Deep Dive… Attack of the Clones

Episode 70 – Deep Dive… Attack of the Clones – Episode 70

Recorded: May 26th, 2022

Episode Overview

On this episode of The 406 Podcast, The Star Wars deep dive series continues as Chewie and Pip revisit Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.

More than twenty years after its release, the hosts examine one of the most divisive entries in the Skywalker Saga. From the political intrigue surrounding the Separatist movement and the creation of the Clone Army to the introduction of Count Dooku, Jango Fett, and an older Anakin Skywalker, the discussion explores what worked, what didn’t, and how the film holds up today.

The episode also takes a critical look at George Lucas’s screenplay and direction, the controversial romance between Anakin and Padmé, Hayden Christensen’s performance, the visual effects, and the broader role Attack of the Clones plays in Anakin’s eventual transformation into Darth Vader.

Along the way, Chewie and Pip discuss Star Wars fandom, the Expanded Universe, the importance of John Williams’ score, and why Attack of the Clones remains one of the most debated films in the franchise.

Topics Discussed

Star Wars fandom and collecting expanded media
Anticipation for the Obi-Wan Kenobi series
Revisiting The Phantom Menace
Attack of the Clones production history
Box office performance and critical reception
Hayden Christensen’s portrayal of Anakin Skywalker
George Lucas as writer and director
The Separatist movement and galactic politics
Padmé Amidala’s role in the Republic
Count Dooku and Christopher Lee’s performance
Jango Fett and the origins of Boba Fett
The Clone Army and Sifo-Dyas mystery
Kamino and the cloning facilities
Palpatine’s manipulation of Anakin
Shmi Skywalker’s death
Anakin’s first steps toward the dark side
The Jedi Order’s shortcomings
Geonosis and the Clone Wars
Yoda’s lightsaber debut
The film’s visual effects
Romance and character chemistry
Ranking Attack of the Clones among Star Wars film

Episode Chapters

0:00 – Intro & Star Wars Month
1:33 – Obi-Wan Kenobi Series Anticipation
4:08 – Beginning the Attack of the Clones Deep Dive
5:15 – What Kind of Star Wars Fans Are We?
11:52 – Looking Back at the Sequel Trilogy Deep Dives
12:16 – Expectations After The Phantom Menace
13:47 – The Attack of the Clones Trailer Hype
16:25 – Cast, Crew & Production Notes
17:03 – John Williams and the Importance of the Score
19:10 – Box Office Performance & Critical Reception
21:12 – Does Attack of the Clones Hold Up?
24:02 – Opening Crawl & Separatist Politics
25:48 – Padmé Assassination Attempt
29:31 – Reintroducing Anakin Skywalker
31:39 – Zam Wesell, Bounty Hunters & Coruscant Chase
37:45 – Obi-Wan and Anakin Split Up
38:00 – Palpatine Begins Manipulating Anakin
41:01 – Dex’s Diner and the Kamino Mystery
43:06 – Kamino, Clones & Sifo-Dyas
45:24 – Anakin and Padmé’s Lack of Chemistry
48:29 – Jango Fett, Boba Fett & The Mandalorian Connection
50:57 – Obi-Wan Meets Count Dooku
51:23 – Anakin Returns to Tatooine
52:11 – Shmi Skywalker’s Death & Anakin’s Dark Turn
55:35 – Dooku’s Sith Revelation
1:00:00 – Jar Jar’s Fateful Senate Decision
1:05:00 – The Clone Army and Republic Politics
1:11:00 – Geonosis and the Rescue Mission
1:18:00 – The Jedi Arena Battle
1:25:00 – Yoda Leads the Clone Army
1:31:00 – Count Dooku vs Obi-Wan and Anakin
1:36:00 – Yoda vs Count Dooku
1:40:00 – Romance, Storytelling & What Doesn’t Work
1:44:00 – Final Thoughts on Attack of the Clones
1:47:46 – Outro