REVIEW: The Bad Batch – Season 2, Episodes 7 and 8, “The Clone Conspiracy” and “Truth and Consequences”

"So what does that make you?" "A believer."

Television Reviews

***SPOILERS***

“The Clone Conspiracy” opens with a clone trooper named Cade telling his friend Slip he can’t stay silent about the clones’ crimes any longer. He has sent Admiral Rampart a message to tell the Senate the truth about Camino, or he will. However, Cade is killed before he can take action. Meanwhile, at a senate meeting, Senator Chuchi of Pantora speaks on behalf of the clones’ rights. The motion to recruit an army is tabled until that issue can be settled. Senator Chuchi meets with some troopers to discuss their needs, and Slip tells her what really happened on Camino. Senator Chuchi meets with Admiral Rampart and gets many of her requested concessions. Later, Senator Organa contacts her and warns her about Rampart. Senator Chuchi finds Slip and asks him to testify to the Senate about the attack on Camino. He tells her the information is on Rampart’s ship, just as one of Rampart’s sharpshooters kills him. All of the Senator’s guards are also killed, but Chuchi is rescued by Rex, Slip’s contact, who arrives too late. Rex takes the sharpshooter for questioning, but he bites down on a tooth, killing himself. 

In “Truth and Consequences,” Rex contacts the Bad Batch and asks them to come to Coruscant. When they arrive, Rex shows them the dead assassin and explains the information on Rampart’s ship. They agree to retrieve it, and Omega acts as the Senator’s bodyguard. Senator Chuchi arranges a meeting with the former Senator of Camino, Burtoni. Rex and the Batch intercept Rampart’s ship at the shop and break into the bridge. Senator Chuchi provides Burtoni’s testimony and the footage from Rampart’s craft. The Emperor appears and blames Admiral Rampart and the clones for the attack. He enacts the legislation to recruit troops. Echo breaks from the Batch for the time being, working with Rex to help clones. 

Wow. I’m not sure why it took half a season, but The Bad Batch is firing on all cylinders again! This felt like a late-season Clone Wars story arc, and I mean that in all the best ways. We’ve got familiar faces like Senators Organa and Chuchi, political intrigue, assassins, and Senator Chuchi’s fight for justice echoes characters like Padmé and Mina Bonteri. These shows handle politics so much better than the prequels because they always focus on the repercussions suffered by characters. Who cares about a trade dispute? How does it affect the characters? Throughout both episodes, Senator Chuchi questions the Empire’s treatment of the clone troopers and demands better for them. We’ve spent 12+ seasons across three TV series growing to understand and care about the clones, and The Bad Batch has done more than a little bit of allegory, likening them to our own mistreated retired soldiers. This roots the political conflict in something human, well-understood, and loved by the audience. 

Then, we have the developments with Echo. I did not see this coming, even with his little monologue about how the Batch is where he fits and feels needed, which is apparently a hint that he had his doubts. I initially took this as an affirmation of his chosen family, but his choice to return with Rex does feel natural. It hurts a little bit, especially Omega’s reaction; she just can’t understand why one of her brothers would want to leave. In the Bad Batch arc of The Clone Wars, Echo felt a kinship with these misfit clones and sought unusual missions with them. But he is an ARC trooper at heart, the best of the best, and will always put the needs of the many first. It makes perfect sense for him to work with Rex to save as many brothers as they can. 

Coruscant is just glowing in these episodes. At times, it looks ethereal and full of magic, and at others, dark and threatening. The art direction in this show is beyond reproach, regardless of whatever other shortcomings it may possess. Rampart’s office also looks downright frightening when Senator Chuchi enters; you immediately feel a sense of intimidation and claustrophobia. The effects in the episodes are just incredible, especially the rising smoke and smog around the city at night. Were it not for the show’s stylized look, you could easily forget it’s just animation in these establishing shots. Kevin Kiner is no slouch here, either. His score has been a particular highlight of season 2 thus far, and he particularly excels at broody, ominous tones. 

I’m honestly sad to see Admiral Rampart go. He’s a bad guy, but he’s so good at it. He has an air of intimidation that’s hard to beat, and he’s willing to do anything! We’ve seen him execute a commanding officer in a split-second executive decision just to cover his own tracks. I’m not surprised Palpatine threw another of his lackeys under the proverbial bus, but I didn’t expect Rampart to go so soon. Of course, Palpatine is a tremendous looming threat, but Rampart has been this show’s main villain. That makes sense; the Batch can’t really tango with a Sith Lord. But some random Imperial officer? Why not? Rampart’s assassin is one thing I immediately wanted to know more about. He had a clone hunting other clones! How did this happen? Did this troop ever see battle, or was he made specifically for these dark tasks? His revelation and eventual suicide also felt very Clone Wars. I know The Bad Batch wants to toe the line, appealing to kids and adults alike, but this show is at its best when it explores the dark side of these soldiers and the horrors of war. If I had to guess, that would be the best reason to make this spin-off rather than some other Star Wars animated series. If these episodes contained Crosshair and explained the mysterious assassin, they would be perfect. 

“The Clone Conspiracy” is outstanding, and “Truth and Consequences” isn’t bad either. Set-ups are starting to pay off, such as Echo breaking off from Hunter following their disagreements about what the Batch should be doing. I love the political intrigue, and for once, it feels like every character (except for poor Tech and absent Crosshair) get to shine.