The Bad Batch, an animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars sequel, is chock-full of tried and true Star Wars tropes. The plot is a close parallel of The Mandalorian: a child with mysterious powers is saved by a veteran bounty hunter/mercenaries from a Mandalor-derived warrior culture.
The clone voices except Omega are all by Dee Bradley Baker, who carries the weight of the show admirably, somehow making each clone's vocalization unique enough that we can clearly identify them even when speaking from off-screen. Michelle Ang does a great job voicing the young female Jango Fett clone, Omega.
The plot advances slowly. The side missions for Cid can seem like frustrating detours.
The writing is okay but not inspired. The characters get little characterization above Wrecker: the Big Guy, Hunter, the Rambo/Billy from Predator, Crosshair, the taciturn cold sniper and so on.
The animation is smooth and the backgrounds, particle effects, and lighting are wallpaper-worthy in many places.
The introduction of known characters is fan-servicey especially when they hold up the progression of the main plot as the Hera Syndulla arc did. We know these characters survive to later episodes, so their heavy plot armor detracts from any sense of suspense.
Overall, The Bad Batch is fodder for the Star Wars or sf or anime fan. Well-made and thoughtful, but not really compelling. 3.5/5 stars.
WesternAnimation Bad Batch season 1 is Okay
Bad Batch season 1 is okay.
The Bad Batch, an animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars sequel, is chock-full of tried and true Star Wars tropes. The plot is a close parallel of The Mandalorian: a child with mysterious powers is saved by a veteran bounty hunter/mercenaries from a Mandalor-derived warrior culture.
The clone voices except Omega are all by Dee Bradley Baker, who carries the weight of the show admirably, somehow making each clone's vocalization unique enough that we can clearly identify them even when speaking from off-screen. Michelle Ang does a great job voicing the young female Jango Fett clone, Omega.
The plot advances slowly. The side missions for Cid can seem like frustrating detours.
The writing is okay but not inspired. The characters get little characterization above Wrecker: the Big Guy, Hunter, the Rambo/Billy from Predator, Crosshair, the taciturn cold sniper and so on.
The animation is smooth and the backgrounds, particle effects, and lighting are wallpaper-worthy in many places.
The introduction of known characters is fan-servicey especially when they hold up the progression of the main plot as the Hera Syndulla arc did. We know these characters survive to later episodes, so their heavy plot armor detracts from any sense of suspense.
Overall, The Bad Batch is fodder for the Star Wars or sf or anime fan. Well-made and thoughtful, but not really compelling. 3.5/5 stars.