Robot Chicken knows where their bread is buttered. Their half-hour Star Wars special was hugely popular with fans and drew in new viewership by the bucketload; what had started as a cult show became more of a pop-culture fixture. So naturally, they decided to do it again.

Robot Chicken Star Wars: Episode II debuted last Sunday on Cartoon Network’s [adult swim]. As expected, they focused more heavily on their already-popular characterization of Emperor Palpatine, who is constantly fielding phone calls from his lackeys and lashing out sarcastically at everyone - except his hairdresser, of course. You don’t want to make that guy angry.

Boba Fett is another favorite. The opening skit pays homage to those who those who favor unusual Star Wars pairings, featuring a pubescent nerd acting out a Leia/Fett fantasy with action figures, much to the delight of his friends. It’s pretty meta: that is, after all, exactly what Robot Chicken has been doing all these years.

Important plot points of the series are dealt with in a unique Robot Chicken way. Palpatine seeks a bounty hunter, Boba deals with life in the Sarlaac pit, and Lando’s betrayal leads to a very awkward dinner on Cloud City. Intersecting Star Wars with everyday circumstances is another sure thing, and while we don’t get to see the janitor again, we do meet an apartment-hunter on Cloud City whose experience is coincidentally ruined by Luke Skywalker.

Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams and Ahmed Best (the voice of Jar-Jar, bless him) all appear as their original characters in the parody. Having George Lucas’ blessing really gives it that extra spark. I have to say, though, Fisher sounds nothing like herself. I think she’s forgotten how to do her “young” voice and decided to go for something similar, but failed. It’s kind of sad.

If you like Star Wars and you like action figures, you’ll like Robot Chicken Star Wars: Episode II.

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