This is a review of the premiere of The Bad Batch Season 3 which includes – Episode 1: “Confined”, Episode 2: “Paths Unknown”, and Episode 3: “Shadows of Tantiss”. It includes a breakdown of the key moments, easter eggs, and references!
After a long wait, we’ll finally learn what’s going to happen to the strangest clone squad of the former Galactic Republic. Season 2 ended in a way that left us heartbroken and extremely worried about Omega’s fate.
This is the final season of The Bad Batch and to be honest I am terrified about the possible outcomes. Tech’s death still haunts me and has certainly taught the fans that we can’t assume that everything’s going to be alright.
The Empire has never been stronger, there are no limits to what they’ll do to achieve their goals but if there’s anyone that could do something about it that’s definitely Omega, Wrecker, Hunter, and Echo.
Below is my review for the Season 3 Premiere of The Bad Batch. It contains spoilers!
Omega’s new life as a prisoner
Omega is being held captive, but Emerie has assured her she’s not a prisoner. They have even allowed Omega to serve as Nala Se’s assistant in the laboratory.
This status allows the young girl to explore different areas of the installation without restrictions. By doing so, Omega has slowly learned things that can be used in an attempt to escape.
I’m surprised that she can roam so freely without anyone watching every one of her steps. Hemlock isn’t as cautious as other members of the Empire, but it’s hard to believe how much he underestimates Omega. Thanks to this, she gets to talk to Crosshair frequently. It might not be much but it’ll prove useful sooner than Hemlock could anticipate.
Thankfully, being a prisoner didn’t break Omega. She got used to the routine but never abandoned the idea of finding a way out. Even after five months at Mount Tantiss, I love that she never stopped caring about Crosshair and her brothers.
She even got attached to one of the Lurca Hounds, this one looks smaller and younger compared to the others of its kind, just like her. I believe that she really identified with the creature and did everything possible to help after it was injured.
Being selfless is a trait that I’ve always admired. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Jedi Knight, a mother, a leader, a soldier, or a common person. For me, someone who is willing to sacrifice their interests and personal gain to help others is a very special and rare individual.
It’s even more notable when what they try to protect isn’t something that others would consider important. In this case, that would be “Batcher”. For the Empire, it’s only a disposable resource just like any trooper, but Omega understands that every life is valuable and she’s willing to risk her safety to ensure that Batcher escapes.
Batcher might have suffered the same things as many Clone Troopers, but as long as Omega can do anything about it, she’ll make sure no one has to experience the same horrors that she and her brothers endured.
The Purpose Of Hemlock’s Research
The entire fandom has been speculating about Hemlock’s research, it’s obvious that it’s related to the events of The Mandalorian and the Sequel Trilogy but at least we’re finally learning how everything happened.
The Kaminoans were unmatched when it came to clone life forms, but Palpatine requires a lot more than that. The only way for a Sith to truly achieve immortality is to transfer its conscience into a suiting recipient. Said recipient must meet very specific requirements to be a viable option.
He tried really hard but many of his clones weren’t even force-users. Fun fact, Rey’s father is one of these “failed clones”. Replicating the M-count (Midi-chlorians) is one of many essential steps in Palpatine’s search for eternal life.
Even if we all know where it all leads, it’s still interesting to see how everything developed and all the atrocities that were committed in order to achieve such things.
Desperate Times for Hunter and Wrecker
A lot of things have happened since the first season of this show, and everything is reflected in the remaining members of the former Clone Force 99. Hunter was never a man that allowed his emotions to take over, if there was someone that would fit that description it’s probably Wrecker.
It’s so odd to see that the roles have been reversed, Wrecker wants to be cautious while Hunter is getting desperate to find Omega. I understand that he feels responsible for her well-being but committing to a mission without enough intel or any backup can be deadly.
I might be overreacting, but to me, it seems like Hunter didn’t learn anything from Tech’s death. Even when a squad sticks to the plan, things can go terribly wrong. What is he thinking by venturing without any real plan?
Time is precious, yes, but by doing things so precipitously he’s risking the rescue mission and the lives of others. It’s in times like these where a soldier must keep his head cool and so far, he’s failing miserably.
But not everything’s bad, at least they were able to find and rescue the three cadets that were stranded on the planet. Not only that, but a very small lead to where Hemlock transferred everything was recovered and that’s better than nothing.
On this occasion doing something impulsive had a good outcome, but in the future, that’s a luxury that they can’t afford if they wish to stand a chance against what’s coming.
An Unexpected Guest
Emperor Palpatine is arguably the busiest man in the galaxy, his presence is only required for the most important matters. The fact that he visits the installation on Mount Tantiss shows how significant this project is for him.
We must not forget that Sheev Palpatine is the only Sith who has come so close to exterminating the Jedi, the Force is strong with him but it requires a lot more to outsmart a foe like the Jedi Order.
To do such a feat, he planned every step cautiously; the betraying of his master Darth Plagueis, the creation of the Clone Army, his rise to the top of the political ladder in the Galactic Republic, and the eventual destruction of the Jedi. A tactician so brilliant and wise that he made the leaders of the Republic and the CIS his puppets.
Using the ambitions and weaknesses of everyone around is something that Palpatine excels at, Dr. Hemlock is no exception to this. He’s devoted to doing “groundbreaking research” regardless of how many lives are destroyed in the process. This hunger for knowledge isn’t the only thing that drives Hemlock, he also wants to be appointed scientific minister.
Such a position comes with an incredible amount of influence, resources, and power. It’s clearly something that he desires, and Palpatine will use this to ensure that this research is successful. The Death Star might be the weapon to bend the galaxy to Palpatine’s will, but Project Necromancer is what will consolidate his status as the eternal Emperor of the galaxy.
Prison Break
Who would have thought that the Emperor’s presence would be the event that allowed Omega and Crosshair to escape the facility? Most troopers were moved to the hangar and this let Omega move freely without getting spotted.
For a super secret base, their security protocols are certainly not the best. Only two troopers opposed the two clones before they got out of the facility. If it wasn’t for Emerie they wouldn’t have learned that they were missing.
Once again, the Empire underestimated its targets. Sending just a few shuttles with mostly TK-Troopers and one Clone Commando per ship? It’s not only about them escaping but the fact that if they succeed, the location of the entire operation will spread like fire in the HoloNet.
Rebel groups, pirates, mercenaries, crime syndicates, or anyone willing to take the risk could pay a small visit to the doctor. At least, they should have sent teams made of Clone Commandos only.
Though, we can’t deny that their escape was extremely smooth considering the circumstances. Watching them imprisoned made me forget that they’re very well-trained soldiers. Their execution of Plan 72 was flawless and the best thing is that they even got Batcher to escape with them.
Final Thoughts
To be honest, I’m surprised that they managed to escape after just a few episodes. The capture of Omega was a great deal in season two and I guessed that it wouldn’t happen until at least mid-season.
These first three episodes are setting the tone for the remaining episodes and I couldn’t be more excited. Everything is darker, the stakes are very real and after how the second season ended I believe it’s fair to assume that no one is safe.
It’s just a matter of time before Hunter, Echo, Wrecker, Crosshair, and Omega reunite again, but even together their chances of survival have never been lower. Hemlock will go after Omega with all the might of the Galactic Empire.
The resources he now possesses are virtually unlimited; Entire fleets, Bounty Hunters, assassin clones, an army of Clone Commandos, the ISB, and probably many things that we haven’t seen. It’s not a matter of if the Empire finds them, but when they’ll find them.
The Bad Batch made a few allies in previous seasons, now is the time to get as much help as they can. But who will risk everything to fight the unbeatable force that is the Galactic Empire?
Easter Eggs
Rabid Jotaz
When Wrecker and Hunter land on the jungle planet to follow the lead about Hemlock’s lab, Wrecker mentions some Rabid Jotaz. These powerful beasts appear in both Jedi Fallen Order and Jedi Survivor.
Project Necromancer
Project Necromancer was first mentioned during season 3 of The Mandalorian when Moff Gideon and the Shadow Council discussed their plans for the future. It’s safe to say that Dr. Hemlock won’t be around before to see the success of his work.
The Durand Family
The Devaronian that handles Hunter and Wrecker the coordinates of Hemlocks lab is Roland Durand, he first appeared in the first season of The Bad Batch. The Pyke syndicate cut off his left horn after he lost a Spice shipment.
Star Wars The Bad Batch Season 3 Episode Breakdowns
Each article in this list breaks down an episode from The Bad Batch Season 3 and analyses its story, digs for secrets and easter eggs, and explains how the events of the episode relate to and reference the rest of the Star Wars franchise!
The Bad Batch Season 2 Recap and Review
The Bad Batch Season 2 has come to an end and there are a lot of things to discuss: What happened, how it made us feel, and what’s next!
The Bad Batch Season 3 Episode 4 Breakdown and Easter Eggs
The fourth episode of the third season of The Bad Batch shows how capable Omega has become since her first appearance in Star Wars. This episode ends with a reunion that many thought would happen later in the series.
The Bad Batch Season 3 Episode 5 Breakdown and Easter Eggs
The fifth episode of this third and last season of The Bad Batch is very "chill "relaxed" compared to the previous ones but it sets up the rest of the series. Clone Force 99 will attempt something that seems impossible, to rescue all the clones in Mount Tantiss.
The Bad Batch Season 3 Episodes 6 and 7 Breakdown and Easter Eggs
With this double-episode release, the third and final season only has eight episodes left. The Bad Batch is slowly but surely gathering all the information needed to storm Mount Tantiss while also reuniting with some old allies.
The Bad Batch Season 3 Episode 8 Breakdown and Easter Eggs
The Bad Batch brings back the less chaotic side-quest aspect of the show. Fennec Shand's return sets us up for an interesting things to come.
The Bad Batch Season 3 Episode 9 Breakdown and Easter Eggs
We're slowly getting to the point of no return. This week's episode, The Harbinger, shows how The Bad Batch continues to seek explanations, but everything gets more intense when their answers arrive in the form of Asajj Ventress!
The Bad Batch Season 3 Episodes 10 and 11 Breakdown and Easter Eggs
These two episodes, Identity Crisis and Point Of No Return are the prelude of the final arc of the season. Dr. Emerie Karr learns what’s inside the Vault while Omega makes a choice that could change everything, for better or worse. The Bad Batch face their toughest moment, so far…
The Bad Batch Season 3 Episode 12 Breakdown and Easter Eggs
We are getting close to the end of the series. Hunter, Wrecker, and Crosshair venture into an Imperial-controlled system to rescue the only man who can lead them to Tantiss, former Admiral Rampart.
The Bad Batch Season 3 Episode 13 Breakdown and Easter Eggs
In episode Thirteen "Into the Breach", Hunter, Crosshair, Wrecker, and Echo finally begin the first phase of the plan to rescue Omega from Mount Tantiss. But even with the help of Edmon Rampart, things will not go as planned.
The Bad Batch Season 3 Episode 14 Breakdown and Easter Eggs
Flash Strike is the second to last episode of the series. The Bad Batch has finally found Mount Tantiss but from now on it will only get more dangerous. How will they manage to rescue Omega and everyone else?
The Bad Batch Season 3 Finale Breakdown and Easter Eggs
The Cavalry Has Arrived is not only the final episode of the third season but the last one of the entire series. Will Clone Force 99 be able to rescue Omega and escape Tantiss without casualties?
