#97 Season 5 Episode 10

“Humility is the only defense against humiliation.”

R2-D2 is part of a team of Republic droids chosen for an important mission led by the diminutive Colonel Gascon to obtain an encryption module from a Separatist dreadnought. The droids must overcome numerous challenging obstacles to succeed in this crucial assignment.

Secret Weapons Commentary, Preview, Bonus clip and starwars.com Episode Guide.

Original Airdate: 1 December 2012

Writer: Brent Friedman

Director: Danny Keller

Concept Art and Trivia

The opening logo on the episodes of this arc is blue rather than the traditional yellow, as a tribute to R2-D2.

The Jedi Knights seen accompanying their droids during the war room briefing are Anakin Skywalker (with R2-D2), Aayla Secura (with QT-KT), Thongla Jur (with U9-C4), and Tera Sinube (with M5-BZ).

WAC-47’s master is Clone Commander Neyo, a trooper first seen on Saleucami in Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith. Although he is not seen without his helmet in this episode, Commander Neyo’s head was designed, and sports a tattoo of his number: CC-8826.

QT-KT is inspired by R2-KT, a pink astromech droid created by Star Wars fans in tribute to Katie Johnson, daughter of Albin Johnson, founder of the 501st Legion. The droid, who is now dedicated to the memory of the late Katie, makes appearances at children’s hospitals. Though R2-KT previously appeared in The Clone Wars movie, Qutee is a separate droid to avoid having two droids named “Artoo” on the same mission.

The swarm mine asset began life as the vocal emulator device used by Obi-Wan Kenobi when he posed as Rako Hardeen in “Deception.”

Colonel Gascon is based on an early, unused concept design that helped shape the development of Jar Jar Binks, illustrated by concept artist Terryl Whitlatch before pre-production of Episode I began.

The hazard labels on R2-D2’s enhanced booster rockets read: “WARNING: Supercharger boost must not exceed 150 percent” and “KEEP BACK.”

The hazard label on U9-C4’s laser cutter sensibly advises “EXTREME CAUTION — Do not look directly into laser beam.”