Introduction

Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles is a 1999-2000 CGI animated television series, based on the 1959 novel by Robert A. Heinlein and the 1997 film adaptation.

It follows the exploits of the Mobile Infantry squad, “Razak’s Roughnecks,” during the SICON–Bugs War between a newly united humanity and an extraterrestrial race, known as the “Bugs,” also sometimes referred to as Arachnids.

The show focuses mainly on the Roughnecks’ missions, rather than addressing the larger war.

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Outline

Pluto: Day 13.

The Roughnecks are one of several squads sent beneath the surface of the planet to locate the source of the bug army, dubbed “Bug City,” and call in an airstrike.

The Roughnecks travel deep into bug tunnels, and Dizzy winds up suffering from extreme claustrophobia, which puts the entire squad at risk during numerous bug attacks.

Eventually, Carl places a hypnotic suggestion in Dizzy’s subconscious, curing her of her phobia. The Roughnecks finally emerge back on the surface of Pluto, inside a massive asteroid crater filled with bug eggs that have already hatched.

Then, the Roughnecks witness the arrival of a Transport Bug, which lays more eggs and drops off hundreds of adult Bugs – leading to the revelation that the Bugs are not native to Pluto, and the S.I.C.O.N. forces are no longer facing a simple infestation, but a full-fledged war.

Starship Troopers Series

You can find a full index of Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles here.

You can find a full index and overview of the Starship Troopers franchise here.

Production & Filming Details

• Release Date: 22 September 1999.
• Running Time: 30 minutes.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.