Destiny (The Clone Wars - S06E12) - Animated Series

Series: Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Title: Destiny

Season: Six

Episode: 12

Original Air Date: March 7, 2014 (Netflix)

Runtime: 23 minutes

Credits: Review & Text: Mike Taber; Page layout & Design: Chuck Paskovics

Death is just the beginning.

“Destiny” was another fascinating exploration of the Force and was a great showcase for the character of Yoda. While this episode was a little out there with the addition of the Priestesses, it worked tremendously well for the most part. In his search for answers, Yoda’s journey had some great character moments and had a fantastic surprise cameo from a fan favorite character who has been sorely missed. Much like my review for the previous episode, I want to focus on some of the specific dialogue from this episode. “Destiny” continued to explore the Force through rich and impactful dialogue but had an even better pace than the previous episode.

The episode opened with Yoda’s arrival on the planet Qui-Gon spoke of in the last episode. The animation in this opening scene was beautiful. Actually, “Destiny” had some of the most beautiful animation we’ve seen from the series. Yoda left Artoo on the planet’s surface and descended into the core. Shortly after his arrival, Yoda met the Force Priestess. The Force Priestess had a white, emotionless mask and wore a black robe. She would later be identified as Serenity. She told Yoda they have been waiting for his arrival. She explained, “We watch and study all who are strong in the Force in the universe.” She introduced Yoda to the other four Priestesses, Anger, Joy, Confusion, and Sadness. I took it as the five Priestesses were five aspects of one single conscience. Yoda told them he was ready to learn how to preserve his identity after death. While some of the Priestesses argued over whether or not Yoda was worthy Serenity said, “His destiny is already set. It is not for us to decide. He is to teach the one that will save the universe from the great imbalance. For this, the great gift will be his.” The Priestesses are clearly well aware of the future and know how important Yoda will be in Luke’s journey.

Serenity explained to Yoda that in order to preserve his identity after death, at the time of his death he must know his true self and let go. She then told Yoda he must conquer his fear. Yoda told her as a Jedi Master he conquered his fear long ago but she wasn’t so sure. Yoda’s first test had begun. Yoda encountered a shadowy creature. Yoda said he didn’t recognize it, but in reality it was an evil version of himself. Yoda told the beast he chose not to give him power. The beast responded, “And yet you spend your days in the decadence of war and with that, I grow inside you. Know your true self." While the concept of an evil Yoda is a little silly, Yoda’s encounter with this creature brought up something important. It showed how the Clone Wars have affected the Jedi, even Yoda. The Jedi aren’t warriors, they’re not generals. The war has the power to corrupt the Jedi if they let their inner fear and anger devour them. Pong Krell and Barriss Offee are perfect examples of this. Yoda and the Jedi have embraced war, but that’s not their role. They’re peace keepers. In The Empire Strikes Back, Yoda tells Luke, “Wars not make one great.” This is in direct contrast to the Yoda of the prequels and The Clone Wars who is leading a war effort. I think this scene is the beginning of Yoda’s turnaround. By facing his inner demons caused by the war, he starts to recognize that wars not make one great. Yoda and the creature engaged in a legitimately brutal fight. Yoda finally stopped the creature by saying, “Recognize you I do. Part of me you are, yes. But power over me you have not. Through patience and training, it is I who control you. Control over me you have not. My dark side you are. Reject you I do.” Yoda used the Force and the creature burst into a cloud of cinders. By recognizing his fear, hatred, and hubris Yoda defeated the creature that was a manifestation of all of those things. Serenity arrived and told Yoda he had passed his first test, now he must face temptation…

The Force Priestesses told Yoda he must travel to the valley of extinction. Yoda woke up inside the Jedi Temple. He discovered the bodies of Mace Windu and several Jedi Younglings. I’m surprised the show actually went that far, to show the bodies of Jedi Younglings. Yoda found someone alive, it was Ahsoka! She asked Yoda for help and said she was dying. Yoda asked her who had done this and she responded, “The Sith. You told me I would finish my training and become a Jedi, but the council expelled me. Why would you do that? Will I still become one with the Force when I die? Master, will I be a Jedi?” It was great to see Ahsoka again, even if it was only in a vision. It felt very natural, and her inclusion didn’t feel forced like it could have. Ahsoka’s expulsion from the Jedi Order and Yoda’s guilt over that decision made the scene very impactful. A padawan appeared and offered to take Yoda to a place where he will never know pain. He accepted. Yoda was then in the Jedi courtyard with such Jedi as Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Mace, Ahsoka, Anakin, and Dooku. Dooku was having a friendly conversation with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan and recounted some of his old adventures with Master Yoda. There is no war, only peace. While he was tempted, Yoda recognized it was a vision. He called out Dooku as a traitor and pointed out that Qui-Gon and Adi Gallia were dead. Yoda allowed Dooku to strike him down and he awoke to the sight of Serenity. She told him, “You have done well but to succeed your life must be spent learning, practicing.” This is an important concept. It will take a life time for Yoda to learn how to preserve his identity after death. It doesn’t happen overnight. It isn’t something he can just go back to the temple and teach all the other Jedi. There’s one problem with that though. How was Anakin able to become a Force ghost at the end of Return of the Jedi? Is it simply because he’s the chosen one? This arc has been a fascinating exploration of the Force, but there are some inconsistencies with its portrayal of how the Force ghost phenomenon works. “Destiny” explored the Force in new ways, brought back characters like Qui-Gon and Ahsoka, and featured fantastic character development for Yoda.

What Worked

• Yoda’s visions and the (brief) return of Ahsoka
• Fascinating exploration of the Force
• Great character development for Yoda

What Didn’t Work

• If it takes a lifetime of training, how did Anakin become a Force ghost at the end of ROTJ?

External Links:

• StarWars.com Episode Guide
• Wookieepedia Episode Summary