STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH
Killer Clones From Outer Space
The mercs are in our critical crosshairs. Time to squeeze the trigger.
UK/US Disney+, streaming now Creators Dave Filoni, Jennifer Corbett Cast Dee Bradley Baker, Dee Bradley
Baker, Dee Bradley Baker, Dee Bradley Baker, Dee Bradley Baker, Michelle Ang
Almost by definition, the beginning and end of The Clone Wars were baked in from day one. Unfortunately, that spells bad news for spin-off series The Bad Batch, because with the most pivotal events in that galaxy far, far away done and dusted – y’know, Anakin Skywalker’s fall from grace, Palpatine appointing himself Emperor, and the purge of the Jedi – the new show feels like it’s arrived a little late to the party.
In most regards, The Bad Batch makes a seamless transition from The Clone Wars, with familiar animation, a similar tone and composer Kevin Kiner returning to continue his John Williams tribute act on the soundtrack. But the focus is shifted from the Jedi – now all but wiped out – to the unconventional commandos of Clone Force 99.
Making their first appearance in Clone Wars’ final season, Hunter, Tech, Wrecker, Crosshair and
Echo are now making their way in a rapidly changing galaxy, while protecting a young female clone known only as Omega (Michelle Ang). Having defied the Emperor’s infamous Order 66, the unit quickly end up on the run from Imperial forces, making a living doing odd jobs for low-level crime boss Cid (Cheers’ Rhea Perlman).
It’s a slow burn, but over the course of 16 episodes, the uniquely gifted clones evolve from glorified special guest stars to fully-fledged characters you want to spend more time with; prolific voice actor Dee Bradley Baker deserves massive credit for giving each one such a distinct personality.
The storytelling takes its time finding its feet, too, with way too much filler among the early episodes. It’s only towards the end of the season that a genuine arc plot comes into play.
While the nascent Empire flexing its muscles ensures there’s a degree of simmering threat, you also know that a decade’s worth of canon has to take place before the Rebels will start striking back.
As such, you can’t help wondering if this transitional period in Star Wars history could have been explained away in footnotes somewhere else. The Bad Batch’s biggest selling point is the potential to become as integral to the wider Star Wars mythology as the likes of The Mandalorian. There are hints of big-picture planning; what the show needs to define right now is where it’s going and why. Richard Edwards
Dee Bradley Baker had a (literally) small role in The Suicide Squad, voicing Ratcatcher 2’s fave rodent Sebastian.