The Bad Batch follows a group of unique clone troopers, all of whom have their own individual defects. These differences end up setting them apart from the rest, though, giving them abilities such as advanced strength, intelligence, and weaponry skills. This group, which consists of Hunter, Wrecker, Tech, Echo, and Omega (with Crosshair switching sides), was first introduced in season seven of The Clone Wars. They were in an arc of four episodes of that show that ultimately served as a back door pilot for a series of their own. With The Bad Batch returning this week with a two episode premiere, here’s a recap of the major story events of the first season of this Star Wars animated series.
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The biggest difference between the Bad Batch group in The Clone Wars compared to the first season of their own show is the introduction of Omega, the young female protagonist that, in many ways, serves as the audience’s perspective as fans re-enter this time period in a galaxy far, far away. Omega is portrayed as a youthful, bright-eyed young child who represents the innocence of the galaxy amidst the turmoil caused by Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader. In the first season, it was revealed that Omega is a clone akin to Boba Fett as she doesn’t have the advanced aging or any genetic alteration like the others. Omega and Boba Fett were described as sibilants, such is the extent of their connection, although the latter didn’t make an appearance in the first season.
The first season also featured a heavy focus on the transition from the Republic to the Empire, with the clones finding their place in a galaxy without an immediate conflict or war. Initially, the Bad Batch crew were recruited by Grand Moff Tarkin and the Empire, but they quickly rebelled after realizing the immortality of the missions they were given. They all go on the run, except for Crosshair, who chooses to remain loyal to the Empire.
This focus on the clones also brought many Order 66 related plot lines in season one, including the inhibitor chip planted in their minds that brainwashed them into killing the Jedi. The group blamed the chip for Crosshair’s disdain for the Jedi and his allegiance to the Empire, but a later episode in the first season revealed that the Clone already had his chip removed, thus showing that he’s been in full control of his actions almost the entire time. The season finale ultimately did show that Crosshair still cares for his old squad, even despite their disagreements, so it’s possible that he could return to the good side at some point.
In fact, the series premiere of this show, which many critics regard to be the best episode, features an extensive look at Order 66 from the perspective of the clones. Fans have seen this monumental event from the eyes of the Jedi, such as Obi-Wan and Ahsoka, but this series showed what it was like for the troopers being forced and brainwashed into killing their friends and colleagues. Palpatine’s iconic and famous message declaring the order was seen here, as was a young Caleb Dume, aka Kanan Jarrus, one of the main characters of Star Wars Rebels. In that show, Kanan was extremely hesitant to trust the clones, such as Rex, and his appearence in this first season shows exactly why.
Kamino was one of the main planets of the first season, but it doesn’t seem likely that the characters or the story will return to that world in this new outing. Towards the end of the first season, Kamino City and all of the cloning facilities were destroyed by the Empire, thus marking the symbolic end of the era of clone troopers and the introduction of the Imperials and the new stormtroopers. However, the show made it clear that the Empire is still interested in cloning as a scientist on Kamino by the name of Nala Se was brought to a secret facially for a secret mission. The Imperial scientists on that planet were wearing the same outfit as Doctor Pershing from The Mandalorian, who was tasked with experimenting on Grogu, so it’s possible that The Bad Batch will continue to connect further with other series in a galaxy far, far away.
The first season consisted of sixteen episodes, and this new season shares the same length as well. Captain Rex, who appeared in the first season as an alley of the Bad Batch, is back again here, as shown by the most recent trailer. The Bad Batch season two premieres on January 4, with the final two episodes scheduled to air on March 29.
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