REVIEW: Star Wars: Bad Batch is Another Win for Star Wars Animation
Star Wars: Bad Batch may be the perfect follow up to Star Wars: Clone Wars. Picking up where Clone Wars ended, the audience will find the Bad Batch, first introduced in Clone Wars, on a whole new adventure. This time the elite group of clones will find a new obstacle in their path as the Republic begins its transition into the Empire.
The series premiere introduces viewers to Clone Force 99, better known as The Bad Batch, as they continue there work from The Clone Wars. Viewers are also introduced to the mysterious adolescent, Omega, who can be more of a hinderance than help. And as much as the Bad Batch may not like her, she looks to be sticking around for some time.
Fans of the Star Wars lore will be immediately drawn into this new animated series. Like Clone Wars, Bad Batch sheds lights on a part of Star Wars history that the films only touch upon and/or mention in passing. The first episode is evenly paced, features some pretty fun fight scenes, and will keep viewers captivated for all 72 minutes. That’s right folks, 72 minutes. This leaves a lot of time for creator Dave Filoni to truly focus on each member of Clone Force 99 and the trials and tribulations they will find as the galaxy changes.
If there is a downside to this new animated series it’s that it is a spin-off to The Clone Wars. Fans of the series will have no problem following along, and even those who have followed the Disney+ series and the films will understand the references. However, viewers who have no knowledge of Star Wars or have never watch Clone Wars will find everything a little tricky to understand. But stick with it, because the pay out is worth it.
Dee Bradley Baker returns to voice all 5 of our lead clones, Hunter, Wrecker, Tech, Crosshair, and Echo, and at no point do you realize that it is the same actor voicing all five characters. His ability to craft completely different voices for each character is on full display in this series. Ming-Na Wen returns to voice Fennec Shand, first introduced in Disney+’s The Mandalorian, and fans will not be disappointed by seeing her come to life as an animated character.
Whether viewers are a true Star Wars fan or a lover of animated series, Star Wars: Bad Batch has something for everyone. It’s enjoyable, the stories are engaging, and the animation is wonderful. The greatness that came alive in Clone Wars is repeated in Bad Batch. Definitely add this to the watchlist.