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The Bad Batch 2x07-2x08 Full Reaction - EA - Sesskasays

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Ryan

Yes, you know Chuchi from Clone Wars, first when she went against her asshole boss to end a war with the natives on their base planet, then working with Ahsoka to fight a Trade Federation blockade, plus a few more minor appearances voting to aid the Jedi and such. It’s a ton of fun seeing you be totally on her wavelength and repeatedly anticipating what she’s about to say. Though it sure would have been nice if she hadn’t felt the need to include in her argument "Clones aren’t like those filthy worthless droids." That’s a real "Washington and Jefferson owned slaves" moment. Always great to see Bail, and it further adds to how much it sucks that he did so much to help the Rebel Alliance, and then died right before he got to see all that effort start to pay off. A couple really nice pieces of misdirection in the episode too, that we're led to think Crosshair is the masked assassin (though more astute fans might question how he's missing so many shots), and that this will be in the same vein as the Hera two-parter with the Batch coming in as the heroes for one scene, but nope they're actually not here at all and Rex shows up instead. This is another case where we know the whole time that the heroes are going to fail in their main goal, and the only question is how bad their defeat is going to be. And in this case, it's certainly a step up from the death of Fives with them getting Rampart out of the way. Some fans actually hoped this would lead to a redemption arc for him, to which I could just roll my eyes and say "Guys, not every villain is Jaime Lannister. He's not even that witty, so where is this coming from?" I still don't know exactly what the thought process was for casting a 38 year old actor as Palpatine way back when, but I'm profoundly thankful for McDiarmid still being around and able to do stuff like this, which adds so much more to the scene. And then there's Echo, where they gave him weirdly little to do for half the show's length and now we're losing him entirely, as a regular cast member at least. My best guess is that the show's whole crew assumed one of them would have some ideas for an important role he could play, but then it turned out no one did, and finally they decided to just shift him into an important offscreen role rather than just keep him pointlessly in the background.

Saltire le Hutt

We jump into this with the two clones at the bar speaking about blowing up Kamino under Rampart's orders. They were placed in a horrible situation, but they did go through with the order and destroyed their home (and we find out the rest of the cities too not related to the cloning facilities), realising it was wrong. I can't help but think of some of the Clone Wars episodes, especially with 99 and how much the clones there sacrificed themselves to save Kamino, and yet it in the end it was all meaningless. The clone gets shot and we later find out its from a clone assassin sent by Rampart. Brother taking out brother yet again. I know we see it a fair bit in this show, but the clones really are such tragic characters; most of them are loyal good soldiers, who seem to have a code of ethics about what is right and wrong, but they get constantly used, first in the war itself, and now under the Empire. This episode doesn't feature any of the Bad Batch, but its an important one to tell for the future of all the clones. Hence I agree Jess, its a nice change of pace to get a political arc showing where everything lies regarding them in the bigger picture. Back at the senate we see the senators have been told of a cataclysmic storm which brought complete destruction to Kamino; it won't be the last time they'll be told of 'accidents' or acts of god decimating worlds, as the higher ups in the Empire cover up their tracks. The black senator with the white robes is called Tynnra Pamlo, who later joins the Rebel Alliance and is one of the senators on Yavin in Rogue One, when they discuss the plan about what to do about the Death Star. And Pamlo is played by the actress from the film too which is a nice tie-in. The bit when Bail calls out the Emperor for not even bothering to turn up, and Mas Ameida spouting about how the Emperor trusts in the machinations of the senate, is both laughable and spine-tingling, especially as Kevin Kiner uses a solitary cello playing the Emperor's Theme to highlight just how much control he has over everything when he's not even there. Goosebumps... Good to see senator Chuchi brought back. I was never fond of those episodes in Clone Wars with her, but it was more how they executed these episodes, rather than the character herself. She is standing up for the clones here, as no one else seems to be, well not these in power just now. And she calls out Rampart's bull. I would have liked some Mon Mothma here in this arc in the senate, but perhaps the actress was unavailable with filming Andor at the time, and in my headcanon I can theorise that Mon never had anything to do with the clones especially in the war anyway. With Mon keeping her head down for a while, and Bail working in the background, Chuchi replaces Padme as the voice of conscience in the senate - one of the remaining few to do so. Chuchi meets up with the clones at the bar to discuss a pension plan, and at the start they don't want to hear it, all they want to do is fight and be what they think they were made to be - troopers; even if it means fighting rebel cells that may be beginning to sprout up this early (Saw no doubt is causing a lot of carnage!). After she gets the go-ahead and hears about the conspiracy from Slip, she meets up with Rampart to discuss the pension plan. Now he mentions about there being millions of clones still around in the Empire, I'm glad thats been confirmed as an estimate. It was thought there was about 4 million at the end of the war in the fanbase, so this canonises the clones to be in the millions. However only one of them we know of, makes it to Endor (though Wolffe (and Boba Fett though he was on his own path) was around too but maybe didn't take part), so the question becomes, what happens to the remaining millions of them? I think we can begin to guess where this is going... Chuchi brings Rampart up on the events of the 'storm' on Kamino and asks what happened. Rampart lies well, he's good at that. He's the type of snake I detest, as he comes off as charming and seemingly a do-gooder; when in fact he's just as bad as the likes of Tarkin, who at least has the temerity to stab you in the front. I like to think that Bail's astromech, is R2-D2 in disguise, we know he is a master spy after all! :D Bail has become such an interesting background character in Star Wars. He's never at the forefront, but always behind the scenes working to make the galaxy a better place. He's not with Ahsoka yet I don't think as she'd be in hiding just now, so isn't quite helping rebel cells get stronger; but it won't be far off till he's up to that. Then of course he's looking after Leia, R2 and (if we must!) C-3P0, and knows Obi-Wan and Yoda are still out there and will help them too if needed. Great guy. He's the good guy Palpatine, got his ears to the ground in all sorts and working in the background to get under the skin of the Empire. No wonder Tarkin chose Alderaan to destroy in A New Hope as Bail was a big voice of hope for many. Before Slip is killed, he mentions a clone that can help him disappear. We later find out its Rex (who looks like a Jedi Knight all cloaked up!). So he's helping clones who are disillusioned or in trouble with the Empire. He truly is the 'king' of the clones. The clone assassin calls himself a believer before committing seppuku. Crosshair thought himself that, but this clone is on another level. His death however doesn't answer any questions, it just raises them and brings more anxiety as to just what he is.

Saltire le Hutt

2x8 : Omega meditating as Gungi did. Just a little thing to show everything she picks up from people on her journey's, as she tries to forge her own path. I like how Hunter is immediately and understandably nervous about heading to Coruscant of all places, but Echo takes charge and tells Rex they'll be on their way. Again showing where the two characters headspaces are. Hunter doesn't argue the point though as he knows its important to Echo. Omega in awe as they fly over Coruscant, and I'm in awe at the lighting in that sequence, it looks real and you forget briefly you are watching animation. They land in the Martez sisters hanger where Rex is hiding out with Chuchi. Risky hiding out at the heart of the Empire; Rex is of the opinion it seems about keeping your enemies close. Omega (like Ahsoka in the early Clone War seasons) getting a lesson in politics. I love her poncho, she looks a little badass with it on. Chuchi mentions about the senate being where the future of the galaxy is discussed, even though really it all depends on what one person thinks. Then when Chuchi tells Omega that the clones never had a voice to in the senate, it starts to open her eyes about the reality of the clones situation. Omega gives The old Kaminoan ex-senator a flea in her ear over her hubris despite her situation, and then that softens the Kaminoan to tell whats going on about how the funds that were supposed to go into the cloning facilities on Kamino, were diverted elsewhere when the Empire started thinking about destroying the place. After the heaviness of the themes in these episodes, its almost a relief to just spend 10 mins with the Bad Batch doing a mission and retrieving the recorder on the Venator! It doesn't go quite according to plan, but they get it done. Chuchi then reads the riot act on Rampart asserting what actually happened on Kamino and that it was all a part of Rampart's plans months earlier. Victory looks certain as she gets the evidence from the Venator confirming the firing on the cities from Rampart's fleet; until sirens ring... The Emperor is in the building! And what an entrance. The little hope we had to get this win, dissipates immediately. Mas Ameida confirms the logs and gets Rampart arrested (he was used just as much as his clones were "I was following orders!!"). There is uproar in the senate, then Palpatine rises to his feet and immediately a deathly silence ensues - thats power. He thanks senator Chuchi for bringing this evidence to light about Rampart, but then calls out the clones who acted on his orders, to undermine them completely. Then says in 'my opinion' this bill to bring about the imperial stormtrooper should pass, and we all know when he says that, it will pass. The clones were once heralded for their loyalty in following orders for the Republic, now that is used against them to seal their fate. The stormtroopers are in, and they are out. As Rex says, Palpatine was always several steps ahead in the war, and is still ahead of them to get what he wants. What a scene. Echo then states that the clones are all in danger now, due to their actions; and he can't sit back so will go off with Rex to work with him. This hits Omega and you Jess hard as he leaves them, but Echo was always like Rex and fought for his brothers, and won't abandon them now when they'll need them most. Chuchi will still fight for the clones, she's a good egg. Its a losing battle however, especially after this. Great two-parter.

Saltire le Hutt

I've heard from many about how stupid it is to replace clones with stormtroopers, but looking deeper it makes a lot of sense. Firstly, cost. Secondly, clones are a link to the Republic and that time is over, also they may tell stories of weird things going on (which we see here), so best to drop them for that. Thirdly, they could become a serious threat to the Empire if challenged, as there is still millions of them at this time. Fourthly, by bringing in conscription troops who willingly sign up, it should bring loyalty to the Empire as in many cases they get better treatment in terms of pay and a roof over their head, which the Republic wasn't able to do for some. And Five, by people of fighting age signing up to staff the Empire, its a way of controlling local populations if they rise up against Palpatine. Its makes perfect sense, but we know that due to the Empire's nature, it doesn't breed loyalty to one another, which the Rebellion will bring, and that will be one reason the Empire eventually falls.

Thomas Corp

And now, we arrive at my favorite episodes of the series. It now pleases me, Jess, to hear you express adoration for these episodes as well. The major draw of this two-parter is the diving back into the politics of it all, which you and I are on the same page of having a great time with those plotlines. It has been a hot second since we’ve seen Senator Chuchi, Jennifer Hale continues to be awesome. I so loved how you got into her fighting for the Clones. It’s a great moment when she gets through to the one group of clones by pointing out that they are going to start having to be somewhat more forward thinking as they get older. Thankfully she has help such as Senator Pamlo of Taris who is against more war for obvious reasons. And of course, we have more of Bail Organa, and Phil LaMarr, likewise, is awesome. I knew you would love to see more Bail. I also anticipated great displeasure from you about Rampart, the feeling is mutual, and that’s coming from me. You know me and my passion for villainous characters, Imperial characters there is a particularly strong love. And I’m with you on Rampart, who I find it hilarious how you didn’t give a rat’s ass to what his name is, and now that you know what it is, it’s annoyed the SHIT out of you. Yes, fuck him, for he is a charmless shady-ass bitch, as you so expertly put it. Tis a shame that Rampart does not keep the yap shut as you also so expertly put it. It’s great how Bail states that Rampart’s not as clever as he thinks. Bail succinctly points out all the holes in the cover up. Of course, as the saying goes, “It’s not what you know. It’s what you can prove.” which Bail helps point Chuchi in the right direction with his big All the President’s Men moment, again, Bail is a fucking champ. It does hurt that Cade lost his life. Likewise, A damn shame that Slip is killed before Rex can take him off world, then to the pick-up location after he presumably put in a call for Slip to purchase a new dust filter for a Hoover MaxExtract Pressure-Pro, Model 60. You and me both, on loving a beard, by the way. I was impressed by Chuchi’s guard, and when he died, respectfully said, “Someone make a note of that man’s bravery.” Loved your reaction to the clone assassin. Your joy at seeing Rex again was great. Just as great that it is that all Rex has to say is, “I need some help.” and you and Echo both react with a strong, “You son of a bitch, I’m in!” The batch shows off their skill yet again. Love Omega’s scenes with Chuchi and the scene with Halle Burtoni, surprised to see her again. I love how you did not doubt Tech. Plenty of reactors expressed concern that Tech had the right evidence, and I cannot sanction this impugning of Tech’s efficiency. And indeed, Rampart’s dirty laundry is out for all the world to see and Mas Amedda steps in and cuts him loose. Rampart, as we see, tries to act all Nuremberg Defense about the devastation of Kamino, but it is a futile effort. He took the laurels. He’ll take the blame. The head of the snake is being chopped off. Not literally, mind you, as it is a failing of Rampart’s that he thinks death is the worst thing that can happen to him. So, congratulations are in order, rotten old Edmon is not going to die or be killed. Instead, the vice-admiral, oh, excuse me, the former vice-admiral will get to live the rest of his days in squalor, surrounded by the dead-eyed stares of futureless men. This seems a fitting and poetic end. Yes? No? Regardless, it was nice to see your delight over Rampart getting his just desserts. Your smile at that was lovely, Jess.

Thomas Corp

And now, to the greatest scene of the show, or at least my favorite. And I love you were unspoiled, Jess. It was announced in advance that we would see the Emperor, and it would not be via hologram, it would be in person. With that announcement came word that Ian McDiarmid would be providing his spectacular voice, which ends up being VERY appropriately timed as last year when these episodes debuted coincided with the fortieth anniversary of Return of the Jedi where Ian made his first appearance as our dear beloved Emperor. Coming to these episodes, it seemed likely this would be it. So, like you, I too had the feeling things would all end in tears, albeit in my case there was great anticipation of seeing the Emperor. Like you say with 3PO, “I’m just waiting for my King to show up.” It ends up being amazing when the sirens pierce through the cacophony of the Senate, the podium rises up out of the floor like a beast would rise up out of the sea, accompanied by Kevin Kiner playing a diabolical presentation of John’s theme for the Emperor that would fit right in with something like the Omen Trilogy. And from his first line, which really should be memed more, the Emperor dominates, causing your heart to sink, and mine to soar. It was beyond a magnificent feeling seeing this scene of the Emperor making Rampart the scapegoat in order to sanitize his treachery, then how he proceeded to pull a twisty-twisty by gaslighting and manipulating the Senate into giving him exactly what he wanted. All without telling a single solitary lie, I might add. Naturally, this scene incites in fans their hatred, their anger for the Emperor. Unsurprising. As the Emperor’s own master once said to him, “And of what possible use do you think a person of your nature would be to the Jedi Order? You’re heartless, ambitious, arrogant, insidious, and without shame or empathy. More, you’re a murderer.” And when people express such disdain for our dear Emperor, I always say what I’m now saying to you after the perfect reaction you had, “Well, you may not like him. But you can’t deny, Sheev’s got skill, and he’s got STYLE.” And indeed, Ian shows such skill and style as he once again demonstrates a masterclass in acting in the Emperor’s big speech. Complete with the shifting volumes and tones in his voice, culminating in the sheer gravel and gravitas that Ian packs into his stentorian delivery of the Emperor saying, “Imperial Stormtrooper!” which is simply just beyond sublime. It is just as sublime, for me, anyway and horrible for Omega and yourself, to see how the Emperor yet again turns our heroes’ virtue into pitch, and out of their own goodness makes the net that shall enmesh them all. I LOVE THAT MAN!!! And it’s all punctuated so perfectly by the slight variation of Anakin’s Dark Deeds which plays the scene off. Then came Echo’s departure. God did I start crying when you gasped as the realization sunk in for you. I love how you assessed Echo’s decision. He’s been wanting to do more good for the galaxy, and after what’s now happened, he knows that his place is with Rex fighting the good fight. Heartbreaking and lovely seeing Omega’s tearful farewell to Echo, again, your reaction being perfect. Just as perfect was everything you had to say about Echo in the post-reaction thoughts. Loved the brief moment when you spoke of Hera. Shame that the last bit you said about Echo was so RUDELY interrupted; that look you gave was MAGNIFICENT though. So, now, as I said, we’ve completed my favorite episodes of the show, but don’t worry, we still have many marvelous episodes to come. Until then, just as your reaction to the Darth Maul conquering Mandalore arc, my favorite of Clone Wars was beautiful, just as your reaction to the odyssey on Malachor two-parter, my favorite of Rebels, was beautiful. This reaction to the Senate two-parter, my favorite of Bad Batch, was beautiful, and I thank you, so, so very much for how wonderful it was, Jess.

Thomas Corp

It was a blast seeing Jess be on Chuchi’s wavelength about clone rights. Fair point on the droid line. A treat to see more of Bail doing all he can and how much he fights for a sunrise that we know he’ll never see. I knew the assassin wasn’t Crosshair because they would have been upfront about it if he was. The shots missing was further giveaway as there was no pragmatic reason for Crosshair to miss in this scenario. I applauded the bravery of having a whole episode without any of the batch. Yes, you do know that the heroic efforts here will be all for naught. Like it was in the past, you just wonder how it’s going to happen. And what a way it happens. I’m with you on being flabbergasted over the expectations people had over Rampart getting a redemption arc, making me query, “What the FUCK is in the goddamn booze you people are drinking!?” This character is not Kallus, which I love how Jess also made that point herself. I know the logic behind the casting of Ian McDiarmid when he was only in his late thirties when cast. They originally considered acting titans like John Gielgud or Laurence Olivier as the Emperor before casting Alan Webb who was in his seventies. But Alan became ill and backed out, subsequently dying in 1982, and they realized the danger and difficulty of having an older man performing the stunt where Vader lifts him up. So, they looked for someone young who could believably play old. They saw Ian in a play called Seduced where he played an older Howard Hughes type under prominent make-up, he caught their eye, set up a meeting with George Lucas who was impressed, and the world is forever grateful that the casting worked out with such perfection that Ian turns eighty in about two months and has remained with the role all these years. I suppose that could have been what the thought process was with Echo. They did provide enough scenes both in this season and last where you have Echo expressing the desire to do more; of the group he has the biggest soldier’s heart. And it opens the door for more great stories with him and Rex, hopefully Cody as well.

Thomas Corp

You do ponder that; the actions of those like our dear 99, and all they sacrificed, and in the end, it’s reduced to ash in an act so horrific that the clones are slowly waking up and are beginning to rebel. Clones being forced into the role of old brother Cain striking blows that lays their brothers low, gutting stuff. I love how Bail doesn’t buy the story of the storm and demonstrates how paper-thin such an excuse is if you take more than two seconds to stop and think about it. Good catch on Senator Pamlo of Taris, which her being Senator of that planet is a massive reason for why she’s reluctant to take a direct fighting approach. Understandable, given the planet. Lovely bit of Bail calling out the Emperor’s absence, and how the cello presentation of the Emperor’s Theme reminds us of the power that he holds even when he’s absent from the senatorial proceedings, and instead is either delving deeper into the obscure and archaic Force texts and holocrons, attending the theater, or when he’s particularly bored, making outrageous claims like he invented the question mark. Sometimes he would accuse chestnuts of being lazy. The sort of general malaise that only the genius possess and the insane lament. A most relatable feeling that I’ve had many times. Great that Senator Chuchi gets the great time in the spotlight. I assume covid restrictions and scheduling conflicts with Andor and Ahsoka prevented Genevieve playing Mon Mothma. With her and Bail quietly leading the early stages of the Rebellion it is left to Chuchi to take up Padmé’s role as the voice of conscience in the Senate. Still question on the millions of clones mentioned, I suspect we’ll be provided with more answers as the years go by. Shared thoughts on Rampart’s serpentine nature, compared to Tarkin who like you say, at least has the temerity to stab you in the front, and he has my love of Peter Cushing in his corner. I just assume the droid was who Bail says they are, as given the current sensitive situation, he knows that he’s got to keep little Leia safe and only trusts 3PO and R2 to help Breha with that. Possibly Lola as well if she was made by then. I love the showcasing that Bail has gotten over the years. One of the biggest unsung heroes of the galaxy, that it’s great that Jess has been a big champion for him. Certainly, Tarkin recognizes Bail’s iconic nature, leading to his making Alderaan his manifesto. Learning of the fully devout nature of this clone assassin, even going so far as to commit seppuku, gives us pause.

Ryan

If that beggar clone from the Obi Wan show is any indication, Chuchi's efforts won't go much of anywhere.

Ryan

Palpatine is especially Logan Roy-esque here. I can just imagine someone asking him why afterwards, and he says "Because it works. I. Fucking. Win. Oh go on, go on, fuck off, you nosy fucking pedestrians."

Thomas Corp

I think fans are as vocal about the Empire’s “stupidity” because we have the foreknowledge that we possess. You list most of the reasons of pragmatism in the decision that I’ve argued myself. I factor in too how it was mentioned how Jango’s dna reached its limit, and seeing as Boba’s off doing his own thing and the Emperor is unaware of the existence of Omega, one couldn’t just have the Kaminoans whip up millions of clones blindly loyal to the Empire, so... It does help that expanded universe material that doesn’t feature heroic main characters do demonstrate that the stormtroopers are a credible and serious threat, and pretty damn scary at times too. They'd have to be, if the Empire was using them for about eighteen years by the time of A New Hope. Them combined with the Inquisitorious, men like Tarkin and Thrawn, and of course, himself and Darth Vader, the Emperor has the necessary might to keep the galaxy in line. Or so he thinks.

Saltire le Hutt

Haha yeah Bail is definitely Deepthroat here, I never put that together before. Working on the inside to bring down Palpatine by tugging at various threads, and the work he does up until the destruction of Alderaan is remarkable indeed, and does help to bring our beloved Sith Lord down. On that, I've often wondered if Bail knows who and what Palpatine is, since he rescued Obi-Wan and Yoda, and was with Yoda when he fought Sidious. For that matter, does he know who Vader is? I've just woken from a kip and my mind is a bit foggy, so unsure on that too. Clones do look good with beards, and one is coming up very soon now, the magnificent handsome devil. I can understand people wondering if they have the right info from Rampart's Venator, as this is too important to not fuck up; but you are right, never doubt Tech and his efficiency. He's not perfect and can get things wrong from time to time, but in matters such as these, we should always trust in Tech. Its so fitting too that Rampart trying to play puppet master with all his tricks, gets played himself, by his own boss, showing he was never important to them, merely another tool to get what Palpatine wants done, even if he has to come out and sort it himself. "I was following orders" and getting arrested by clones too, is very poetic indeed. See ya later pal! :D