Alright Variants, let’s talk pop culture— specifically Star Wars, and The Bad Batch series on Disney+! I am a long time fan of Star Wars, and have been keeping up with the new show since release. As a little experiment, I would like to offer my thoughts and predictions for the show. Spoilers for the show are well entrenched ahead, so turn back now if you are not caught up!
The Bad Batch focuses on a group of clone troopers designated Clone Force 99, consisting of the leader and tracker Hunter, the technical expert Tech, sharpshooter Crosshair, demolitions and heavy ordnance expert Wrecker, and a Clone Wars Series fan favorite, Echo. They are a special operations group within the Grand Army of the Republic who find themselves on the run after the execution of Senator Palpatine’s Order 66 and the formation of The Galactic Empire.
At the time of this writing, I have enjoyed The Bad Batch. The characters are interesting and the interactions within the troopers is fun to watch as it plays out on screen. While this is not the first example of clone troopers who did not comply with Order 66, it is a new take on the concept. One Trooper in particular has been dealing with the order itself differently than their squad mates.
SERIOUSLY WATCH THE SHOW, BEYOND HERE THERE BE SPOILERS!!!
So now that we have gone through the basic premise of the series, what are my predictions for where the series is going next? Firstly, I firmly believe that the remaining members of Clone Force 99 will somehow become deeply involved with the fledgling Rebellion— if for no other reason than that reuniting these clones with Rex from the 501st would be too good of an opportunity to pass up. I also predict that the counter-insurgent squad that Crosshair is leading will be revealed to be Inferno Squadron of Battlefront and novel fame (or at the least a precursor to it). The interference of the Kaminoan during the escape of Clone Force 99 from the cloning facilities on Kamino in the first episode, as well as Omega’s mysterious origin is likely leading up to a clone rebellion of Kamino. And with a rebellion on Kamino, Governor Tarkin will have the excuse he is looking for to terminate the clone program and replace them with conscripted Stormtroopers.
The real mysteries that remain to me within the series are the interactions of the characters. I can only hazard a guess at Omega’s origin and purpose. The internet is rife with speculation, from Omega being a force sensitive clone of someone important, to them being a prototype of a new type of clone trooper from the Kaminoans. As far as the main characters from Clone Force 99 themselves, I imagine that all of them (save perhaps Crosshair) will make it to the end of the series. Crosshair seems well positioned for a last minute change of heart back to the good side, accompanied shortly by a moment of self sacrifice.
Overall, I have enjoyed the episodes of The Bad Batch that have released to this point, and have laid my predictions bare for the internet to see. Since we all know I am indeed a Jedi Master, well known for my precognition, I am absolutely sure all of those predictions will be correct.
However, since only a Sith deals in absolutes, please let me know what you think in the comments below, and sound off with your predictions as well!
