The Bad Batch: Flash Strike Thoughts
The penultimate episode of the series placed a lot of pressure on the finale to deliver as it moved pieces into place.
We are nearing the end of The Bad Batch, which will close chapters not just in the Bad Batch team but also in the Clones. While “Flash Strike” moves the plot forward enough in its 22 minutes, there is much more ground to cover for the finale.
The team makes it to Tantiss but quickly finds themselves with no ship, stuck in the treacherous jungles with an indignant Rampart. Meanwhile, Omega finds the ultimate distraction for an escape attempt.
Strength of Conviction
A few conversations in “Flash Strike” challenge the characters’ participation in their convictions. This entire season has been a slow redemption arc for Crosshair, but the former loyal soldier of the Empire has yet to be challenged on whether he has changed. When Crosshair tells Rampart that the Empire betrayed them both, Rampart reminds Crosshair that the sharpshooter is like him, in it for himself. Crosshair insists that he has changed, and Rampart mutters, “Sure you have.”
It is an unfinished conversation and suggests that the remark could return in an ultimate test for Crosshair that might end in a sacrifice. Or perhaps Crosshair has already made a sacrifice by coming back to Tantiss.
But Crosshair telling Wrecker that he “owes Omega” because she did not abandon him is more of a form of respect between peers than a brother/sister relationship. It is an interesting contrast to their time together in “Bad Territory” when Omega notes that Crosshair has missed a lot (referring to the Bad Batch’s adventures and Omega’s experiences in seasons one and two). That is more of a brother/sister moment.
Crosshair and Omega’s relationship has been the best element of season three, partly because of their dynamic as siblings and soldiers. Despite being incredibly protective of Omega, he does not treat her like a child. Wrecker also appears to treat Omega more like a peer, but even he questions Crosshair’s decision to “let” Omega turn herself in.
However, Crosshair has shown little interest in saving other Clones and has always felt superior to “regs.” His opinion started to shift when he met Commander MayDay in season two. MayDay’s meaningless death is the reason Crosshair ended up on Tantiss.
Could Crosshair finally show that he has come full circle in considering all the Clones as his brothers, not just the Bad Batch specifically? What would that look like, and does it have to come at the expense of his life?
It would be nice to see Crosshair emerge from this series alive and continue to grow, but some indications presented here cause concern.
Rampart is at the other end of that conversation. He is a wildcard because even though the Empire has betrayed him, he knows there is no fighting back against them, and the Empire’s values align with his. Until he was discarded, Rampart excelled in that environment.
The series already introduced a character in Cid who claimed to have changed but betrayed the Bad Batch when they were most vulnerable. Rampart could be the second.
But he has also been set up to do the right thing. Did the conversation with Crosshair affect him and shift his perspective?
Then there is Echo and Emerie’s encounter. Omega first mentions Emerie to the Batch in “The Return,” and the team sort of glosses over the fact that there is another female Clone.
But the writing team continues to pay off small moments. When Echo infiltrates the science lab, Emerie sees and recognizes him from Omega’s stories. Omega tells stories to connect with people (she does this with Crosshair in “Confined” when discussing Batcher). That it has happened offscreen works as the handmade Lola doll is already a symbol of the sisters’ developing bond.
So Emerie recognizing Echo and Echo challenging her to live up to Omega’s trust makes sense. Emerie’s willingness to help Echo also indicates that she is secretly aiding Omega to escape. Emerie, as a scientist, facing a Clone who has been the victim of cruel experimentation is a powerful moment that can fuel both their arcs moving into the finale.
A lot of Action and A lot of Setup
It is easy to take something for granted, but I want to reiterate how incredible the animation looks and shines in this series, specifically during establishing shots and action scenes.
When the Batch disengages from the science vessel and is immediately approached by Tie Fighters, Hunter shows off his flying skills by flipping the ship and shooting up toward the Imperial Fighters.
The action sequence includes ground canons from the Tantiss base that ultimately send the ship crashing and the team (and Rampart) scattered in the jungle. We also get a better look at the Dryax from “Shadows of Tantiss” in daylight. Creature design has also been impressive this season, and the Dryax has been revealed to have green feathers that allow it to blend in with the jungle.
Aside from the jungle creatures, this episode felt very Rogue One, where our heroes are trapped in a situation where there is no way out.
When Omega follows the dumbwaiter system to investigate, she finds the Zillo Beast in another room with a body of water. This is another payoff from “Metamorphasis” in season two. We already know what Omega will do before she says the last lines of the episode: “I have a plan, and I’m going to need your help.” She will do what she always does when she sees creatures caged: set the Zillo Beast free.
However, Omega also knows the damage this creature can do, so releasing it will be more of a distraction from escaping than rescuing it. Her asking the others for help could lead to one or all of them connecting with the creature through the Force.
While “Flash Strike” has plenty of action, it is a short episode that mainly sets up characters and situations for an epic showdown. Hopefully, that showdown will be given the time it deserves to conclude this series.
Originally published at http://creditsandcanon.com on April 30, 2024.
