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by Jake Bourgeois, Contributing Writer  

We’ve come to the end of another Star Wars saga. 

Star Wars: The Bad Batch has concluded after three seasons. Originally, when the project was announced, I was admittedly disappointed. I wanted what eventually became the live action Ahsoka show to be next in the animated canon. However, after spending the last few years with the ragtag group, I’ve appreciated the time I’ve spent with them. 

As we rejoin the members of Clone Force 99, even more than previous seasons, it’s clear this is Omega’s (Michelle Ang) show. Her arc is quite impressive, and she really comes into her own this season. When it comes to the rest of the crew, perhaps we’re underrating just how impressive Dee Bradley Baker has been in voicing all of the rest of the clone characters, because he’s so consistently good. If I had to pick a standout, it’s probably Crosshair, who’s coming to terms with his previous decisions and has to re-earn the trust of his brothers. 

When it comes to Season Three, I’m happy that the story doesn’t go back on some of the big decisions from the end of Season Two. However, it does mean that for a final season, it doesn’t pack the punch that the previous season did. Though, I still watched the credits roll, satisfied with where our crew left off.

Like I said the last time around, perhaps one of the most impressive things about the story is that it’s the only Star Wars project that’s gotten me to care about the Emperor’s cloning program. That carries through to this season, and is a big part of the narrative. Likewise, The Bad Batch knows better than others when to call on characters from previous properties. In case you missed the marketing, I won’t spoil it here, but I will just say our guest appearances for this season are well used. The show doesn’t feel the need to bring in characters who don’t have a reason to be there just for the momentary endorphin rush. So every surprise guest feels earned. 

The music by animated Star Wars TV veteran, Kevin Kiner, remains a real highlight of the show. He’s joined this season by both his daughter, Deana, and son, Sean, who get composer credits for a handful of episodes. They knew what buttons to push, how hard to push them in a given moment, and when to do the pushing. 

Overall, The Bad Batch has been solid. However, it’s not something I’ve found myself going back to, like other Star Wars animated shows. The Clone Wars has some of my favorite arcs in all of Star Wars — the “Twilight of the Apprentice” two-parter is one of my favorite Star Wars things ever. Even Visions and Tales of the Jedi have stories I’m probably more likely to go back to for quick Star Wars hits. But The Bad Batch has still been remarkably consistent, if not often rising to the level of exceptional. 

So even though it perhaps has to go down as probably my least favorite of the Star Wars animated projects, it’s still good — and better than some of the more recent live action entries. 

Rating: Liked It

Star Wars: The Bad Batch is currently streaming on Disney+

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You can read more from Jake Bourgeois, and follow him on Twitter and Letterboxd