Over the past 3 months, season 2 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch has been released to continue the story of Hunter, Wrecker, Echo, Tech & Omega as they navigate the galaxy following the events of the first season.
Following the destruction of Kamino and leaving their former squad member Crosshair on the landing platform, Clone Force 99 has become a more succinct, powerful unit that continues to fight the Empire in the early days of their emergence and work for the shady trandoshan Cid.
Throughout the season, they reunite and work with returning characters such as Captain Rex, Senator Riyo Chuchi & Jedi youngling Gungi despite the threat to both themselves & Omega directly, as an original clone of Jango Fett.
Crosshair remains with the Empire continuing their expansion but also becoming a first-hand witness to Project War-Mantle; the stormtrooper programme that quickly puts clone troopers out of commission.
As the mysterious Dr Hemlock begins seizing rebellious clones for his experiments, will the original Clone Force 99 reunite? Or will this spell the end of our heroes and the entirety of the clone army?
The second season of the Bad Batch was long awaited and did not disappoint! Both Michelle Ang (Omega) and Dee Bradley Baker (Hunter, Wrecker, Echo, Tech, and Crosshair) return with their powerful performances instantly transporting us back into the galaxy at this tense time for our characters.
The 16-episode season is paced perfectly and is a true love letter to everyone who grew up watching The Clone Wars and Rebels. Its returning characters feel like a reward to those who have met them before, but not alienating to those who haven’t.
The season builds on well from the momentum created in season 1 and its ties to the Mandalorian (currently releasing Wednesdays) gives it the interconnectivity of a Marvel production, but without the requirement to watch everything that has come before it first.
Dave Filoni and the entire team at Lucasfilm Animation have yet again outdone themselves, with great storylines with fun and excitement, as well as worry and heartbreak for our characters.
The season has also been particularly praised for its spotlight on neurodiversity. The character Tech was highlighted on multiple occasions to be neurodiverse, particularly in conversations with Omega in episode 9 and smuggler Phee Genoa throughout the latter section of the season. It also continues its focus on morality, purpose, and family throughout.
With Star Wars Celebration Europe taking place at the ExCeL Centre in London on April 7th to 10th, we wait in anticipation for any confirmation of season 3, to continue this powerful story further into a galaxy far far away!
4/5
Favourite episode: Chapter 14 – Tipping Point