This episode marks an immediate contrast to the explosive and past paced moving opening by being a slower and more intimate episode.
However, this slower paced episode gives Hunter a meaningful arc across the run time in to what it means to look after a child. This is done with the help of a familiar face, Cut Lawquane, from the Clone Wars season two episode The Deserter, who helps Hunter understand how to rightfully treat Omega. Whilst this could end up feeling somewhat similar to the Mandalorian and Grogu, hopefully it will veer off this path.
Another way this episode is similar to the Mandalorian is the structure of the series. Episode one moved the plot forward, giving The Bad Batch direction while developing the Star Wars lore at the same time. This episode felt very similar to the more standalone episodes of The Mandalorian, which were by no means bad but didn’t feel like they were contributing to the plot in a meaningful way. It felt more like a side-quest.
Without speculating on next week’s episode of The Bad Batch too much, the name of the episode makes it sounds like it will more firmly go back to the main plot. Hopefully, episode four is not a side-quest either.
While it was no doubt right to bring back Cut was the right person to show The Bad Batch how to take better care of Omega and for Hunter to accept his role as carer. The overall plot of the episode had a side-quest feel to as mentioned. Cut is attempting to flee the planet via a shuttle, however, to get passage an Imperial chain code is required. Cut cannot acquire a code himself, as the Empire would recognise that he is a clone. Therefore, The Bad Batch needs to create one for him to escape.
This does admittedly lead to some great banter between Tech and Echo, about Tech’s wild idea of getting their own ship impounded and what ensues. Tech made me laugh a lot in this episode, with how he told Hunter his plan and later that Omega would be delivering the codes. It was also a great way to differentiate between Tech and Echo, who can often feel similar with their defects.
This episode doesn’t forward the overall narrative either, of how The Bad Batch survives in the face of a growing empire. Especially after the first episode that moved at pace and gave character, plot, and direction, this episode only gives the former. They finish the episode in space going to their adventure, though there was no hint of what it is.
It is obvious from the name drop of Captain Rex, and how the group only missed him by a day that we will meet up with him again soon, though there is no clear indication of when this will happen. Direction is key in a show like this, where it could be taken in so many possible ways. The audience should have a clearer picture of what the show is heading towards.
The Empire increasing hold on the galaxy does get some show in the form of the aforementioned chain codes, which tag people and give them an assigned number. This could have horrifying ramifications, through people being tracked through their code and being denied basic services. The replacement of Republic credits with Imperial credits is a nice nod that Palpatine controls the banks and can do what he likes with them. These aspects of control are appreciated when they are shown. It gives the Empire presence, especially when they aren’t hunting our heroes.
Overall, whilst there it was a slow pace and ultimately directionless episode, it does develop Hunter as a caregiver to Omega and gives excellent banter with Tech and Echo. Omega was given a chance to shine as a child, which was touching. It is easy to forget she hasn’t seen the wider galaxy and is still just a kid. Hopefully, next week’s episode provides a stronger focus on the elements of plot, character, and direction.
‘The Bad Batch’ is available to stream on Disney+
By Kieran Burt
Feature image: Disney