Season 1 Episode 8

“Heroes are made by the times.”

On a diplomatic mission to the planet Rodia, Padmé discovers that her old friend and fellow Republic senator Onaconda Farr has allied his planet with the Separatists. In exchange for food and resources for his people, Onaconda captures Padmé and promises to deliver her to the Nute Gunray. Sensing Padmé is in trouble, Jar Jar Binks disguises himself as a Jedi, and with the help of C-3PO, courageously fights to rescue his friend and fellow senator.

Bombad Jedi Commentary, Preview and starwars.com Episode Guide.

Concept Art and Trivia

Rodian consulate by Plunkett and Brock.

“Rodia’s architecture doesn’t include solid ceilings or floors; they’re made of grills. As the tide comes in and out, the water levels rise and fall throughout the building. If you’re a Rodian, you could just sit there as the tide comes in and watch the water rise over your head and watch the fish swim around you.” Kilian Plunkett.

Amidala mentions that she has been friends with Senator Farr since she was a little girl, when he was her father’s “strongest ally in the Senate.” It is unclear what previous association Ruwie Naberrie may have had with the Galactic Senate, though his careers as educator, builder and relief worker may have caused him to work side-by-side with Senator Farr. [Editor’s note: Since Padmé’s father was cut from the movies it’s possible that George Lucas changed his mind about the details of his career]

Amidala’s turban-like headdress is a purple variation of a white shroud that was cut from Episode II.

A Rodian salute of greeting appears to be open hands, palm-down, crossed over the chest.

At episode’s end, Senator Farr refers to Jar Jar as “Master Bombad,” but the dialogue that would have identified that as Jar Jar’s ersatz Jedi name was cut from the final episode.

The Kwazel Maw design is based on unused Ralph McQuarrie design for a swamp slug creature on Dagobah.