(L-R): Clone Cadet Deke, Clone Cadet Mox, Wrecker, Hunter, and Clone Cadet Stak in a scene from “STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH”, season 3 exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch’s third season hit Disney+ on February 21st with three episodes that take a much different tone than the previous two seasons. While this Clone Wars successor did deal with the fallout of Order 66, there were a lot of light scenes involving the character Omega and the others that made up the Bad Batch. However, following the events of season two’s finale, things have gotten worse for our main characters.
Where We’re At in the Story
Right away, things are looking bleak. Omega, a young female clone, is playing the role of an assistant in some Imperial testing facility. Things are kept hush-hush and we are under the impression that not only is everyone expendable, but they aren’t even regarded as human. The most depressing fact about this place is how the clones are treated. In the Clone Wars, the clones were treated with respect, regarded as individuals, and believed in the Republic. There is a stark difference in this new Empire. Clones are treated like nothing more than garbage and test subjects.
An Upgrade
While the animation is in the same style as the Clone Wars, the Bad Batch’s animation has improved even from the previous two seasons. The colors and details in every character’s designs really help sell the depressing and dangerous nature of the world they now live in. There doesn’t feel like there is any hope to be had and the viewer is reminded that clones are essentially extinct by the time we get to the original Star Wars trilogy. Long gone are the days of getting to know these valiant clone soldiers; they’re being killed off and even though we know the Bad Batch will fight against the Empire, there’s not a lot of hope. However, that being said, these in-between stories serve a purpose in letting us know that even before Luke Skywalker took up a lightsaber, there were others out there fighting for freedom.
Omega Improves
Omega, who could have been a little obnoxious in previous seasons, is a welcomed source of hope in these dreary episodes. While not overly positive, Omega refuses to give up where Crosshair has resigned to his fate. Her quick thinking and refusal to quit is what helps save the lives of those around her. There are some big things on its way for Omega and the groundwork for that storyline was laid down perfectly in this trio of episodes.
Of course, it’s not all just about Omega and Crosshair. Hunter and Wrecker are contending with the events of season two, which included the death of their comrade, Tech. We can see that these two are a little lost without their sensible brethren, but they still work in tandem to try to get Omega back. The backdrop in their adventures serves to even further expand the Star Wars universe and while some of it could be considered filler, it is still a fun adventure to be seen.
Darth Sidious
The real bread and butter of these episodes is seeing Emperor Palpatine on screen. As mentioned before, the refined animation accentuates the dark power that Darth Sidious possesses and how that permeates the screen, even in animated form. Both the viewers and those in the show can feel how dangerous this one man is. This may be a cartoon, but there are some really dark tones and events within this show and it’s only amplified once Sidious enters the screen. And, as much as I personally am not a fan of the Sequel Trilogy, the show even looks to connect and even explain some of the events that happen in Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker.
A Great Start to The Final Season
All in all, Star Wars: The Bad Batch had a great premiere. It is a little sad to know that this will probably be the last Clone Wars adjacent show that we’re going to get. The animation style is just great and seeing stories that don’t involve any Jedi is actually refreshing and it’s nice to see things from the clones’ perspective. If you’ve never seen the Clone Wars show then these men aren’t anything to you, but for those who have, it’s even harder to see what became of them after Order 66. This shows promises one last fight. Even if they don’t succeed, you know they’re going to get some licks in, and that’s good enough for me.
We’ll have a recap review once season three ends!
Star Wars: The Bad Batch is currently available to stream on Disney+.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUqwF62vPW8]
All in all, Star Wars: The Bad Batch had a great premiere. It is a little sad to know that this will probably be the last Clone Wars adjacent show that we're going to get. The animation style is just great and seeing stories that don't involve any Jedi is actually refreshing and it's nice to see things from the clones' perspective.
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GVN Rating
A girl with too many fandoms to count.
