“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” returns for a fifth season on Saturday, Sept. 29, at a new 9:30 a.m. timeslot on Cartoon Network. 

The show started in 2008 after the release of an animated feature of the same name.  The film was mediocre, even to “Star Wars” fans, and suffered from the time constraints of feature films.  After all, the Clone Wars were galactic in scope, involving thousands of groups and characters.  The first season struggled with its identity and direction, though getting better in quality.

By the second season, the creators hit their stride, balancing the occasional fun and folly characteristic of “Stars Wars” with continued exploration of the darker elements equally important to the “Stars Wars” universe.  That rare trait of improving over time has somehow continued for “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”

This season promises to continue the conflict brought about by the return of Darth Maul, the nebulous power of other Sith elements, and the ongoing situation on Mandalore (the home of Boba Fett’s armor).