The Returns of The Clone Wars: Are Deleted Episodes Really Canonical?
The Returns of The Clone Wars: Are Deleted Episodes Really Canonical?
The franchise Star Wars has seen numerous reboots and revisions over the years, and one of the most intriguing discussions centers around the The Clone Wars (TCW) deleted episodes. As these episodes were excluded from the initial canonical build, they often provoke debates among die-hard fans. This article will explore whether these deleted scenes can be considered canonical, particularly in light of the recent revival of the series.
The Canon Status of Deleted Episodes
When Star Wars was restructured under the new canon guidelines in 2014, only the aired episodes were deemed part of the official canon. However, fans are keen to understand the implications and story arcs that the deleted scenes could have offered. While these episodes were not part of the final series, they offer additional context and insights into characters and storylines.
One of the incomplete episodes included a duel between Boba Fett and Cad Bane, where Bane shot at Boba's head, creating the famous dent in his helmet. In The Mandalorian Season 2, the character Boba Fett is seen alive, wearing the same armor with the same dent. This raises the question: are the deleted TCW episodes still canonical?
Canonical Considerations
As of early 2021, nothing had been released to decanonize this particular episode. However, this situation remains fluid. The post-credits scene at the end of The Mandalorian Season 2 hinted at a whole series called The Book of Boba Fett, which will be released later in the year. Without explicit information about how Boba Fett got the dent, it is unclear if this deleted episode will be retconned or included as part of the new canon.
Given the involvement of Filoni in the upcoming content, it is unlikely that any of the previously unused material will be completely decanonized. After all, Filoni created Ahsoka and worked on the animated stuff, and it seems improbable he would undermine the efforts that led to Ahsoka's inclusion in the Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett.
Conclusion
The status of deleted episodes in Star Wars is a complex and often contentious issue. While the deleted episodes of The Clone Wars were not canon initially, the evolution of the franchise means that some of them have indeed been incorporated into the official canon. Fans may continue to discuss the potential implications of these scenes, but for the time being, the deleted episodes remain a subject of intrigue rather than definitive canon status.
As new content continues to be released, the lines between canon and non-canon will likely become even more blurred. For now, it is essential for fans to follow the official sources and announcements to stay informed about the ever-expanding Star Wars universe.