If we’re comparing Captain Rex and Commander Cody, the first thing that comes up is rank—Cody outranks Rex.
But honestly, I don’t think rank tells the whole story. Rex’s actions, especially during the toughest moments of the Clone Wars, show us why he’s the better leader.
Let me explain.
The Defining Difference Between Rex and Cody’s Loyalty
Rex’s actions during Order 66 showed why he’s different from most clones. Despite the chip in his head, he fought back against the programming, giving Ahsoka Tano a chance to survive.
It was Rex making a choice to question an order that went against everything the Jedi stood for.
On the flip side, Cody’s story is a heartbreaking example of what happens when loyalty is used as a weapon.
Before the infamous Order 66, we see a touching moment of camaraderie between Cody and Obi-Wan Kenobi during the battle against Grievous. When Obi-Wan drops his lightsaber, it’s Cody who retrieves it and hands it back—a small but meaningful gesture of trust.
However, just moments later, as Obi-Wan scales the cliff, Cody receives Order 66 and, without a second thought, commands his troops to fire at his former ally, shouting, “Blast him!”
Rex’s loyalty wasn’t blind; it was to the people he cared about.
Cody, despite his skills and dedication, couldn’t resist the control imposed by the inhibitor chip, and that tragic reality marks the difference between the two.
Rex Commands With Flexibility While Cody Relies on Protocol
Captain Rex stands out on the battlefield because of his ability to think on his feet and adapt to unpredictable situations.
Serving under Jedi like Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano taught him to embrace creativity and unconventional strategies.
Whether it was reprogramming droids during the Battle of Rishi Station or improvising a plan to escape certain death in The Clone Wars, Rex consistently demonstrated his capacity to adjust tactics in real-time.
This adaptability was evident during the mission to retake the Rishi Moon outpost in The Clone Wars episode “Rookies.”
Faced with a Separatist droid infiltration, Cody entrusted Rex to take charge in devising a bold counterattack.
Rex’s quick thinking and decisive actions turned the tide of the battle, using explosives to destroy the outpost and alert the Republic fleet of the threat.
Commander Cody’s strengths lie in his precision and strategic planning. As a trusted commander under Obi-Wan Kenobi, Cody excelled in executing large-scale operations with efficiency and discipline.
His attention to detail made him a formidable leader in battles like the Siege of Utapau, where his careful coordination allowed Republic forces to capture a key Separatist stronghold.