‘The Bad Batch’ Has One Major Problem: It’s Nothing New

Is The Bad Batch following the same formula as The Mandalorian by not evolving past the family dynamic?

The Bad Batch has been on for four weeks and it has grasped the hearts of Star Wars fans with its characters and surprises. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series since its first 70-minute-long episode. And each week’s episode seems to be more interesting than the last but something is becoming very clear.

The Bad Batch is nothing new.

DAVE FILONI

Dave Filoni has cornered himself into a rut, storytelling-wise. Every one of his series has featured a family dynamic of sorts. Anakin and Obi-Wan were essentially Ahsoka’s big brothers as they made their way through a galaxy torn by war. Star Wars: Rebels is practically a foster family of rebels trying to take down the Empire. The Mandalorian, created by Jon Favreau and Filoni, features the super cute father-son relationship between Mando and Grogu. And now we have The Bad Batch, a show featuring a group of misfit clones practically babysitting a clone girl through the galaxy.

I, for one, have no problem with the similarities of these family dynamics. But The Bad Batch feels so reminiscent of The Mandalorian that it’s kind of taking away from the overall enjoyment of the series. Even though The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Rebels, and The Mandalorian all had a familial storyline they each have their own stories and vibe. But The Bad Batch doesn’t feel like something new.

FAMILY DYNAMIC

To be honest, the series’ best episode was its first. When it focused solely on The Bad Batch before they became “The Dad Batch” as they faced the intimidating newness of the Empire. And even though Omega is so cute and likable she has become a distraction to the show. And has made the story fall into a bit of a rut. Especially considering that, like Grogu, she’s a mysterious child that the Empire wants to capture for some mysterious reason. And a very cool macho guy (or macho guys in this case) has to protect her.

Would the series be as interesting without her? Maybe not but honestly, I’m hoping that the next few Star Wars series: The Book of Boba Fett, Andor, and Obi-Wan Kenobi don’t follow this same formula. Or these shows are going to become boringly predictable real fast.

Are you struggling with the similarities to The Mandalorian? Leave a comment in the section below. We love hearing your feedback.

The Bad Batch is streaming exclusively on Disney Plus NOW!

Annlyel James

Annlyel James is a Senior Correspondent of The Future of the Force. She is passionate about Star Wars and Marvel but loves a wide variety of movie genres. Aside from her role with Future of the Force she also writes for her blog: annlyelonline. Follow her on Twitter where she channels the Force frequently!