This episode was thus far the best written in terms of plot, characters, purpose, and overall inception. Absolutely none of the characters were cardboard or stiff in terms of their development and everyone expressed some form of actual emotion.
Overall: Anyone who is a fan of the antagonists would love this episode... Such as myself. I greatly preferred the atmosphere of the environment and the setting of the plot. Of course, Star Wars is a very vivid creation with a repertoire of lucid creatures and planets. I believe this episode is a prime example of these features being put into effect to the maximum capacity. I greatly admire the writing capability delivered here; I can't say the same about all the episodes of this series. As a stand-alone scenario, "Monster," along with "Witches of the Mist," and "Nightsisters," are primarily the central story arc that I enjoyed most of all.
Plot: What makes this particular episode (Monster) so much better than the rest, however, is the usage of Savage Oppress as a masterful villain. Of course, he is a plot device for the characters of Ventress and Dooku, but his development and his overall attitude, mannerism, gestures, and complexity make him an overall deeper and more likable character. Savage is a Zabrak warrior who is taken in by Ventress and trained to acquire vengeance against Dooku... Later secretly going under Dooku's command only to fool the Sith Lord. Of course, Savage is much deeper of a persona and becomes greatly aggravated at both Dooku and Ventress, erupting against them and using his power to release their stranglehold. He does fight well (with the ever-lovely double-ended lightsabers)... But that's merely the icing on the cake.
Characters: Savage is a character that is almost as powerful a concept as that of Darth Maul. Until this story arc aired on television, I hadn't seen a character rival the genuine design and brilliant attitude of Maul. Until now. And even better, this character is designed to be Maul's brother. Ultimately, although Lord Maul remains my favorite Star Wars character for genuine design, mannerism, compelling story, and having the best fight scene in the entire movie universe series, Savage is likely a good counterpart for the Expanded Universe and the Clone Wars series.
Writing: As a story, this episode encompasses a multitude of emotions. When I view an episode, I judge greatly on the insurmountable amount of morality that is depicted. I've found that this episode wields an array of such material. The most compelling aspect is the plot device of Feral, Savage's brother. The writing here depicts Feral to be less powerful than Savage. Although at first Savage promises to protect his brother at any cost, he is twisted and turned into a ruthless brute who ends up killing the one person he promised to protect due to being controlled by Ventress, Talzin, and the Nightsisters. This clan contributes to the breakdown of his conscience and his growth as a relentless warrior. By killing his own brother, Savage becomes the very thing he hated; and for storyline, this is the greatest piece of writing that anyone has shown in the entire series run.
Meaning: There is a tremendous amount of emotion and morality tucked inside this episode. It portrays a man deceived by all and built into a killing machine. It also shines light on how this man becomes a tool of destruction through the usage of vengeance as a propeller. Savage is by far the deepest character in the Clone Wars series (until Maul appears in season 4)... His very essence constitutes a multitude of emotions. The very dark side that George Lucas has portrayed prior bleeds into the writing and scenery here. This man's suffering and training leads him to be consumed by hatred and derails him from his path; a destiny fulfilled by puppet-master hands, causing this great monster to be born.
Final Thoughts: The best thing about the moral climax of this episode is that there's a complete zenith of every aspect of the dark side in this episode; be it hate, suffering, fear, and corruption. It makes for a unique powerhouse of a machine built for the perfect viewing experience.
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