The Star Wars 50th Anniversary celebration continues on The Commentary Boothas Jamie Apps and Corrina Mabey dive headfirst into one of the franchise’s most divisive chapters, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.

Set 10 years after The Phantom Menace, the galaxy is on the brink of civil war. Anakin Skywalker is no longer the bright-eyed child destined for greatness, he’s reckless, emotional, and already showing signs of the darkness to come. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan Kenobi uncovers a mysterious clone army, Count Dooku begins pulling strings behind the scenes, and Padmé Amidala somehow ends up trapped in one of cinema’s most awkward romances.

Jamie and Corrina hold nothing back as they dig into why Attack of the Clones is widely considered the low point of the Skywalker Saga — from the notoriously painful script (locked in just three days before cameras rolled), to the all-CGI arena battle that left its own cast looking confused, to Anakin's legendary sand monologue that somehow became one of Star Wars' most iconic, even if unintentionally hilarious, moments.

But it's not all criticism. The duo also celebrate what actually works: the subtle visual storytelling genius of clone troopers always moving right-to-left on screen, the sheer joy of Samuel L. Jackson demanding a purple lightsaber and getting it, Christopher Lee's undeniable gravitas as Count Dooku, the first glimpse of the Death Star blueprints, and a sly Jango Fett head-bang Easter egg that Disney has since made even better.

Highlights Breakdown:

- Why Attack of the Clones remains the most controversial Star Wars prequel

- Breaking down the awkward Anakin and Padmé romance

- The political themes and rise of Palpatine’s power

- Samuel L. Jackson demanding a purple lightsaber

- The evolution of CGI and why parts of the film haven’t aged well

- Yoda’s first lightsaber battle and “flippy-do” combat

- Behind-the-scenes trivia about the rushed screenplay and production

- Whether you're a die-hard Star Wars fan, a casual viewer revisiting the prequels, or someone who just needs to hear two people validate your feelings about this film — this is the episode for you.

This week’s episode is brought to you by

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