The Bad Batch Season 2 Review

The Bad Batch season 2 gives fans more Clone Force 99 stories in a high stakes, action packed, collection of episodes — with a few fillers mixed in.

Everyone’s favorite “defective” clone troopers are back in Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 2. Fans catch up with Omega, Echo, Wrecker, Hunter, and Tech as they continue navigating through the Empire after the fall of the Republic. These clones are just trying their best to survive as mercenaries in this new world, while also hoping to stay one step ahead of the Empire and their brother, Crosshair, who stayed behind to help their enemy. 

This season they come face to face with friends and foes. The episodes themselves are all under thirty minutes, and make up an action packed, high stakes, season.

It should be noted that this review is based solely off of the first 14 episodes of Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 2, and there are 16 episodes slated for the season. That means that we have not yet seen the final two episodes, with episode 14 leaving off on quite the cliffhanger. Could the last hour of the show completely change our opinion on the season as a whole? Possibly. But likely not. 

The Bad Batch Season 2 Review

The Bad Batch season 2 starts off throwing fans right back into the thick of it. The gang is in trouble, because of course they are, and running from giant crablike creatures. It is quite a way to start the season, and brings back the intense, high stakes, moments that viewers are used to when it comes to these guys. However, as the season continues on, it also relishes in the more quiet, character development scenes and episodes.

With each episode being so short, it might seem like a quick and easy binge — and it is. However, as we watched them all back to back, season two did start to feel a bit redundant and slow. Sometimes things are better off being spread apart. Thanks to the weekly releases of The Bad Batch season 2, this will likely be a better experience for fans.

There are new characters around every corner, but the most notable is new regular Phee Genoa, voiced by Wanda Sykes. Phee is a treasure hunter and adventure-seeker with an eye for priceless artifacts, which means she fits right in with fan favorite Cid. Phee prefers to be seen as a liberator of ancient wonders rather than a pirate. Omega is enthralled by a way of life that promises excitement and financial stability almost instantly. 

Phee is a fun addition to the supporting cast of characters, and she brings a lot to the table. There is a lot to love about her character, and her dynamic with Omega, and even the rest of the clones, is great. She does, however, take away from the main storyline sometimes. We can see how those wishing to spend all their time with Echo, Hunter, Wrecker, Omega, and Tech could get a bit annoyed whenever she pops up.

When we get action this season, it really delivers. There are some intense sequences that feel really high stakes for the clones, and will certainly have viewers on the edge of their seats. While this is certainly not every episode, there are enough in the first 14 of season 2 that will keep those who want Star Wars to be about blasters and battles content. They might not be over the moon thrilled, but they will get their fill of it.

When it comes to the events of the season, this series is starting to really integrate itself with other Star Wars lore that is happening in the same time frame. We won’t say too much for fear of spoilers, but this is where things really get exciting.

Overall Thoughts

When Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 2 works, it really works. But when it misses, it really misses. Some episodes feel completely unnecessary to the larger picture, especially for those who really love this ragtag group of defective clones, and want to focus on their overall story. 

Still, it is lovely to see fan favorites like Commander Cody return to the screen, and interacting with these clones. He is always welcome in Star Wars lore as far as we are concerned — and we would have been thrilled with even more of him. 

This season has its lulls, that is for sure. There are a lot of episodes that feel like fillers, but when the main storyline is focused on, this show truly delivers. It isn’t perfect, but it is entertaining when it works, and we cannot wait to see how this season wraps up.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

NEXT: Andor Season 1 Review: The Star Wars We Need

About The Bad Batch Season 2

Months have passed since the events on Kamino and the Bad Batch continue their journey navigating the Empire after the fall of the Republic. They will cross paths with friends and foes, both new and familiar, as they take on a variety of thrilling mercenary missions that will take them to unexpected and dangerous new places.

The Bad Batch: Season 2 premieres exclusively on Disney+ on January 4, 2023.