TV Review: ‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch’ Season 3, Episode 14 Is Treading Water
by Frank Martin
At this point, it feels as if Star Wars: The Bad Batch is carrying on in order to meet a quota of episodes. There’s no reason why this season couldn’t have wrapped up several weeks ago. Ever since Omega (Michelle Ang) got captured, there has been nothing but filler. That doesn’t mean they have been empty. It’s still quality Star Wars storytelling with great characters to root for. But the plot hasn’t moved along. Omega remains where she is and the Bad Batch inches closer to finally freeing her. The main point about this week’s episode is that the action ramps up a lot as the endgame is within reach.
Following up on previous events, the Bad Batch use the Imperial equipment they stole to approach the base where Omega is being held. Immediately realizing that the base is under attack, Omega knows the rest of the group has found her and begins implementing her plan to escape. Meanwhile, the Bad Batch is shot down and has to evade Imperial forces while traversing through the jungle. The episode ultimately ends with Rampart (Noshir Dalal) getting captured and Omega telling the other children that it is time to break out.
As a whole, the episode’s plot simply treads water. But there is still a bunch of wonderful character moments. The best was probably when Omega realized the Bad Batch had arrived and told the other children who looked up to her, “my brothers found me.” The devious grin on her face while delivering the line really spoke to the bond she shares with the others. Another nice moment was when Echo (Dee Bradley Baker) was discovered by Karr (Keisha Castle-Hughes). She has been torn since the beginning of the season and has a slow moving character arc of turning against the Empire. She may not be an ally just yet, but Echo’s time with her showed just how conflicted she really is.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch streams Wednesdays on Disney+.
