#84 Season 4 Episode 18

“Trust is the greatest of gifts, but it must be earned.”

The Chancellor travels to Naboo to preside over a public ceremony, guarded by Jedi Knights. Dooku and his bounty hunters — including an undercover Obi-Wan Kenobi — launch their kidnapping plot.

Crisis on Naboo Preview and starwars.com Episode Guide.

Original Airdate: 10 February 2012

Writer: Brent Friedman

Director: Danny Keller

Concept Art and Trivia

The outcome of this episode illuminates the intent and reality of “The Box.” Dooku’s plan was never about getting bounty hunters to successfully kidnap the Chancellor. It was about diverting the Jedi from his real kidnapping attempt. That means Dooku suspected a Jedi would infiltrate his conspiracy, and the Box exercise was about flushing that Jedi out, which is why Dooku took such interest in Rako Hardeen’s actions and abilities.

The fireworks and holographic display was meant to describe the history of Naboo. Images (from left to right) symbolize the crash of the Grizmallt colony ship on Naboo, Kwilaan’s discovery of the world, and a nomadic tribe venturing into the Gallo mountains. Next the nomadic tribe arriving at the Dee’ja peak, settling there and developing a farming community on that land. The next image shows the growth of Theed. Illustration by Tara Rueping.

Also mixed into the fireworks display is a Republic cog, and yellow receding text that resembles the opening scrolling text that starts off the Star Wars movies. Illustration by Tara Rueping.

For those curious about where the Chancellor’s address within the overlook occurs relative to the layout of Theed Palace, this matte painting from Episode III provided the location.

With each return trip to Naboo, its assortment of characters expands. This visit allowed for the creation of Sio Bibble, and the mustard-colored Naboo foot soldier.

The holographic map of Theed seen in the Jedi Council briefing (illustrated by Polina Hristova) referenced a detailed architecture/landscape model created for Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace (seen in inset).