The Clone Wars: 3 reasons Season 7 premiere was so much fun

3. Captain Rex was the central character

The most well-known characters in The Clone Wars are those we know from the live-action films: Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Padme Amidala, etc. The show has been a great way to see more of these beloved characters, including some who have a more minor role in the shows — from various Jedi Masters to characters like Commander Cody and Bail Organa.

The show also brought us a number of original characters, many of which have worked their way into mainstream Star Wars fandom. While Ahsoka Tano is the most well-known, a close second is the clone Captain known as “Rex”. Serving for much of the war as Anakin Skywalker’s right-hand man, Rex was a key part of a number of episodes throughout the show.

In this first episode of season seven, Rex is again front and center as we track him on a special mission designed to identify how the Separatist army is unlocking the clone army’s strategies so easily. We do see Rex battle with grief, yet again humanizing these faceless soldiers from the films — something the show has always done so well.

Most of the episode, however, is Captain Rex in action — and it is glorious. He is gruff in asserting his leadership over a squad of troopers used to calling their own shots. He is fearless in dashing into combat situations. And true to form, he blows apart clankers as if they were made of paper mache.

The most fun moment with Rex comes midway through the episode, when Rex and his squad come across a Separatist outpost guarded by a number of B1 battle droids. The brash sergeant Hunter from Squad 99 asks if Rex wants to take the cautious route. The Captain’s reply?

“Actually I was thinking we take a page from your book. Rush them head on.”

Hunter’s response: “I like your style.”

We do too, Rex. We do too.