What You Need To Watch To Prepare For 'The Bad Batch'
Well guys, the wait for the newest animated Star Wars series is almost over. We have only a few days left before the series premiere of The Bad Batch on May 4th. Now here at Culture Slate we have brought you all the latest information we have in the lead up to it, but today we are going to map out what to watch in preparation for the show staring, to help ensure you are up to speed and have the best starting knowledge of Clone Force 99.
Season 7 of The Clone Wars gave us our first, proper introduction to the team. However, elements of their history show up much earlier in this show than you may have thought. The reason for this is down to squadmate Echo. Whilst he will be a full member of the team as this series begins, he only joins at the end of the team's season 7 story arc. His history alone goes all way back to season 1.
Below is a list of the episodes to watch:
The Clone Wars:
"Clone Cadets" - An episode from season 3, this takes us back to when Echo is completing training on Kamino. It sees him having to learn to work as a team with fellow clones Hevy, Cutup, Droidbait, and Fives. At first, it seems the team have no chance based on their inability to work together. However, they soon learn to work together to become successful. It is also in this episode that we are introduced to Clone 99. He is a physically deformed clone left to deal with maintenance and janitorial work on Kamino, who would later sacrifice his life to protect the facility, passing away in Echo's arms. He is important as he is actually the namesake of Clone Force 99 - the official name of the Bad Batch team.
"Rookies" - This season 1 episode introduces us to the latest Clone Force 99 member, Echo. In this episode, we see him and other clone troopers deal with a droid invasion on a remote moon of the planet Rishi. He features alongside a fan favorite clone, Fives.
"ARC Troopers" - in this season 3 episode, the Separatists move to attack the clones' home planet Kamino, specifically the facility which makes them. This is a huge assault as it features Asajj Ventress and General Grievous on sight leading a droid army in attack. Echo has to step up and help lead his fellow clones against the impending forces alongside Rex, Cody, and Fives.
"The Citadel" - During the trailer for The Bad Batch, a very familiar character appears, hinting he will play some part in the storyline. This character is none other than Wilhuff Tarkin, whom we first meet in A New Hope, played by the late Peter Cushing. This is interesting as he and Echo have met before. In this episode, again from season 3, Echo is part of the clone trooper force led by Obi-Wan and Anakin who attempt to rescue Jedi Even Piell from prison. Tarkin happens to be Piell's fleet officer and is rescued alongside the captive Jedi. This episode serves to also provide us a look at the beginning of Tarkin and Anakin's relationship, as this is when they meet for the first time.
"Counter Attack" - This episode is the continuation of the episode above, focusing on the clones and Jedi trying to escape from the Citadel. This is probably one of the most important episodes as far as Echo is concerned, considering what happens to him. We aren't going to spoil it, so if you have forgotten or not seen it yet, you'll understand what I mean when you watch it.
The episodes above will introduce you to Echo and Clone 99. However, to get up to speed with the rest of the team, you'll need to watch the season 7 story arc that brings them into the fold. These would be the first four episodes of season 7.
Like Tarkin, however, other previously seen characters from the Star Wars universe seem set to show up again in The Bad Batch. One of whom is Saw Gerrera, a veteran of the Clone Wars. Fans may know the character more from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, where he is played by Forest Whitaker, and also from the recent video game Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. He also appears in The Clone Wars, so it wouldn't hurt to catch up on these episodes as well, to better understand the character pre-Order 66 and witness him receive training from Obi-Wan an Anakin.
The episodes you can find him in, from season 5, are:
"A War on Two Fronts"
"Front Runners"
"The Soft War"
"Tipping Point"
The Mandalorian:
Set to mark her animation debut in The Bad Batch is the character Fennec Shand. She is an elite mercenary and assassin who first appears in "Chapter 5: The Gunslinger" from season 1 of The Mandalorian. This episode gives us an insight into her backstory and shows us where she fits in the world post-Order 66 and rise of the Empire. Watching this episode will help give some perspective on where her character's arc may go and how she fits in to the big picture.
Whilst there are likely more episodes and other media to help provide some backstory to the members of The Bad Batch and other characters set to appear, the above episodes from The Clone Wars and The Mandalorian should give you the best possible place to start. You still have a couple of days left to catch up, if you haven't already, then there's nothing left to do except relax and get ready to watch the next big Star Wars universe hit.
As mentioned previously, The Bad Batch premiers May 4th on Disney+.
Until next time!