This week's episode featured The Bad Batch having to rescue a Separatist senator. Image by LucasfilmOmega is safe but the galaxy remains in turmoil. What's an enhanced clone group to do? Star Wars: The Bad Batch sent Clone Force99 on another side mission. This reminded us of where the galaxy is at the moment, as well as where it has been.AdvertisementThe Bad Batch's episode 10 is called Common Ground. It began with the Empire looking for some. The Empire has invaded the planet Raxus. This was the homeworld of the Separatist Senate. Bragg, an Imperial c aptain, warns Raxus citizens that they must surrender to the occupation. He urges Senator Avi Singh (Star Trek Deep Space Nine legend Alexander Siddig), for help. Bragg's Senator Singh begins to speak for Bragg, but eventually canthe changes his tune. The Empire is hated by the Raxus people. Bragg quickly and predictably captures Singh and sends her troopers to intimidate him. Fortunately, Singh's droid, DS-8 has clear instructions. These include calling Cid (the bar owner) and asking for help. Clone Force 99 is the help they need, and they are looking to get some peace after all that Omega has been through. They lose all hope quickly when Cid informs them of the rescue mission. They don't want to go and Omega is not in danger. Hunter proposes a compromise: Leave Omega with Cid, so that Omega doesn't get picked up by any of the bounty hunters after her. However, the Batch are divided about this mission. They spent the Clone Wars fighting the Separatists. Are they willing to put their lives on the line to save a Separatist s Enator?Raxus is home to the Bad Batch. Image by LucasfilmCommon Ground has the most interesting subtext. It states that, now that the Empire controls the galaxy, all other groups are basically united. You can either be with them or against them. Senator Singh is actually one of the better guys. It doesn't matter what he was in the past. Although the episode doesn't really explore this idea, Clone Force 99 goes about their rescue mission. The troops arrive on Raxus and meet up with DS-8. This was a great example of how the Bad Batch is better than any other Clone Trooper. They quickly dispatch several Clone Troopers and surveillance systems, just like a video game. Then they make their way to Singh. (And the fact that he is being held in his wine cellar made it seem like we need more episodes on Star Wars alcohol.Singh's acquisition is only one part of the overall plan. They now have to free Singh and themselves from the prison where Singh's former estate is being held. This prison has been invaded by many, more Clone Troopers since Captain Bragg sent out an alert right before being stunned. This is yet another opportunity to see how amazing the Bad Batch are at what they do. They first commandeer an Imperial Walkerwell, it is an AT-TE as it is known. It was speeder bikes, and they took out half a dozen Clone Troopers along the way. They just take another walker when the first one is destroyed. The entire scene was reminiscent of a Star Wars-style monster truck rally and demolition derby. Large walkers were seen stomping around Singh's estate, destroying each other and walking over each other. Singh's suggestion to go down an alleyway dead-end pays off, and they are able find a secret passageway out of the city via the sewers. Singh is satisfied with the mission and even though he contemplates staying on Raxus in order to help his people, Hunter tells him that he can do more from afar.Star Wars gambling scenes look great. Image courtesy LucasfilmAdvertisementOmega, on the other hand, is enjoying a drink at Cid's bar while all this is going on. Although she is accused of being inept, it might be true. However, Cid discovered that Omega has a remarkable talent for holochess (aka dejarik). The Bad Batch transformed from a Star Wars-themed show to Searching For Bobby Fischer meets Rounders. Cid uses Omega's skills to scam patrons. Omega had made so much that she was able to pay off the Bad Batch's debts by the time they return with Singh. Omega said that she wanted to be useful, even if it meant not being on the mission. She was.Common Ground featured our main characters doing what they love best: Common Ground. The Bad Batch is fighting the Empire and kicking their arse. Omega is a strategist and helps out wherever she can. Although you would have liked to hear more stories from each character, it was satisfying to see them justify why they were so important to us. They are the only ones in the galaxy who can do what they do.AdvertisementAre you curious about where our RSS feed went. The new one can be found here.
