Released this week, episode 1 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch premiered titled ‘Aftermath.’ Quick note, the series follows after Star Wars: The Clone Wars focusing on the ragtag group of defective clone troopers known as Clone Force 99; consisting of Echo, Crosshair, Hunter, Tech and Wrecker. Furthermore, Star Wars: The Clone Wars ended during the execution of Order 66 forcing clones to kill all Jedi. Starting off in ‘Aftermath,’ a battle on the planet of Kaller edges close to a Separatist victory as the Republic is awaiting for reinforcements to aid Jedi Master Depa Billaba as her numbers dwindle. Clone Force 99 appears as they’re led by Padawan Caleb Dume to the skirmish. Note, Caleb Dume is Kanan Jarrus for those Star Wars: Rebels fans and we see part of his story revisited for this series. The battle tips in the Republic’s favor but unfortunately, Order 66 is executed with Billaba killed and Caleb escaping at the stalling of Hunter. Clone Force 99 is largely unaffected by the inhibitor chips all clones except them are equipped with the exception of Crosshair, who loosely follows and attempted to execute Caleb. The squad is sent to Kamino and quickly learn the news of the new Galactic Empire. We are introduced to Omega, who afterwards is revealed to be a clone herself and considered part of the enhanced group belonging to the Bad Batch. Admiral Tarkin arrives to the planet to assess the clones usage in the new empire. Tarkin loathes the clones but gives Clone Force 99 a chance to prove their uses in both a training exercise and a mission to eliminate insurgents against the Empire. We learn those insurgents are led by Saw Gerrera, who refuses to follow the Empire and give the squad a chance to make a choice. The squad are watched by Tarkin through a probe droid and upon return to Kamino are quickly imprisoned. Crosshair’s inhibitor chip is intensified to give absolute loyalty to the Empire. Lines are drawn with the remaining Bad Batch taking Omega with them to escape Kamino and Crosshair staying back as both sides almost killed each other. ‘Aftermath’ kicks off this new series that starts immediately after Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith and Clone Wars as things change drastically. The 70-minute long episode keeps you rooting for the Bad Batch as their loyalty and morality is tested.
It earns a 4 out of 5.
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