IR TV Review: STAR WARS - THE BAD BATCH - EPISODE 15 & 16 (“The Summit” & “Plan 99”) [Lucasfilm/Disney+-S2]

The final episodes of Season 2 of "The Bad Batch" have to reflect on a history of loss and contentment. The previous episodes seemed to point to a sense of peace. But peace comes at the cost of tragedy. The first episode of the two parter Episode 15: "The Summit" has Governor Tarkin, Hemlock (who has become a darker presence) and Krennik (obviously a major Imperial fixture from "Rogue One"). They are seemingly working of something more sinister but the context of Omega and The Clones is a tricky quandary because they are not really mentioned in the original trilogy except for Kenobi talking about fighting in the Clone Wars alongside Anakin.

During "The Summit", there is an interesting exchange between the Imperials about fighting alongside the clones before the reference is made as to Imperial property as a reflection of enslavement. "The Summit" plays on loyalty but it is one that does not overall push the aspect of sense. The clones are torn between brotherhood and survival which can make for tactical errors. While this is not the case, situations happen. Omega doesn't have the life experience to understand but after Echo leaves a couple episodes before to join Rex in trying to help the other clones, she is beset by another tragedy. The question becomes how much does this affect the consequence of her actions moving forward.

"Plan 99" is the final episode of the 2nd Season and it is playing to a certain idea but it all depends on renewal for Season 3 and also when that might happen. The series is building its lore (much like "The Mandalorian") but it needs to keep moving. Loyalty means everything to a clone but the Bad Batch have been on the run too long. It is when they move away from what they were built for, that the ideal becomes a bit more murky. Even Cid is not immune but it also reflects in the ability for power to ebb and flow in the galaxy no matter how one wants to safeguard against. It is about resources and who controls them. To give away any more of the last episode takes away from what it is moving toward, especially in the final shot. It shows that everything is connected but that that connection (from the very beginning) was inevitable. B

By Tim Wassberg