Star Wars Day 2025: 10 essential Clone Wars episodes that deepen the saga

Star Wars Day, celebrated annually on May 4, has turned into an international spectacle. The day, chosen because of the pun "May the Fourth be with you," has become the universal symbol for all things Star Wars.

"May the Fourth be with you" is a tongue-in-cheek pun on the famous Star Wars line "May the Force be with you."

In Star Wars, Jedi say this phrase to wish someone well or protect them. Because "Fourth" rhymes with "Force," fans started saying it on May 4th. May 4 is thus now known as Star Wars Day.

The pun arose after the first Star Wars movie came out in 1977. One of the early instances was in Britain in 1979. A newspaper advertisement read:

"May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations!"

It was a congratulatory message on Margaret Thatcher's appointment as Prime Minister.

California lawmakers officially declared May 4 Star Wars Day in 2019. This also coincided with the Disneyland Star Wars-themed Galaxy's Edge opening.

From the vast reservoir of content within the universe of Star Wars, Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series is a cornerstone that adds strength to the lore of the saga.

Star Wars Day and The Clone Wars

Star Wars Day began as a fan joke but is now a huge celebration. On May 4, fans everywhere celebrate Star Wars. People watch Star Wars movies and TV shows on Disney+, purchase new Star Wars merchandise, cosplay, and discuss what Star Wars is to them.

One show that has become a staple in discussions is Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

This show has gained popularity since it originally aired. It provides a lot of background on a lot of things in Star Wars, particularly on what happens leading up to the older films.

The show is set during an enormous war within the galaxy known as the Clone Wars. On one side is the Galactic Republic, commanded by the Jedi and an army of soldier-clones. On the other side are the Separatists, commanded by a dark ruler named Count Dooku, who uses robot forces.

And there's something hidden– the entire war is a deception.

There is yet another person who is secretly in control of both sides. His name is Darth Sidious. He also goes by the name Chancellor Palpatine, a Republic leader.

His true objective is to eliminate the Jedi, convert a Jedi named Anakin Skywalker to the dark side, and gain control of the Republic. He desires to convert it into an Empire where he will have all the authority.

The series tells many little stories throughout the war. Some of the episodes, such as "Rookies," "The Deserter," and the Umbara story arc, reveal to us that the clone troopers are not machines. They are human beings. They have hopes, fears, and emotions. This is an important point since it makes clear why the time they turn against the Jedi (Order 66) is so tragic.

The show also portrays that the Jedi are imperfect. Through the Ahsoka narrative and the Umbara story arcs, we observe that the Jedi err.

They do not always listen, and even more often care about regulations than individuals. These narratives help us understand why Anakin begins to lose trust in them and subsequently turns to the dark side.

Perhaps the most special aspect of the show is the Mortis trilogy. Through these episodes, the Force (energy that gives power to the Jedi) is depicted as a living source of good and evil.

Other stories in the series, such as those about Mandalore, demonstrate how Palpatine gradually gains control over the government. He employs war and fear to acquire more authority and transform the Republic into the Empire.

One of the strongest storylines is that of Ahsoka Tano, Anakin's pupil. She begins as a young Jedi but develops into her own individual over time. When she departs from the Jedi Order, it illustrates how broken the system is.

The influence of The Clone Wars can still be felt in Star Wars today. Characters and storylines from the series are featured in newer series like Star Wars Rebels, The Mandalorian, and Ahsoka.

Below are ten episodes or story arcs illustrating why The Clone Wars is vital to the Star Wars saga.

10 must-see The Clone Wars episodes

"Rookies" (Season 1, Episode 5)

This early episode centers around a platoon of rookie clone troopers stationed on a desolate outpost. After the base comes under attack, the clones need to come through and prove themselves.

"Rookies" is critical to bringing humanity to the clones, allowing us to see them as unique, team-working, and sacrifice-making characters.

It establishes the tone for the show's sympathetic presentation of the clone army, something that's a repeated thread throughout the show.

"Landing at Point Rain" (Season 2, Episode 5)

A visually stunning and action-packed episode, "Landing at Point Rain" shows the Republic's vicious attack on Geonosis.

It's a presentation of the ugliness of war, the strategic brilliance of Jedi generals, and the toughness of the clones.

"The Deserter" (Season 2, Episode 10)

In this episode, Captain Rex meets Cut Lawquane, a deserting clone who has established a family of his own. Their discussion about responsibility, individuality, and freedom's true definition is among the show's richest moments.

"The Deserter" challenges the thematic dilemma of cloning and morality as a precursor to the saga that will set up its epic ethical struggle.

"The Mandalore Plot" (Season 2, Episode 12)

"The Mandalore Plot" sets up Duchess Satine Kryze and introduces the pacifist society of Mandalore. The relationship between Satine and Obi-Wan Kenobi lends emotional development to his character, and political plotting in the Mandalore arc heralds the ascendancy of the Empire.

Mandalore lore becomes important later to both The Clone Wars and The Mandalorian.

"ARC Troopers" (Season 3, Episode 2)

A follow-up to "Rookies," this episode has the clone heroes defending Kamino against a Separatist attack.

The episode emphasizes the clones' heroism and personal cost of the war, while also providing thrilling action and character moments for the clones and their Jedi officers.

Mortis Trilogy (Season 3, Episodes 15-17)

In this set of episodes, Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka discover a peculiar planet where the Force is depicted in the form of three entities: the Father, the Son, and the Daughter (very inclusive of them). This arc explores grand concepts such as destiny, good vs. evil, and Anakin's fate as the Chosen One.

The Umbara Arc (Season 4, Episodes 7-10)

This is an intense fight on a dark planet named Umbara. The clone troopers battle under a Jedi named Pong Krell, who ill-treats them and doesn't mind if they get killed.

This arc demonstrates how war can be illogical and unjust. It also highlights that not all Jedi are necessarily good and explains why the clones ultimately turn against the Jedi.

"A Friend in Need" (Season 4, Episode 14)

Ahsoka assists a friend, Lux Bonteri, and battles a faction known as Death Watch on the planet of Mandalore.

This is a significant episode because it reveals Ahsoka as a great leader and gives more insight into Mandalore and its issues.

"The Wrong Jedi" (Season 5, Episode 20) and the Ahsoka Framing Arc

Ahsoka is accused of bombing the Jedi Temple. Despite having proved herself innocent, the Jedi don't trust her. It becomes a significant event since she leaves the Jedi Order.

It reveals that the Jedi Council has made errors, altering Ahsoka's future significantly.

The Siege of Mandalore (Season 7, Episodes 9-12)

This is the last installment of the series. It occurs simultaneously with the film Revenge of the Sith. Ahsoka and her friend Rex struggle to stay alive as the Jedi are betrayed and Mandalore is destroyed.

It's a strong and emotional conclusion to the series.