Back when TCW started, one thing I was looking forward to seeing was the transition from Phase I (AOTC) clone trooper armor and helmets to Phase II (ROTS) armor and helmets. I just caught up by watching Darkness On Umbara and The General (best episodes for clone troopers since Rookies IMO, BTW), and I obviously noticed that the transition has already taken place... at least for the 501st. So was there an episode I missed before now that showed the transition or had any sort of conversation about the transition (like "these are our new and improved helmets and suits, feel free to personalize them the same way you did the old ones")? And is it just the 501st so far? Maybe not, because I think I've seen images of Cody with his Phase II helmet too. One other thing I thought was interesting... Rex's helmet right now is itself a mix of Phase I and II designs; it's essentially a Phase II, but the ends of the visor window still angle up like Phase I, not down like Phase II (one of the most noticeable visual links between clone trooper helmets and stormtrooper helmets).
There was no smooth transition. The Phase 2 armor started with the beginning of Season 4 (at least for all clones). However, if it's a transition you are looking for.....throughout Season 3, Arc Troopers were the ones that would test out Phase 1.5 helmets in preparation for Phase 2. Rex, however, is not wearing a Phase 1.5 helmet. He is wearing a custom Phase 2 as he liked the Phase 1 style better. Looks like me and Rex have something in common..... So....no. There was no "conversation" or realization of the new armor in the show.
Interesting, thanks. Also, if there was no real conversation, what is the source of the Rex "wearing a custom Phase 2 as he liked the Phase 1 style better" part?
I don't have the source but I know the other forum members know about this. They likely have it. Sorry I don't. I do remember that Rex was attached to the Phase 1 armor and I guess Clone Officers have some sort of free calling for what they want their armor to be like. This wasn't explained in the TV series but was rather explained by Dave Filoni in that "source" I don't have. I've noticed I need to start collecting these sources.....(facepalm) Again, sorry I don't have the source.
Yeah, I don't have it on me either. But Filoni said explicitly that Rex does not like Phase II armor, as he feels that it's a sign that the clones are being treated more expendable. So it's not just a stylistic preference, it's more of a statement of protest. He's actually using his old helmet, with Phase II electronics retrofitted in. Not sure about the rest of the armor, but Phase I and II don't look a whole lot different to me. I'm a bit curious as to what Rex's reasoning is about Phase II, though. Is he unhappy because the new armor is (for example) more modular, and pieces are more interchangeable? Can't see how that could have been different from before, and it would make sense seeing that all the clones are wearing the same suit of armor anyway. Don't get me wrong - I'm thrilled that Rex is showing more of his independent spirit, regarding his equipment, but I'd like a little more explanation why he feels that way.
The first scene of transition armor was in the episode Senate Murders, which had a brief hologram of a proto-Phase 2 Clone. The next step was the Arc Troopers from Season 3, which are a sort of 1.5
Well, it looks to be more than just his old helmet with new electronics retrofitted in. As I said, it does have the Phase I visor shape, but it has the larger, cylindrical air tubes on the sides that the Phase II helmet has (another precursor to the stormtrooper helmet).
I guess air tubes don't count as electronics. Well, you know. He pulled the gadgets off a Phase II and attached them to his Phase I, as is my point. It's definitely his old helmet, though.
