Last week’s episode of Star Wars: The Bad Batch concluded with Crosshair finally reaching his breaking point with the Empire. Unfortunately, his cathartic execution of Imperial Lieutenant Nolan resulted in the sharpshooter being taken to the Mount Tantiss mad science facility. Based on what Dr. Scalder said before injecting him with a sedative, it’s safe to assume this won’t be a routine medical visit.
This week, we rejoin the Bad Batch as they finally decide to stop working for Cid. This leads to yet another (mostly) self-contained adventure story, albeit one that cleverly plays homage to a classic movie/franchise.
As always, the recap portion of this review will contain plenty of spoilers along with some brief explorations of Star Wars lore.
Anything Goes
Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Disney+)
The episode opens with Phee and Omega meeting a criminal named Lanse Crowder to exchange an artifact for some credits. Predictably, Crowder attempts to double-cross them. When poisoning Phee doesn’t work, he tries to kill her by releasing a kouhun.
*Side Note: Kouhuns are basically venomous millipedes. You may remember them from the first assassination attempt on Padme in ‘Episode II: Attack of the Clones.’
As expected, the rest of the Bad Batch are there to back Phee up. A gunfight ensues that results in Phee and the Bad Batch escaping with the credits and the artifact. Omega also appeared to totally kill a guy and seriously injure another.
*Side Note: If you’re an Indiana Jones fan and this scene felt familiar, then you aren’t crazy. It was actually paying homage to the opening scene from ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.’
Bryan Young over at SlashFilm also managed to spot the mother of all Easter eggs: The name of the bar (written in Aurebesh) is Club Lao Che. Lao Che is the name of the character who tried to kill Indiana Jones during the ‘Temple of Doom’ opening in a bar called Club Obi Wan.
Back on the Marauder, Phee notes how impressed she is with Omega, but also expresses concern that all the girl knows thus far is the life of a soldier.
Their conversation is interrupted by a holographic voicemail from Cid, who chastises them for cutting ties with her and warns them to reconsider lest there be consequences. Phee suggests that the Bad Batch allow her to show them a hidden sanctuary where they can hide out.
Hopefully you enjoyed that part of the episode because it’s all downhill from here.
Welcome to Paradise
Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Disney+)
The group arrives on Pabu, an island planet/city that Phee considers her home base. It’s also a sanctuary for refugees and has a structure where countless artifacts from across the galaxy are stored. The group is then greeted by Pabu’s mayor, Shep Hazard, and his daughter Lyana. When Shep hugs Phee, Wrecker teases Tech that he might have some competition.
*Side Note: Huh?
The group is invited to take a tour of the beautiful city followed by a feast. As they depart, Tech and Phee give each other a lingering look.
*Side Note: HUH??
While the Bad Batch get a history lesson on the beautiful location, Omega is approached by some friendly moon-yos (i.e. adorable green monkeys). Tech notes that he hasn’t heard Omega laugh or sound so happy in a very long time. Shep tells Hunter that many come to Pabu to escape galactic conflicts and live a peaceful life — something he could definitely do with his adopted daughter.
Wave of Realization
Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Disney+)
While Omega and Lyana go out for a boat ride, the Bad Batch enjoy a delicious feast. Everyone feels incredibly happy and content, especially Wrecker.
Unfortunately, their merriment is cut short when Hunter notices the moon-yos beginning to flee toward higher ground. Sure enough, a series of tremors cause a tsunami to form. Hunter goes out in the Maurader to rescue Omega and Lyana while the rest of the Bad Batch help evacuate the citizenry to higher ground. Everyone is saved just in time, but the lower part of the island city is demolished.
After the water recedes, Hunter tells Shep that he’s decided the Bad Batch can stay for a while and help the city rebuild. Tech claims to have had the same idea, prompting him and Phee to exchange wry smiles with each other.
The Verdict
Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Disney+)
Did I completely miss that there was something between Phee and Tech?
Even if I did, their potential coupling is completely out of left field. I get trying to make opposites attract, but there has to be some type of believable chemistry for it to work. A potential romance between Hunter and Phee actually has potential (and makes a lot more sense). Tech and Phee, on the other hand, make absolutely no sense together. Maybe they would if we ever saw signs of interest/flirtation before now, but I definitely can’t remember any.
Unfortunately, the Tech/Phee romance is nowhere near the worst part of this episode. While it does set up what’s sure to be a very temporary new home for the Bad Batch (before Cid inevitably betrays them), all ‘Padu’ does is give the “tHeRe Is nO sUcH tHiNg aS a FiLlEr EpIsOdE” people a way to excuse just how awful this one was. After the admittedly fun opening, the stakes are the lowest we’ve ever seen. Even during the conveniently timed tsunami, it was obvious that no one was in any danger.
One of the only good things you can say about this episode is that it looked absolutely gorgeous. Padu looks like a wonderful place to visit and relax. Unfortunately, it doesn’t generate the conflict necessary for a good story….at least not yet.
Hopefully next week’s installment will be the start of three strong episodes in a row — something that we haven’t had this entire season.
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