|
I couldn't find a thread on this, so....
Just watched the premier tonight. As always when it comes to Filoni, I was impressed. It was a solid story, with some surprises and new plot threads.
I was kind of sorry to see the sharp shooter turned evil. Hopefully, they'll be able to get his chip out and save him.
Intriguing that the Kaminoan scientist helped the 99's escape. Clearly, there's something more going on with the chick clone. I have my suspicions. Though untrained, she's obviously got some skills. Makes me wonder if maybe the Kaminoans used some Jedi DNA, kind of as a back up plan to protect themselves from Palpatine.
Speaking of, I look forward to seeing how Palps deals with the Kaminoans. Since they helped dick over the Jedi, I'm not sure I'll feel sorry for them if the Empire decides something horrid should be done about them
As soon as
I kind of wish they hadn't used Freddie Prinze Jr. for the voice, though, because they drew Caleb too young to have a voice that deep, imo. It felt kind of jarring.
When the Bad Batch was first introduced in the long-overdue final season of "Clone Wars" I really wasn't very impressed. Cardboard cutout misfits we've seen a million times before.
Tonight's premiere of their own series might have changed my mind. While I'm still not a fan of the precocious child trope I was definitely caught off guard by how things transpired. I actually look forward to seeing how it all comes out now.
Oh, and the "Star Wars Rebels" tie-in. Nicely done.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
When the Bad Batch was first introduced in the long-overdue final season of "Clone Wars" I really wasn't very impressed. Cardboard cutout misfits we've seen a million times before.
Yes, they do represent an old, and probably overused trope. I think what really I liked about them was the logic of the concept. Using genetic mutations to your military advantage made a very simple, strategic sense.
I decided to give it a watch, despite only having seen the theatrical-release movies plus The Mandalorian.
(i.e. I have never seen a single episode of "Clone Wars" or any of the other Star Wars animated series.)
In general, I mostly liked it. Some of the plot twists were really, really obvious... to the point that I was wondering "when" rather than "if," but then again, this show seem to be mainly aimed at kids.
I thought the plot was pretty stock-standard and hit every beat I was expecting at pretty much the exact moment I expected them. (Clearly, the writers took the script-writing advice of Save the Cat! as gospel rather than guidelines.)
Then again, "formulaic" doesn't mean "bad".
As someone unfamiliar with any of the Clone Wars stuff, I'm sure I missed a ton of Easter eggs, but none of them seemed vital to the plot, because the whole thing made perfect sense to me.
I think my biggest beef with the show is the general lack of diversity among the characters: There were only three female characters with lines in the whole show, and one got killed off in the prologue. The show technically passed the Bechdel Test, but just barely: Omega had a single very short conversation with the Kaminoan scientist (whom I at least presume was female because the character was voiced by a woman). And all of the human characters sure looked pretty white. Of course, lack of diversity is a general issue with the Star Wars franchise in general.
Bottom line: I mostly liked it, but my jury is out regarding whether I'll continue watching it. I'll probably watch the next episode and then decide whether it makes the cut... there's so much good TV now, and not enough time to watch it all.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
I decided to give it a watch, despite only having seen the theatrical-release movies plus The Mandalorian.
(i.e. I have never seen a single episode of "Clone Wars" or any of the other Star Wars animated series.)
As someone who's watched the other two big animated series (Clone Wars and Rebels), which this show ties into, I highly recommend them.
As someone unfamiliar with any of the Clone Wars stuff, I'm sure I missed a ton of Easter eggs, but none of them seemed vital to the plot, because the whole thing made perfect sense to me.
Dave Filoni is the creator of the three big animated series, and is heavily involved with Mandalorian. He's proven to be a pretty solid showrunner and story teller, with an obvious deep love of the Star Wars universe and its history. I think that helps with the whole "making sense" thing, as he wants to make sure each show is it's own self-contained event, where you don't need to watch all the others to enjoy it.
I think my biggest beef with the show is the general lack of diversity among the characters: There were only three female characters with lines in the whole show, and one got killed off in the prologue. The show technically passed the Bechdel Test, but just barely: Omega had a single very short conversation with the Kaminoan scientist (whom I at least presume was female because the character was voiced by a woman). And all of the human characters sure looked pretty white. Of course, lack of diversity is a general issue with the Star Wars franchise in general.
Diversity is a problem when all your main characters are either direct clones of a single individual, or (as in the case of the Bad Batch), genetic mutations of that individual. Even Omega is (most likely) just a female version of that same person (although one I suspect is enhanced in other ways). Still, going forward they are adding more characters that might satisfy you. I believe Ming Na Wen is set to reprise her Mandalorian character of Fennec Shand.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
So, the second episode dropped today. I think, going forward, the intention is for new episodes each Friday.
After watching, it hit me that this will be a really cool look at the early days of the Empire, when they're instituting the policies that will enslave the galaxy (all in the name of "peace" and "prosperity" of course).
Some highlights....
And since Cut mentioned Rex, I hope they pull Rex into a future episode (maybe with Wolf and Gregor).
I was glad to see they didn't have Crosshair in this one. After the premier, I was worried this might devolve into a formulaic "Bad Batch lands on planet x, Crosshair shows up in pursuit" type of show. Of course, with Filoni running things, that worry was probably very foolish.
I'll be interested to see what they come up with as the reason Omega was created by the Kaminoans.
|
|
Newest episode was...decent.
I'm especially enjoying this look into the Empire building up its military. The debate of clone vs recruited soldier is an interesting one. Of course, since we know which way it eventually goes, I look forward to whatever plan the Kaminoans have blowing up spectacularly in their faces. It's what they deserve.
On the other hand, I'm a bit disappointed in the Bad Batch side of things. Just a few episodes in, and it's starting to look like they might be falling into the pattern of "super kid saves the day". I hope not, as that would get boring pretty quickly. It could be, however, they're simply using these early episodes to demonstrate the unique qualities engineered into Omega, which will then drive the future conflict between the Bad Batch and whoever comes after her.
One note...
Newest episode was...decent.
I'm especially enjoying this look into the Empire building up its military. The debate of clone vs recruited soldier is an interesting one. Of course, since we know which way it eventually goes, I look forward to whatever plan the Kaminoans have blowing up spectacularly in their faces. It's what they deserve.
On the other hand, I'm a bit disappointed in the Bad Batch side of things. Just a few episodes in, and it's starting to look like they might be falling into the pattern of "super kid saves the day". I hope not, as that would get boring pretty quickly. It could be, however, they're simply using these early episodes to demonstrate the unique qualities engineered into Omega, which will then drive the future conflict between the Bad Batch and whoever comes after her.
One note...
** spoiler omitted **
I have the same reservations about Omega. The "Precocious Child Trope" should have died out when "Lost in Space" was first aired in the 1960s. Then Gene Roddenberry brought it back with Wesley Crusher in "Star Trek: The Next Generation", dammit.
I think it's interesting that even though Crosshair's inhibitor chip has been increased in power that at the end he seemed to be having an internal conflict about what happened on the mission while at the same time Wrecker's chip seems to be trying to come online. I'll admit that I didn't really care for their four episode arc in the final season of "Clone Wars". They seemed to be a set of stereotyped cardboard cutouts of characters we've all seen over and over. So far their own series is still holding my interest, which is much more than I can say for a series in my other favorite franchise, "Star Trek: Discovery". I threw the towel out of the airlock on that one.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
I'll admit that I didn't really care for their four episode arc in the final season of "Clone Wars". They seemed to be a set of stereotyped cardboard cutouts of characters we've all seen over and over. So far their own series is still holding my interest, which is much more than I can say for a series in my other favorite franchise, "Star Trek: Discovery". I threw the towel out of the airlock on that one.
I differed from you slightly, in that I enjoyed their initial appearance in Clone Wars (partly because of the whole "Echo is alive, let's rescue him"). Though I agree they seemed like stereotyped cardboard. I think that's why I was excited for this series, as it would give the showrunners a chance to flesh out each character more.
|
|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
WOOT!! Fennec Shand! I'm always glad to see Ming-Na Wen, even if it's only digitally.
Between that, and the droid scam the Batch pulled, an otherwise basic episode was made somewhat decent. Poor Wrecker, though. Not only did he not get to cause any mayhem, he got knocked out by someone who's probably 1/3 his size.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Its meh to me so far. Leader guy, smart guy, strong/dumb guy, angry/cool guy(who is now working for the other side), regular guy and girl guy go on wacky adventures. Entertaining but not overly so. Good to have on when you're eating dinner but you forget much of what happened immediately after watching, save for the first episode.
I think it’s certainly lacking in the magic (for lack of a better term) of its parent series. So far, anyway.
I had really high hopes, but those are dwindling with each episode.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
I don't know. As someone who bounced off of Clone Wars multiple times, but loved Rebels, I'm rather enjoying The Bad Batch.
|
|
This latest episode was... somewhat interesting, at least. Some thoughts...
I liked Cid, the character voiced by Rhea Perlman. And it's good to see the Bad Batch finally moving forward with something resembling a plan to make some money.
I'm still of the opinion the Kaminoans added some Jedi DNA to Omega. The way she just walked right up to Cid and identified her was uncanny. It would also explain why she's been shown to be so capable so far, considering she hasn't had any military training (that we know of) like the other clones.
The slavers talked like they expect their business to flourish under the Empire. I can see Palpatine allowing it. Vader, however....Even before he turned to the dark side, for him the only good slaver seemed to be a dead one. I could totally see him going behind Palp's back and wiping them all out.
Other than that, I'm still not finding myself as invested in this series as I was with Clone Wars and Rebels. Still, it's something new each week, for however long the season lasts.
I think there are 11 episodes left, so there's still time for it to swing back into something that makes me look forward to it. I wish they'd bring Crosshair back into it soon, though.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
I kind of liked this episode. For starters, Cid is one of my new favorites, and I love they got Rhea Perlman for the voice. In addition.....
It was interesting seeing the Martez sisters again. Personally, I’m indifferent to them, but do like when they bring in other established characters. It provides a sense of continuity. And now I wonder if a big reason Filoni introduced them in Clone Wars was to bring them over to this show and have some ready-made rivals/links to an already starting Rebellion.
I’m curious who they contacted about the Batch at the end. Maybe we’ll see more Ahsoka? Or maybe it was Bail Organa. Or, knowing the sisters, it could be someone from the Empire, and they were lying about their client’s motives.
I also like the idea of people looking for tactical droid info as a kind of weapon or insurance policy against the Empire. The one thing this show really has potential for is showing these early days of Imperial rule, and how other power structures are reacting to it. To that end, I’d love to see more of the Hutts. Maybe even Cad Bane.
|
|
Almost forgot....
.....”Good soldiers follow orders”. Which might be more bad news for the Batch.
However, it just hit me....
I hadn't thought about that particular person, but Ahsoka crossed my mind.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Well, it was about time…..
And they finally dealt with the control chips. Order 66 Wrecker was….very effective. I’m glad they didn’t have to kill him.
I’m also glad to see they’re not treating Omega as super kid who can solve any and every problem.
Well, it was about time…..
** spoiler omitted **
I’d like to see a bit more of Rex throughout this series, but I don’t want them to rely to heavily on him like Rebels did.
I loved the setting of a starship graveyard, it took bits of the design of Jakku and took them to a perfect extreme.
Well, it was about time…..
** spoiler omitted **
Regarding Omega, I agree. But I would've bet money it was Ahsoka that the sisters called, though, since they'd worked with her. It was a pleasant surprise to be wrong.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Well, at least now know a certain infamous bounty hunter survived The Clone Wars and is working again (this time with no Jedi to stop him).
And I hope the Batch finds someone soon to act as soldiers for, because they suck at being scoundrels.
I'm starting to wonder if Crosshair still has some resistance left in him. When he took that shot at Hunter and missed, made me think this. In an earlier episode, his chip made him shoot another soldier just for refusing an order. In this he was ordered to kill them, and judging by his past skills with a rifle, he certainly could have.
I agree with you on Crosshair's blaster shot. I thought the same thing as soon as it happened.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
It was nice to see...
And the secret of Omega, while interesting, was also kind of "meh". I don't really see the point of it. Hopefully, they'll come up with something cool that actually makes sense.
And now I wonder if "Alpha" will show up.
Omega will be revealed as the woman who becomes Rey's grandmother. She was engineered for Palpatine to pass on his lineage.
Just me thinkin' out loud.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
This latest episode was really cool, especially since it didn’t focus on the Bad Batch.
I’m hoping we finally get to see how Hera’s mother died. At first, I thought they’d have Crosshair kill her in this episode. I’m guessing the Bad Batch will be called back to help them out.
It also seemed to me some of the other clones were uncomfortable with the orders they were following and tactics being used by the empire. I guess the chips are either being deactivated, or some of them are starting to overcome the control.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
I kind of hope that Hera's mom doesn't die here, though, because then her mom would end up dying because Hera disobeyed her parents' orders, and she doesn't need that kind of guilt.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
This latest episode was really cool, especially since it didn’t focus on the Bad Batch.
** spoiler omitted **
Or more specifically, Omega. I was so glad she wasn't the focus of the story AGAIN.
|
|
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
So, the latest episode was once again Ryloth centric, which I enjoyed. This time, with more Bad Batch (and, unfortunately, more Omega).
And we see more of the early days of the Empire and how they operate. More importantly, we also get to see how some of the clones are starting to get uncomfortable with what they're being ordered to do. So I'm guessing the chips have either been deactivated, or clones are starting to become resistant to control.
Finally, I'm just now thinking, with Crosshair and his special unit, we might be seeing the beginnings of the Death Troopers introduced cinematically in Rogue One.
Otherwise, there was some decent action. Now we get to see Crosshair actively hunting down his former brothers.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
I don't think you can leave the clones, especially the officers, in that mind state permanently and still make them be effective at their job. Single minded determination to follow orders works great with a clear objective "kill the guy with the glowy laser weapon" but something as simple as patrolling a town telling an active insurgent from townsfolk requires judgement beyond following orders.
Complaining about the diversity of the cast when they are both literal clones and Maori hued clones at that (by representing Temuera Morrison ) Is a new one.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The new episode was fun, even though it didn't advance much of the overarching story. Cid has become one of my favorite characters, so I like any episode that focuses on her.
I was hoping the Devaronian was going to be Vizago from Star Wars Rebels, but no such luck.
I thought it was interesting to show how easily Cid was ousted. She doesn't keep a lot of muscle around. They seem to be building her up as someone who uses reason and cunning more than brute force, which is different from most other Trandoshans.
I'm hoping this trend of moving away from Omega being the cliché "super kid who can solve all problems" continues. As is, she seems to be operating more and more as the Batch's conscience. Not that I think they needed one.
It was a nice "feel good" filler. I want Crosshair and I want him now.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
be careful what you wish for....
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Well, that could have gone better for the Batch…..
I was wondering how quickly we’d see the Empire convert from clone troopers to recruited Storm Troopers. The armor is much closer to what we eventually see.
And finally! It looks like the Kaminoans are going to get what’s coming to them. I was hoping we see them regret their betrayal of the Jedi and the Republic. I’m glad that piece of crap Prime Minister wasn’t able to escape.
It sucks that Hunter was captured. Hopefully, this will end in Cross Hair either being killed or fixed. I’d be good either way.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Well, that could have gone better for the Batch…..
** spoiler omitted **
X'd or Y'd
EEEEEEEEEPS! ....OH. You mean the chip....
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Two episodes left. I find myself actually anticipating the resolution of the story rather than just watching it out of brand loyalty, which I sometimes felt like I was doing.
|
|
That was pretty interesting.....
As for that city on Kamino, I'm guessing it wasn't completely evacuated. I just wonder why the Empire needed so much control over a continued clone program. Or, at least, I wonder what explanation they'll give for it that completely ignores existing Star Wars history.
Either way, I look forward to seeing how they survive the destruction of their home city. Especially considering the show has been renewed for a second season.
I was REALLY pleased with the revelation about Crosshair's inhibitor chip. I did not see that coming.
Not sure if someone's mistaken, lying, lied to, something else, or if there's an actual plot hole but ...
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
I was REALLY pleased with the revelation about Crosshair's inhibitor chip. I did not see that coming.
That revelation is more than falling flat with me. I can't see how it can be the case, or well, known with any reasonable ability to be the case. We know the bad batch inhibitor chips work, sort of. We know crosshair is one of the closer to on model bad batchers. And crosshair started acting wonky the second order 66 went into effect. Everything we've seen suggests that his behavior is at least being influenced by the chip. We know he has one because they were working on it with the MRI zappy thing. It looks less like a butt pull and more like a plot hole.
|
|
That finale was pretty cool. An exciting escape from CERTAIN DOOM!! It did leave me rethinking my previous assessment of Crosshair.
I guess AZ is going to be part of the crew now. That’s cool. I like him. I wonder if he’s the same droid who helped out Fives back during the Clone Wars series.
I’m curious what they’ll have the Kaminoan working on at the new facility. During the Clone Wars series, there was mention of cloning the Zillo Beast. Maybe that’ll be one of her projects.
Overall, I enjoyed the first season, though I think they have room for improvement. I look forward to season 2.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Science projects
Try to clone the emperor
The failures become snokes
When life hands you snokes, you make snokenaid.
I thought the episode was pretty good. I expected Crosshair would still refuse to rejoin them, so no surprise there. And of course we can pretty well guess what "big things" the Empire has in store for Nala Se. While I was monumentally disappointed in the sequel trilogy in every respect, the continuity nerd in me is pleased to see how they got from then to "now".