RJ Writing Ink

Rick and Morty S7 Ep 8 Review

On Saturday, December 2nd, 2023, Rick and Morty marked its 10th birthday with surprisingly little fanfare. One would think that such an important milestone would be a big deal online. Surprisingly, though, it barely showed up in my Twitter feed. However, one might argue that the show’s current season is the show’s way of celebrating hitting double digits. While not every episode has hit the mark for a longtime fan like myself, it’s still had its moments. This week’s episode, though, might have all the others topped. Centering on a stinger from a Season two episode that involved Ice-T/Water-T, the episode is a full-on pastiche of big names in 80s pop culture: Star Wars, Transformers, and tons of puns involving numbers and letters.

The biggest twist, though? Rick isn’t even in this episode. At all. For the first time, Rick isn’t in his show.

Ice-T/Water-T and the Rise of the Numbericons

Way back in the season two episode of “Get Schwifty,” Rick and Morty teamed up with rapper Ice-T to save the world from giant heads that wanted a hit song. Then Ice-T was revealed to be an alien ice crystal, exiled by his people like Thor. After helping to save Earth, though, he returned home, regained his true form as Water-T, and his Dad die during an attack by their mortal enemies, the Numbericons. “Rise of the Numbericons: the Movie” picks up right where the stinger left off, with Water-T headed to Earth in search of someone to help him find a treasure to end the war.

If the entire premise behind what’s been described sounds ridiculous, that’s the whole point. This entire episode takes the idea of sentient numbers and letters fighting each other and rolls with it for all its worth. The end result is something akin to the Transformers series of the 1980s, which the show’s writers acknowledge was an influence on things. It’s ridiculous and full of cliches, like the surprise villain that everyone has to unite against and Water-T having chemistry with his enemy. It’s not something meant to be taken seriously, and it knows this and uses it to its advantage. The result is a fusion of Transformers and the plot of Return of the Jedi, with Morty and Mr. Goldenfold caught in the middle.

Mr. Goldenfold Gets a Starring Role

Easily the biggest twist to this episode is how it marks the first time Rick is not present in any capacity. He’s been in every episode, no matter how minor a role, across all seven seasons. While some might miss him, this offers Morty a chance to go on an adventure alongside someone who can’t necessarily bail him out like Rick can. In this case, it’s his math teacher, Mr. Goldenfold.

Mr. Goldenfold’s never been a major character in Rick and Morty. Oftentimes, he’s best remembered as the guy who likes Mrs. Pancake too much, or being the butt of some joke. In this case, though, Goldenfold manages to get an important role, serving not just as Morty’s teacher, but also one to Water-T, who was once his student.

While the dynamic between Goldenfold and Water-T did feel a little forced, that seems to be more because of how they had to cram a movie’s worth of plot into a third of the time. Thus, the mutual bitterness between the two stemming from Water-T’s failed promises and unfinished homework seems silly rather than serious. In contrast, though, Morty and Goldenfold develop a more interesting dynamic. Goldenfold largely either fears Morty due to his association with Rick or looks down on him. In this episode, though, Goldenfold’s a good teacher. He doesn’t let Morty get away with anything, but he also encourages him when needed.

That still doesn’t make me like math class, though.

They Pulled off a Rick-Free Episode

As a whole, this episode was a very enjoyable one to watch. Getting to see the continuation of a joke that the show made years ago in the form of Water-T was amazing, and the stinger sets up potentially more adventures in the future. In addition, the fact that the episode did well without having Rick in it proves that the show doesn’t need its main character (or one of them) to be good. It just needs good writing and storytelling. I’m probably going to come back and rewatch this some time later.

I Give “Rise of the Numbercons: the Movie” a 3.5/5.

Happy 10th Birthday, Rick and Morty

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The Animation Studios Behind Star Wars Visions, Season 2

In September 2021, Star Wars and anime fans got the best of both worlds with Star Wars: Visions. Airing on Disney+, Visions is an anthology series consisting of shorts made by some of the best anime studios in Japan, and it showed. I was completely floored by how good the shorts were, allowing animators to share what they feel makes Star Wars great. I knew I wanted more, and when Disney announced a second season, I got hyped. Season two of Visions would see the series go international, giving studios from all over the world a chance to contribute to Star Wars. Now, we have this.

Earlier today, Star Wars dropped two big reveals about Visions on Twitter. Firstly, the new season comes out on May the Fourth, because of course it is. It’s Star Wars Day! Secondly, they revealed the studios who would animate each short, and the picks are hype! While I’m not familiar with every studio, the ones I do know inspire a lot of confidence in me. After all, I’ve seen many of their previous works in the past and loved many of them. To celebrate this announcement, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the studios’ resumes to give us an idea of what to look forward to.

Aardman, Home of Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, and Stop-Motion

From Great Britain, we have one of the big names in the world of stop-motion, Aardman. Aardman’s work, consisting mainly of stop-motion claymation, is recognizable worldwide. Most notably, they are the creator’s of stop-motion icons like Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep. In addition, they’ve also made several successful films like Chicken Run, Early Man, and films for Wallace and Gromit and Shaun, among other things. In other words, they’re up there regarding stop motion.

Having grown up watching Chicken Run on VHS, watched Shaun the Sheep shorts on Disney and Nintendo 3DS, and watch Wallace and Gromit: the Curse of the Were-Rabbit every Halloween, I’m a big fan of Aardman. When they make something, it’s going to be entertaining to watch. So to see them bring their brand of humor and animation to Star Wars will be interesting. 

Cartoon Saloon Representing Ireland

In late 2020, I saw a trailer for a new animated film on Apple TV+ called Wolfwalkers, the story of two girls in 17th century Ireland with the power to turn into wolves while asleep. While I have yet to get around to watching it, it’s a film that’s on my list. The animation’s fluid, the background’s breathtaking, and the whole thing gives off an otherworldly vibe. It’s amazing!

Hearing that Cartoon Saloon will get the chance to apply that same style to a Star Wars short, I’m over the moon. If it’s anything like Wolfwalkers, it will look amazing. Imagine seeing Star Wars these kinds of vivid backgrounds. Otherworldy, I tell you!

Studio La Cachette Can Bring the Grit

I’m not too familiar with the French Studio La Cachette. However, what I am familiar with is Genndy Tarakovksy’s anthology series, Primal. Airing on Adult Swim, Primal  is a critically acclaimed action horror series depicting the never-ending fight for survival that all living things go through. It’s incredibly violent, filled with blood and visceral deaths, and amazing. The stuff that I have seen is like a violent work of art in motion.

If the studio that animates Primal for Tarakovksy’s going to be doing a Star Wars short, then it’s going to be good. I daresay, it might give Star Wars the chance to tap into its more violent and gritty aspects; the stuff that Disney usually won’t allow them to do. Fingers crossed.

Studio Mir Brings An Impressive Portfolio from Legend of Korra and Kipo

I don’t talk about it often enough on here, but I’m a massive fan of Nickelodeon’s Avatar. I watched the original series from day one, and I’ve kept up with news on the franchise ever since. So when I heard that Studio Mir, the Korean animation studio that animated most of the sequel, The Legend of Korra, I was thrilled. Star Wars is bringing in the big guns in animation.

The Legend of Korra isn’t the only series I’ve watched that’s animated by Studio Mir. If you’ll recall, I was a big fan of Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts on Netflix, which they also animated. It was one of several animated shows that got me through the dumpster fire that was 2020, so I’m grateful for it. I’ve got high hopes for their short.

This is a Big Win for Animation as a Whole

What I’m most excited about regarding the upcoming season of Star Wars: Visions is what this means for animation as a whole. Recent years have not been…kind to the medium. Incredible animated works have gotten the rug pulled out from under them. Inifinity Train got canceled and dropped from HBO Max. Inside Job got canned by Netflix despite how popular it was. And need I say more about Disney’s failure to give The Owl House the respect it deserves? Fans of the medium are becoming discouraged by all the bad news.

The fact that Disney’s reaching out to animation studios around the world, giving them a chance to show what they can bring to the medium, is something we desperately needed to hear. Star Wars is one of the most globally recognized brands. If these studios do well enough, the sheer clout of Star Wars could help a lot of people’s careers. So, I’m very optimistic about season two.

What do you guys think, though? Are you a fan of any of the animation studios I didn’t cover? Please leave me your thoughts in the comments!

Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi Review

When I heard that Disney was making a Star Wars anthology series called ‘Tales of the Jedi’ I was stoked. I thought they’d be adapting the 90s comics of the same name. Instead of taking us back 4,000 years, though, Disney copped out by treading familiar ground with characters we already know, like Ashoka and Dooku. After watching it, though, I thought this anthology series turned about two Jedi and the paths their lives took wound up being better than I thought. It encapsulated two different views on the world and how each Jedi viewed it. One of them saw the world for what it was, while the other saw it for what it could be.

That, and we got to see Ashoka as a baby.

Despite seemingly having nothing in common, there are a lot of parallels between the stories of Ashoka and Dooku. Both were raised by the Jedi and held them up on this pedestal. They saw them as the good guys who always did what was right. However, as they got older, they realized things weren’t so black and white. That the Jedi had lost their way, serving a Republic rotting from the inside out. That ultimately made both disillusioned with the Jedi and leave the order.

Nor can we blame them. As we see in both Dooku and Ashoka’s stories, the Jedi had many problems. Despite claiming not to, they served a corrupt Senate and its self-serving whims. Dooku especially grows frustrated as he keeps seeing how selfish those in power can be. Eventually, they both lose faith in the Jedi and decide to leave them behind. 

A Story of Cynicism vs. Idealism

Tales of the Jedi makes no secret how flawed the Jedi had become. However, it also contrasts Dooku and Ashoka’s stories through one key fact: how they dealt with these realizations. Dooku let this anger and resentment build up until he finally snapped and became Sidious’ unwitting pawn. The bitter irony is that Sidious was probably responsible for much of the Republic’s corruption. 

On the other hand, Ashoka, despite briefly giving up, ultimately refuses to give up hope. That for all the flaws in the Galaxy, it was still worth fighting for. That the ideas of the Jedi still meant something. That’s why, when the Empire comes looking for her, she chooses to fight back. As a result, she sets out on the path that will ultimately see her help build a rebellion that will bring the Empire down.

Don’t Let Bad Things Break You

Overall, if I had to say what the theme was behind Tales of the Jedi was, it’s the struggle between cynicism vs. idealism. Not blind idealism, though. I mean being idealistic despite knowing how much people can suck. Dooku saw the Galaxy as rotten and let it corrupt him. Ashoka, though, despite all she went through, decided that despite this, it was still worth fighting for. And in the end, Ashoka’s way of thinking gets vindicated when the Empire finally falls. 

Now, if Disney would just let the Jedi come back, I’d have no problems with Star Wars.

I Give ‘Tales of the Jedi’ a 3.5/5

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My Reaction to the Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi Teaser Trailer

The man, the myth, the legend returns. Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of the most famous heroes in all of science fiction, and one of the most important characters in Star Wars. Alec Guinness  may have first played the character almost fifty years ago, but it was Ewan MacGregor who breathed new life into him in the Prequels. Now, seventeen years since Revenge of the Sith released in theaters, Obi-Wan Kenobi returns to live action in the teaser for his upcoming show of the same name.

A Broken Obi-Wan

The details about what will happen in the Disney+ series remain hazy, but there’s still some things that we know about. Taking place ten years after Revenge of the Sith, the series has Obi-Wan living in exile on Tatooine as he watches over Luke from afar. But due to things that might be beyond his control, the Jedi Master goes on an adventure that will take him away from Tatooine and into the crosshairs of the Empire and his former student, now Darth Vader.

The main takeaway about this series is that it’s going to show Obi-Wan in a way that’s different from what we’ve seen before. In the prequels, Obi-Wan was full of life and loved to make witty remarks and troll his enemies, but was also serious in his duties. The Obi-Wan we saw in the original trilogy was the wise old master who wished to be their for Luke, but was also solemn and sad about his failings. However, in the show, Obi-Wan just looks…broken.

At this point in his life, Obi-Wan has hit rock bottom. He failed Anakin, he failed to stop the Sith, and he can’t do anything to stop the Empire from oppressing the Galaxy. He has no hope left, save for Luke.

My guess is that whatever will happen in the series will help to rekindle the hope for the future that he possesses in the classic films. But he will be facing many powerful enemies as he does so.

Live-Action Inquisitors

Enter the Inquisitors, Dark Jedi that were carried over from the Old Expanded Universe into the Disney Canon. They’re former Jedi that either willingly turned on their comrades and joined the Empire, or were broken into submission. Either way, they’re now working for the Empire as Jedi Hunters, hunting down any survivors.

Since Disney reset Star Wars, the Inquisitor’s have made several prominent appearances in the new EU. However, this will be their first live-action appearance, so they’re going to have a lot going for them.

I’m looking forward to seeing the Inquisitors in live-action. Having seen how formidable they were in Rebels, and fought them in Fallen Order, I know how dangerous they can be. However, I know Obi-Wan can handle them easily. It’s Luke I’m worried about. Perhaps them learning about him is what prompts Obi-Wan to leave Tatooine and hunt them down before they can alert the Empire. That would certainly be an interesting premise.

The Biggest Star Wars Series Yet

No matter what, Obi-Wan Kenobi will likely be the biggest live action series that Star Wars has put out on Disney+ to date. Thus, Disney will need to pull out all the stops to ensure its success, especially given how divisive The Book of Boba Fett was among fans. I liked the premise of that miniseries, but the overall execution was lacking in a few key areas. Hopefully, Kenobi won’t do that to us. Overall, though, I’m looking forward to seeing this show, and I loved the teaser. Just check out my reaction to it on my YouTube channel!

Check out Wookiepedia, the Star Wars wiki

Click here for some of my Star Wars stuff.

Click here to see my other animation stuff.

Star Wars: Visions Season 1 Review

I thought that The Mandalorian brought Star Wars onto the road of redeeming itself at the divisiveness of the Sequel Trilogy. But Star Wars: Visions? Star Wars: Visions has taken the franchise to beautiful new heights the likes that it’s rarely ever been to. A collaboration between Disney and seven of the finest animation studios in Japan, this anthology series is pure art. In addition to serving as a love letter to an incredible franchise, Visions shows just what animation can do. It’s one of the best things that could’ve happened for Star Wars, and the fans agree. For the first time in years, the majority of the fans agree. It’s glorious!

Rather than review the series as a whole or do one post for each episode, I’m going to give my thoughts on each episode now. Star Wars: Visions deserves it.

The Duel

Rating: 4/5

The first of nine shorts, The Duel sets some pretty high expectations for what’s to follow after it. Taking place in an alternate universe heavily inspired by Medieval Japan, The Duel is about a wandering Ronin type who arrives in this village that comes under attack by bandits. And their leader happens to be a Sith. When the Seven Samurai-esque guards fail to stop the bandits, it’s up to the Ronin to stop the Sith.

George Lucas got the concept for the Jedi from cultural depictions of the Samurai. Thus, it’s fitting that the first short takes Star Wars full circle back to its Japanese influences. The fight scenes are gorgeous to look at; a perfect fusion of anime and Star Wars. As for how it ends, all I will say is that there’s a revelation about the Ronin that will make fans heads spin.

Tatooine Rhapsody

Rating: 3.5/5

The most whimsical of all the shorts, Tatooine Rhapsody isn’t about some big, saving the Galaxy story. Instead, it’s about a group of people trying to make their way in a tough galaxy. The story’s about Star Waver, a struggling band that includes a former Jedi Padawan named Jay. Unfortunately, their bass player’s marked for death by Jabba the Hutt for unstated reasons. With Boba Fett after them, the only way out for Star Waver is to play like they’ve never played before and impress Jabba and all of Tatooine.

Like I said, this is the most light-hearted of the Star Wars: Visions shorts. Since this is still Star Wars, though, that means there are still some heavy moments. The real draw to the short is the song played at the climax (which I prefer subbed over dubbed.) It sounds like the kind of song you would use in an anime opening, and that makes it awesome.

Also, Boba Fett!

The Twins

Rating: 4.5/5

Short number three is titled “The Twins.” However, it might as well be called “What if Luke and Leia were raised as lab rats for the Empire?” It’s a story about two twins, a brother and sister named Karre and Am, who were raised to be the ultimate Dark Side weapons for the Empire. Right when they’re about to perform their master plan, though, Karre deserts the Empire, and takes the key to the plan. Thus, the two come to arms.

Firstly, it should be said that Karre and Am are clearly stand-ins for Luke and Leia. They even share the names of their actors. Karre’s named for the late Carrie Fisher, while Am gets her name from Mark Hamill. Secondly, I know that some fans may have a problem with how insane the action gets and say “that can’t happen in Star Wars.” But this is a non-canon short made by Studio Trigger. If you’ve seen their work on Kill La Kill, and their work on Gurren Lagann before they even founded the studio, then you know that this is par for the course. A lot of the stuff the characters do in their shows works because their shows run on “rule of cool.” Ergo, slicing a ship in half with lightsaber while going into hyperspace is normal for Trigger.

The Village Bride

Rating: 5/5

Taking place in the time of the Empire, an unnamed, rural planet inhabited by peaceful locals finds itself under attack. Bandits who command an army of commandeered Battle Droids threaten to take the granddaughter of the village chief hostage, and on the day after her wedding, no less. But hope comes in the form of a Jedi Padawan on the run from the Empire, and…you can guess the rest.

This isn’t just one of the best shorts of Star Wars: Visions. It’s one of the best stories that Star Wars has ever done. And that includes all the movies, books, and shows! Everything about this short is perfection. The animation, the artwork, the music, and the message of never giving up hope in dark times. Everything is flawless! I found myself watching this short again and again, and I couldn’t get enough of it. This is what the Jedi are meant to be: a beacon of hope in the darkness. It’s the second best short in the series, and I want the soundtrack on Spotify or iTunes.

The Ninth Jedi

Rating: 5/5

I heard that this was the best of the shorts, so I actually saved it for last. I’m glad that I did, because it lived up to the hype. Taking placing long after The Rise of Skywalker, the Galaxy remains in chaos. The Sith have risen once more, and the Jedi are nowhere to be found. That is when the leader of a far-off planet issues a call to bring the Jedi back. And at the center of it all is a young girl, the daughter of a sabersmith, who aspires to be a Jedi herself.

This, in all honesty, is what the Sequel Trilogy should’ve been like. Yes, it may or may not take place years after the Sequel Trilogy and means that the Jedi still haven’t come back, but it’s got so much heart to it. In all honesty, it tells a better story in twenty minutes than the entire Sequel Trilogy did at times. If there’s a second season of this series, I’d want to return to this story some more.

T0-B1

Rating: 3/5

This next short can only be described as being the Star Wars equivalent to Pinocchio and Astro Boy. It’s about T0-B1, this adorable little droid raised by a kindly old Professor on a remote planet. However, instead of wanting to be a real boy, T0-B1 wants to be a Jedi like the heroes he’s heard about. Even though Droids have never been shown to be Force-Sensitive, the short says “screw it. Let’s make the little Astro Boy a Jedi,” and has him fight an Imperial Inquisitor. I have no idea if T0-B1 is Force-Sensitive, or if its his droid reflexes, but he manages to kick ass, regardless. I wouldn’t mind seeing him some more.

The Elder

Rating: 4/5

Much like The Duel, this short leans heavily into its Japanese influences. At least, as far as imagery goes. Taking place before the events of the Prequels, this short sees a Master and Padawan duo travel to a rural, Medieval Japan-inspired world in search of a mysterious elder. Except that elder happens to be a Dark Side user seeking to test his strength in battle. It’s not as big or epic as “The Twins” (both were made by Studio Trigger), but it plays much like a classic Samurai film. In other words, it’s good. And I was more than a little surprised when I saw what happened to the elder after the fight ended!

Lop and Ocho

Rating: 4/5

The penultimate short in the series thus far, this episode is also one of the most personal stories being told, even more so than “The Twins.” It takes place on the world of Tao, a relatively backwards planet that’s been occupied and forcibly industrialized by the Empire. That’s when Lop, an alien bunny girl, escapes the Empire and gets adopted by the family of one of the planet’s leaders. They live happily for many years, but as time passes, their little family falls apart. Lop’s adoptive father vehemently opposes the Empire, while his daughter, Ocho, insists that they’re what’s best for Tao. And poor Lop is caught in the middle, trying to save her adoptive family.

The short’s use of bright and vibrant colors contrasts with how dark its ending really is; the second darkest of all the shorts, I daresay. For anyone who’s seen their loved ones travel down separate paths due to ideological differences, the ending can seem especially heartbreaking. However, it wouldn’t be Star Wars without offering a ray of hope as Lop makes it her mission to save her family. If the series continues, I’d very much like to see more of Lop.

Akakiri

Rating: 2.8/5

Yet another short taking place in a Feudal Japan inspired world, this story involves a disgraced Jedi returning to his home to aid his former Princess in freeing her home from a Sith Lord. That’s all that there is to say about this story, really. To be honest, though, this story was my least favorite of the shorts. It was still good, as all the shorts were. However, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I can barely even remember most of what happened.

Star Wars: Visions is a Masterpiece

So, not all of the shorts were obviously as good as others were. However, that doesn’t change the fact that, as a whole, Star Wars: Visions is a masterpiece. It’s like a breath of fresh air in the franchise, and it’s just what it needed. This anime anthology series has given new life to a fandom that, for years, has become divided, and even toxic. Maybe there’s still hope for Star Wars yet.

Check out Wookiepedia, the Star Wars wiki

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Star Wars: The Bad Batch Episode 16 Review

Well, everyone, we’re finally here. Season one of Star Wars: The Bad Batch has officially come to an end. Fittingly, the finale takes place entirely on Kamino, where the show, and the Clone Troopers, first began. Rather than go out with a massive bang, though, The Bad Batch chooses to end on a somber, bittersweet note as everyone, both in-universe and in the real world, realizes that things can’t go back to the way they once were. No matter how hard we may want them to.

A Surprise Disaster Survival Scenario

At the end of the last episode, the Empire made the decision to tie up loose ends on Kamino by destroying their major cities and cloning facilities, condemning them to life back under the sea. In more immediate concerns, though, the Bad Batch find themselves trapped on the sea floor in the ruins of Tipoca City with very little chance for survival. As a result, the team and their former squad mate Crosshair have to work together to escape to the surface.

This episode has all the hallmarks for a disaster film. A group of people trapped in a desperate situation. Rising tensions between group members. And most of all, things continually go from bad to worse as the team tries to beat the odds. The Bad Batch has been in tough scrapes before, but this pushed their survival skills to their limit. It’s a really good premise, and the show does a fairly good job of showing it.

However, it’s not the impending death that’s the big draw. It’s the characters themselves.

Crosshair’s Uncertain Future

Crosshair has been the black sheep of the Bad Batch since the series first began. Following Order 66, we saw him ultimately remain loyal to the Empire while his brothers and Omega deserted. At the time, many of us thought that his decision was not of his own free will; that it was the inhibitor chip forcing him to act like that. However, last episode dropped a bombshell by revealing that Crosshair got his chip removed some time ago. This called into question just how much of Crosshair’s choices were of his own accord and which were because of the Empire’s manipulation. Unfortunately, the season finale offers few in the way of answers.

In a particularly somber moment, Omega tries to talk to Crosshair about his decisions. She admits that she wanted to believe that it was the chips that turned him into what he is, but now thinks that it may have just been him the whole time. In other words, it’s the nature vs. nurture debate in full force, and Crosshair may be on the nature side.

Then, just when we think that Crosshair’s not going to change, he ends up saving Omega’s life. But when the time comes for the others to leave, he chooses to remain loyal to the Empire, despite seeing how they’ll just use him. It’s a very mixed message about Crosshair’s future, much like it was for Ben Solo, and while it leaves the door open for him, I’m not sure how many fans will appreciate it.

Tie-In to The Mandalorian and Sidious’ Ressurection

The final moments of the episode, though, are when things start to get interesting again. Having been taken off-world by the Empire, Nala Se’s relocated to a new world to continue her working in cloning technology. If the Empire’s phasing out Clone Troopers, though, why do they still need to work with the technology. Those who have seen The Mandalorian and The Rise of Skywalker may have figured it out.

In The Rise of Skywalker, we learn that Darth Sidious continued using cloning technology decades after the Clone Wars. Firstly, it’s stated that he created Snoke using that tech. More importantly, though, he used it to create a new body to possess after Anakin killed him. While it’s not said on-screen, it’s all but implied that he was using the Kaminoan’s technology to do all of this. Now, we may see the beginning to that project. If it is, then The Bad Batch may have just started to fix the flaws of The Rise of Skywalker.

No Idea On Season 2

While it was nice to get a continuation of The Clone Wars, I have to admit that, in hindsight, the first season of The Bad Batch has been a mixed bag. It’s had some pretty great moments and gave us some franchise-altering information. On the other hand, the plot of the season had little cohesion between episodes. Worse, the season finale does little to hint at what Season 2 might be about.

Despite these misgivings, though, I still think that The Bad Batch has potential when it comes to bridging the gap between the prequels and original trilogy. If we’re lucky, then maybe season two will give us the prototypes to the TIE Fighters, something I’ve always wanted to see in Star Wars. Here’s hoping!

I Give “Kamino Lost” a 3/5

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Star Wars: The Bad Batch Episode 15 Review

We knew that with the rise of the Empire, the Clone Troopers would be replaced. It was a tragic inevitability of canon that this would happen. However, the last episode saw the Imperials move faster than few could guess. They’re already introducing the Stormtroopers, Kamino got cleaned out, and worst of all, Hunter got captured! Now, the Bad Batch has to return to the one place they swore never to go back to: Kamino. And what happens there will drop the curtain on the age of Clone Troopers, for good.

Return To Kamino

Following Hunter’s capture on Daro, Crosshair uses him as bait to lure the rest of the Bad Batch. Despite knowing it’s an obvious trap, the team goes anyway. However, Hunter’s not on Daro. He’s on Kamino.

Despite promising Omega that they’d never go back, none of the squad hesitates to return to Kamino. Instead of army of Clones and Kaminoans they expect, though, there’s no one there. No one at all. The Empire has moved everyone and everything of value off-planet. The only thing left is an empty, lifeless city.

To see the city on Kamino now empty and quiet is very unsettling. Throughout The Clone Wars, Kamino was a place filled with life, duty, and purpose. Now, it has nothing left to do but wait for the inevitable end. Therefore, it’s only fitting that the Bad Batch plays a starring role in the cloning facility’s final act.

Big Revelation

Throughout The Clone Wars, audiences were repeatedly reminded of the fact that the Clone Troopers were people, not tools. While they mostly looked and sounded the same, they formed their own personalities and world views. And sometimes, they would end up disagreeing on these. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Bad Batch themselves.

At the episode’s climax, the Bad Batch and their former comrade, Crosshair, engage in a tense standoff with each other in the training grounds. Both sides make ovetures to get the other to join them. Crosshair even points out that his brothers left him behind before giving him a chance, and that working as mercenaries is beneath them. Crosshair even kills his new team just to show them he can be trusted. Then a surprise shootout with training droids sees the group team up one last time.

As bad as things have gotten between them, it was nice to see Crosshair fight alongside his brothers once more. However, it also serves as a reminder that things can’t go back to how they once were.

The Awful Truth About Crosshair

Hunter tries one last time to appeal to Crosshair, saying it’s not his fault. It’s the Inhibitor Chip in him that’s making him act like this. However, Crosshair drops a bombshell, revealing he got his chip removed some time ago. Thus, many of his actions have been of his own accord.

I know that this revelation may be controversial. However, I personally find it to be a very good plot twist. All this time, we’ve assumed that the new attitudes of the Clone Troopers were wholly because of the Chips. The fact that Crosshair got his removed and still serves the Empire willingly throws a lot into question. How many other Clones are serving the Imps by choice rather than brainwashing?

Regardless, it’s clear that the Empire doesn’t value Crosshair’s loyalty. Once things go south, they don’t hesitate to fire from orbit on the facility, sending it to the depths of Kamino with the Bad Batch still on it. Though not before giving us one last, haunting shot of how devoid the city has become. A sad, ignominious end to the once great Clone Army.

A Great Cliffhanger

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would see the end of Kamino as we know it. Yet here we are, with the legacy of Kamino sinking into the abyss, with our heroes along with it. With the announcement of the show getting a second season, we know that the Bad Batch will get out of this mess. However, it’s going to be fun seeing how they do so. In addition, there’s still the matter of Crosshair. Can he still be redeemed? Considering how redemption is a big theme in Star Wars, probably. Yet it’s not going to be an easy process. Crosshair may not even want to change.

With the announcement of The Bad Batch getting a second season, the second part of the finale next week may start Crosshair’s redemption arc. It would certainly be interesting to see. Until then, though, I hope to see how the squad escapes from Kamino once more.

I Give “Escape From Kamino” a 4/5

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Star Wars: The Bad Batch Episode 14 Review

Last week, The Bad Batch dropped the ball with a filler episode. However, this week, the show returns firing on all cylinders! With only three episodes left, the show’s headed towards its endgame with a lot left up in the air. Besides telling the story of Omega and the Bad Batch, the show gives us insight into the early days of the Empire. And this week, we got a surprise that few could’ve seen coming. This week, we got to see the very first Stormtroopers!!

No, seriously. The early Stormtroopers appear in this episode.

An Unexpected Rescue

While on yet another job for Cid, the Bad Batch gets a surprise call from Captain Rex. Another Clone Trooper’s trying to desert the Empire, but got captured doing so. Thus, Rex wants them to bust him out, something that Echo persuades the others into. It’s not just any Clone that they’re rescuing, though. It’s none other than Clone Commando Gregor.

Fans of The Clone Wars and Rebels may remember seeing Gregor in the past. In The Clone Wars, he was an amnesiac Clone who went MIA after being found by Republic droids. Years later, he’s living with Rex and Wolfe on an old AT-TE in retirement, and his sanity has taken a hit or two. In this episode, though, we get to see what he’s like in that transitional period of his life. He’s already displaying some of his craziness in Rebels, and he’s not happy with how his life’s going.

The reason’s simple: Stormtroopers. While it’s not made clear how much time’s passed since the Clone Wars ended, it’s likely only been a few months. A few months, and already Darth Sidious’ begun replacing the Clones with their largely inferior successors. And it is glorious! In a great tribute to their designer, the late Ralph McQuarrie , the early stormtroopers wear armor based on his original concept art. The rugged and rough nature of this new armor serves as a great transition between the Clones and the Stormtroopers. The message is clear: the days of the Clones are done.

The End of the Clone Troopers

In another inevitable development that reinforces the end to the days of the Clone Troopers, this episode reveals that the Empire’s cancelled their contracts with Kamino. In other words, no more Clone Troopers will be created, and the future of the ones remaining is in doubt.

It’s common knowledge that within a few years, the Clones were largely phased out in favor of the Stormtroopers. While there were a few still serving the Empire by the time of the classic films, most of them seemed to have vanished. Now the answer may be far clearer than it once was. With the coming of the Stormtroopers, the Empire couldn’t have an army of elite Clones running around. Thus, they may have decided to wipe most of them out.

The events of this episode bring further credence to this idea. The Empire starts moving Clones off Kamino, and when their Prime Minister tries to cut and run, the Empire arrests and executes him. In other words, they’re tying up loose ends, and the Clones could be next.

Set for the Endgame

While the Bad Batch gets Gregor out of prison, it comes at a cost: Hunter gets captured. The last we see of him, he’s being met in his cell by Crosshair.

Just like that, the stage becomes set for a final confrontation between Crosshair and his former squad. And there’s no guarantee if any of them will make it out of this fight alive. With only two episodes left, the stakes are high, both in-universe and in a meta sense. If The Bad Batch pulls this off well, then fans can chalk this series up as a success. If not, then the Bad Batch will likely be forgotten as fans move on. I’m hoping that it will be a success though, as there’s plenty more stories to tell in this era of Star Wars.

I Give “War-Mantle” a 4.5/5. Bonus Points for Delta Squad Member Scorch Appearing!

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Star Wars: The Bad Batch Episode 13 Review

Well, it’s official: the Bad Batch finally had an episode that I don’t give two cents about. Last week, it looked like The Bad Batch was getting ready for its endgame. Crosshair was sanctioned to hunt down his former team, so it looked like things were about to get crazy. Instead, this week sees us deal with a filler episode that just reiterates a lesson that the cast has already learned: that they need to be more open to helping people. As of now, “Infested” is my least favorite episode of the show.

Taking Back Cid’s Bar

Despite Omega paying off the team’s debt to Cid, the Bad Batch continues to work for her with no explanation as to why. More than likely, it’s to pay for gear and keep the Empire off their back. However, there’s a snag to this. Out of nowhere, this upcoming crime boss takes the bar and drives Cid out. The Bad Batch doesn’t take this lying down, though, and they team up with Cid to get her bar back.

After that, the rest of the episode follows the standard formula we’ve come to expect. The Bad Batch has a mission to fulfill, Omega’s empathy powers help her connect with the guy who should be their enemy. Like I said, there’s not a lot of substance to this episode. Not even the infestation that gives the episode it’s name, “Infested”. Apparently, they have to go through a cave that’s infested with these giant moth monsters that I could barely see.

Infested Was Not Very Interesting

I will completely upfront and honest: this episode was one that I could barely pay attention to. There are only three episodes left in a show that has no confirmed second season. Now should be the time when the show ramps things up and gets ready for the big finale. We should see the Empire starting to put the squeeze on the Bad Batch and Kamino, not this filler episode.

The only possible explanation I can think of is that this is the calm before the storm. After this week, we should expect the rest of the show to be a rollercoaster until the end. If that’s the case, then I might look back on this episode better. Until then, this was a very forgettable episode.

I Give “Infested” a 2/5

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Last week, the Bad Batch took a surprising backseat on their show. Instead, the show focused on the origins of Hera Syndulla, a key leader in the future Rebellion against the Empire. While she and her famous father want nothing more than to lay down their blasters and embrace the so-called “peace” the Empire’s offering, events force their hand. As a result, Senator Taa of Ryloth got shot by the Empire, Hera’s parents were framed for it, and Hera had to go on the run. Which inevitably leads to her enlisting the help of the Bad Batch to free her family. Let the Rebellion begin!

There’s just one problem: the Bad Batch doesn’t want anything to do with the Rebellion.

The Bad Batch Doesn’t Want to Fight Anymore…But Omega Does

As they have made clear plenty of times during the show’s run, the Bad Batch doesn’t want to fight anymore. At least they don’t want to pick a fight with the Empire. Hunter’s primary concern is keeping Omega safe and under the radar. Considering how the Empire wants them dead and the Kaminoan’s want to use Omega to create more Clones, this seems like the most sensible decision. However, there are two problems with this mindset. Firstly, as long as the Empire’s in charge, no one is safe anywhere. Secondly, Omega can’t ignore others in need of help.

Omega’s role in the Bad Batch is two-fold. Two episodes ago, she established herself as the squad’s budding strategist. First and foremost, though, she’s the group’s empath. She’s able to connect with people in a way the others can’t and brings out the best in them. That’s a very powerful ability to have, but it can be a double-edged sword. 

Omega’s always looking to help out others, even when it’s to her possible detriment. While she does convince the Bad Batch to help free Hera’s parents (and show that she and Hera work great together), they also put themselves back on the Empire’s radar. Fed up with their constant interference, Admiral Rampart gives Crosshair permission to hunt down his old squad. 

This plot point’s somewhat hampered by the fact that we knew this moment was coming. No matter how much Hunter may want, the Bad Batch can’t hide from the Empire forever. No one can. The only way Omega will be safe is when the Empire falls.

Rebellion Begins in Full on Ryloth

Those who’ve seen Star Wars: Rebels know the foregone conclusion for the Syndulla family and for Ryloth. Cham, Eleni, and Hera have to go on the run after the former two get rescued. However, and this may sound macabre, I’m a little disappointed that Eleni didn’t die this episode. It seemed like the show was setting us up for her inevitable death, cementing Cham as a fighter for Ryloth once more. That said, I have faith in Filoni and his team knowing what they’re doing.

What surprised me even more, though, we’re the actions of Captain Howzer this episode. Since Order 66 went into effect, almost all the Clone Troopers have become very robotic and less individualistic, no doubt due to the inhibitor chips. However, Howzer remained different, possessing a moral compass and only following his orders out of loyalty to his men and commanders. This episode, though, sees Howzer decide to do the right thing over following orders, and let’s the Bad Batch escape with the Syndulla’s. He then talks to his men about what they’re becoming, and how what they’re doing is wrong. He still gets arrested, but several Clones side with him.

This is a game-changing moment for the Clones. Until now, we feared that the majority of them would remain brainwashed by Order 66. However, either the effects of the Inhibitor Chips aren’t as powerful as we thought, or they’re starting to wear off. That would explain why Sidious ultimately replaced the Clones in the end. While far better soldiers than the average Stormtrooper, the Clones were still free-thinking people who could make their own decisions. Thus, Sidious saw it better to use indoctrinated conscripts, as they were easier to control.

The Endgame Begins

There are only four episodes left in The Bad Batch, and no guarantee of a second season. In other words, we’re nearing the endgame for the Bad Batch. At least I’m the timeframe of the show. I have no doubt that we’ll see more of Omega in the future, but with Crosshair now after his former squad, their future remains up in the air.

I’m personally hoping that the show will end with the Bad Batch returning to Kamino to settle things. It would be a great way to bring their journey full circle, as well as explain what happens to most of the Clone Troopers. A Clone Rebellion may be brewing on the horizon, and I look forward to seeing what happens.

I Give “Rescue on Ryloth” a 4/5

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