After a stunning debut, The Bad Batch takes a breather to re-group in an episode that’s sure to illicit groans from some fans. But, make no mistake, there’s nothing trivial about this episode.
Instead of starting with a bang, Episode 2, Cut and Run stops to smell the roses. Nearly quite literally when the story begins by experiencing the wonder of nature through the eyes of the new main character Omega, a child clone who had never before left the confines of her cold, wet Durasteel city-home.
Yes, she’s a girl.
The name Omega is prophetic by the way, as it’s the last letter in the Greek alphabet. Think about that.
While Cut and Run might not be the most thrilling episode, and that’s NOT a criticism, there’s a lot of important things happening here.
First, the show uses its resources well by revisiting Cut, a Clone deserter first seen in The Clone Wars Season 2 episode The Deserter.
While Cut can’t provide the safety and shelter Clone Force 99 seeks, he does provide an important piece of information that gives The Bad Batch a new objective. He can also provide a solution to a more immediate problem; what to do with Omega?
This episode establishes the Empire’s reach, the beginnings of its authoritarian rule and its oppressive effect on its citizens. A reoccurring theme throughout human history that remains topical to this day.
Most importantly, we see the further development in the complicated relationship between Hunter and Omega.
By default, Hunter has become a father figure.
As a leader, it’s in his nature to both embrace and reject this concept. He does both simultaneously through the same action of sending Omega away with Cut and his family for her own safety. In the end, this checks off all the boxes of Hunter’s hero journey perfectly and when he charges into action to save her during the climax, Hunter’s actions resonate, instantly creating a hero in every sense of the word. He simply kicks ass both physically and emotionally. The choreography here is simply stunning with the score to support it.
Through this journey, Hunter discovers The Bad Batch’s purpose;
In a galaxy that rejects them, Omega is the only thing The Bad Batch has left to fight for.
