This is a spoiler-free review for season 2, episodes 1-14 of The Bad Batch. If you’d like a refresher on the previous season, click HERE. For individual episode reviews, click HERE.
The Bad Batch season 1 disappointed me as a Star Wars fan. It made me question what was the purpose of this show. What was it meant to be? Well, I question no longer! The second season of The Bad Batch has shown me the light. The sophomore outing is steps above and beyond season one’s guest appearance-of-the-week gimmick. Instead, the show actually focuses on telling a grander story and developing its characters. All the while having some fun along the way to bring levity to a show that takes some dark turns this time around.
Unlike the previous season, The Bad Batch dedicates more time to the overarching narrative, instead of just a couple of episodes. Don’t get me wrong – there are still really fun episodes in the adventure-of-the-week section. However, there are bits of the overarching plot throughout, which make them a lot more purposeful. I do feel like some of the plot points could have been brought in sooner. A minor complaint compared to last season’s execution. This second season also leans more adult, tackling darker themes that kids can still latch unto if need be.
The characters of Clone Force 99 (Dee Bradley Baker) have much improved all-around in The Bad Batch season 2. Wrecker is much more manageable, and is no longer simply the butt of the joke. Episodes with Crosshair present are some of my favorites, with an almost light and airy persona now. Omega doesn’t feel like she’s an adult anymore, either. The development allows for the full team to feel like there’s growth, instead of being at the consistently stagnant pace they were at in the first season. OPhee Genoa (Wanda Sykes) is a worthy addition to not just The Bad Batch, but Star Wars in general. To top it all off, there are some surprise additions to the voice cast that absolutely made my day.
The animation for the show continues to be gorgeous, with the locations showcased around the Star Wars galaxy absolutely stunning. There were some places that could have been used to throw bones at other pieces of Star Wars media, but that’s also being the enormous Star Wars fan I am. The Bad Batch continues to be a connecting force between different Star Wars media, but now one I will gladly tune in for.
Overall, The Bad Batch made for a massive improvement with season two. The characters are more likable, and the character development is spread out across the entire group, instead of just Hunter. The plot for the show works across the entire season and is actually intriguing! And I have to say, my favorites of the bad batch this season are Tech and Crosshair. Both just have some wonderful moments you won’t want to miss. My favorite part of the show, however, is how it touches on some dark elements of the Empire. There are some truly intriguing episodes that are nail-biters. The Bad Batch is the first Star Wars show to open up in 2023, and it’s pure, lovable, heartfelt Star Wars.
The Bad Batch season 2 is airing new episodes every Wednesday until March 29, 2023 on Disney+.
Leave a Comment