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Star Wars: The Bad Batch Episode 9 Review

When we first met Omega and learned that she was a special clone, fans began to come up with all sorts of theories. The leading theory being that she’s the last genetically pure clone made from Jango Fett’s DNA. With The Bad Batch now past the halfway point, the show’s begun to ramp up on the action and lore dumping, and its in this ninth episode that we get some big revelations. That, and we get to see just how tough Omega really is, even by herself.

Boba is the Alpha, Omega is the…Omega

It’s common knowledge that, besides the massive payment he got for using his DNA as the basis for the Clone Army, Jango Fett wanted one other thing: an unaltered clone to raise as his son. That clone became Boba Fett, who would grow up to surpass his father as the best Bounty Hunter in the Galaxy. In this episode, though, it’s revealed that Boba’s original designation was Alpha. In the Greek alphabet, Alpha is the first letter. In contrast, Omega is the last letter. Boba’s the first, and Omega is the last.

Besides the symbolism behind it, Omega’s name becomes doubly important as of this episode. While trying to locate Omega, Tech reveals that she’s the last, pure source of Jango Fett’s DNA. In other words, she’s the key to them creating any more Clone Troopers. Admittedly, though, it’s not that big a bombshell when most of the fans already put two and two together. Still, it’s entertaining to see that we were right about her. In addition, this makes Omega Jango Fett’s daughter, and thus Boba Fett’s genetic sister. That leads to a lot of possibilities in the future.

Everyone Wants Omega

The Kaminoan’s have proven several times that they’re desperate to get Omega back solely so they can create more Clones and remain valuable to the Empire. Beyond that, their leader, Lama Su, has stated that he doesn’t care if she dies. Which, of course, makes her capture and attempted escape from Cad Bane all the more high-stakes.

Some people might expect Omega to end up being completely helpless and unable to do much against Bane. However, it appears that her experiences with the Bad Batch have taught her very well. As Bane takes her to an abandoned Kaminoan city on another planet, Omega manages to escape not just from Bane, but from Fennec Shand. As the two bounty hunters engage in a blaster fight that would make Red Dead Redemption fans jealous, Omega’s able to get to safety, allowing her to be rescued by the Bad Batch.

The message behind this episode is clear: Omega may still be young, but she’s already turning into a formidable fighter. Given enough time, she may end up rivaling that of her genetic brother, Boba Fett, in skill.

Fennec is Trying to Protect Omega

As for Fennec Shand, this episode reveals that, while she was working for the Kaminoan’s , she wasn’t doing it in the way most expected. Nala Se, the scientist that served as Omega’s mentor and helped the Bad Batch escape, is the one who hired her to keep her safe. As a result, this puts all of her previous actions into a new light. Was Fennec trying to take Omega before because she thought she would be safer with her? Or was that because she was paid to bring her back?

The fact remains, at the time this show takes place, Omega may be the most important being in the Galaxy. And the fight for her future is far from over. I don’t know how this show will end, but I am looking forward to seeing more Omega in the future. She’s got a lot of potential, and I hate to see it wasted!

I Give “Bounty Lost” a 4/5

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One Piece Chapter 1017 Review/Recap

When the Battle of Onigashima officially started, we all knew that the Alliance would win. They achieved the element of surprise, and despite several of their strongest fighters being taken out of action (some more so than others), they’ve managed to hold their own. Additionally, thanks to Queen’s actions, thousands of the Beast Pirates defected to join the Alliance. Unbeknownst to anyone, most of the Gifters are about to do the same. This week, Tama gives the marching orders that could turn the tide for good!

Recap

In the middle of the Live Room, Queen’s confused by the presence of Otama, while Otama almost passes out from seeing Queen’s dinosaur form. Elsewhere, the other Alliance members are starting to feel the pressure from the enemy’s sheer numbers. Right when it looks like they’ve reached the breaking point, though, Otama manages to give her marching orders. From here on out, everyone who ate her dango’s would fight for the Alliance. Without hesitation, the Gifters begin to turn against their allies all across Onigashima. As result, the island plunges into even more chaos than before!

Enraged, Queen tries to kill Otama, only to be blocked by Sanji. Thus, Queen turns into his hybrid-cyborg form to take out Black Leg Sanji. Meanwhile, Chopper (who’s small and talking like an old man) is treating Zoro with a special Mink medicine that can heal his injuries. However, once it wears off, his injuries will be twice as bad as before. Zoro asks for it anyway.

Back with Jinbei, the Fishman’s locked in combat with the Flying Six member, Who’s Who, who reveals a few interesting details. As it turns out, Who’s Who was a former member of CP9 on par with Rob Lucci, but he got arrested after failing to protect a certain Devil Fruit on a Government Ship. That Devil Fruit being none other than the Gum-Gum Fruit.

Review

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Eichiro Oda knows what it means to be a good storyteller. Even as we’re watching people beat the snot out of each other, he’s dropping world-building lore. I had no clue that Luffy’s Gum-Gum Fruit was stolen from a Government Ship, but it makes sense. Shanks had it, and he’s a pirate, so it fits. If there are any implications regarding that and the fruit itself, though, I honestly don’t care. Luffy has it, and he’s used it to kick ass. Which is what he’s going to do to Kaido once he gets back on the island.

Regarding more immediate concerns about the Battle of Onigashima, this chapter could be the big turning point against the Yonko. The Gifters were spread out across the entire island, deep in the ranks of their comrades. Now that they’ve turned on the Beast Pirates, they’ll be in complete disarray. If the Alliance can take out as many commanders as possible, the rest will surrender. In other words, the Alliance may have just put the Beast Pirates in check.

It’s too early to call checkmate, though. Kaido and Big Mom have a few aces left up their sleeves, and until they go down, the fight’s not over. That said, I think that the Alliance has got this. I always have. Congrats, Tama. Your orders may have just won the war for Wano’s freedom.

I Give “Orders” a 4/5

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