Ep 10. The Deserter

The Deserter is an episode from the second season of the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The episode revolves around the character of Captain Rex, a clone trooper who has served the Galactic Republic with honor and loyalty.

In this episode, Captain Rex leads a mission with his fellow clone troopers to track down a Separatist base on the planet of Saleucami. However, they soon encounter a deserter from the clone army, a man named Cut Lawquane, who has left his post and started a new life with his family on the remote planet.

Rex is initially suspicious of Cut and his motives for deserting, and he and his team set out to investigate. As they delve deeper into the situation, they discover that there is more to Cut's story than they had previously thought. Despite Cut's actions being against the Republic's code of conduct, Rex begins to respect him and his decision to leave.

Throughout the episode, the theme of individuality versus duty is explored, as Rex and Cut struggle with their own beliefs and responsibilities. Cut challenges Rex's loyalty to the Republic, while Rex questions whether the clones have any say in their own lives. This conflict creates tension and drives the plot towards an emotional climax.

Overall, The Deserter is a thought-provoking episode that explores complex themes while showcasing the characters and action that Star Wars fans have come to expect. The episode offers a unique perspective on the clone troopers, a group often treated as identical expendable soldiers, by examining the humanity of a single deserter and the impact his decision has on himself and those around him.