The Bad Batch are sent to retrieve a cargo…

I’ve slightly mixed feelings about this episode. It’s deep into the lore of The Clone Wars but also hinting at what happens in the sequel trilogy too. I have a deep hatred for The Rise of Skywalker (for oh so many reasons) and it feels like both here and in the sister show, The Mandalorian, we are seeing work being put in to retcon and support the absolutely awful end of that trilogy which lies, in the series’ chronology, in the future.

There are also, particularly in this episode, a number of events and nods and even creatures whose presence will only make sense if you have an encyclopaedic knowledge of Star Wars lore.

Now, sure, we’re eleven episodes into The Bad Batch season two so you could argue that if you’ve made it this far you probably know that lore. Well I have and I don’t. Additionally, after so much tight writing this season, the references here are structured in such a way that the story doesn’t really make much sense if you don’t know that lore (and having to search that lore up after the episode is not acceptable).

However, hiding behind these problems are some big developments for the clones. First, it’s clear that they’re preparing to break from the safety blanket of Cid after her negligence earlier in the season.

Secondly, we have a clear idea where the season’s climax is heading – and it’s a research facility around clone technology and those still involved in it now the Empire has put its fist around that research.

Finally, it’s apparent that the clones’ antics are attracting attention and their attempts to fly under the radar are coming apart.

These developments set us up nicely for the remaining episodes of the season even if it seems likely we’re getting some attempt to make The Rise of Skywalker seem less like the racist, sexist car crash that it is.

Rating? 6 zillos out of 10.

Stewart Hotston