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

Tophet: Day 89.

After clearing a mountain pass of a row of Blaster Bugs, the Roughnecks are able to capture Colonel T’Phai, the leader of the Skinnies.

After normal interrogation methods fail, High Command orders Carl to use his special abilities. When Carl complies, he discovers “two voices” inside the Skinnie’s head.

It seems that a small, crab-like Control Bug has been attached to T’Phai, controlling all his actions.

It is revealed that the Skinnie population has been enslaved by the Bugs since the Troopers’ arrival. The Skinnies’ task was to mine a highly unstable material called Xylon that allows for interstellar Bug travel.

The Roughnecks then join forces with T’Phai to free the enslaved Skinnie population and prevent a Transport Bug from leaving the planet with the Xylon.

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: 14 February 2000.
• Running Time: 30 minutes.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.