I was excited about the role not just because it was in the Star Wars universe but because the writing is so sophisticated. There was never any question from me about Savage's motives and what was going on because I was familiar with the characters, and you can go another layer deeper.”
Here's a clip:
The episode premieres tonight (Friday) at 8.30pm ET/PT on The Cartoon Network.
