"The Phantom Apprentice" Episode Guide | The Clone Wars - Season 7, Episode 10

During the Clone Wars, a coup orchestrated by Death Watch topples the pacifist regime of the New Mandalorians and returns the armored warrior culture to a position of power over the isolated world. What the average Mandalorian citizen does not realize, however, is that the takeover is in truth masterminded by a secret syndicate of criminals -- the Shadow Collective led by Maul. Maul's loyal Mandalorians modify their armor to reflect allegiance to the Dark Lord. These super commandos wear armor of red and black, and some even fashion horns atop their helmets, to better resemble their Nightbrother leader. During the Siege of Mandalore, Gar Saxon leads the elite fighting force.

Former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano once served as the Padawan learner to the Jedi Anakin Skywalker during the Clone Wars. A respected leader and warrior attuned to the light side of the Force, Ahsoka grew into a formidable fighter before the Empire’s reign changed the course of galactic history. Although she walked away from the Jedi Order, she continued to stand up for those fighting for peace and justice in the galaxy long after the fall of the Republic.

The dark side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural, and Sheev Palpatine is the most infamous follower of its doctrines. Scheming, powerful, and evil to the core, Darth Sidious restored the Sith and destroyed the Jedi Order. Living a double life, he was also Palpatine, a Naboo Senator and phantom menace. He manipulated the political system of the Galactic Republic until he was named Supreme Chancellor -- and eventually Emperor – and ruled the galaxy through fear and tyranny. The galaxy rejoiced when he died at the Battle of Endor, but Sidious had cheated death and patiently plotted a return to power.

A gifted warrior, Bo-Katan Kryze is a legendary Mandalorian. She has been fighting for the future of Mandalore since the Clone Wars, wearing armor that has been in her family for generations. The last of her line, she once wielded the Darksaber as the leader of the Mandalorian resistance in the age of rebellion. At the dawn of the New Republic, she led a team of Clan Kryze Mandalorians striking back at the Imperial remnant.Though her mission to retake Mandalore has faltered with the loss of the Darksaber, Bo-Katan finds newfound purpose and focus with the help of the Mandalorian Din Djarin, who won the blade in battle with Moff Gideon.

Rex once served the Republic on the frontlines during the Clone Wars, taking orders from Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano as first a captain and later a commander. He viewed military service as an honor, and his loyalty to the Republic and his Jedi Generals was absolute. But when Order 66 was executed, it was Ahsoka who helped to free Rex from the programming of his inhibitor chip. At the dawn of the Empire, Rex has escaped with his life but is considered killed-in-action in the eyes of the new regime. That allows him to operate in the shadows and help any clone brothers who remain separate from the Imperial ranks.