Star Wars: The Bad Batch (1.4) Episode Recap: Something More

Star Wars: The Bad Batch established in its second episode (and in the last third of its first episode) the format of the trajectory for this first season. Our titular squadron is on the run. They are outcasts even in the formation of this new universal order obliquely called the Empire. Of course, even the most tangential fans of the Star Wars universe know how that turns out, but here we are along for the ride. Literally in this case. Last week’s episode saw The Bad Batch crash landing on a moon and this week’s episode sees them chased by a bounty hunter. That bounty hunter is Fennec Shand. The foundation of her role in The Bad Batch is established but certainly not fleshed out in this particular episode.

Once again, the most striking thing that happens visually in this episode is the use of shadows. Most of the episode takes place in a chase scene in the streets of the planet that the squadron is stranded on. The streets generate a multitude of colors from purples to yellows to blues, but the part that remains most striking in this fourth episode is the way that shadows fall on the faces of Fennec, Omega, and Hunter.

I am currently in the midst of a remarkably strong run of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, specifically with Asajj Ventress’ origin and revenge story, and I find myself realizing that some of the best stories of Star Wars: The Clone Wars are the most intimate ones. The Bad Batch offers that in droves. It’s clear after the last three episodes that the show is still trying to find its footing amidst the larger forces at work in its universe (especially the development of the Empire). But there’s so much there. I find myself entranced by a considerable amount that happens in each of these episodes. The movement from episode to episode belies something more. Something I keep hoping for. Whether that is a deeper character study or a deeper dive on the ensemble of the Bad Batch, there is a part of me that is holding out for more. Let us see what’s next.