A milestone, the 100th episode of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” will air Saturday on Cartoon Network.
The animated series, created in 2008, is executive produced by “Star Wars” creator George Lucas.
“The Clone Wars” centers on war between the decaying galactic Republic and a separatist movement lead by the evil Sith Lord, Count Dooku.
The Jedi defenders — Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, his apprentice Ahsoka Tano and others — include the Clone troopers who have been bred to defend the Republic. In “Star Wars” chronology, the Cartoon Network series takes place between the films “Episode II: The Attack of the Clones” and “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith,” in which the Clones turn on their Jedi leaders.
The 100th episode deals with an amnesiac Clone commando, Gregor, who was reported missing in action.
“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” airs in 165 countries. Seasons one and two are now nationally syndicated. Cartoon Network says it averages 3.3 million viewers a week and, according to Neilsen Media Research, the current season ranks first in its time period among boys 9-14.
Over the 100 episodes the characters have developed distinct personalities that have appealed to the dedicated “Star Wars” fan base. The show also has become a showcase for celebrity voices including David Tennant (“Doctor Who”) and Liam Neeson (Qui-Gon Jinn).
Most of the Clones are voiced by Dee Bradley Baker, who will also be Gregor in the 100th episode. At Celebration VI, the mega-”Star Wars” convention last August, Baker spoke about the Clones: “They are very straight ahead. They are soldiers and to give them each a separate sense of humanity, a distinction within each episode, is a really interesting acting challenge.”