The Bad Batch is a highly satisfying entry to Star Wars canon that is a must see for fans of all ages. Dave Filoni and the team are bringing impressive visuals, epic action, and characters you will love more and more with each episode.
The Bad Batch Episode 1 Review
The series follows the elite and experimental clones of Clone Force 99, otherwise known as the Bad Batch, as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War. This team has never played by the rules but in this new galaxy that attitude won’t get them far, in fact it will put a target on their backs. In this post-Clone War era, they must take on daring mercenary missions in order to stay afloat and find their new purpose.
Clone Force 99 are not typical clones. They are “defective” or rather deviant clones, all with special traits that make them superior to the “regs” aka basic clones. Team leader Hunter has heightened senses that allow him to navigate and make strategic decisions easily. Wrecker is an abnormally large clone with impressive strength. Tech is the brainy one, able to analyze and come up with plans without breaking a sweat. Echo is more machine than man, he was allowed into the Bad Batch after he was rescued from Skako Minor. His machine appendages work like that of a droid allowing him access to secret areas. Finally there is Crosshair, a sharp shooter who never misses.
The Bad Batch officially debuted at the start of season 7 of The Clone Wars. From there, everyone wanted to know more about this unconventional group of clones. Series creator Dave Filoni, along with a team of other Star Wars animation vets are set to deliver all fans wanted and more. The Bad Batch not only has impressive visuals and choreographed action, but it is also grounded in what makes Star Wars stories so great, the characters.
These characters are given life by none other than the man behind all animated clones, Dee Bradley Baker. The show is almost entirely voiced by him alone yet he effortlessly moves from one clone to the next. Each has their own distinct personality and voice, making it easy to forget this is one man having conversations almost entirely with himself. Baker’s performance will also make it hard to pick a favorite member of the Bad Batch, although Wrecker might be mine. The guy is all about wrecking things and has a plush Tooka doll, what’s not to love?
Omega is a welcomed addition to the group of characters allowing the hardcore group to show their softer sides. In fact her relationship to the Batch mirrors a bit the one of Mando and Grogu, reluctant father figures for a young child. Just like Grogu, Omega is prone to getting herself in trouble but with the help of the others she will also learn her place in the new world.
The story is laid out in a way that even if one is unfamiliar with The Clones Wars they won’t feel lost within the lore of the show. It’s clear the writers have taken care to make this show accessible to new and old fans of the franchise. The storytelling is along the lines of Star Wars Rebels, with heavy focus on the