Identifier: Season 3, Episode 1
Air Date: Fri., Sep. 17, 2010 (9 PM ET)
Network: Cartoon Network
Long after we first met the five clone troopers that make up Domino Squad in the first season episode “Rookies,” this episode takes us back to just before their graudation. But they’re an unorthodox group, prone to individualization and arguing more than working together as a single unit. Apparently, the strain of Jango Fett’s DNA they have is being strained, and it’s getting harder to produce consistent clones, thus the individualized anomolies that make up Domino.
This was a very good episode about a likable group of trainees, as we see the origins of the most memorable clones we’ve encountered. Domino Squad watches Bravo Squad dominate at every challenge thrown their way, performing as they were already elite Arc Troopers, while Domino nearly fails at every turn. “Time to watch the Domino’s fall,” a Bravo trooper says as they go up for the final challenge. And they do fail it.
Jedi General Shaak Ti sees something in them, as does El-Les. But bounty hunter trainer Bric thinks they should just be washed out. So much that he sabotages their second shot at the final test, forcing ingenuity. I know ‘The Clone Wars’ is going to go back to all the other characters, and jump around the galaxy as it always does, but it would almost be nice to spend some more time with these boys.
It does get difficult telling them apart, though. Maybe they should have been forced to wear different colored hats like Huey, Dewey and Louie did on ‘DuckTales.’
Season Three of ‘The Clone Wars’ is titled “Secrets Revealed.” I guess we learned that there may be an end to the clone army if a suitable clone donor can’t be found but other than that the secrets will have to await another episode. Another episode that aired right after this one as part of a one-hour season premiere! Good thing, to, as a flashback episode is an odd choice for a season premiere were it to stand alone.
