This episode was a nice change of pace for The Bad Batch and we got to see them use their skills for more than just reconnaissance and guerilla warfare
Sometimes, you just need a break from the stresses of life. And The Bad Batch tries to re-evaluate how Omega should grow up and their next moves for themselves. Yet there is always trouble in paradise. The episode starts strong with Clone Force 99 working with Phee to secure a transaction with some shady individuals. Phee is kinda like Dr. Aphra, a rogue archeologist who deals in artifacts from across the galaxy. The deal goes south and the crew barely makes it out alive. I was impressed by how this criminal tried to kill Phee. And there is a nice Easter Egg from Attack of the Clones for any die-hard lore fans, like myself.
The crew takes a detour from their almost completely unguided existence and goes to a beautiful world called Pabu. There they visit an island village whose leader is a kind man who resembles a Shaolin monk. Pabu seems like a paradise and a good place for Omega to grow up and be with people her age. However, there is always trouble in paradise, and this time not the kind we are so familiar with.
PABU
The art and animation design for Pabu was simply breathtaking. Lucasfilm has come such a long way in rendering these designs. And I could not drink in enough how beautiful the sunset on the water was. Or the island of Pabu (on Pabu). I also loved the kindness and perfection of this retreat as it is almost an island in itself from the cruel sea of the Empire. I can very much imagine myself taking a vacation there. And I also see the writers did their homework as the tide goes all the way out is what happens, when, oh there is a big wave situation!
A CHANGE OF PACE
This episode was a nice change of pace for The Bad Batch. And we got to see them use their skills for more than just reconnaissance and guerilla warfare missions. However, the episode began with Cid threatening them for cutting ties with her. We know they were planning to do that in the last episode. But it would have been nice to see it take place. Also, it is heavily implied that Tech has a thing for Phee. But it is so subtle that some viewers may miss it. It’s a little bizarre that Tech, of all of them, would have a love interest. Yet I (and probably Tech) are on the spectrum and that doesn’t impede our attraction to the opposite sex.
VERDICT
I really liked this episode. Some fans may turn their nose at it as filler. But I think this could be the start of a new arc for the Batch. For the first time, we see they can help others without a blaster. And perhaps this is good for Omega as she meets a girl her own age and becomes fast friends with her. That and the beauty of the scenery earns this episode a B+. Sort of a vacation for the eyes.
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Author
Max Nocerino is a regular Staff Writer for The Future of the Force. He is a passionate Star Wars fan and loves the literature of the galaxy far, far away. Follow him on Twitter where he shares his love of the Force frequently!
