The second episode of The Bad Batch, while still setting the stage for the series, feels like a better indication of what each episode will entail after the extended premiere. And although the episode doesn’t dive too deeply into a lot of the conflicts that were introduced in the pilot, notably Crosshair betraying and hunting the team, it continues to show the Empire taking control. While also exploring the new dynamic of the Bad Batch in a post Clone War galaxy and now with Omega added to the group.
The second episode of The Bad Batch takes the time to explore Omega’s place among her new friends, as well as the Bad Batch beginning to figure out their plan for the post Clone War world. Omega is clearly a breath of fresh air to the group with a sense of childlike wonder and naïveté about the world that the elite soldiers lack. And the new dynamic this character brings to the team will be interesting to explore throughout the series.
Hunter and Omega’s dynamic was highlighted in the episode. And although the relationship that is being built between the two is powerful, Omega’s relationship with Wrecker may be the most fun. While not as prominent, the few scenes the pair shared were full of heart and make it clear that Wrecker already cares a great deal for Omega. Tech and Echo have yet to build much of a rapport with Omega, and that along with the Bad Batch’s dynamic as a team are things that will need to be further explored during the series.
THE BAD BATCH CONTINUES TO SHOW THE EMPIRE’S RISE TO POWER
The second episode continues to show how the Empire is seizing control of the galaxy. And while The Clone War has ended, Star Wars fans know that the struggle and tragedy are nowhere near over.
This episode shows the Empire getting it’s hooks into another planet with propaganda, currency, exchange and the beginning of chain codes which were first introduced in The Mandalorian. The Clone Troopers, once loyal soldiers of the Jedi and Republic, feel more like Stormtroopers than ever. No longer individuals with personalities, this feels like the first step in the evolution of the Clone Troopers to the Stormtroopers. Especially after the premiere revealed a major part of why the Empire will transition from Clones to Stormtroopers.
And of course, it wouldn’t feel like The Bad Batch without a bit of action, however this episode isn’t quite what we are used to seeing with this group of elite warriors. Although there is a fight scene, it isn’t the controlled chaos we are used to seeing, and while Wrecker did have some comedic beats as usual. What may be more interesting than the fight scene is the heist that was included in this episode.
By including a different kind of action and job for this crew, The Bad Batch begins laying the ground work for the versatility that fans can likely expect from this new series. That being said there will unquestionably be more fight scenes that are hopefully a bit more reminiscent to the ones we saw in the premiere episode and the Bad Batch arc on Clone Wars.
Clone Wars fans will recognize the friend that the Bad Batch go to meet from season 2. Cut Lawquane and his family apparently crossed paths with the Bad Batch in the past and the relationship they built wasn’t explained or explored too deeply, but the scenes they shared definitely showcased a history that built strong bonds. Cut and his family also mention Clone Captain Rex who many fans are eager to see in this new series.
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At the heart of the episode and series is family. The question of what makes a good family, especially when it comes to a kid like Omega, is something that the Bad Batch – particularly Hunter – struggle with. Wanting to send Omega with Cut to live a more normal life seems to be a viable option. Although Omega is clear that she wants to stay with her new friends, the struggle is understandable considering the fact that the Bad Batch are and have only ever been elite soldiers, this emotional motivation is engaging to watch.
The second episode of The Bad Batch is still building the foundation for the series and with the motivation being more emotional than action oriented, it isn’t necessarily what many fans may have been expecting. That being said, the story works well and feels like an important beat in the overall arc of the series.
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Omega making her choice and Hunter accepting that her place on the ship is permanent, instead of a panic based, decision focused solely on getting her away from Kamino are crucial to building this new Bad Batch team. With more adventures to be had, characters to meet, mysteries to solve, and Star Wars world building to explore, The Bad Batch has a lot of room to grow into another Star Wars animation success story.
STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH OFFICIAL TRAILER AND SYNOPSIS
Star Wars: The Bad Batch follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch (first introduced in The Clone Wars) as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War. Members of Bad Batch—a unique squad of clones who vary genetically from their brothers in the Clone Army—each possess a singular exceptional skill that makes them extraordinarily effective soldiers and a formidable crew. In the post-Clone War era, they will take on daring mercenary missions as they struggle to stay afloat and find new purpose.
The first two episodes of The Bad Batch are available now on Disney Plus with new episodes every Friday. What did you think of the second episode of The Bad Batch? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or on our social media.
KEEP READING: STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH EPISODE 1 REVIEW: A STRONG SUCCESSOR TO THE FAN FAVORITE CLONE WARS SERIES
