Review: ‘The Bad Batch’ Season 3 Episode 12 “Juggernaut”

In Season 3, Episode 12 of the Disney Plus series The Bad Batch, titled “Juggernaut,”  the narrative unfolds as the clone assassin CX-2 (Dee Bradley Baker) delivers Omega (Michelle Ang) to Dr. Royce Hemlock (Jimmi Simpson) at Mount Tantiss. Dr. Emerie Karr (Keisha Castle-Hughes) tests Omega’s blood sample and confirms once more that the young clone’s blood can replicate the M-Count. Once confirmation is complete, Dr. Hemlock takes Omega to the Vault where the other Force-Sensitive child test subjects are held.

At Pabu, the Empire leaves the island, leaving the Bad Batch (Dee Bradley Baker) defeated again when Omega is taken. Crosshair advises the group that they should capture Rampart (Noshir Dalal), a former Imperial admiral and adversary. The reason is that Rampart sent Nala Se to Tantiss after the destruction of Tipoca City, so he likely knows the location. Rampart is imprisoned in an Imperial labor camp on Erebus, so that is where the Bad Batch’s next mission will be. The pirate Phee Genoa (Wanka Sykes) willingly gives the clones her aid and ship on behalf of her friendship with Tech.

At Erebus, the Bad Batch and Phee hijack the Imperial juggernaut transporting Rampart and other labor prisoners. The clones demand Rampart give them the location to Tantiss. However, the former Imperial admiral refuses and will only disclose the information when they extract him from the labor camp. After a heavy battle, the Bad Batch and Phee succeed in extracting Rampart from Erebus. As a result, Rampart is willing to help them find the coordinates to Mount Tantiss in exchange for not being under Imperial captivity again.

The Bad Batch and Rampart

Season 3, Episode 12 of The Bad Batch, titled “Juggernaut,” directed by Steward Lee and penned by Ezra Nachman, dives into the intricate dynamics of loyalty, necessity, and the lengths one goes to protect their own. The episode unfolds as the Bad Batch finds themselves in a precarious situation, forced to ally with a former adversary, Rampart, to obtain crucial information about the location of Mount Tantiss.

The central theme of prisoner extraction underscores the moral complexities faced by the Bad Batch. They must navigate the murky waters of trust and betrayal as they grapple with the decision to rescue Rampart, a figure from their past who has now become both a means to an end and a potential threat. The comparison drawn between saving Rampart and striking a deal with a devil aptly captures the essence of the episode’s tension and dilemma.

Moreover, the episode delves into the notion of sacrifice and compromise. By choosing to collaborate with Rampart, the Bad Batch must confront their own principles and reconcile them with the exigencies of their mission. The act of freeing their adversary in exchange for vital information reflects the harsh realities of war and the compromises one must make in pursuit of a greater objective.

Additionally, the episode explores the themes of redemption and second chances. Despite Rampart’s past actions as an Imperial admiral, the Bad Batch offers him an opportunity for redemption by rescuing him from Imperial captivity. This act of mercy not only underscores the Bad Batch’s capacity for forgiveness but also sets the stage for potential future alliances and conflicts.

Overall, Season 3, Episode 12 of The Bad Batch masterfully navigates complex moral terrain while delivering pulse-pounding action and suspense. Through its nuanced exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and redemption, the episode offers viewers a compelling glimpse into the moral dilemmas faced by its characters in a galaxy torn apart by war.

Rating: 9/10

Ryan Seun Woo Kwon: I am currently pursuing a major in Film & Media with a minor in History & Creative Writing at the University of California, Berkeley. Growing up in Portland, Shanghai, and Seoul has given me a multicultural perspective that I use to view social and historical events. With a strong passion for TV and film, wish to explore opportunities in narrative development, story writing, and production.
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