Star Wars: The Bad Batch S1 (2021) Review

Star Wars: The Bad Batch S1 (2021)

The Bad Batch follows Clone Force 99, as they navigate the new galactic empire, while on the run from one of their own.

I admit, I have never been a fan of The Clone Wars, but with the new batch of Star Wars content coming out lately, I felt obliged to stay in the loop. Now, Bad Batch is given a unique opportunity and that’s to give us an up close look at, and explore, the galaxy immediately following the events of Order 66. And what better vessel for us to dive into this story than from the POV of clones themselves. What’s even better is that these are clones with personality who all bring something distinct to the show. I like the set up having one of their own side with the Empire while they take on (another?) reluctant parental roles, adding the one real driving force of the show that allows for an interesting dynamic. 

The show kicks off really strong and finishes strong, but it’s everything in-between that’s a little dodgy. There’s no clear build up or through line for this season, so there never feels to be any real end goal, something that’s further dragged out by way too many filler episodes that all follow the same formula: Omega gets in trouble, the Batch save her, or vice versa, with Crosshair not far behind. It’s only real saving grace through those episodes is the universe building where we get to see Rex, Cad Bane, or Fennec Shand, who all shine brilliantly. There was a strong correlation with  boring episodes and Cid though, so here’s hoping she makes herself scarce next season. 

We get some pretty great vocal performances however, starring Michelle Ang, Ming-Na Wen, and Dee Bradley Baker doing super overtime, voicing every member of the Batch. I honestly had no clue it was all Baker until now, which just goes to show how diverse and personable he made each character in the show. 

The Bad Batch, directed by Jennifer Corbett and Dave Filoni, has all the potential to be a great Clone Wars spinoff show, really dialing on what makes Star Wars enjoyable, but falling a little flat in it’s attempts to fill in the blanks without any solid storyline. 

7.1/10