By George Bate & Josh Bate
The third and final season of Star Wars: The Bad Batch will soon debut on Disney+, meaning it’s a perfect time to revisit key episodes featuring Clone Force 99 before February 21. Whether you’ve watched every episode of The Bad Batch and are looking for a refresher, or have never watched the show and want an expedited run through things, our watch guide should serve as solid preparation for Season 3.
Here is our guide of episodes we recommend you watch ahead of The Bad Batch Season 3.
The Clone Wars – Season 7, Episodes 1-4
The Bad Batch were originally introduced in the seventh season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The idea of a Dirty Dozen-esque group of clones originally came from George Lucas, who collaborated with Dave Filoni to incorporate these unique clones in The Clone Wars. Unfortunately, The Clone Wars was canceled by Cartoon Network in 2013, meaning the Bad Batch episodes of The Clone Wars were never finished.
That was, however, until the seventh and final season of The Clone Wars in which the Bad Batch featured front and center of a four-episode arc. The episode arc is a great introduction to the dynamics between each of the unique clone troopers in the Bad Batch and establishes how these clones stand apart from others like Cody and Rex. The general plot of this arc involves Captain Rex and Commander Cody collaborating with the unorthodox and elite squad of clones named Clone Force 99 (aka the Bad Batch) as they infiltrate an enemy base on Anaxes helmed by Separatist Admiral Trench.
The Bad Batch – Season 1, Episode 1 “Aftermath”
Even more important to understanding the journey of the Bad Batch is the hour-long first episode of the first season of The Bad Batch. Not only does this series premiere rank among the best installments of Star Wars animation, but it provides integral details about the immediate aftermath of Order 66 from the perspective of clones.
The Bad Batch – Season 1, Episode 7 “Battle Scars”
This episode features the re-introduction of Captain Rex and follows the team as they traverse a decommissioned medical facility and have to face one of their own when their inhibitor chip is activated.
The Bad Batch – Season 1, Episode 8 “Reunion”
This episode marks the halfway point of Season 1 and covers a number of important plot points, including the status of Crosshair.
The Bad Batch – Season 1, Episodes 15-16 “Return to Kamino” and “Kamino Lost”
The final two episodes of The Bad Batch’s first season sees the series return to the planet Kamino, where questions are answered and loyalties are revealed.
The Bad Batch – Season 2, Episode 3 “The Solitary Clone”
While not an integral plot featuring Clone Force 99, this episode is key to the development of Crosshair’s character and features the reintroduction of fan favorite Commander Cody.
The Bad Batch – Season 2, Episodes 7-8 “The Clone Conspiracy” and “Truth and Consequences”
This two-part episode is plot heavy, focusing on the aftermath of Order 66 and the current role of clones in the galaxy. This is not only an important story for understanding The Bad Batch, but also bridges the prequel and original trilogies and provides all sorts of new information and explanations about what happened to clone troopers and the rise of the Imperial Stormtrooper.
The Bad Batch – Season 2, Episode 11 “Metamorphosis”
Although the central plot of this episode is not vital to understanding the broader show, it includes an array of noteworthy elements. “Metamorphosis” showcases the power and motivations of the season’s main villain Dr. Hemlock, while also having a really neat connection to an exciting arc from The Clone Wars.
The Bad Batch – Season 2, Episode 12 “The Outpost”
Arguably the series’ greatest episode, “The Outpost” is must-watch Star Wars. We ranked this episode as the runner-up for the Best Episode of Star Wars TV of 2023, and for good reason. Emotionally rich, thematically profound, and as exhilarating as it is devastating, “The Outpost” is key to the development of Crosshair’s character.
The Bad Batch – Season 2, Episode 14 “Tipping Point”
“Tipping Point” is another plot-heavy episode and proves to be necessary viewing ahead of the two-part finale of Season 2.
The Bad Batch – Season 2, Episodes 15-16 “The Summit” and “Plan 99”
Finally, the two-part finale finale of Season 2 is must-watch ahead of Season 3. In addition to showing where the Bad Batch are left off before the new season starts, these episodes also have intriguing connections to other Star Wars stories, showcase the true villainy of Dr. Hemlock, and continue the series’ trend of featuring some truly devastating moments.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 3 premieres February 21 on Disney+. Stay tuned to The HoloFiles for continued coverage of the new Star Wars series.