Review: ‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch’ Season 3, Episode 8 Takes An Action-Packed Breather
by Frank Martin
In this new age of streaming, shows are being divided into two separate columns. There are binge-worthy shows that take a long form approach to storytelling, leading to the feeling of a very long movie broken up into chapters. The other column is a more traditional weekly approach (even if several episodes are released at once) with separate adventures. This is the category that Star Wars: The Bad Batch falls into, and it does it very well. The problem with this approach is that it’s hard to keep high stakes character drama going week in and week out. There are bound to be “filler” episodes to connect the main narrative. This week’s episode is one such example.
With the Empire after Omega (Michelle Ang) because of her M-count, Hunter (Dee Bradley Baker) and Wrecker (also Baker) go in search for answers as to what that means. They reluctantly contact bounty hunter Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen) hoping that she has an insight. She only agrees to help them if they assist her in capturing a very dangerous bounty. Meanwhile, Omega and Crosshair (Baker again) stay back and out of trouble. She uses this time to help Crosshair’s problem with his trembling hand.
The Empire isn’t a factor in this episode at all — making it “filler.” But that doesn’t mean the episode isn’t worthwhile. Fennec Shand is a fan favorite, so any chance to see her back for an episode or two is a bonus. Plus, it has some great action, which is a Star Wars necessity. This doesn’t even take into account the character growth that Crosshair is undergoing thanks to Omega. Not every episode has to ramp up its tension and plot points to the max. Sometimes it’s fine for the characters to take a breather from the larger narrative. This episode is a great example of that.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch streams Wednesdays on Disney+.
