WARNING: This review contains spoilers for Star Wars: The Bad Batch – Season 1, Episode 16: Kamino Lost
With the beautiful structures of Tipoca City toppling into the ocean and the titular crew reunited, Star Wars: The Bad Batch wraps up its incredible debut season in entertaining, albeit underwhelming, fashion. Part two of the finale, titled Kamino Lost, picks up where its predecessor left off as the Bad Batch desperately try to survive after the Empire’s destruction of their home world.
Kamino Lost is a beautifully animated and suspenseful episode that would have worked better in sequence with Return to Kamino, rather than a standalone episode. Much of the emotional weight and more introspective topics this final arc of The Bad Batch had to offer was delivered in Part 1 of the finale, with this second part largely serving as an action-packed aftermath of sorts. There’s nothing wrong with this idea in concept, as we see Kamino’s fall not only offer some brilliant constructed action sequences, but also symbolizes the change in the galaxy with the definite fall of clone troopers. However, splitting these two episodes up ultimately makes Kamino Lost feel somewhat anticlimactic. The episode’s few intimate character moments are great, yet pale in comparison to similar scenes in Return to Kamino. All in all, Kamino Lost would’ve worked better if it was merged with Return to Kamino into a single episode.
Nonetheless, Kamino Lost still has plenty of enthralling scenes to offer and interesting themes to explore. The bulk of the episode follows the Bad Batch (newly reunited with Crosshair) as they desperately escape the demolished cloning facilities of Tipoca City. The action is tense and suspenseful, and offers a number of touching moments, including Omega saving Crosshair and Crosshair saving Omega and AZ. We’ve seen the quirky little droid in previous episodes of Star Wars animation dating back to The Clone Wars, but AZ is given a terrific chance to shine in this episode. His sacrifice for Omega was touching and it was such a relief to see Crosshair step in and save the droid.
As for the other characters, Omega and Crosshair are at the center of the episode’s most intimate moments. Over the course of the season, Omega has developed into a curious, strong-willed, charming, and genuine character. From the get-go, Omega has been the highlight of The Bad Batch’s first season and the season one finale affirms, once again, why this is the case. Omega’s care for and kindness toward others is infectious and, as much as Clone Force 99 have helped her, she’s certainly helped them in more ways than one.
As for Crosshair, the motivations underlying the ‘betrayal’ of the former member of the Bad Batch are explored a little more in this episode. Last week’s reveal that is a clash of philosophies, rather than the influence of an inhibitor chip, was unexpected and made Crosshair’s actions all the more heartbreaking. In Kamino Lost, we see Hunter and Crosshair trade verbal blows about their different stances. And Tech perhaps delivers the best line of the episode when addressing Crosshair’s conflicting views: “Understanding you does not mean I agree with you.” The episode ends on a somewhat underwhelming note of Clone Force 99 flying away, leaving Crosshair behind as he has made his decision to fight with the Empire. It’s obvious the series will continue to explore this strained relationship and dueling ideologies; it’s just a shame the finale didn’t deliver a more emotionally satisfying wrap-up to the conflict between Crosshair and the Bad Batch this season.
Thematically, Kamino Lost marks a significant shift in the state of the galaxy. Kamino’s cloning operations are destroyed, plummeted to the bottom of a deep and dark ocean. The Empire has moved on to cheaper and more numerous conscripted soldiers as they dispose of the cloning facilities they now deem redundant (for the most part that is). This is a big moment in Star Wars canon, and one that has been theorized about for decades now. The fall of Kamino is symbolic of the changes in the galaxy at this time. The Bad Batch’s exploration into changes in daily life, military operations, chain codes, the underworld, and more have provided some great insights into the galaxy under Imperial rule, but nothing in the series has been so dramatically evident of change as the events in Kamino Lost. After the recent announcement of a second season, we’re hoping The Bad Batch continues to delve deeply into the aftermath of the Empire’s takeover with an emphasis on clone troopers. How do other clones feel about the Empire’s decision to switch to conscripted soldiers? Do they feel betrayed? Angry? And now that the clones are disposed of, how does the Empire go about building an army that spans the galaxy? We hope all of this and more are given attention heading into season 2.
It wouldn’t be a Star Wars series without ending on a tease of what’s to come and The Bad Batch is no exception. Nala Se is delivered to an Imperial facility as she is still deemed valuable to the new regime. The Imperial officer’s uniform here is near identical to the uniforms worn by Dr. Pershing and colleagues in The Mandalorian, posing a host of questions moving forward. Broadly speaking, it’s brilliant to see shows like The Bad Batch and The Mandalorian complement one another in such a way. And, now more than ever, we can’t help but think the Empire’s interest in Grogu in The Mandalorian has something to do with cloning.
Verdict: 7.5/10
The Bad Batch caps off it’s first season in characteristically beautiful fashion in an episode that, despite some touching moments and an intrigue closing tease, would’ve benefitted from being merged with its predecessor. Crosshair’s decision is given more attention, as is the kindness and innocence of Omega. And, although somewhat underwhelming, Kamino Lost provides a satisfactory wrap-up to many of the first season’s plot threads, setting up nicely for season 2 coming in 2022.
WARNING: This review contains spoilers for Star Wars: The Bad Batch – Episode 15: Return to Kamino
As Clone Force 99 returns to Kamino and the long-awaited confrontation between Hunter and Crosshair occurs, Star Wars: The Bad Batch’s first season draws to a dramatic close in Part I of a two-part finale. Titled Return to Kamino, episode 15 sees Echo, Tech, Wrecker, and Omega journey to Kamino to rescue Hunter. Meanwhile, Crosshair and the Empire have plans of their own.
Return to Kamino feels like a perfect, poetic start to a final arc that ties together the different emotional threads and plot points of The Bad Batch’s debut season. The long-awaited confrontation between Hunter and Crosshair that the series’ pilot brilliantly set up is executed with tremendous and emotionally poignant effect in episode 15. Although Crosshair’s “turn to the dark side” was a shock in the first episode, the former member of Clone Force 99 has largely played a backseat role in the show’s first season. While, at times, this has been a bit disappointing, it made the emotional payoff in Return to Kamino all the more impactful after weeks of waiting. The big moment in this episode comes from Crosshair’s reveal that his alliance with the Empire was not driven by an inhibitor chip, but, rather, by a deep-rooted philosophical difference in how he perceives their role in the galaxy. To Hunter, Crosshair was a man who (unwillingly) betrayed his family for the sake of a regime deprived of all moral standing. But, to Crosshair, he was abandoned by his family for simply following orders in an effort to restore order to the galaxy. As viewers, we obviously know that Crosshair’s reasoning is weak to say the least and, nonetheless, this is still a powerful scene. Crosshair is not a mindless villain following orders against his will; he made a decision of his own volition that led to his separation from those closest to him. This reveal makes the events of this scene all the more heartbreaking, while interestingly setting up this plot moving forward as Hunter rescues Crosshair rather than leave his brother behind.
It probably goes without saying at this point, but the animation on display during this sequence and the entire episode is stunning. Kamino comes to life as it did in Attack of the Clones in beautiful fashion. And the Kiners brilliantly recall John Williams’ theme from Episode II, which adds yet another cinematic quality to the episode. There’s still mysteries of Kamino to unpack in this episode as Omega introduces the crew (and the audience) to the underground tunnel system on Kamino. Here, Omega introduces the Bad Batch to their place of birth. There’s a lot of intrigue and mystery surrounding Omega’s origins and scenes like this showcased how we’re likely to get even more reveals next week. And, poetically, we’re left on a somber note of the destruction of Tipoca City. Glimpses into the empty halls of the cloning facilities were haunting and continued the long-standing theme in the series of exploring the state of the galaxy after the fall of the Republic.
We’ve always known that clones were faded out by the time of the original trilogy, but how we ended up there always remained a mystery. The Bad Batch has deftly explored this topic so far, with the introduction of conscripted soldiers and the swift closure of Kamino’s cloning operations seen in previous episodes. The destruction of Kamino’s capital city in episode 15 was the icing on the cake, figuratively and literally showcasing how the Empire is remaking the galaxy according to their wants and wishes. It’s terrific storytelling that interconnects the prequel trilogy and the original trilogy era by addressing long-standing questions of the transition from clone troopers to stormtroopers. There is surely more to come with this thread, but needless to say The Bad Batch’s exploration of different facets of life and business in a quickly transitioning galaxy has been a highlight of the first season.
This month’s issue of Star Wars Insider has something for all types of Star Wars fans, and we’re overjoyed to present a preview of what’s in store with Star Wars Insider #204. Featuring Part 2 of a new The High Republic story by Justina Ireland, interviews with producer Rick McCallum, author Cavan Scott, and actress Bonnie Piesse (Beru in the prequel trilogy and the upcoming Obi-Wan series), a look ahead at cosplay ideas for Star Wars Celebration 2022, and more, the new issue hits bookstands on August 10 in the U.S. and August 19 in the U.K. Check out the exclusive preview below!
CAVAN SCOTT INTERVIEW
Star Wars author Cavan Scott (The Rising Storm, Dooku: Jedi Lost) talks to Star Wars Insider about how his childhood ambition influences his ventures in a galaxy far, far away.
COLLECTING STAR WARS
Star Wars Insider has some top tips for Star Wars collectors both new and old! Collecting memorabilia is a core feature of many fans’ engagement with Star Wars, so much so that knowing what to collect can be overwhelming. Insider is here, however, with tips to help you navigate your first steps into this larger world of collecting.
Dressed to Impress
With less than a year to prepare, now is the time to begin working on your ambitious cosplay outfits for Star Wars Celebration 2022. But just how ambitious should you get? Star Wars Insider has some big ideas to challenge your crafting skills.
And that’s not all Star Wars Insider #204 has in store…
Rick McCallum Interview
In the first part of an exclusive new interview celebrating Lucasfilm’s 50th anniversary, producer Rick McCallum tells Star Wars Insider how the logistics of mounting adventures for young Indiana Jones led to the Return of the Jedi.
10 from IX
Star Wars Insider explores ten life lessons from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) that might help us better navigate our own lives.
Bonnie Piesse Interview
Soon to reprise her role as Beru Lars in the forthcoming Lucasfilm and Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi, the actor looks back at life on Tatooine during the production of theStar Wars prequels.
Virtual Fandom
The sweeping COVID-19 pandemic led to plans for conventions and social gatherings across the globe to be abandoned, but the determined Star Wars community wouldn’t be denied so easily by a microscopic virus. Fans and official outlets alike quickly adapted, ensuring our fandom became even closer, albeit online.
One such fan was Star Wars Insider contributor Melissa T. Miller, who reveals her experiences and those of others in bringing fans together against all odds.
A Certain Point of View
Star Wars expert Jay Stobie uncovers the long history of Death Star technology and its deployment.
Exclusive Fiction: “Hidden Danger”
Part two of Justina Ireland’s all-new The High Republic short story.
Previously: Violence had been the last thing anyone expected from the learned scientists who’d gathered on Starlight Beacon for the Galactic Agricultural Alliance’s annual conference, yet Velko Jahen and Ghal Tarpfen had already intervened to stop one brutal fight, only to be faced with an even bigger outbreak…
STAR WARS INSIDER #204 is on sale: U.S. August 10 and U.K. August 19.
From The Bad Batch wrapping up to more tension in the High Republic era to the unfolding events in the War of the Bounty Hunters, August has something for all Star Wars fans to feast on. Take a look ahead at some of the exciting new releases coming from a galaxy far, far away this month. It is important to note that release dates are subject to change.
August 4 – Bounty Hunters 15
War of the Bounty Hunters continues with the newest issue of Ethan Sacks’ Bounty Hunters series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “VALANCE and DENGAR travel to Canto Bight as a relentless assassin stalks them! TONGA starts to recruit a bounty hunter crew with some familiar – and fearsome – faces! Plus TASU LEECH returns! But whose side is he on?”
August 4 – War of the Bounty Hunters – 4-LOM & Zuckuss 1
Two lesser known bounty hunters take center-stage in Daniel Jose Older new one-shot issue for the War of the Bounty Hunters crossover event. The publisher’s summary for the Marvel comic is as follows: “Together, lethal droid 4-LOM and Gand Findsman Zuckuss make an unparalleled bounty hunting team. Yet a brutal battle with Boba Fett has divided them. Lost and alone on the crime-infested streets of Nar Shaddaa, Zuckuss faces down an utterly transformed 4-LOM…but why is his old friend out for blood? The answer may lie in the past, from an early mission that helped forge their formidable partnership. Daniel José Older and Kei Zama’s one-shot is the second of four action-packed “War of the Bounty Hunters” tie-ins about the criminal underworld’s most notorious hunters and scoundrels, all told by the best STAR WARS writers and illustrators in the galaxy.”
August 6 – The Bad Batch: Episode 15
The penultimate episode of Star Wars: The Bad Batch drops on Disney+ in early August.
August 10 – Guardians of the Whills: The Manga
Chirrut Îmwe and Baze Malbus were two of the most beloved characters in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and now their journey continues in the manga adaptation of Guardians of the Whills. The publisher’s summary for the upcoming Viz Media release is as follows: “The manga adaptation of the novel Star Wars: Guardians of the Whills, by Greg Rucka, revisits fan-favorite characters Baze Malbus and Chirrut Îmwe before they joined the Rebellion in the blockbuster film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Presiding over the Kyber Temple on Jedha, the Guardians of the Whills, Baze Malbus and Chirrut Îmwe, had hoped to maintain a peaceful balance despite the growing presence of the Empire in their Holy City. Yet they struggle to stay true to the Force as stormtroopers threaten to take over. When a rebel named Saw Gerrera appears offering them a chance to help Jedha, Baze and Chirrut must decide if they’re willing to compromise for peace, or if Saw’s plan is too dangerous to risk? Star Wars: Guardians of the Whills introduces Baze and Chirrut before they meet the Rebellion members who turn the tide in the fight against the Empire in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Writer Jon Tsuei and manga artist Subaru bring the origin story of this fan favorite duo to life in a new manga adaptation based on the novel by Greg Rucka.”
August 10 – Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 2 — The Engine Job
This new paperback collection compiles issues 6 through 10 of Alyssa Wong’s incredible Doctor Aphra series for Marvel Comics. For those who have missed the monthly releases of the comic, this is a must read. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Someone sinister has put a price on Doctor Aphra’s head… and it’s none other than Domina Tagge! Now Aphra finds herself running for her life, trying to shake every bounty hunter on her tail. But one of those hunters is Aphra’s angry ex Sana Starros — and for Sana, it’s personal! Aphra can’t out-think Domina or outrun Sana… so what choice does she have left? Perhaps locating a mysterious piece of tech that could shift the balance of the galactic civil war? Aphra’s desperate hunt takes her to Corellia — but unfortunately for her, that’s right on Sana’s doorstep. And our roguish doctor isn’t the only one with an eye on this prize…”
August 11 – The High Republic 8
The eighth issue of Cavan Scott’s High Republic comic series for Marvel debuts this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “BATTLE AGAINST THE DRENGIR REACHES ITS THRILLING CLIMAX! AVAR KRISS has gathered a team of JEDI to take the fight to the DRENGIR deep in WILD SPACE, but KEEVE TRENNIS is nowhere to be seen. Are other forces at work on the Drengir’s deathworld? Guest-starring a host of High Republic Jedi! COHMAC VITUS! REATH SILAS! THE STAR HOPPER PADAWANS.”
August 11 – The High Republic Adventures — The Monster of Temple Peak 1
The adventures in the High Republic era continue with a new miniseries from Cavan Scott and IDW Publishing. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Follow former Jedi turned saber-for-hire monster hunter Ty Yorrick in her first comic appearance in this all-new High Republic miniseries by Cavan Scott and Rachael Stott! Ty is a brave yet superstitious monster hunter, traversing the galaxy with KL-03 and her trusty rune-stones fighting the deadliest monsters on any world. After dealing with an escaped Drewen being transported to the Republic Fair, Ty heads to Loreth, where local pioneers have tasked her with taking on the fearsome Gretalax that terrorizes them. She takes the mission but can’t shake the feeling that something is amiss with the Force.”
August 13 – The Bad Batch: Episode 16
The season finale of Star Wars: The Bad Batch is available for streaming on Disney+ on Friday August 13th…
August 14 – The High Republic Adventures Free Comic Book Day 2021
Celebrate Free Comic Book Day 2021 with a one-shot issue of Daniel Jose Older and IDW Publishing’s The High Republic Adventures! The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Join Yoda, Buckets o’ Blood, and their Padawan learners as they go on an adventure to help maintain peace during the glory days of the Republic, in a prelude to IDW’s Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures series! Written by series architect Daniel José Older, this is the ideal entry into the world of the High Republic-and a can’t-miss story for fans!”
August 14 – Star Wars: The High Republic – The Edge of Balance/Guardian of the Whills
This upcoming comic from Viz Media will also release on Free Comic Book Day 2021.
August 17 – Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Original Marvel Years Vol. 5
Celebrate Marvel Comics from the Expanded Universe with this new collection. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “Determined to rescue Han Solo from his carbonite prison, the heroes of the Rebel Alliance undertake mission after mission to track him down… while staying one step ahead of the Empire! But Darth Vader remains equally determined to capture Luke Skywalker, and — with the evil Emperor Palpatine — prepares one final trap to reunite father and son. It all culminates in a gorgeous comic-book adaptation of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi — but the story doesn’t end there! The rebels have one final mission: to defeat the last remnants of the Empire and create a New Republic to unify the galaxy once more. But another Dark Lord is waiting in the wings!”
August 18 – Star Wars 16
War of the BountyHunters continues with Charles Soule’s mainline Star Wars series. The publisher’s summary for the upcoming 16th issue is as follows: “MISSING IN ACTION. LEIA ORGANA, CHEWBACCA and LANDO CALRISSIAN battle BOBA FETT for the ultimate prize — HAN SOLO! But they are not the only people who have come to the remote world of JEKARA seeking the smuggler. DARTH VADER, JABBA THE HUTT and more are in the mix as well… Jedi LUKE SKYWALKER may be the Rebels’ only hope…but WHERE is he?”
August 18 – The High Republic Adventures 7
Daniel Jose Older’s The High Republic Adventures series sees its 7th issue release this month. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “As the galaxy prepares for its Republic Fair, Qort and Farzala are sent on a diplomatic mission to negotiate with the Hutts, who have joined them in the fight against the Drengir. But relations turn sour, and it’s going to take all of their training to get them out of the situation!”
August 18 – Star Wars Adventures 8
Sam Maggs and Danny Lore write the newest issue of Star Wars Adventures. The publisher’s summary for issue 8 is as follows: “The Empire has been defeated, but that doesn’t mean that the danger is over for Luke and Leia, who find themselves in a tricky situation that they have to work together to get out of! Plus, Count Dooku has sinister plans for a Clone troop!”
August 18 – War of the Bounty Hunters 3
After 2 captivating issues, the central War of the Bounty Hunters line propels forward with the 3rd issue from Charles Soule. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “WINNER TAKES ALL. Terrifying, implacable Dark Lord of the Sith DARTH VADER has laid claim to HAN SOLO, who is frozen in carbonite. But the great, exalted JABBA THE HUTT also believes that Solo is his property. It’s the galaxy’s baddest gangster versus the Empire’s most powerful enforcer, and neither is backing down. BOBA FETT is caught between a Sith and a Hutt…and it’s WINNER TAKE ALL.”
August 20 – Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Volume 2 (Episodes 9-16)
Kevin Kiner and sons’ brilliant soundtrack for the latter episodes of The Bad Batch debuts this month.
August 25 – Darth Vader 15
Greg Pak’s Darth Vader series also picks up again this month with its 15th issue. The publisher’s summary is as follows: ““THE ASSASSIN’S CHOICE. Mere months ago, OCHI OF BESTOON was the assassin who dared to take on DARTH VADER himself in the fiery lava pits of MUSTAFAR. Now Ochi serves Vader as his most loyal agent during the WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS. Who is Ochi of Bestoon? What are his true goals? And how have the secrets of EXEGOL shaped him forever? Also featuring the next great reveal about BOKKU and the Hutt Council!”
August 25 – Doctor Aphra 13
More Aphra content hits comic stands this month with the newest issue of Alyssa Wong’s Marvel series. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “GUEST OF HONOR. DOCTOR APHRA finds herself face-to-face with the one person she hoped she’d never see again! For once, she might not be able to talk her way out…Meanwhile, JUST LUCKY and ARIOLE confront a familiar presence of their own!”
August 31 – The High Republic: Tempest Runner
Del Rey Publishing and Cavan Scott team up again for another audiobook original, this time set in the High Republic era focusing on Lourna Dee. The publisher’s summary is as follows: “In this Star Wars audio original, delve into the cutthroat world of one of the High Republic’s greatest foes, the merciless Lourna Dee. The Nihil storm has raged through the galaxy, leaving chaos and grief in its wake. Few of its raiders are as vicious as the Tempest Runner Lourna Dee. She stays one step ahead of the Jedi Order at the helm of a vessel named after one of the deadliest monsters in the galaxy: the Lourna Dee. But no one can outrun the defenders of the High Republic forever. After the defeat of her crew, Lourna falls into the hands of the Jedi–but not before she hides her identity, becoming just another Nihil convict. Her captors fail to understand the beast they have cornered. Just like every fool she’s ever buried, their first mistake was keeping her alive. Lourna is determined to make underestimating her their last. Locked onto a Republic correctional ship, she’s dragged across the galaxy to repair the very damage she and her fellow Tempest Runners inflicted on it. But as Lourna plans her glorious escape, she makes alliances that grow dangerously close to friendships. Outside the Nihil—separated from her infamous ship, her terrifying arsenal, and her feared name—Lourna must carve her own path. But will it lead to redemption? Or will she emerge as a deadlier threat than ever before?”
August 31 – Star Wars: The Secrets of the Sith
A follow-up to the amazing The Secrets of the Jedi, Insight Editions are back with an in-depth, in-universe look at the dreaded Sith with The Secrets of the Sith.
For reference, a condensed list of upcoming projects in August without descriptions is included below:
August 4 – Bounty Hunters 15
August 4 – War of the Bounty Hunters – 4-LOM & Zuckuss 1
August 6 – The Bad Batch: Episode 15
August 10 – Guardians of the Whills: The Manga
August 10 – Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 2 — The Engine Job
August 11 – The High Republic 8
August 11 – The High Republic Adventures — The Monster of Temple Peak 1
August 13 – The Bad Batch: Episode 16
August 14 – The High Republic Adventures Free Comic Book Day 2021
August 14 – Star Wars: The High Republic – The Edge of Balance/Guardian of the Whills
August 17 – Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Original Marvel Years Vol. 5
August 18 – Star Wars 16
August 18 – The High Republic Adventures 7
August 18 – Star Wars Adventures 8
August 18 – War of the Bounty Hunters 3
August 20 – Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Volume 2 (Episodes 9-16)
August 25 – Darth Vader 15
August 25 – Doctor Aphra 13
August 31 – The High Republic: Tempest Runner
August 31 – Star Wars: The Secrets of the Sith
Images courtesy of Lucasfilm, Marvel Comics, Disney+, IDW Publishing, Viz Media, Del Rey Publishing, and Insight Editions
