The Batch Continues in its next instalment.
The Bad Batch continue the journey that they started last episode, this time taking a job on Corellia to retrieve a tactical droid so the client can learn better tactics in order to fight the clones of the Empire. However, the job goes sideways when they are interrupted Trace and Rafa, cameos from season seven of the Clone Wars, who are also trying to steal the droid.
But firstly, one thing that should be noted right away is how fast shots from the trailers are being used. While not all the shots have been used yet, a significant portion of them have shown in the first six episodes of the season. This is great, as it leaves the remaining ten episodes clouded in mystery, and has the audience surprised when what comes.
Going back to the episode, it is great to see Omega practicing with her crossbow (according to Wookiepedia), seeing some success but ultimately failing. It help sets up an arc for her at the end of the show, where she learns to use it successfully on police droids. Echo attempts to offer some advice, but it comes off like he is talking to a soldier, and not like the kid she is.
The Bad Batch get another commission from Cid, in order to steal a tactical droid so her client can use its intel to fight the Empireās clones. This use of a tactical droid is great, as it helps show why the Empire transitioned away from clones.
If people had access to this intel, then a rebellion could be formed off the tactics of the Clone Wars, which the Empire could not allow. This adds to the reasons why the Empire could not keep using clones. The Empire however have been missing as a presence in the show for a few episodes, which is a shame because at this point in time they are an interesting force to explore.
The group are quickly interrupted by the arrival of Trace and Rafa, who need the droid for someone who wants to fight against the Empire for more noble reasons. There is only a hint at robe of the person who hired the pair, however it looks like Bail Organa. The twins were significantly less annoying than in season seven of the Clone Wars and they didnāt feel forced in this episode. It is clear the lessons Ahsoka imparted on the two in that show has paid off, which is good development.
Wrecker had some interesting development too. The last few episodes have repeatedly shown him bumping his head where his inhibitor chip is, and now it is taken a step further. Wrecker now slips in and out of the chipās control, uttering the infamous phrase āGood soldiers follow ordersā, but it is clear he is fighting back.
Having another member of the squad, especially Wrecker, fall to the chip would be terrifying and also saddening, as he has built up a brotherly relationship with Omega. It would be impactful if he suddenly attacked her. There is no doubt this slipping of his mental state will continue to happen until the chip is removed.
Finally, Hunterās character deserves a mention. It is clear that he is unsure about the mercenary life, he was reluctant to take the job until Cid reminded him why he should, and then Hunter seemed more involved. However, when the twins questioned him on his stance at the end of the episode, it is clear Hunter is still unsure about the mercenary life. Hunter took the order for the job without questioning who the intel was for, which shows an interesting parallel between him and Crosshair, who does not question or deviate from orders.
However, Hunter shows why he is different from Crosshair, and gives the intel gathered to Rafa, showing he can think for himself and make the right decisions, unlike Crosshair who blindly follows orders. The consequences of this is that they wonāt get paid for the job, which will impact their ability to buy food. Hopefully, this will be explored at the start of next weekās episode.
Overall, this episode is one of the best so far. It develops a small amount of direction and again builds on its characters, Hunter, Omega and Wrecker primarily and Echo secondarily. This is the showās juggling act, not only the supporting characters but a large main cast to develop. It manages this well, though Tech has often been left without any development beyond smart non-communicative.
Crosshair has also not had anything focusing on him and his squad for a while, let’s hope both these characters will have some development in the next episodes.
By Kieran Burt
Feature image: DisneyĀ