Prior Episodes | 7958 (19 BBY) | Next Episodes
Continuity & Analysis

Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Sabotage (2013) [S5E17]
Sometimes even the smallest doubt can shake the greatest belief.
"Invasion! The planet Cato Neimoidia is under Separatist attack. Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan,
Ahsoka Tano, rush to the rescue as they lead a squadron of starfighters to the planet below..."
Star Wars: The Clone Wars - The Jedi Who Knew Too Much (2013) [S5E18]
Courage begins by trusting oneself.
"Terror at the Temple! The Jedi Temple is in disarray after a vicious terrorist attack. Anakin
Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano set out to find the truth of who was really behind this horrendous
catastrophe. Their investigation led them to discover the true saboteur, Letta Turmond.
Now the Jedi attempt to return the Temple to normalcy. But first, Master Yoda must give
a eulogy to the fallen Jedi warriors..."
Star Wars: The Clone Wars - To Catch a Jedi (2013) [S5E19]
Never become desperate enough to trust the untrustworthy.
"Ahsoka Tano on the run! After an attack on the Jedi Temple, Anakin Skywalker's young
Padawan found herself accused of murdering the person responsible for the bombings.
With no choice but to run, she was chased by her Master, who begged her to turn herself
in. Knowing there is little hope of being cleared of the crimes, Ahsoka decided to find out
the truth and prove her innocence on her own..."
Star Wars: The Clone Wars - The Wrong Jedi (2013) [S5E20]
Never give up hope, no matter how dark things seem.
"Ahsoka Tano captured! While on the run to prove her innocence, Padawan Tano teamed up
with the deadly Asajj Ventress to find the rogue Jedi who framed Ahsoka for murder.
The Jedi Council sent Anakin Skywalker and Master Plo Koon to track Ahsoka down
and bring her back to the Temple. Now captured and imprisoned, Ahsoka faces
punishment for crimes she did not commit..."




CONTINUITY
These four episodes form a single storyline about the bombing of the Jedi Temple and Ahsoka. The chronological
order of episodes is as given by Lucasfilm, and follows their release order. Two worlds are seen in these episodes:

Each episode of this storyline is named after an Alfred Hitchcock film, namely Sabotage, The Man Who Knew Too Much, To Catch A Thief,
and The Wrong Man. The episode 'The Jedi Who Knew Too Much' includes several homages to the film The Fugitive.

- The Jedi have begun to utilize the Eta-2 Actis-class interceptor starfighter, an elite starfighter which is supplanting the Delta-7 Aethersprite-class starfighters
they have been flying since the outset of the war. These fighters are both products of Kuat Drive Yards, and the Eta-2 represents a more advanced design
in the same development chain as the Delta-7. These fighters are also used by the Republic Navy, although usually only flown by Jedi or other elite pilots.

- The Separatists are increasing their use of discord missiles which deploy Pistoeka 'buzz' sabotage droids. These droids can help compensate for superior Republic
forces by their unorthodox methods of attack, but they are also non-reusable and suicidal droids which are usually lost whether or not they are successful.


Why do the Jedi need Anakin specifically to conduct an investigation into the bombing? Their reasoning is that
they can't trust anyone who was at the Temple, and Anakin is indeed a prominent member of the Order who
has proven to be a resourceful investigator. Nevertheless, there were thousands of competent Jedi Knights
off Coruscant at the time, and Anakin and Ahsoka were in the midst of responding to the Separatist invasion of
Cato Neimoidia. Had they not called for Anakin, the rest of the year would have likely played out quite differently.


- The Jedi have installed Coleman Kcaj as Even Piell's replacement on the High Council, sometime between this storyline and his death almost a year earlier
in 'Citadel Rescue' (S3E20). Eeth Koth is still on the Council. Adi Gallia, who was just killed in the previous storyline, has not yet been replaced by Stass Allie,
unless she was busy on assignment. Oppo Rancisis' seat is once again vacant, although he is seen on the Council in Season 6 episodes. Shaak Ti is once again
there in person on Coruscant rather than at her post on Kamino, which is becoming increasingly common.


- The Jedi Temple employs a number of non-Jedi workers, mostly technicians. It requires a certain amount of dedication to the Jedi and their mission, and
requires passing entry tests. As it is a good place to work, and there are only limited positions, only a select portion of those who apply are chosen.

- The large statues at the entrance to the Jedi Temple from the processional way are the Jedi Masters who founded this Temple on Coruscant. Two are in repose,
and are known as the sage masters, and two have lightsabers drawn, and are known as the warrior masters. They were first seen in Episode III.

- The anti-war and anti-Jedi protesters are holding signs with Aurebesh slogans which read "The Jedi are Corrupt" as well as "Stop Cloning Violence." Although
Palpatine and his allies have been the driving force behind the war from the beginning, they have successfully framed the Jedi as the primary motivators of
the war in public opinion. Mace notes that "public opinion is swaying against the Jedi, that is becoming clear", and yet the Jedi crusade against their Sith Lord
opponent Dooku is the Jedi's only priority. As a result, a majority of citizens in the galaxy from Separatist, Republic, or neutral worlds are likely to view the Jedi
as those who are standing in the way of ending a galactic war which "is becoming less and less popular every day it persists."


- Jedi Master Cin Drallig is the head of security at the Jedi Temple. He seems to have a respectful and friendly relationship with Anakin. He is first seen in
Episode III, in the security footage of Darth Vader's attack which Obi-Wan reviews, wherein he is killed by Anakin.

- The crime scene investigating droids and Ahsoka use reconstructive holographics to review any moment of the explosion they wish to access and analyze,
as well as allowing them to watch the events in slow motion or in reverse. This is likely only possible because of holographic security cameras at the scene.

- Nanodroids are microscopic droids which are programmed to build things on a molecular level. This particular variety build bombs and are explosive.

- The Jedi hold a memorial for those of the Order who were killed in the bombing. Jedi funeral services are solemn affairs which emphasize their religious
practices and beliefs. Yoda gives a eulogy which is a concise and frank version of most funeral proceedings, mentioning that it is tragic to lose people,
but important to remember everybody dies, so remember them for a moment and move on with life. The Jedi believe their members, and the good
works of their members, live on as long as the Order lives on to continue its noble works. This service is also attended by Palpatine, members of
the Senate, and several officers of the general staff of the Republic military, due to its high profile and political nature.


- Tutso Mara was a young Jedi who at times trained alongside Barriss Offee, and taught her how to hold her lightsaber properly. He was killed in the bombing.

- Ahsoka advises Barriss that "it's hard not to let feelings turn into attachment and pain", which is the Jedi understanding that feelings are important but
most not be allowed to control or dictate one's actions. Barriss, who is already growing in the dark side, wonders if it is right to ignore their emotions,
suggesting that she never really understood the intended relationship between a Jedi and their feelings. Ahsoka tells her that "our struggle as Jedi is to
move past them", which she was able to do when they were trapped together in 'Weapons Factory' (S2E6), almost two years earlier. Barriss also tried
to give up hope in that situation, and was pessimistic and hindered by her emotions. Ahsoka's ability to draw strength from her emotions without
allowing them to interfere with her purpose makes her a great Jedi. Barriss' issues with emotional intelligence prevent her from truly becoming a Jedi.


Obi-Wan is somewhere in the galaxy when Saleucami is threatened, and is discussing with the Council how his fleet will
get there, telling them that "we shall travel to the Anoat system here, then move across to Saleucami." Why they chose
to mention the Anoat system, home to the asteroid field where the Empire chased the Millennium Falcon in
Episode V, is baffling, since it is no where near Saleucami, and was referenced in that film as being in the middle of
nowhere. Mace does question the distance, asking "so far out of our way?", to which Obi-Wan replies, "unfortunately,
we must avoid these neutral systems", pointing to several holographic spheres with no color or label which are clearly
not to scale and therefore indicate nothing about what systems they are. One look at the shortest distance between
Anoat and Saleucami on a map of the galaxy, shown below, should make it clear that there is no part of this chat
which makes any sense no matter how much one wishes to try to explain away this awful continuity error. What
location could Obi-Wan's fleet possibly be in that would make Anoat the first leg of a jump around some neutral
systems? Any route between these two planets would pass by or near to thousands of neutral, Separatist, and
Republic planets and systems. Anoat is much of the way across the galaxy, it is far too far out of the way to make
sense, and Mace pointing out that it is so far out of the way doesn't fix that. Obi-Wan should be naming a system
that is as close to Saleucami as possible after avoiding a block of neutral systems near the planet. The Anoat system
is a place one might choose if one were trying to get as far away from Saleucami as possible. These systems have
been located on maps since the films came out. Why is it so hard for the writers and creators to consult a map?
Main Article: Hyperspace Travel



- The Republic Center for Military Operations is the central command and operational center for the Republic military, which also contains a military prison.


- Wat Tambor and Poggle the Lesser are seen on the security screens in the prison inside the RCMO. Tambor was captured almost two years earlier in 'Liberty
on Ryloth' (S1E21), and escapes or is freed sometime between this storyline and 'A Distant Echo' (S7E2), which takes place about ten months later, less than
a week before Episode III. Poggle was captured over a year and a half earlier in 'Legacy of Terror' (S2E7). Poggle also escapes, as the two join their fellow
members of the Separatist Council on Utapau in Episode III, over ten months from this storyline.

- Barriss tells Ahsoka that "it's not safe for you to call me using the Jedi communicator", as it can obviously be traced and intercepted. Later Ahsoka contacts
Barriss at a public terminal, but only after messing with the wiring, telling Ventress that she doesn't want them to be able to trace it. This indicates that
Republic HoloNet is being monitored by the authorities, or can be. As we have no evidence to suggest otherwise, it doesn't seem like this was done in practice
before the war, although perhaps with a warrant or similar permission it was possible. Regardless, it is certainly being monitored at this stage in the war, after
numerous security measures enacted by the Senate. It is unclear why ordinary criminals don't seem to be concerned about discussing crime via HoloNet.
Main Article: Hyperspace Communication

- Ahsoka travels to Level 1313, as well as Level 1312 and Level 1315. Level 1313 is deep in the underworld, 3814 levels beneath the artificial 'surface' of
Coruscant, and 1313 levels above its uninhabitable natural surface. It is primarily a damp slum, as well as an infamous center of criminal activity.



Why was the Twi'lek kid in the elevator when Ahsoka got in it, while his mother is already at the bottom? She is clearly
waiting for the child, and there are many possible explanations that could be imagined. Nevertheless, it seems odd
that this kid is taking this roomy elevator down alone in this dangerous part of a huge city, with the mother waiting at
the bottom rather than escorting her child. This unimportant detail was likely another situation engineered for story
purposes that doesn't really make sense if examined, but could be explained by some unlikely nonsense.


- The Republic has begun utilizing LAAT/le gunships sometime prior to this episode. They will continue to be used prominently during the Imperial era.

- Ventress is still capable of being a good person, something she learned during her return to the Nightsisters, and through her early experiences bounty
hunting, and has clearly progressed even further. She helps Ahsoka rather then get revenge, and then confronts the clones without killing them. It is
unlikely that Ventress has a problem with killing them, but understands that wouldn't look good for Ahsoka, and as she is no longer following the Sith
path, she is able to restrain her anger and focus on purpose during the fight. She is aware of her own progress, telling Ahsoka that "it's the new me."
Ahsoka's surprise that Ventress is capable of being a trustworthy ally, and her dismay that the Jedi aren't necessarily so, may have contributed to her
decision to leave the Order. Ventress points out the simile of Ahsoka and herself to Anakin, who seems to begrudgingly have no argument.


- Ahsoka and Ventress journey to an abandoned munitions warehouse on level 1315. It is clear that business of all types must take place all over Coruscant,
and on every level of the planet. It is unclear if this facility was formerly connected to major weapons corporations, or a more local organization.

- Letta was in fact guilty of the bombing, but in reality it was a plan by Barriss to strike at the Jedi, who provided the material and showed Letta how to make
the bomb. Letta's motivation was essentially the same as Barriss', telling Ahsoka that the Jedi have become warmongers and killers. Barriss told Letta to
contact Ahsoka if in trouble, so that Barriss could kill Letta with the Force and frame Ahsoka. Barriss apparently got into the prison underneath central
military command, first to damage or disable the audio on the recorder in the prison cell where Letta was held, then to provide Ahsoka with an escape,
leaving a key card and her lightsabers where she could find them, and then killing guard clones to further incriminate Ahsoka. She then acts as Ahsoka's
confidant, and directs her to the very warehouse where the nanodroid explosives are stored. Learning of Ventress' involvement, she attacks Ventress to take
her trappings and assume her identity, thus further complicating the trail of evidence, and leading Ahsoka to believe that Ventress was setting her up.

- The Jedi Temple Guards are a sect of Jedi sentinels who are devoted to the protection of the Temple of Coruscant, which serves as the Jedi's primary monastery
and academy. They are Jedi Knights who take a special commitment to selflessness and the preservation of the Order, giving up their personal identity to serve
as the anonymous protectors of this sacred temple. Thier trappings reflect the priorities of their sect, including their characteristic masks, specialized robes,
and their use of lightsaber pikes, which use the yellow blades typical of Jedi sentinels. They report to the head of security, who is Master Drallig at this time.


- Tarkin may actually believe that Ahsoka is guilty. First, she seems unusually troubled that the bomber Letta has been moved, even before learning why. She
immediately seems frustrated about it, as if it is getting in the way of what she wants. Then she says that "if Letta's guilty, she's guilty, and she should be dealt
with", after Anakin calmly explains to her that as a citizen she has rights, and reminds her that revenge is not the Jedi way. Tarkin is observing her directly,
and seems to be suspicious of her already, although he does give that impression most of the time anyway. When Ahsoka appears to have killed Letta, Tarkin
doesn't have any reason to believe otherwise, and thus is not concerned about the lack of audio from the cell recorder due to unknown reasons. He correctly
points out that the facility is highly secure, and that Ahsoka didn't sense another Force user. It is likely that Barriss was shrouded by the dark side, but Ahsoka
would have no way of knowing that, and Tarkin would have been unlikely to believe it anyway. He does seem somewhat surprised when she is proven innocent.

- This is the last appearance of Ventress in canon thus far. Her storyarc was meant to be completed with another storyline, but those episodes were never finished.
It was to be the first and only eight episode storyline, containing the episodes 'Lethal Alliance', 'The Mission', 'Conspirators', 'Dark Disciple', 'Saving Vos - Part I',
'Saving Vos - Part II', 'Traitor', and 'The Path.' The scripts from those episodes form the basis of a book called Dark Disciple. Since this has not been shown
on screen, it is not yet canon, and it is possible that Ventress may have survived beyond the end of the war. If those stories are truly canon, then Ventress will
continue to make major progress on a path of redemption, but will also meet her end before the end of this year.

- Master Sinube is once again seen in his important role training Younglings, in this instance instructing those who have passed the Gathering in technique using
their newly built lightsabers. They are able to witness a fantastic example of applied lightsaber fighting techniques, as Anakin and Barriss' lightsaber duel moves
into the courtyard where they are training. This is the greatest number of different lightsaber colors in one shot thus far: white, blue, green, yellow, and red.


ANALYSIS
The Separatists launch an invasion of Cato Neimoidia, the most significant Neimoidian purse world, and headquarters of the two-faced Trade Federation.
This action is taken primarily as part of Grievous' campaigns against strategically important worlds in the Core regions, designed to increase the threat level
to the stability of the Republic, while simultaneously attempting to slow the momentum of the Republic's reconquest of the Rim regions. This move was likely
sanctioned by Nute Gunray, who may wish to take some revenge on his own organization despite their shared goals. There is no scenario short of a Separatist
victory or negotiated peace in which Gunray can regain any legal prominence in the galaxy, while the Federation leadership on Cato Neimoidia will likely profit
and continue to be important no matter which side wins the war. Sidious and Dooku are aware of this, which is precisely why Cato Neimoidia is targeted for
an invasion which will serve as the first steps in the ultimate dissolution of the organization and its absorption into the Imperial state. It is also important to
Sidious' plans that the Jedi and the citizens of the populated Core feel more threatened than ever, despite the war trending increasingly in the Republic's favor.
While the Republic is scrambling to deal with the war in the Core, a sizable portion of their forces are also battling in the Rim, including Obi-Wan and the 212th.
The Republic's gains continue to mount, but the victories are becoming more difficult, as the Separatists consolidate their lines and stack their forces. Although
the Republic now has a measurable advantage in fleet quality and size, the Separatist droid army still has a significant numerical advantage, making the ground
battles more costly and time-consuming. The Separatists are also seizing undefended Rim worlds in order to consolidate territory and choose optimum defensive
positions, including their latest move to conquer Saleucami, and establish a significant garrison. The battles on Cato Neimoidia and Saleucamai will last for
the rest of the war, over ten months, although Saleucami will be retaken days before the war's end. Cato Neimoidia is only secured after the Separatist surrender.

The bombing of the Jedi Temple proves to be the work of yet another disaffected Jedi, once again deciding that the hypocrisy of the Jedi didn't live up to their
standards. Since "the Jedi aren't so holy after all", as Ventress observes, at least not all the time, these Jedi seem to decide that nothing is truly selfless or good,
and therefore since they are superior they might as well be selfish. Essentially they are deciding that since the Jedi aren't devoted enough to the light side
and doing what is right, they should therefore join the dark side, and abandon all attempts to live up to a supposedly impossible standard, or to try and work
to improve the Jedi Order from within. The Jedi are betrayed by a series of their own members, who each begin with a desire for a Jedi Order which shuns
pragmatism in favor of their personal concept of political idealism. This began over a decade earlier with Dooku, and during the Clone Wars has now included
Krell and Barriss, and will soon include Anakin. The growing power of the dark side, exacerbated by the galactic war, is likely a contributing factor in their falls.
Anakin is not nearly as pessimistic as these other Jedi, teaching Ahsoka that "there are going to be Jedi who disappoint us, but as long as we know that there
are good Jedi who fight for what's right, it makes it all worthwhile." He is becoming a great and noble Jedi, as this wisdom displays, and thus unlike the other
three fallen Jedi, Anakin's fall requires a threat against his wife, whom he values more than the worthwhile pursuits of the Order.

The changes the Palpatine and the Senate have enacted in Republic law have matured along with the rise of the military and security state. As servants of this
democracy, the Jedi have looked on much of this with suspicion but are powerless to do anything about it. Even the bombing of their Temple is now officially
a military police matter, due to clones being involved in the attack. As Palpatine and his allies, particularly the nationalist faction, have a firm majority in
the Senate, their policies will continue to push forward with his program to separate the state from the religion which has acted as the Republic's conscience
and moral shepherd for over 20,000 years. The Senate decides jurisdiction over a contested matter, and once again chooses to claim authority over a matter
which would have been left to the Jedi, as part of the traditional independence of the Order. As Tarkin states, "an attack on the Jedi is an attack on the Senate",
since the Jedi have traditionally placed themselves in the service of the Senate. While the Jedi are treated as part of the state apparatus whenever Palpatine
wishes to use that to antagonize and restrict the Jedi, they are also being legally worked out of the framework of the state. Tarkin happily tells the Jedi that
"the Chancellor feels very strongly that the Jedi be removed from as many military matters as possible", a policy aimed at establishing the legitimacy of
a strong civilian government which doesn't rely on monks from an ancient religious order that claims independent authority, as well as laying the groundwork
for removing the Jedi entirely. This program is aided by the shift in public opinion against the Jedi, as regular citizens increasingly wish to see control of
the government in the hands of regular beings who don't have supernatural abilities or religious priorities. Tarkin points out that "the Senate believes an internal
Jedi trial would seem biased", once again suggesting the Jedi abandon their traditional independence for the sake of politics and public opinion. The Senate wants
an "impartial" tribunal, meaning one that doesn't see the Jedi as the good guys. Of course, for all intents and purposes, Palpatine is the Senate, as he bluntly
tells the Jedi in Episode III. Tarkin is well aware of this, and is swiftly rising in the ranks because he shares Palpatine's desire to remove the Jedi as an obstacle,
and to bring about a state where the privileged and powerful enjoy even greater authority than they already do in this deeply stratified Republic.

The Jedi Council probably does believe that Ahsoka is guilty. First she is upset the Jedi are losing control of the prisoner. When Ahsoka appears to have killed Letta,
she runs and is seen working with Ventress. When she is captured, she is found in a warehouse full of the explosive nanodroids used in the bombing. The Jedi are
ignoring that they called her back to the Temple, and only because she travels with Anakin, and that if she was guilty and her plan required covering her tracks,
she would have been on Cato Neimoidia if not for their choice of Anakin among many other candidates. They don't really listen to her story, and ignore the fact
that she and Ventress went out of their way to not kill clones, and don't trust her when she says it is all a frame up. Obi-Wan wants them to stand together with
Ahsoka, and while the Jedi seem concerned that the evidence does seem to suggest she is guilty, their ultimate decision to expel her from the Order is made out of
concern about the optics and political fallout. They don't want to be seen to be in opposition to the Senate. Instead of listening to her story and trying to understand it,
they take a prosecutorial tone at her hearing, and question everything rhetorically simply to provide justification for the decision they have already arrived at. It would
be politically inconvenient for her to convince them she was probably telling the truth, so they throw her under the bus to protect themselves. Once they realize they
were not only wrong, but also no longer have any political pressure, they attempt to apologize, blame the "mysterious ways" of the Force, and suggest at Ahsoka's
possible promotion to Jedi Knight after passing this Great Trial, telling her she just passed a significant Jedi test. It is their hypocrisy which leads to Ahsoka's crisis
of faith in them, and their transparent attempts to preserve the appearance of honor and placate her show that they have little intention of addressing their issues.

Barriss betrays the Jedi because she is an idealist and a pessimist, who wants others to conform to what is probably an unrealistic standard, and tends to view things
in the worst possible light. She tells Anakin that "trust is overrated", noting that the Jedi, those who are among the most trustworthy in the galaxy, only believe in
violence. This is certainly not the case, and yet is truer than it has been in a millennia due to their actions and priorities in the Clone Wars. The Jedi have become
villains in the galaxy, whether that reputation is deserved or not, and have certainly compromised their ethics far more than should have been possible for an Order
supposedly devoted to defence of the innocent and the ways of the light side of the Force. Palpatine's engineered war and direct manipulation of the Jedi as their
leader has in many ways turned them into "an army fighting for the dark side, fallen from the light", something Barriss only brings up after choosing to punish
the Jedi rather than seek to reform their behavior. Like Dooku and Krell, Barriss' fall to the dark side gives her clearer vision through the dark cloud in the Force,
allowing her to see more clearly that "this republic is failing", a reflection which displeases Palpatine, who doesn't wish the Jedi to take stock of how badly things
are turning against them, and how irreparably the Republic has been altered. The dark side corrupts Barriss very quickly, as she is willing to kill technicians, young
Jedi, and clones for the 'crimes' of the Jedi Council. She is also willing to set up her good friend Ahsoka to be executed, or at least imprisoned, for her crimes, making
the whole justice angle of her vendetta against the Jedi highly dubious. Her intricate and evil schemes require a certain level of dark intent, made all the more clear
by her persistent acting as the sweet, troubled, and confused Padawan she always seemed to be. Anakin overpowers her, once again enraged by the murderous
schemes of those using the dark side, and made all the more angry by his loved ones being threatened, in this case Ahsoka. His anger is catalyst for his victory as
it is in each of his victories over dark Force wielders. His own fall is developed and foreshadowed as he overpowers Barriss and seizes her with the Force.

Ahsoka leaving the Order is a devastating event for Anakin, and an important aspect of his fall to the dark side. He lost Qui-Gon, he lost his mother, he lost his
Padawan and friend, he is losing trust in his friend and mentor Obi-Wan, and seems to be about to lose Padme when he turns to the dark side out of fear of losing her.
When Ahsoka first becomes a fugitive, he wants her to come back and explain herself to the Council, hoping that she can be proven innocent, and believing that
the Council will stand with their fellow Jedi. Mace wants to take Anakin off the hunt for Ahsoka because he is emotionally involved, which is how Mace usually feels
about Anakin doing anything, but is absolutely correct, as Ahsoka means a great deal to Anakin. She is the reason that the young newlywed discovered greater
purpose in the Order as a teacher, and was a friend and ally in the Order who looked up to him, and looked to him to set an example. Without Ahsoka, Anakin will
go back to focusing on how the Order restricts and limits him, and how they clearly do not fully trust him, and may not always be worthy of trust. Anakin feels
the Council betrayed him by betraying Ahsoka, and by driving away his friend who he cares deeply about. His student and friend is now gone, and his brother
figure Obi-Wan is part of the hypocritical Council which is responsible for this, and who no longer have Anakin's full trust, commitment, or respect.


FURTHER ANALYSIS
Report Pending