Aftermath of the Clone Wars Comes For Bad Batch

Star Wars: The Bad Batch Premiere Review

Just because I’m mad at Disney over screwing over Amphibia doesn’t mean I’m going to let it ruin May the Fourth for me. Star Wars may be owned by Disney now, but it’s always going to stand by itself, mouse or not. And speaking of standing out by itself, so do the clones of Clone Force 99, the Bad Batch. Introduced in the final season of The Clone Wars, I fell in love with the Bad Batch right away. They were like GI Joe crossed with the Ninja Turtles, and easily stood out from most of the other clones. Unfortunately, the fact that they stand out sets the tone for the series premiere of their spin-off of the same name. As the Galaxy reels from the aftermath of the Clone Wars and the rise of the Empire, the Bad Batch has a choice to make. Stay with the Empire, or do what they think is right?

Since this is the Empire, though, the choice should be a no-brainer. At least, it should be.

Order 66 and a Young Kanan

In an interesting start to the episode, viewers see the Bad Batch in the final hours of the Clone Wars fighting alongside Debi Billaba and her Padawan, Caleb Dume. Or, as fans of Rebels know him, a young Kanan Jarrus. Then, Order 66 comes down, and we get to see Caleb’s master die while he flees for his life. These are things we already knew about and saw happen in comic form. However, what made this scene interesting is two things. Firstly, the Bad Batch (sans Crosshair) doesn’t participate in Order 66. They don’t even know what that is. As we later confirm in the hour long premiere, because of their mutations, Bad Batch is immune to the inhibitor chips that brainwash them. As for Echo, his got fried when he was captured. Secondly, the fact that we see how Caleb escapes Order 66 is a nice bit of continuity for the franchise. Just something to consider.

Aftermath and Omega

Then, we all know what comes next in the aftermath. The Empire rises, and the Galaxy is plunged into darkness. And the Empire doesn’t appreciate the free-thinking ways of Bad Batch.

The premiere makes it clear that a lot of Clones don’t like the Bad Batch for being different. In a surprising moment in the mess hall, one Clone even calls them “The Sad Batch.” Having known the Clones as the good guys for years, seeing them act far colder to everyone in the aftermath of the war is a chilling sight. Fortunately, that prejudice doesn’t extend to everyone.

Which brings us to Omega. Since her introduction in the trailer, fans speculated about who she is. While the Bad Batch speculates that she’s an abnormal Clone like them, the premiere gives no concrete answers.

I like the concept that Omega’s Clone, and it makes sense. When creating millions of clones from a single source of DNA, abnormal clones are certain to exist. Thus, it makes sense that there could exist a Clone that is essentially a gender-swapped version of Boba Fett. In addition, there’s the symbolic meaning behind her name. Omega is the final letter in the Greek Alphabet. This could mean that Omega may be the final Clone to be born from Fett’s DNA. Therefore, it’s fitting that she’s an abnormal Clone, and even more fitting that she takes a shine to the Bad Batch.

Too bad Tarkin doesn’t.

They’re Their Own People Now

We all knew that the Bad Batch was going to desert the Empire, but I still wanted to see how it happened. As it turns out, it’s Saw Gerrera who serves as the catalyst. When the squad’s sent to wipe out “Separatist Insurgents” on Onderon, they balk at the fact that it’s essentially women and children running from the Empire. Saw confronts them over this, and it’s his resolve to fight the new Empire that proves to be the final straw. The Bad Batch chooses to desert the Empire. Except for Crosshair.

It was leaked that Crosshair would remain loyal to the Empire, and it’s made apparent why. Unlike the rest of his squad, Crosshair’s inhibitor chip remains partially functional, making him obey Order 66 despite his past history of not following orders. Sadly, Tarkin gets to him before Bad Batch can. By the time they see each other again, Crosshair’s as brainwashed as the rest of the Clones.

I loved this moment. Star Wars has made it clear that the Clones are just as much victims as everyone else who suffered from Darth Sidious’ actions. But Crosshair? Seeing him physically brainwashed into following the Empire is downright tragic. Now, he looks set to be the main antagonist of The Bad Batch, albeit a very tragic one.

Can’t Wait to See What Comes Next

I absolutely adored “Aftermath”, and think that it helped The Bad Batch hit the ground running. From seeing the fall of the Jedi and rise of the Empire from the Clones perspective to Crosshair turning on his brothers, this episode was just amazing. If this is what we have to look forward to in the rest of the show, I think fans will enjoy this show.

I don’t know what will become of the Bad Batch or Omega. Will they live to see the fall of the Empire? What will happen to the rest of the Clones? Why was Omega made? I’m hoping that we see all these questions answered and more.

I Give “Aftermath” a 5/5

May the Fourth be With You!

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