A challenging landing on Geonosis expands into episode long battle between Geonosians, clone troops, and Jedi. Ahsoka and Anakin are vying for bragging rights by counting their kills, Legolas and Gimli style. The outer rim command orders the generals to land at Point Rain and regroup there to attack a Genosian control center.

The opening scene set the tone for the episode. Clone troops are shot down upon landing or before landing. Only Obi-Wan’s unit is able to land. The units suffer heavy causalities; smoke fills the screen, as it will do many times throughout the episode. Even, the Jedi are wounded. Anakin asks Obi-Wan for help, but none comes. He complains then chides Asoka to worry about the here and now “otherwise we will never be able to help.” Considering that Anakin spawns the trilogy by worrying about the impending death of his lover, this statement has a tinge or irony.

Some clone troops sport uniforms similar to scout troopers, but too lavish for sand troopers. These troops pull Obi Wan and the one remaining Clone out of the ship after the massacre that destroyed their unit. The medic who attends to Obi Wan uses a cure all shot reminiscent of Star Trek. With a hint of realism, when Anakin contacts the base ship, the Admirals state that they can’t sacrifice other areas of the planet-wide battle to Obi Wan, Anakin, and Mundi’s campaign.

Asoka and Anakin inadvertently head towards a fortress they believe is a barrier and upon their arrival many of their troops are slaughtered from over head. Meanwhile, Master Mundi leads his troops into a cave where Geonosians jump down from the walls like the oversized insects they are and bite the soldiers on the neck. And then, in rush of awesome-ness, are burned to death with flamethrowers. Yes, flamethrowers in Clone Wars. It was a good evening. Returning to Anakin and Asoka, the audience finds them fighting droidekas and blowing up the Fortress with bombs. The paternalistic Jedi rescue Rex by tossing him over and then safely catching him with the Force before he hits the ground.

On to saving the Republic, with the help of bureaucracy. The leaders have found one squadron available, a welcome assist to the swamped Jedi and clone troops. Triumphant music sounds as the Jedi reunite and reinforcements fly in, providing fire cover from above. The show ends with a bit of Obi Wan wisdom. After over hearing Anakin and Asoka compare kills, Obi Wan says, “I’ll never understand how you can simplify these battles into some kind of game.” Serious Obi Wan is serious. Master Mundi, however, chimes in with the high score of the day. Anakin, a bit taken aback, says that Master Mundi has earned his eternal respect. Master Mundi appears a bit disheartened and perhaps a little naïve at this response, while Obi Wan remarks, “That’s something Anakin rarely bestows upon anyone.” Anakin’s feigned-gift to Master Mundi, with a bow of respect, show the ongoing issue Anakin has with authority, both in obeying orders and training his Padawan.

This is a wonderful example of military Star Wars and a great beginning of the Geonosian campaign.

Five out of five green lightsabers.