The opening salvo of the ninth episode of The Bad Batch started prophetically with Wrecker shouting, “It’s getting hot back here!” Yes, Wrecker, it is. With the addition of Cad Bane, and his capture of Omega, the heat has been turned up to Mustafarian levels. It is telling that the eerie Bracca theme, entitled “To […]
Read more "Becoming The Bad Batch: Bounty Lost"It was a dark and stormy night. A basic introduction to a ghost story, and in the instance of “Reunion” a quite effective one. The storms of Kamino, the rain, waves, and lightning striking terror into the hearts of fans who know what awaits the intrepid heroes of Clone Force 99. For the new fans, […]
Read more "Becoming The Bad Batch: Reunion"When The Bad Batch began, it was a story of belonging, be it where Omega belonged, where her antithesis, Crosshair, belonged, or where the team as a whole fit into the overall narrative of the galaxy. While still present, after “Battle Scars” it is clear that the story is much more about identity and who […]
Read more "Becoming The Bad Batch: Battle Scars"While letting a child shoot a bow in the same direction as the entry to a bar is not the best example of successful parenting (or business ownership), it is the perfect way for “Decommissioned” to start. An episode that centers around the continuing purgatory The Bad Batchers remain in as the Empire rises, “Decommissioned” […]
Read more "Belonging and The Bad Batch: Decommissioned"Through the first five episodes of The Bad Batch, very traditional and clear Star Wars themes are shining through. Family, hope, rogues, underdogs. All present and accounted for. Where the series is dressed in such traditional Star Wars garb, the connection and contrast between identity and belonging has put the spotlight clearly on itself after […]
Read more "Belonging and The Bad Batch: Rampage"The rise of the Empire came quietly sneaking up on the galaxy through the machinations of Palpatine, but once its flag flew there was no denying it. The new regime challenged the identity of all citizens. In this restructuring, rogues such as Clone Force 99, The Bad Batch, would have to figure out who they […]
Read more "Belonging and The Bad Batch: Cornered"The Mandalorian was expected to be the dark and gritty Star Wars show. Instead, it’s a story about a dad and his kid. Enter The Bad Batch, a show expected to be focused on a group of outcasts on the run and hiding for survival. But, once more, it is a story about a dad […]
Read more "Belonging and The Bad Batch: Cut and Run"“You can either adapt and survive or die with the past.” In the aftermath of a war, in the aftermath of any trauma, there are but those two choices. One most grow and evolve, absorbing trauma into self or die. The death may be metaphorical rather than literal, as we all can think of someone […]
Read more "Belonging and The Bad Batch: Aftermath"The last chapter has concluded, closing the book on the lives of Din Dijarin and his son, Grogu, for the time being. Where season one set up the relationship between the two, the second season has focused on the strengthening of that bond, while also challenging their individual identities. As great Star Wars does, it […]
Read more "Meaning in Mando Chapter 16 and Season Review"The Mandalorian is the perfect Star Wars for the holiday season. Around this time of year, people reach back into their nostalgia bags, pulling out traditions they love. Now, however, those traditions have evolved. They are the same, and yet they are new. Such is The Mandalorian. It feels old, like classic Star Wars, regardless […]
Read more "Meaning in Mando Chapter 15: The Believer"
CLASHING SABERS 