Season 1 Episode 9

“Ignore your instincts at your peril.”

Ahsoka and Jedi Master Luminara escort the captured notorious Separatist leader Nute Gunray to Coruscant so he can stand trial for his crimes. However, they are unaware that Count Dooku has sent his assassin, Asajj Ventress, to free their captive. With the help of Senate Commandos, the Jedi have to thwart Ventress’s efforts to free their prisoner, despite the traitorous plans of Senate Guard Captain Argyus.

Cloak of Darkness Commentary, Preview and starwars.com Episode Guide.

Concept Art and Trivia

This episode marks the first series appearance of Senate Commandos, a new type of soldier derived from the blue-robed Senate Guards seen in Episodes I-III. The model of the soldier uses the same basic body of a clone trooper, with a custom blue paint job, different head, and a large scarab-like shoulder pad with the Senate seal for the captain.

The Treadwell droid’s name is another conspicuous appearance of the digits “327.” In Episode IV, the Millennium Falcon is docked in hangar bay 327 aboard the Death Star, while in Episode V, it lands on platform 327 in Cloud City. In Episode I, the Naboo starship is identified as a Nubian J-type 327.

The catwalks and clusters of cylinders that dominate the engine room are an architectural nod to the gravity control room found aboard the Super Dimensional Fortress (SDF-1) from the Macross anime, (or Robotech series, if you’re so inclined).

This episode marks the third use of a particular ship model in a new role — the podhunters from “Rising Malevolence,” and the dropships from “Rookies” are now seen as boarding craft. Internally, this ship design is nicknamed the “juicer,” named after the basic kichen appliance that inspired its design.