25 years afterStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sithwas released, there’s still one aspect ofAnakin Skywalker’s storythat bothers me.Revenge of the Sithwas the final chapter in Anakin Skywalker’s fall to the dark side and the rise of theGalactic Empire. The film is a fan favorite for its many memorable moments and because it directly connects theStar Warsprequels with the originalStar Warstrilogy.
Revenge of the Sithis by no means a bad movie, and in many ways, it’s only gotten better with time, especially after the release of theStar Wars: The Clone Warsanimated series. Because of that TV show,Revenge of the Sithand the other prequel films gained a depth of storytelling that had previously been impossible.
The Clone Warsgave greater depth and context to the relationships of characters, particularly Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, but also with original characters likeAhsoka Tanoand clone Captain Rex. With those relationships in mind, it’s egregious how Anakin’s relationship with the clones was treated inRevenge of the Sith.
Anakin’s 501st Legion Only Appeared Once In Revenge Of The Sith
And It Wasn’t For Anything Good
ThroughoutThe Clone Wars,the show established the close bond between Jedi General Anakin Skywalker and his 501st Legion. Anakin worked well with his clones because they understood each other and were willing to do anything for the Republic and to stop the Separatist droid army.Together, they went on extremely dangerous and top-secret missionsthat usually led to the capture or death of many fan-favorite clones.However, despite this closeness, the 501st only appeared once inRevenge of the Sith.
All 31 Members In Anakin Skywalker’s 501st Legion
Anakin Skywalker’s 501st Legion is the most famous of the entire clone army. Here’s every named clone who fights in the blue paint of the 501st.
After Palpatine declaresOrder 66, the clone army turns on their Jedi Generals and executes nearly the entire Order. The clones of the 501st followed Anakin Skywalker, who had just been renamed Darth Vader, into theJedi Temple on Coruscant.
There,Vader led an attack, with him and the 501st killing the Jedi, including the younglings.Knowing how close the clones were to Anakin during the Clone Wars, it’s sad that the only time we see these clones inRevenge of the Sithis while they are being controlled byinhibitor chipsand forced to massacre the Jedi.
Clone Wars Season 7 Explained Major Clones' Absences
Like Rex and Jesse
BeforeThe Clone Warsseason 7 premiered in 2020, it was unclear whether fan-favorite clones likeCaptain Rexor Jesse were among the clones that stormed the Jedi Temple and led the massacre of the Jedi or not. However, just before the events ofRevenge of the Sith,Anakin split the 501st Legion, having the 332nd company led by a promoted Rexfollow Ahsoka Tano to Mandalore where they were looking to take downDarth Maul.
For many, this was a relief, considering the clones we loved weren’t just faceless clones killing Jedi in the background ofRevenge of the Sith. However, the reality of what ended up happening to Ahsoka, Rex, and the rest of the 332nd is arguably more tragic.
TheSiege of Mandalorewas revisited in live-action inAhsokaseason 1.
After Order 66 is declared while traveling through hyperspace, the 332nd attacks Ahsoka Tano and Darth Maul. WhileAhsoka is able to remove Rex’s inhibitor chip after warning her about their existence, there’s little comfort.Because the clones were willing to die to take down Ahsoka and Rex for helping her, they allowed their ship to crash on a snowy planet, killing everyone except Ahsoka and Rex, who had managed to find a ship.
The 501st Were Loyal To Anakin, So Why Were They Missing From Revenge Of The Sith?
It Just Doesn’t Make Sense
The Clone Warsshowed how close Anakin Skywalker was with his clones, so not seeing him with them at all duringRevenge of the Sithnow feels disingenuous. WhileRevenge of the Sithdid premiere beforeThe Clone Wars,George Lucas likely already knew that the bond between clones and their general was going to be a tight one, making this decision even odder
It also likely wouldn’t have been more work for Temuera Morrison, who portrays the clones in live action, as their faces could’ve been covered.The 501st isn’t seen again inStar Wars, save forone homeless clone seen inObi-Wan Kenobi.
Knowing this, it’s hard to imagine what Palpatine and Vader did with the 501st after Order 66. It’s also safe to say we may never know. Knowing how loyal the 501st were to Anakin during the Clone Wars, it stands to reason that they would continue to be loyal even after the initial massacre of Order 66, making it even odder that we never see them again.
Knowing how loyal the 501st were to Anakin during the Clone Wars, it stands to reason that they would continue to be loyal even after the initial massacre of Order 66, making it even odder that we never see them again.
While Vader eventually had his own assassins in theImperial Inquisitors, it’s hard to imagine he wouldn’t want to keep the 501st around. Clones were largely dismantled following the establishment of the Empire, but Vader could’ve made an exception if he wanted.Revenge of the Sithis still one of the bestStar Warsstories told, but I’m not sure if I can get over how little the 501st is present.
