AlthoughStar Wars: The Clone Wars (2008)is likely the Clone Wars show audiences first think of,Star Wars’non-canonStar Wars: Clone Wars (2003)show came first—and it showcased one ofStar Wars’best lightsaber duels. Lightsaber battles have been a key component ofStar Warsmovies and TV showsfrom the very beginning. In fact, astheStar Warstimelineexpands,Star Warsmovies and shows seem to always be on the lookout for a way to make lightsaber fights more thrilling.
This has included expandinglightsaber colors and their meanings, but it also has led to some absolutely brilliant lightsaber designs and both animated and live-action duels that are choreographed nearly like dances. In fact, impressively,Star Wars’TV shows have kept up with the movies in terms of fantastically executed lightsaber duels.Clones Wars (2003)is a perfect example of this, as, truly,this show includes one of the very best lightsaber duels in all ofStar Wars.
6 Reasons Why Star Wars: Clone Wars 2003 Is The Better TV Show (& 6 Reasons Why It’s The Clone Wars 2008)
While only one is canon, both Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) and Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003) are incredible Star Wars shows with unique strengths.
Anakin’s Duel With Ventress Is Absolutely Stunning
Despite being a non-canon show,Clone Wars (2003)really did pull off an incredible duel. The fight featured Clone Wars-era Anakin Skywalker and the dark side assassin Asajj Ventress in a fight that ran for several minutes on the show. This battle truly spared no cool moment, as it included Anakin and Ventress leaping across tree branches, swinging across vines, and standing in the rain with their lightsabers as the droplets of water caused a sizzling sound effect.
This battle truly spared no cool moment.
Ventress and Anakin are also perfectly well-matched at this time, making the stunts and attacks truly thrilling to watch. Ventress also wielded her iconic dual red lightsabers, intensifying the fight considerably. At one point, Anakin even brutally kicked Ventress directly in the face. Of course, as was true of many moments, canon and otherwise, during this era,Anakin also proved that he was well on his way to becoming Darth Vader. Toward the end of the fight, Anakin tapped into his anger to beat Ventress, sending her over the edge of a cliff, and then letting out a ferocious roar.
Clone Wars' Anakin Duel Only Got Better With Time
This battle also proved particularly interesting in light ofThe Clone Wars (2008)andStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. In terms ofThe Clone Wars (2008), this fight (and the show more broadly) perfectly set up Asajj Ventress' character, who became incredibly beloved in the franchise, and revealed how thrilling it is when Anakin and Ventress go head-to-head. In fact, Ventress not only fights Anakin inThe Clone Wars (2008)but also Ahsoka and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Nevertheless,this battle remains one of the most thrilling, even in light of those duels.
Moreover,Clone Wars (2003)introduced a moment in the fight between Ventress and Anakin that foreshadowed a key event inStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Specifically, Anakin leaped for Ventress—meaning that she had the high ground. It is precisely this move that nearly cost Anakin his life inRevenge of the Sith.Ultimately, this made theClone Wars (2003)fight even better, as it was connected to another pivotalStar Warsmoment. Impressively, despiteClone Wars (2003)not being canon, this truly is one of the very best lightsaber duels in all ofStar Wars.
