Star Wars: The Bad Batch

This series is incredibly formulaic. Not exactly original but that doesn't mean it's bad. A good formula executed well can still equal a great show, which is what this is. It really speaks to how effective certain tropes are when even after seeing slight variations of the same things time and time again, still elicits feelings of satisfaction in the hearts of the audience.

For instance, the villain is someone that we've seen countless times before, but it's pulled off so well in such perfect form that it just works because he's who we want him to be. Our heroes also conform to such typical stereotypes but again, done so well that we don't mind and even welcome it. It can be argued that the uninspired roles they fill with personalities to match are reasoned away in the larger context of what it means to be a clone, but that's just another convenient variation of a theme that we're comfortable with. The entire show is filled with things like this, such as Omega being somehow special and needs to be guarded, but her guardians also recognize her as a full member of the team so that's different enough to accept as something fresh. Or how we see old characters make an appearance for arguably little more than nostalgia, yet as transparent as this is it's briefly explained away via story and we just accept it because we want to. This continues all the way through until the finish. The way things end up is exactly as expected. Outside of one event that the writers shockingly committed to, nothing else was surprising in the slightest and there's nothing wrong with that.

Now combine all of the above with superb animation, excellent lighting and atmosphere, A+ voice work, great scene composition, good pacing / transition and you end up with something fantastic.

I only have one complaint, and that's the inclusion of fillers. There may have been fillers in the original clone wars series, but that had far more episodes than this one and could allow for it. The ones present here would have benefited from being a little more focused and less freeform.

I really enjoyed The Bad Batch. If you were a fan of the series that came before it this is a must watch. Or if you simply like good storytelling, for which this is an excellent example of.

This show is really good. I understand why people don't like it, and they have some fair points that I agree with. I don't mind filler episodes if they are done well. Sometimes they're done well, other times, not so much. The plot centric episodes are really good though, and the characters are good, with crosshair being the show stealer in terms of writing, and the animation is incredible. Not all characters worked well. I feel like echo got sidelined, but he had his fair amount of development in the clone wars. This show's greatest strength is the world building. Seeing the Republic's transition to the empire from the clones point of view was great. Overall, it's the best first season out of any star wars animated show, but not one of the great ones YET. It's like a 7.8/10 for me.

Top drawer animation with storylines that rival the very best the franchise has to offer.

Gripping and engaging, the Bad Batch is a worthy successor to the Clone Wars and a notable entry in the franchise.

With a plot centred on propelling the narrative of Palpatine's fledgling Empire, fans will find much to enjoy as we are shown the paradigm shift from the perspective of many worlds we are familiar with.

It's a difficult transition from the Clones point of view, as they find themselves having done their duty and a changing world that no longer requires their services.

Poignant and powerful are the few episodes dealing with this specifically.

Bravo.

Yes there are filler episodes, but I urge you to remember The Clone Wars. Quit making excuses and watch The Bad Batch. What are you waiting for?

This show is very much like clone wars as it balances dark and serious moments with fun and lighthearted! In Clone Wars some of the arcs were mature and amazing that build upon the movies and cannon, while some felt like dumb filler with no purpose!

The same goes for this show, as some of the episodes are side quests, mainly aimed for kids, and some of the episodes contribute to the overall story, are more dark and mature, especially in season two, and aimed for the more mature or older audience who grew up watching The Clone Wars and the movies!

I would say you dont need to watch every episode! Some of the filler episodes can be skipped and you wont miss out! I skipped some of the filler in season two and I enjoyed that season more than one!

The animation though is amazing and that goes for every episode, even the ones that don't matter! Soundtrack is also fantastic as it creates a vibe unique to this show!

The show might have its ups and downs but is still better than some of the live action star wars shows!

Excited for season 3.