Commentary: ‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch’ Reveals The True Dark Side Is The Search For Immortality
by Frank Martin
In the realm of Star Wars mythology, the Sith are one of the most mysterious and yet most interesting facets. Characters that adhere to the Dark Side are mysterious and powerful. And yet, Star Wars has been relatively cagey about exploring their origins and religious beliefs. The Jedi are much more documented, and not surprisingly. They existed for thousands of years and had tons of history and literature for the mythology to expand upon. But there are moments when a lot can be learned about the Sith and the Dark Side, and some might be surprised to learn that one of these moments came towards the end of Star Wars: The Bad Batch.
Although The Bad Batch was primarily about the clones’ struggle for survival, the storyline also dealt with how the Empire would utilize cloning technology, especially in the show’s final season. Hints were dropped along the way, but it was eventually revealed that the Empire, Hemlock (Jimmi Simpson) in particular, was working on a secretive project for the Emperor called Necromancer that required Omega (Michelle Ang). Although it wasn’t stated explicitly, fans of the series could put the pieces together. During the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy, Sheev Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) returned to life via cloning technology. It’s reasonable to believe that Necromancer was the early stages of this plan for him to, somehow, return.
Ultimately, that is what being a Sith is all about. There are many instances throughout Star Wars history of beings trying to use the Force to escape the end of their lives. Palpatine telling the story of Darth Plagueis to Anakin Skywalker is a foundational moment in their story. Plagueis tried to escape death, and that is what led him to the Dark Side. Anakin also tried to escape death, not for himself but for his loved ones. And that, too, led him to the Dark Side. Palpatine, through a mixture of science and the Force, succeeded in escaping his own demise. Although his plans were foiled during The Bad Batch, it is very insightful to see how a dark Force-user will utilize any and all means to accomplish their ultimate goal of achieving immortality.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch is now streaming on Disney+.
