Should I Watch Star Wars: The Clone Wars or Star Wars Rebels First?

When it comes to diving into the Star Wars animated series, you might be wondering whether to start with Star Wars: The Clone Wars or Star Wars Rebels. Both series are beloved by fans and offer rich storytelling and character development, but they cater to slightly different aspects of the Star Wars universe. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you decide which show to watch first.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars originally aired from 2008 to 2020, and it is set between Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. This series focuses on the events of the Clone Wars, a pivotal conflict between the Galactic Republic and the Separatists. The show delves deeply into the complexities of war, the struggles of various characters, and the moral dilemmas faced by the Jedi. It provides a lot of backstory and context to the Star Wars universe, exploring characters like Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ahsoka Tano.

On the other hand, Star Wars Rebels aired from 2014 to 2018 and takes place between Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. The series follows a group of rebels who band together to fight the growing tyranny of the Galactic Empire. The show introduces new characters, such as Ezra Bridger and Kanan Jarrus, while also featuring familiar faces like Darth Vader and Ahsoka Tano, bridging the gap between the prequel and original trilogy.

Why Start with Star Wars: The Clone Wars?

1. Character Development: If you want a deeper understanding of characters like Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano, starting with The Clone Wars is advantageous. The show provides extensive backstory and development for these characters.
2. World-Building: The Clone Wars expands on the galaxy’s political landscape and the consequences of the Clone Wars, giving you a richer context for the Star Wars universe.
3. Chronological Order: Starting with The Clone Wars follows the chronological order of the Star Wars timeline, which can enhance your understanding of the subsequent events in Rebels.

Why Start with Star Wars Rebels?

1. Connection to Original Trilogy: Rebels bridges the gap between the prequels and the original trilogy, making it a great introduction if you are more interested in the formation of the Rebel Alliance and the rise of the Empire.
2. Fresh Characters: The show introduces new protagonists and villains, offering a fresh perspective on the Star Wars universe.
3. Continuity: If you are already familiar with the original trilogy, Rebels might feel more immediately accessible, as it ties directly into the events of A New Hope and the classic Star Wars storyline.

Viewing Order Recommendations:

1. Thematic Exploration: If you are interested in exploring themes of war, morality, and the Jedi’s role in the galaxy, start with The Clone Wars. It provides a deep dive into these themes and sets the stage for understanding the complexities of the Star Wars universe.

2. Character Arcs: To follow the character arcs from their origins to their roles in the rebellion, you might start with The Clone Wars to see the backstory and then move to Rebels to witness their impact on the fight against the Empire.

3. Sequential Enjoyment: If you prefer to enjoy the story in a sequential manner, beginning with The Clone Wars and then transitioning to Rebels might provide a smoother narrative experience, as Rebels builds upon the foundation laid by The Clone Wars.

In conclusion, the decision to watch Star Wars: The Clone Wars or Star Wars Rebels first largely depends on your interests and what aspect of the Star Wars universe you wish to explore first. The Clone Wars offers extensive background and character development, while Rebels provides a connection to the original trilogy and focuses on the rise of the Rebel Alliance. Both series are integral to the Star Wars saga, and watching either will enrich your understanding and appreciation of the galaxy far, far away.