The Clone Wars Lair of Grevious Television 

Five Thoughts on Star Wars: The Clone Wars‘ “Lair of Grievous”

By | August 2nd, 2017
Posted in Television | % Comments

Just last week, I said that “Cloak of Darkness” may have been the best episode of The Clone Wars thus far. Well, that was a short reign, as “Lair of Grievous” has claimed the throne, at least until next week knocks it off its perch again.

“Most powerful is he who controls his own power.”

1. So someone else recognized that Grievous sort of sucks!

This episode addresses my big problem with the villains on this show – they all fuck up constantly, and no one seems to care or call them on it. Last week, with Ventress, and then this week with Grievous, we see two somewhat downtrodden lackeys with great potential actually act on that potential and do something. Sure, Grievous doesn’t exactly pull off a flawless victory, but he shows enough promise to not be a total waste here.

Though, to be fair, why wouldn’t he? He’s on his home turf, with his guards, in his lair, and with far more knowledge of his surroundings than his opponents. To lose in his home would’ve been really embarrassing.

Also of note from this episode: we see a pre-cyborg Grievous in the statues in his home. While he still retains a similar look, it is clear that his transformation was intense. This isn’t a few spare parts here and there, Grievous was a flesh and blood creature, transformed – some might say trapped – in the body of a robot. I hope the show goes a little more into his past.

2. Jedi politik

One of the few names of characters I had heard before watching the show was Kit Fisto, and I instantly recognized his voice as being provided by Phil “Marvin from Pulp Fiction” Lamar, a veteran, and fantastic, voice actor. Fisto here plays the role of a veteran Jedi to the rookie Nahdar Vebb, his former padawan. Fisto represents both the best of the Jedi – his patience, his connection to the force – and also some of the frustrating aspects of the order. He is deliberate with his actions, which almost hurt him in a number of instances, but proves to save his life later in the episode.

The show, similarly to the prequel trilogy, portrays Jedi as people who, perhaps, are just a little too passive, and who tend to be more reactive than proactive. Overall, this is a far better trait than if they dove headfirst into every situation. Star Wars is quick to remind you that the only thing worse than considering every option is considering none, and jumping right into the fray.

This episode puts that conflict right in front of us, with Fisto and Vebb agreeing in principle to many things, but in practice couldn’t be more different.

3. Godzilla noises

Kaiju films are not really an influence on Star Wars, which made the very Godzilla-esque sound effects coming from Gor, Grievous’s deadly pet. I always love when the property brings in some oversized monsters (like rancors and rathtars), so I really enjoyed this sequence quite a bit. Plus, it is always fun to see Jedi do Jedi stuff.

4. Mon Calamari

Calling the race of Vebb and Admiral Ackbar ‘Mon Calamari’ is one of the lamest jokes in a franchise that includes references to ‘Jawa juice.’ But the look is certainly distinct – while many Star Wars species look similar, or lack a significant visual style, Wookies and Mon Calamari stand apart.

Vebb is presented oddly here, and I have a few theories as to why. If he was to be presented as he is, then making him a padawan makes infinitely more sense. But because he’s shown to be a ‘full’ Jedi here, perhaps this is a subtle nod to the idea that the Jedi are lacking in their training, or at least in their testing, regimen. An attitude like this would never have flown when the Jedi were at their strongest. But here, Vebb is impulsive, vindictive, and short-sighted. He’s the perfect representation – along with Anakin Skywalker – of how the Jedi order has fallen.

Side note: this show is not at all subtle. From the first second we meet Vebb, we know he’s either going to betray Fisto, or be a cocky jerk. He basically comes out and says “Hey, wuz up – I’m Nahdar Vebb and I play by my own rules!”

Continued below

RIP Nahdar.

5. More like Dick-u, am I right?

Count Dooku setting up Grievous to fail is nice foreshadowing to how Palpatine will set up Dooku in Revenge of the Sith. But it also shows how cut throat the separatists/Dark Side is. Dooku seems to care about winning, and that is it. It’s nice to see the show not try to gussy up the evil characters – they are in this for themselves and their well being. Dooku’s utter lack of caring adds a dimension to his character that did not appear in the prequels at all.


//TAGS | 2017 Summer TV Binge | The Clone Wars

Brian Salvatore

Brian Salvatore is an editor, podcaster, reviewer, writer at large, and general task master at Multiversity. When not writing, he can be found playing music, hanging out with his kids, or playing music with his kids. He also has a dog named Lola, a rowboat, and once met Jimmy Carter. Feel free to email him about good beer, the New York Mets, or the best way to make Chicken Parmagiana (add a thin slice of prosciutto under the cheese).

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