Star Wars: The Bad Batch Series Finale Review | A Thrilling Conclusion to an Epic Animated Series
Written by Julian Roman
Clone Force 99 faces the deadliest mission of their lives in an action-packed and sentimental ending to a banner animated series. Star Wars: The Bad Batch enthralled with its epic narrative of "defective clones" rebelling against the nascent Empire after the Jedi massacre of Order 66. Their journey to find a different purpose centered entirely on the care and protection of Omega (Michelle Ang), a young female clone of Jango Fett who they discovered was key to Emperor Palpatine's twisted effort at eternal life - Project Necromancer. The series finale, The Cavalry Has Arrived, has the Bad Batch attacking Mount Tantiss to free Omega and their subjugated clone brothers from the evil clutches of Dr. Hemlock (Jimmi Simpson), a heinous villain styled after the monstrous Nazi, Josef Mengele. This review is spoiler-free.
Each member of the Bad Batch went through transformative changes over its three-season arc. They were hunted, betrayed, and suffered the devastating sacrifice of Tech in season two's culmination. The Cavalry Has Arrived brings Crosshair, who originally sided with the Empire and betrayed his brothers, back to the experimental torture that wounded his psyche and caused a physical tremor in his deadly sniper's shooting hand. Omega's refusal to leave him behind in their initial escape from Hemlock's lab of horrors in episode 3.3, Shadows of Tantiss, forced Crosshair to face the shame and stupidity of his treachery. Her faith in him turns Crosshair into her fiercest protector. He proves his loyalty to Omega and the Bad Batch with stunning courage and fearlessness in their darkest moments.
The infiltration of Mount Tantiss plays to everyone's strength. Hunter, Wrecker, and Crosshair attempt an outside incursion while a clandestine Echo, now aided by Dr. Emerie Karr (Keisha Castle-Hughes), heads to the secret vault. She can no longer be complicit in Hemlock's kidnapping and testing of Force sensitive children. Emerie masked her fear with a blind commitment to scientific work. The awful realization of the Emperor's objectives, and care for her sister, Omega, puts steel in her resolve. Emerie's an invaluable ally in Hemlock's prison of horrors.
Omega's abilities have grown exponentially since the series premiere. In many ways, she's the most formidable member of the Bad Batch. Omega's a child but she cannot be underestimated. We learn in episode 3.9, The Harbinger, of her high M-Count, which indicates Jedi traits, and why she's so important to Hemlock's cloning operation. But Omega doesn't need to swing a lightsaber and move rocks to prove her worth. She's a cunning leader who inspires everyone around her to do their best. Omega's tactical genius also allows her to exploit weaknesses in enemies and systems. No cage can hold her. Omega's rallying of the frightened children is a rousing highlight.
The Bad Batch usually takes their armored boots to behinds with relative ease. Season three unleashes Hemlock's brainwashed "shadows", altered clones supercharged to be unstoppable. They've gotten a taste of what just one of these soldiers can do during the invasion of Pabu, the team's island sanctuary in episode 3.9, Point of No Return. Hemlock is keenly aware of his adversaries. There was never a doubt that Clone Force 99 would come for Omega. His welcome party is no joke. They're spectacularly lethal with a few surprises waiting for our heroes.
The series has brought back characters and beasts that are integral to the overall Star Wars storyline. Admiral Rampart (Noshir Dalal) and Nala Se (Gwendoline Yeo) aren't sitting on the sidelines of this battle. Their destinies come full circle in a way that shapes pivotal events for decades to come. Creator Dave Filoni has brilliantly used the show to build foundations for important reveals in The Mandalorian and The Rise of Skywalker. The Cavalry Has Arrived continues that methodology for Rogue One and A New Hope. A big question is answered and explains a specific trajectory for the Empire.
Every war has casualties and there's no escaping that harsh reality here. Some fans may be disappointed by the body count. Whether that's too harsh or not enough will be debated. The finale holds its cards to the climax in that regard. This is also true in what's missing. There's not a neatly tied bow for several characters who are noticeably absent. The Cavalry Has Arrived doesn't invite all the supporting players to the endgame. There's a clear focus on concluding the Bad Batch's story. That said, there's no lack of mind-blowing carnage. One particular fight scene will kick your ass and break a foot doing it.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch's greatest tenet was giving light to the clone troopers as more than faceless cannon fodder. Omega, Hunter, Tech, Wrecker, Echo, and Crosshair find a family in each other while fighting a seemingly indomitable adversary. Dave Filoni's final scene is beautiful, heartbreaking, and exhilarating all at once. The last cheer belongs to the supremely talented Dee Bradley Baker, who voiced the Bad Batch and almost every clone character. That's an incredible achievement and deserves the highest praise.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch is a production of Lucasfilm Animation. All episodes are currently available to stream exclusively on Disney+.