In the two-episode story arc which began with last week's "Jedi Crash" and concludes with tonight's "Defenders of Peace", Jedi Knight Aayla Secura takes center stage as she works to defend the peaceful Lurmen from the Confederacy's Neimoidian general, Lok Durd (voiced by George Takei).
Aayla was performed by the talented Jennifer Hale, who briefly discusses her role as the blue-skinned Twi'lek Jedi:
You've got quite a few voice rolls to your credit. How did you get involved in The Clone Wars?
I was fortunate enough to meet the team on the project and they felt that I could bring what they needed to the show. Needless to say, I was totally thrilled to work with them.
What other Star Wars-related projects have you been involved with?
Several of the games, Knights of the Old Republic [as Bastila Shan] and Knights of the Old Republic II, Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy...
Aayla seems to speak with a French accent. Can you explain the reason for that?
Our director Dave Filoni wanted something a little different, a little underground and unusual, and that's what we came to. I really think it suits her [according to The Clone Wars series writer, Henry Gilroy, the accent was a gentle allusion to the French resistance fighters of World War II, as will be seen in future episodes].
Since we didn't get to see much of Aayla Secura in the films, were there any other historical figures or personalities you based your characterization on?
For me it's always the writing, the story, the history of the mythology. She's someone fighting for what she believes is right and willing to do the right thing, no matter what. That was clear in the writing, the rest just fell into place.
Will we be seeing more of Aayla in future episodes this season?
If I told you that, I'd have to eliminate you... and we don't want that, do we?
