Clone Cadets: Where Domino Squad Learned to Stop Failing

Before Fives uncovered Order 66 and Echo became a cyborg, they were just cadets who couldn't pass basic training. This Season 3 premiere of Clone Wars takes us to Kamino's training facilities where Domino Squad—Echo, Fives, Hevy, Droidbait, and Cutup—face decommissioning if they can't learn to work as a team. With Shaak Ti advocating for compassion, Bric sabotaging their test, and 99 offering unexpected wisdom, these misfits must prove that clone troopers are more than their numbers.

Matthew, Erin, and youngest fan Aurelia (age 11) explore why this training episode hits differently when you know where these characters end up, and how Dee Bradley Baker manages to voice an entire squad talking to themselves.

Questions We Discussed:

• Why does leaving a man behind result in automatic failure, and how does that theme echo throughout Clone Wars?
• How does Shaak Ti's motherly compassion toward the clones contrast with her minimal role in the prequel films?
• What makes 99 such a compelling character despite his brief appearances in the series?
• Why do clone naming conventions matter so much to characters like Fives and Echo?
• What makes Dee Bradley Baker's voice work in clone-heavy scenes so impressive when each character remains instantly identifiable?
• How does knowing Fives' and Echo's eventual fates change the way we watch their origin story?

**************************************************************************

This episode is a production of Star Wars Generations, an Ethical Panda podcast and part of the TruStory FM Entertainment Podcast Network. Check out our website to find out more about this show and our sister podcast Superhero Ethics.

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

Want even more content while supporting the podcast? Become a member! For $5 a month or $55 a year you get access to bonus episodes and bonus content at the end of most episodes — and you can even give membership as a gift. Sign up here.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

• Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
• Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
• Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.