
As we approach the 20th anniversary of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, it presents an opportune moment to delve into its iconic scenes, many of which have been reinterpreted through subsequent Star Wars narratives. Often hailed as the pinnacle of the prequel trilogy and a favorite among die-hard fans, Revenge of the Sith showcases pivotal moments that have profoundly shaped the Star Wars saga.
While the film itself left certain story elements underexplored, the gaps were initially filled by the tie-in novelization and the early Star Wars Expanded Universe content. Over the last two decades, however, the canon has expanded significantly thanks to works like Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series, offering deeper insights, new character backgrounds, and crucial foreshadowing regarding future Star Wars events.
10 Revenge Of The Sith’s Opening Crawl Makes More Sense Now
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 3, Episode 10 “Heroes on Both Sides”

The opening crawl of Revenge of the Sith mentions heroes on both sides, though this statement lacked clarity initially. While it is accurate that the Sith manipulated both factions of the Clone Wars, the prevailing narrative framed the Jedi and clones as the heroes while Count Dooku and his droid armies were depicted as the antagonists. Previous mentions of original Separatists who had left the Republic for just causes were minimal.
Fortunately, the Clone Wars episode titled “Heroes on Both Sides”sheds light on this statement. In a bid to halt the conflict, Padmé Amidala ventures to the Separatist capital to converse with her former ally, Senator Mina Bonteri, who has joined the Separatist Senate. Ahsoka Tano, initially skeptical, learns through this meeting that the complexities of Clone Wars politics are far from simplistic.
Bonteri’s influence leads to a peace proposal between the Separatist Senate and the Republic, but the plan is ultimately thwarted by General Grievous’ assault on Coruscant. This series of events underscores the notion that, while the likes of Dooku and his generals were malevolent, many Separatist representatives and citizens were merely acting according to their principles, enriching the narrative of the Clone Wars and making the events of Revenge of the Sith all the more tragic.
9 Dooku’s Backstory Makes His Fate More Tragic
Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi Seasons 1, Episodes 2-4





In Revenge of the Sith, Dooku’s demise resonates because Anakin Skywalker falls deeper into darkness by slaying an unarmed adversary. The lore surrounding Dooku’s time as a Jedi and the reasons behind his departure has been enriched through various Star Wars narratives, particularly in the Tales of the Jedi episodes. By following Dooku’s journey, viewers begin to empathize with his struggle and grasp the factors propelling him toward darkness.
Despite being an imperfect and overconfident Jedi, Dooku is acutely aware of the systemic corruption within the Republic and the Jedi Order’s failures, which adversely affect the populace. The opening episodes illustrate Dooku’s mentorship of Qui-Gon Jinn and evoke emotional impact upon learning of his apprentice’s death in The Phantom Menace. Recognizing that Dooku commenced with noble intentions adds layers of tragedy to his arc in Revenge of the Sith.
8 This Isn’t The First Time Certain Characters Have Met During The War
Star Wars: The Clone Wars





Throughout the Clone Wars, we see familiar characters encounter each other multiple times before the events in Revenge of the Sith. The rivalry between Obi-Wan and General Grievous is particularly notable, as they share a history marked by numerous duels occurring throughout the war. This context enhances their multiple confrontations in the film, transforming them from isolated skirmishes into climactic moments steeped in rivalry.
7 Anakin’s Frustration With The Council Is More Understandable
Star Wars: The Clone Wars





While Anakin’s emotions and motivations are clearly outlined in Revenge of the Sith, his outbursts towards the Jedi Council may initially appear unreasonable. Although the Council denies him the rank of Jedi Master, the circumstance of his appointment, which was orchestrated by Palpatine rather than earned, complicates this dynamic. Previously, the timeline indicated that Anakin only attained Jedi Knight status a mere six months before the events of the film.
Following The Clone Wars series, Anakin’s discontent with the Council becomes more relatable. The series depicts him as a Jedi Knight from the onset of the conflict, along with having a Padawan whom he trains. This Padawan’s abandonment of the Order, due to perceived failings of the Council, only serves to deepen Anakin’s frustration. Although this doesn’t excuse Anakin’s actions, it provides context that allows viewers to interpret his motivations with more insight.
6 Ahsoka Missed Anakin Just Before He Learned The Truth About Palpatine
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 7, Episode 11 “Shattered”

The final arc of The Clone Wars occurs alongside Revenge of the Sith, containing many relatable moments. One poignant scene shows the Jedi Council strategizing to apprehend Palpatine as they prepare to vanquish Grievous — a discussion that Ahsoka just barely misses. Ahsoka’s earlier presence could have altered the course of events had she timely connected with Anakin before his decisive meeting with Palpatine.
While it is uncertain whether Ahsoka could have influenced the outcome, her absence from Anakin’s moment of critical choice amplifies the emotional weight of his impending decisions.
Yoda’s inquiry to Ahsoka regarding any message for Anakin underscores the tension, as she ultimately decides to hold off on speaking to him until they meet directly. Furthermore, Ahsoka’s hesitancy in informing the Council about Maul’s vision of Anakin’s alignment with Darth Sidious speaks to her inner conflict. This emotional ambiguity makes Anakin’s forthcoming rendezvous with Palpatine feel increasingly tragic.
5 Palpatine Did Indeed Discover The Power To Cheat Death
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker





Anakin’s quest for power to prevent death is heavily influenced by Palpatine’s insinuations that “to cheat death is a power only one has achieved.”This statement leaves audiences pondering whether Palpatine genuinely acquired this ability from his master or manages to wield it himself. Although the notion was initially explored in Star Wars: Dark Empire, it was later deemed non-canonical.
Palpatine’s bewildering return in The Rise of Skywalker, having escaped apparent demise through dark science and cloning, lends significance to his earlier claims in Revenge of the Sith. This revelation positions Palpatine as the ultimate puppeteer orchestrating events across the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Additionally, the fact that his granddaughter, Rey, embodies the capability of Force healing elevates the poetic nature of this legacy.
4 The Clones Had No Choice In Carrying Out Order 66
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 6, Episodes 1-4





One of the most gripping sequences in Revenge of the Sith is the harrowing Order 66 event, in which clone troopers turn against the Jedi. Initially, it appeared that they followed this command without hesitation, mirroring the Kaminoans’ descriptions in Attack of the Clones. However, The Clone Wars delves into the complexities of the clones’ individuality, suggesting that their obedience wasn’t devoid of moral conflict.
Season 6 of The Clone Wars reveals that every clone soldier had an inhibitor chip embedded within them, influencing them to strictly follow Palpatine’s Order 66. This clarification not only rationalizes the lack of hesitation from the clones but also reframes the narrative surrounding Order 66, imbuing it with deeper moral implications.
3 Anakin Didn’t Kill All The Younglings
Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 1, Episode 5 “Part V”





The very scene where Anakin confronts the younglings is one of the most chilling in Revenge of the Sith. Obi-Wan’s heartbreaking discovery of the aftermath encapsulates Anakin’s transformation into a monster. The legacy of this moment reverberates through the introduction of Reva Sevander in Obi-Wan Kenobi, a former youngling who witnessed her peers being slaughtered.
This pivotal backstory reveals how Reva evolved into an Imperial Inquisitor, seeking vengeance against Darth Vader in her quest for justice. By revisiting Anakin’s assault on the Jedi Temple, the series not only illustrates his disintegration into evil but also emphasizes the creation of another dark figure born from his actions.
2 Obi-Wan Did More Than Tell Surviving Jedi To Stay Away
Star Wars Rebels “Spark of Rebellion”

When Obi-Wan and Yoda infiltrate the Jedi Temple, Obi-Wan remarks that he merely recalibrated the Temple’s beacon. However, insights presented in Star Wars Rebels illustrate that he also recorded a message for the surviving Jedi, urging them to trust in the Force while awaiting a “new hope.”This revelation enriches the narrative, showcasing how Jedi like Kanan Jarrus would later draw hope from Obi-Wan’s words.
1 We Now Know How And When Yoda Learned From Qui-Gon Jinn
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 6, Episodes 11-13




The conclusion of Revenge of the Sith unveils Yoda’s communication with Qui-Gon Jinn, through which he learns the secret of becoming one with the Force. Originally, a deleted scene teased Yoda hearing Qui-Gon’s voice, leaving gaps about this training. The concluding episodes of The Clone Wars elucidate Qui-Gon’s guidance to Yoda, directing him to Dagobah as the commencement of his journey to attain immortality.
This journey culminates in Yoda undergoing trials on a Force-rich planet, where he faces significant challenges set by the Force priestesses. Ultimately, these experiences not only clarify Yoda’s profound connection to the Force but also enhance the overarching lore of Star Wars.
Leave a Reply