"Chapter 20," the concluding episode of Volume One and Season Two, represents the twentieth installment of the Star Wars: Clone Wars animated series. Genndy Tartakovsky directed this episode, which first broadcasted on Cartoon Network on April 8, 2004.
Positioned at the midpoint of the series' total duration, this episode concludes the Battle of Muunilinst (the conflict that initiated the series) and introduces General Grievous, a character of central importance for the remainder of the storyline.
On the planet Muunilinst, Jedi Master Voolvif Monn is shown leading his clone troopers in combat versus the last remaining groups of battle droids. Suddenly, these droids power down, and Obi-Wan Kenobi informs Monn that the InterGalactic Banking Clan has surrendered, resulting in a victory for the Galactic Republic. As Kenobi oversees the boarding of Muun and Neimoidian prisoners-of-war onto Republic transports, Captain Fordo reports the approach of a ship resembling the one Anakin Skywalker had been pursuing. Kenobi orders a cease-fire, and Skywalker emerges from the starfighter, apologizing for his insubordination and confirming the chase was a Sith trap. While Kenobi reprimands his Padawan, he receives a distress signal from Jedi Master Daakman Barrek on Hypori, stating that his forces have been decimated by "a new droid general," before the transmission abruptly ends.
On Hypori, the dead hand of Barrek releases his holo-communicator, which is then crushed by a robotic, clawed foot. Thousands of B2 super battle droids surround a downed Republic Acclamator, firing their blasters until the caped figure in front of them signals them to stop with a gesture of the clawed hand. Within the wrecked ship, Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi questions the reason for the cessation of the attack. Five other Jedi, injured and exhausted, are with him: Shaak Ti, K'Kruhk, Aayla Secura, Tarr Seirr, and Sha'a Gi. As the Jedi contemplate how they were defeated by simple battle droids, a voice identifies itself as General Grievous.
The sounds of Grievous's approaching footsteps cause panic among some of the Jedi, but Ki-Adi-Mundi urges them to maintain their composure.
Sha'a Gi is unable to control his fear, and he charges outside only to be crushed to death when General Grievous lands on him. Grievous quickly leaps out of sight and then drops back down onto the remaining Jedi, wielding two lightsabers. By spinning his torso, Grievous easily defends against the four attacking Jedi, eventually incapacitating K'Kruhk. Grievous's metal claws grab Tarr Seirr, snapping his neck before throwing him and Aayla Secura across the room, followed by Ki-Adi-Mundi. Shaak Ti manages to resist Grievous for a short time, but she is struck by one of his spinning lightsabers and hurled into the wreckage. Mundi, whose own lightsaber is pinned by Grievous's foot, uses the Force to retrieve one from Grievous's belt, igniting it and raising the green blade in a defensive stance. The two stare at each other briefly before the droid general lunges, lightsabers poised to strike.
On Coruscant, Master Yoda senses a disturbance in the Force, stating: "Mmmm. Darker, the coming storm grows. I fear the dark cloud of the Sith shrouds us all." (Listen (help·info))
The original plan for the final chapter was to feature Anakin and Obi-Wan in a battle against Durge. However, this was changed at the request of George Lucas, who wanted General Grievous to be introduced.
The introduction of Grievous in animated form in "Chapter 20" before the release of Revenge of the Sith (2005) is similar to Boba Fett's animated introduction in The Star Wars Holiday Special before the release of The Empire Strikes Back (1980).
This episode marked the debut of General Grievous, with John DiMaggio (famous for his role as Bender in Futurama) providing the voice. In Season Three, Richard McGonagle took over the role.
This episode is significantly longer than the preceding episodes in the series, clocking in at 7 minutes and 15 seconds, which is more than double the length of previous episodes.
During the fight between Grievous and the five Jedi, when Grievous jumps to a wall and then leaps again, Shaak Ti's lightsaber blade briefly appears green, despite being blue both before and after.
In this episode, Grievous is depicted with five fingers and only uses two of his arms, while in Chapter 25, he has six fingers and uses all four of his arms.
In this episode, Grievous displays his defeated Jedi lightsabers on his belt, whereas in Revenge of the Sith, they are kept within his cape.
Throughout the first and second seasons, Captain Fordo's rank varies. He is a sergeant in "Chapter 3", commander in "Chapter 9" (as addressed by Obi-Wan), and captain in this episode.