Rather than beginning quietly, the action wastes no time as the story pushes every character towards Mount Tantiss. After the tense conclusion of the previous episode, Crosshair, Hunter, and Wrecker—still voiced by Dee Bradley Baker—team up with former Imperial Vice Admiral Rampart, played by Noshir Dalal, for a daring rescue.
At the same time, Echo finds himself back within the facility, collaborating with Dr. Emerie Karr, portrayed by Keisha Castle-Hughes, who appears to have changed her stance. The entire operation points to Project Necromancer.
No redemption arc for Rampart, just a fiery goodbye (Photo: Star Wars/Lucasfilm Ltd.)The Empire’s desperate strategy to replicate Emperor Sheev Palpatine in anticipation of his future demise in Return of the Jedi. At the heart of this effort is Omega, voiced by Michelle Ang, who is actively scheming her breakout from the vault in Tantiss, alongside the other test subjects that possess high M-counts.
Though the story does not spin this group into a separate series, one could picture a more grown-up version of Young Jedi Adventures being inspired by them.
In a sequence that brings to mind Jurassic Park, Omega and her companions set loose the massive Zillo Beast, reintroducing the creature from Star Wars: The Clone Wars and an earlier appearance in The Bad Batch.
While the Zillo Beast causes major destruction at Tantiss Base, those expecting Dr. Hemlock, voiced by Jimmi Simpson, to meet his end through the creature are mistaken. Hopes of an emotional reunion quickly fade as Hemlock captures Hunter, Crosshair, and Wrecker, with plans to put the Bad Batch through reconditioning.
Despite past efforts to reprogram Crosshair having failed, Hemlock activates his CX assassins, revealing that not all clones avoided this cruel fate. After much fan debate, the theory that the deadly CX-2 assassin is Tech under brainwashing falls flat.
Instead, Hunter takes him down swiftly with a spear to the chest, offering no surprise twist. Fans were also displeased by how Scorch from Delta Squad was eliminated without ceremony, treated almost like a regular droid.
Rampart’s supposed redemption does not last long either; in a bid to win favour with the Empire again, he betrays the group. However, Nala Se, voiced by Gwendoline Yeo, delivers justice by sacrificing herself in a fiery blast that eliminates Rampart.
What Is Project Stardust?
With Imperial strength fading, Hemlock makes a last-minute move to escape with Omega but ends up being stopped by Hunter and Crosshair in a tense standoff. Despite his shaky condition, Crosshair manages to kill Hemlock in a gunfight.
Project Necromancer’s findings are destroyed, taking with them the Empire’s current understanding of Omega’s potential value. Before the episode closes, Governor Tarkin—voiced by Stephen Stanton—appears to deliver a scathing evaluation.
He concludes that Hemlock has wasted the Empire’s resources. As a result, funding is withdrawn from Project Necromancer and redirected to Project Stardust. This development becomes another reference to the construction of the Death Star, following Andor’s post-credit scene.
Where Does The Bad Batch Leave the Team?
Instead of ending in tragedy, the last moments offer a rare sense of peace as the surviving Bad Batch members manage to live through the chaos. They regroup in the safety of Pabu, with hope for a better life beginning to take shape.
Echo and Dr. Emerie Karr head towards Pantora to assist Senator Chuchi in helping the other clones adjust to their new reality. Meanwhile, Omega and the rescued children from Tantiss begin building a life for themselves on Pabu.
Although Crosshair, Hunter, and Wrecker remain behind while Echo departs on a different mission, the team’s separation brings a sense of sadness once more. Reflecting on past losses, Crosshair’s statement that Clone Force 99 ceased to exist with Tech’s death carries heavy meaning.
The theme of personal choice runs deep, leading to a time jump of about two decades. In that future, an older Omega is seen alongside Hunter near the upgraded Marauder 2.0. By linking the story to the original trilogy, the ending gives a subtle nod to the future, as Omega expresses her desire to join the Rebel Alliance as a pilot.
Her departure with Gonky mirrors the growth she’s experienced, and as Tech’s broken glasses are shown one last time, it becomes clear how far she has come because of her brothers’ influence.
Will There Be a Bad Batch Season 4 or Another Spinoff?
While no official plans for a fourth season or new animated series have been confirmed, many elements of the story are still open for development. Echo’s path in particular appears to hint at the potential for a clone rebellion arc that could include Captain Rex and revisit the popular Domino Squad.
Crosshair proves loyalty with a shot that ends it all (Photo: Star Wars/Lucasfilm Ltd.)Omega’s limited role in stories that occur later in the timeline had some fans fearing that The Bad Batch finale would take a similar route as Rogue One, ending in total loss. Instead, Omega’s dreams of joining the Rebel cause leave room for her return, whether through animation or live-action.
Just like how Rebels’ Ghost was included in Episode IX, there’s a possibility that Omega has always been part of the bigger picture without us realising it.
Though Project Necromancer is expected to play a larger role during the New Republic era of The Mandalorian Season 3, this happens long after both Death Stars have been destroyed and following the deaths of Tarkin and Palpatine.
It’s left to the Shadow Council and Commandant Brendol Hux, portrayed by Brian Gleeson, to carry the torch further in the timeline. There are still several unresolved story threads.
Whether Captain Rex truly appears in Return of the Jedi remains unanswered; there is no appearance by Asajj Ventress to set up her future, and the Zillo Beast is now roaming the galaxy unchecked.
Even with all of that, The Bad Batch signs off with a deeply emotional finish, giving those once-dismissed clones the rest they’ve more than earned.
