Epiosde 2, & Bad Batch is Already Banking on its Predecessor

Star Wars: The Bad Batch Episode 2 Review

Even though The Clone Wars show ended last year, The Bad Batch makes us feel like it never did. As we saw in the hour long premiere, The Bad Batch went out of its way to make it seem like a continuation of The Clone Wars. Some fans have even jokingly called it “The Clone Wars, Season 8.” I don’t think they’re wrong, either. Case in point, the second episode to The Bad Batch brings back a character that only longtime fans of The Clone Wars may remember.

Cut Lawquane Knows the Bad Batch

After deserting the Empire and their brainwashed buddy, the Bad Batch has to lay low and figure out their next move. Thus, they seek out the help of an old friend on Saleucami: Cut Lawquane.

For those who don’t know or remember, Cut Lawquane is a Clone Trooper who deserted after his entire unit was killed. Ever since, he’s been living in peace with his wife and step-children, with Rex even covering him. However, it turns out Rex wasn’t the only one who knew about Cut. The Bad Batch not only knows about him, but they’re close with his family. Cut’s kids even call Wrecker “Uncle Wrecker.”

If the show expected us to enjoy this reunion, it might have failed. Firstly, we’ve only seen Cut once before today, so any emotional investment in him is going to be limited. Secondly, the fact that the Bad Batch knows him comes out of nowhere with no explanation. It’s implied that Rex told them about Cut, but that’s about it.

The Iron Grip of the Empire Already Taking Hold

That said, the Bad Batch went to Cut for a reason: to learn how to lay low, which is now very hard with the Empire in control. Cut’s trying to take his family and move elsewhere, but the Empire’s not letting anyone leave without a chain code. A chain code is basically a fancy way for the Empire to track everyone around the Galaxy, which is something someone like Cut and the Bad Batch can’t afford.

Seeing the Clone Troopers, who we’re used to knowing as the good guys, act so cold and detached is both frightening and sad. The Clone Wars only ended a few months ago, and the Empire is already becoming the despotic regime that fans are familiar with. And the worst part is that the Clones don’t even realize they’ve become puppets for Darth Sidious.

In the end, the Bad Batch comes up with a plan to create forged chain codes to help Cut’s family get off-world. However, when the plan goes awry, the Bad Batch has to fight their fellow Clones in a brutal stand-off. While Bad Batch doesn’t have a strong rapport with most of the normal Clone Troopers, it’s still tragic to see them fight their genetic brothers. However, they know they have no choice if they want to survive and protect Omega.

Omega Chooses her Family

Speaking of Omega, she’s the center of much of the B-Plot for this episode. Having never left Kamino, everything she sees is brand new and exciting for her. Seeing her get excited over something as simple as dirt or playing with a ball is very sweet to watch. However, it also reminds Hunter that she’s still a kid. And they may not be the best people to look after her. Thus, he tries to talk her into going with the Lawquane’s in the hopes of giving her a normal life.

Omega’s not having any of it. She chose to go with the Bad Batch, and she’s going to stay with the Bad Batch, much to Hunter’s joy. As sweet as it is, though, it also feels like the show rushed the growth of their relationship. Omega’s only known the team for a few weeks at best. Plus, it makes it feel like an attempt to recreate the famous bond of Mando and Baby Yoda. Then again, those two became close in a short amount of time, so it’s not impossible.

More Familiar Faces to Come for Bad Batch

After the drama and tension of the premiere, it feels like the second episode was a bit on the slow side. There was action to be had, but not on the scale of The Clone Wars, and I doubt there will be anything like that. But that’s part of the point behind the show. It’s not about massive armies fighting for control of the Galaxy, or the Jedi protecting it. It’s about the (subjectively) normal people trying to find their place in a changing Galaxy. So, while this episode seemed slow, I’m hoping that this won’t be the trend for the show.

In addition, the show gives us plenty to look forward to. Thanks to the trailers, we already know that Rex will make an appearance, and it may be sooner than we think. According to Cut, Rex visited the Lawquane’s the day before the Bad Batch arrived. Sooner or later, the team will run into him. And I can’t wait.

I Give “Cut and Run” a 3/5

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