The Unknown

"The truth about yourself is always the hardest to accept."

- Moral

"The Unknown" is the first episode of the Star Wars: The Clone Wars television series' sixth season, which premiered on the German TV network Super RTL on February 15, 2014. It was released in the US and Canada via Netflix on March 7, 2014.

Official description
"Clone trooper Tup succumbs to a mysterious mental illness that results in the shocking death of a Jedi Master. Unable to account for his murderous actions, Tup is sedated and sent back to Kamino for examination. Anakin and ARC trooper Fives accompany Tup, but their return trip is ambushed by Separatists."

Plot summary
On a mission to relieve the ring space station in Ringo Vinda's orbit, Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and twin Jedi Masters Tiplar and Tiplee lead several clone trooper detachments against the occupying droid force under Admiral Trench, among them are Clone captain Rex, ARC Trooper Fives and clone trooper Tup. However, Tup has been lately plagued by strange mental disorders which leave him temporarily confused. When the Jedi and clone forces fight their way into the station's command center, Tup suddenly goes into some form of trance, constantly muttering, "Good soldiers follow orders." Upon seeing Tiplar while in one of those blackouts, Tup unexpectedly sneaks up on her and kills her with a blaster shot to her head. This unexpected attack disrupts the battle's schedule and the composure of the Republic troops, forcing them to retreat.

Tup is checked for medicinal disorders, but strangely no clues to his bizarre condition, which makes him alternate between trances and clear moments where he has no memories of his blackouts, are found. Suspecting a Separatist plot behind this irrationality, Anakin decides to have Tup brought back to Kamino for a more thorough check, but unfortunately Trench has also witnessed the clone's strange disorder and contacted Count Dooku. Dooku and his master, concluding that Tup's behavior might prematurely reveals their true plans for the war, decide to kidnap the clone before the Republic can examine him. As a result of this, the shuttle meant to carry Tup to Kamino is ambushed just as it is about to enter hyperspace and Tup kidnapped.

Upon investigating the shuttle's wreck, Skywalker, Rex and Fives swiftly notice Tup is missing and conclude that his strange malady is somehow of great interest to the Separatists. Following the signal from Tup's communicator, they sneak their way to the ring station's main hangar just as Tup is brought aboard a shuttle, but find it too heavily guarded to fight their way to the ship. Just before the shuttle leaves the hangar, however, Fives gets the bright idea to use grappling lines to catch a ride on the shuttle just as it leaves the hangar; the three thereupon board the ship, disable the droid crew and return to their own lines to prepare another transport to Kamino. Fives persuades Rex to allow him to accompany the transport, and the two depart with their stricken comrade for Kamino.

Cast

 * Dee Bradley Baker as the clone troopers and Admiral Trench
 * Matt Lanter as Anakin Skywalker
 * Corey Burton as Count Dooku
 * Anna Graves as Tiplar and Tiplee
 * Tom Kane as the narrator, Admiral Yularen and Kraken
 * Matthew Wood as the battle droids
 * Tim Curry as Darth Sidious

Behind the scenes
Ringo Vinda, the planet shown at the beginning of the episode, was based on concept artwork for a ringed planet during production of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.

In addition, the characters Tiplee and Tiplar's designs were derived from concept artwork for a female Sith that was cut from Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.

Although the transport used to carry Tup to Kamino was referred to as a "medical frigate," its design in the actual episode was a Consular-class cruiser with a Charger c70 retrofit.

The episode also marked the first appearance of Admiral Trench since the episode Cat and Mouse.

The clone commander Doom's design was derived from that of the Marvel Comics villain Doctor Doom.

The episode also featured an updated design of the Rocket battle droids, resembling the female Zendraedi power armor in the animated series Robotech.