The Bad Batch Double Take: Aftermath

The Clone Wars ended last year with one, heart wrenching final season. However, the adventures continue this year with The Bad Batch, a spin-off of the critically acclaimed series. From The Clone Wars logo burning away to reveal that of the new series to the classic recap (narrated by once again Tom Kane), The Bad Batch: Aftermath, the 70 minute season premiere, feels like a direct continuation of the beloved animated show. The style is the same, updated method used for the last season of The Clone Wars, with the creative team taking it even a step further with amazing cinematography. Here are the highlights of The Bad Batch: Aftermath:

• Kanan, the Last Padawan: It was a surprise to say the least to see Caleb Dume (aka Kanan Jarrus) make a cameo along with his master Depa Billaba in the first few minutes of Aftermath. I’ve been a huge fan of the comic mini-series Kanan: The Last Padawan for so long and seeing part of that story come to life in animated form was a dream come true—even though some plot points did not fully match with the story told in the comic. Hearing Freddie Prinze Jr. reprise his role as young Caleb was delightful and the cinematography of the last moment between him and Hunter was stunning. I hope we will get to see more of Kanan in the series’ future!
• Mess Hall Fight and Wrecker: This scene was a nice comedic relief from the darker tones of the episode, while also giving the spotlight to Wrecker and Omega who team up to stir up some chaos amongst the fellow clones. The latter is turning out to be one of my absolute favorite clones—Wrecker’s light-hearted and overthetop attitude create funny moments and dynamics (especially with Tech).
• Tarkin’s Test: We’ve seen the Kamino clone training facility before in The Clone Wars, but this battle simulation had Tarkin’s evil touch as Clone Force 99 gets a real test with live fire. This moment truly showed how resilient and badass the team is and made me like Wrecker even more! It took me back to playing Republic Commando … in fact, the two squads have similar dynamics (and of course, they have Jango Fett’s genes in common).
• Omega: Even though I had an idea of what to expect from The Bad Batch: Aftermath and the series as a whole, the most pleasing surprise was Omega. Nala Se’s medical assistant turned out to be one of the 5 enhanced clones! Being a female clone of Jango Fett brings a new twist to the plot—Omega joining Clone Force 99 truly enhancing (no pun intended) the dynamics of the team. I can’t wait to experience the new journey through her point of view!
• Saw Guerrera: When Admiral Tarkin sends Clone Force 99 to take care of a group of insurgents located in the Onderon sector, I had a feeling it was gonna be Guerrera’s “Dreamers” (at least the beginning of the faction). I feel like Saw is the perfect cameo, with his appearances across different Star Wars media (The Clone Wars, Rogue One, Jedi: Fallen Order, Rebels, and now The Bad Batch) creating a solid continuity link.
• Standoff with Crosshair: “Good soldiers follow orders.” The forced betrayal of Crosshair from the very beginning of the episode has me with mixed feelings for the sharpshooter. Tarkin’s evil hand once again touches Clone Force 99, this time Crosshair’s inhibitor chip further modified to increase the programming—making the clone a deadly weapon loyal to the new Empire. The standoff between Crosshair and what’s left of The Bad Batch is a tense one (with also a cute moment as Wrecker desperately looks for Lula, his modified tooka doll), and it’s setting up the stakes for this season—hopefully ending with redemption for the lost soldier.
• A New Adventure: The ending of The Bad Batch: Aftermath is full of hope and adventure as The Bad Batch (officially joined by Omega) jumps to hyperspace accompanied by the beautiful soundtrack by The Clone Wars veteran Kevin Kiner. We know very little about their destination and what’s to come, and that’s exciting to say the least!

The Bad Batch: Aftermath was the perfect appetizer for this new series (and in Star Wars animation moving forward), and it’s pretty exciting. What were your favorite moments from the episode? Share your thoughts with a comment below or by using the hashtag #TheBadBatchDoubleTake on Twitter!