This episode was a major step up from last week, it was a step up the stakes for the next episode well, while developing the Empire and its development away from the clones.
Firstly however, the animation and music from this episode should be commented on. The animation is a huge step up from the previous Lucasfilm projects. In each episode, there are shots that constantly wow and amaze.
This episode was no different, with the standout shot being the Kamino facilities with the two Imperial Venators positioned beside them. Other standout shots include the forest planet the episode took place on.
Meanwhile, the music this week was also an excellent choice. While the Batch are sneaking around the Imperial facility, the music from ‘A New Hope’ can be heard when Luke and Leia are sneaking around the Death Star. It was right to introduce this now as the troopers the Bad Batch are fighting against are no longer clones, but Stormtroopers. This was a great way to denote that. The composer, Kevin Kiner, incorporated John Williams score brilliantly.
This episode also marks an important step in the transition period. Clones are being phased out of the Empire and are being replaced by a recruited body. This is noted several times throughout the episode, with the updated armour, the use of the TK designation and not CT, there were instances of early Imperial shuttles and finally the evacuation of Kamino. The amour was a clear predecessor of Stormtrooper amour. Tech not being able to use clone codes in this episode was also a nice touch, showing that the Empire is moving away from that era.
The cameos in this episode were also excellent. Rex returns very briefly to send them on a mission to rescue a clone, that turns out to be Gregor. It is great that it is shown what happens to him after he blew up.
His character was also used quite effectively, not just being a quick cameo. He and other Clone Commandos are being used to train the new Stormtroopers, which evokes Legends where the former Clone Army would be used to train Stormtroopers. His use also allowed Echo to shine more, as he got two great scenes outlining why he thought the Bad Batch should save Gregor.
The Clone Commando Scorch from the Republic Commando videogame can be also seen during the escape, and then arresting Hunter at the end. His position was already canon due to a brief appearance in The Clone Wars, however this firmly places him as canon.
The events on Kamino also move that subplot forward. The Empire are moving their operations off Kamino. The Kaminoans are also realising that they have engineered their own demise and decide to plan an escape of their own.
However, the Empire realise this, and arrest the chief scientist and the Prime Minister. It is not clear if the Empire killed him or not, though that is something that is sure to be explained next week. It unfortunately doesn’t look like there will be a clone rebellion, however the politics between the Empire and Kaminoans is enjoyable to watch, nonetheless.
The episode’s action was great. Clone Commando’s don’t disappoint in their action, and the new Stormtroopers did not either. The ship battle at the end was also great to watch, that is something that has been lacking in this episode.
The ending was heart-breaking to say the least. During the group’s escape, Hunter misses the ship, is captured, and orders the ship to group away. Omega gives a distressing response, wanting Hunter to order the squad back to save him, but he refuses. Michelle Ang, the voice of Omega, gives an emotive performance which pulls on the heartstrings.
Both of these developments give the Bad Batch a good amount of thrust as it moves to the final two episodes in the series.
By Kieran Burt
Feature image: Disney