When the seventh and final season of The Clone Wars finally arrived, it is safe to say it did not disappoint, delivering a powerful and satisfying conclusion to the beloved series. Of course, most of this can get attributed to the Siege of Mandalore, which has gotten heralded by many as the best arc in the show's history.
However, there may be alternatives that some fans prefer. The show is, after all, filled with an incredible load of stories and arcs which are talked about to this day, even if it may be hard to say whether or not they rival the Siege of Mandalore.
Alternative - Takeover Of Mandalore
The Takeover of Mandalore arc may well be the second best arc in all of The Clone Wars, but the arc it falls second too is the Siege itself.
However, if fans want an alternative that stays with Mandalore, with another fantastic and cinematic battle, great action, and a lot more Obi-Wan and Maul stuff, plus with emotional icing and a cherry in the form of a Palpatine lightsaber duel on top, this is the one.
Siege Of Mandalore - The Production
Everything about the production and creation side of the Siege of Mandalore was on a whole other level from what we have seen previously in this show.
The animation is nothing short of gorgeous; the writing is great as is expected, the performances from Sam Witwer, Ashley Eckstein, Dee Bradley Baker, Katee Sackhoff, and everyone else are all brilliant, and Kevin Kiner's musical score was so good that the only praise one can think of that is high enough is to say that he deserves to score feature Star Wars movies.
Alternative - Ahsoka Leaves
Ahsoka Tano is one of, and at many points, the central character of The Clone Wars, and undoubtedly her most crucial arc on the show in of her character and journey is when she leaves the Jedi council.
Full of great action and fantastic character work, the arc truly highlights some of the failings of the Jedi Council and how Anakin remained outside of this as the only one truly sticking by Ahsoka. It is a phenomenal and devastating arc and a fantastic Ahsoka alternative.
Siege Of Mandalore - The Emotion
The entire arc seemed to spend its time breaking viewer's hearts in every episode, whether it be by subtle nods or blatant heart-shattering moments.
The first episode starts with such emotion, with Anakin and Ahsoka reuniting, Bo-Katan's dig at Obi-Wan, and Anakin running off to save the Chancellor. From there, though, there is Order 66, Rex fighting the Order, Rex crying because of what is happening to his brothers, Ahsoka refusing to kill them, and, of course, that somber moment with Vader. There is so much emotion pouring out of this arc, adding to everything going on.
Alternative - Yoda's Journey
The final arc of season six sees Yoda go on a journey of self-reflection and discovery as he tries to learn more about the Force, and is spoken to by Qui-Gon Jinn.
The three-episode arc gets a bit crazy at times but remains phenomenal throughout, diving deeper into the character of Yoda than we have ever really seen, as well as taking a look at the Force itself. Also, a fantastic Palpatine and Dooku plot.
Siege Of Mandalore - The Action
The action throughout the Siege of Mandalore is both gorgeous and exhilarating, especially for the first two episodes before it gets quite emotional.
The lightsaber duel between Maul and Ahsoka is maybe the best-animated duel we have ever seen, Ahsoka and Rex's race to the bottom was just incredible to watch, and Maul's rampage was Vader-esque. From the first episode to last, the action is terrific.
Alternative - The Mortis Arc
The Mortis arc is one of the most unique and famous in all of The Clone Wars, and it is also one of the very best. It is always a joy following Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka together.
The Father, Son, and Daughter are fascinating beings who seem to have a larger role in the universe by way of Morai, but nothing yet confirmed. It is a very different arc from the Siege Of Mandalore, looking into Anakin and his future more as well as the Force.
Siege Of Mandalore - It's Ties To Revenge Of The Sith
The Siege of Mandalore coincides perfectly with the events of Revenge Of The Sith, and it only serves to improve upon the quality and impact of the arc.
There are literal scenes from the movie in the arc, cut perfectly to match with Ahsoka's story. Obviously, Order 66 is a crucial part of the arc, and when it happens, it lives up to the episode title because it shatters fans. Both the overt and subtle connective tissue between the arc and movie is insanely well done and a joy to watch for prequel fans.
Alternative - The Umbara Arc
Alongside Maul's takeover of Mandalore, the Umbara arc has been the most cited and most talked-about arc in The Clone Wars in of what the best is.
The clones are the real stars of the arc, following them as they fight but also realize that taking orders may not be the best course of action. Some clones take longer to realize this than others, but all do in this arc, which is an absolute standout in the show.
The Siege Of Mandalore - The Characters
The Clone Wars is built on its characters, and every great arc or fantastic episode has them on full display for the brilliant characters that they are. The Siege of Mandalore is no different.
While it is nothing new to see Maul, Ahsoka, and Rex be amazing, their roles and journeys through this arc are next level as they all deal with Order 66 and the impending chaos. Ahsoka's journey as a Jedi fully ends as she severs ties with Anakin by leaving her lightsaber, and Rex is officially without his brothers. From Yoda's brief moment, to Bo-Katan, to Obi-Wan, to Anakin, big or small, every character delivers in their role.