In Season 3, Episode 6 of the Disney Plus series The Bad Batch, titled “Infiltration,” the narrative unfolds with Senator Avi Singh of Raxus (Alexander Siddig), guarded by Captain Rex (Dee Bradley Baker) and his clone rebels, having a secret meeting with Senator Riyo Chuchi of Pantora (Jennifer Hale). The two senators discuss whispers of a growing rebel movement among different worlds and peoples to overthrow the Emperor and his Galactic Empire. However, the meeting is interrupted by a clone assassin (Dee Bradley Baker) who fails to assassinate the senators and is captured by Rex and his rebel squadmates. Due to the events, Rex advises Senator Chuchi to keep a low profile until they receive more information regarding the clone assassin.

Rex and his clone rebels head to the planet Teth to their base of operations in the ruined B’omarr Monastery, the same location where Ventress and the Separatists once held Jabba’s son, Rotta, hostage during the early stages of the Clone Wars. In the monastery, Rex asks the clone assassin for information about Tantiss. The clone assassin refuses to disclose information until clone Commander Gregor (Dee Bradley Baker) tells Rex that he pulled information from the assassin’s target register and found out the assassin’s targets were Senator Singh and Omega (Michelle Ang). Because of Omega’s status as a high priority target for the Empire, Rex tells Gregor to send a message to Echo (Dee Bradley Baker) and Hunter (Dee Bradley Baker) about the clone assassins hunting for Omega. However, Captain Howzer (Dee Bradley Baker) advises Rex to have their group personally meet with the Bad Batch since they also need to question Crosshair (Dee Bradley Baker) more about Tantiss, believing Crosshair knows more than what he told the Bad Batch.

At Mount Tantiss, clone commando Scorch (Dee Bradley Baker) sends another clone assassin to assassinate the captured clone assassin. Unknown to Rex, the captured clone assassin has an internal homing device so the new clone assassin could track his target down to Teth.

The Bad Batch and Rex’s squad reunite at the Teth monastery, but the meeting is tense because Captain Howzer has unfinished business with Crosshair, who is responsible for getting most of Howzer’s squad executed for rebelling against the Empire out of protest for the oppression they committed on Ryloth. Rex calms Howzer down since they need to talk about the situation regarding Omega and the clone assassin. The discussion starts with information of what Omega knows about the M-Count experiments in Mount Tantiss, but Omega does not know what an M-Count means. Rex heard of what an M-Count is but also does not know its exact meaning. It is likely Rex heard about Midichlorians in a discussion among the Jedi Knights, like Anakin Skywalker, during the Clone Wars. Crosshair then shares what he knows about Tantiss: There is a division of clones trained as specialized operatives and initiated into a secret deep cover program run by Dr. Hemlock. Their identities are erased and they undergo conditioning to become fanatically loyal to the Empire. The few that make it through come out different. Crosshair is talking about the clone assassins, and the Empire tried to brainwash Crosshair in Tantiss, but it didn’t work because he is a defective clone.

Rex continues the conversation that they captured a clone assassin who is not very cooperative to the shock of Crosshair because the clone assassins can be tracked with devices normal scanners cannot detect. Crosshair’s fear is realized when the clone assassin sent by Scorch learns about Omega and Rex’s squad’s presence in Teth. The assassin informs Scorch about this via comms and sends the coordinates so a recovery strike team could aid the assassin in the capture of Omega and the rogue clones. The clone assassin proceeds to assassinate the captured clone assassin, bomb most of Rex’s ships, and starts shooting at Rex’s squad to get to Omega. Some of the clones, including Fireball (Dee Bradley Baker), were killed in the process. The episode ends with Commander Wolffe (Dee Bradley Baker) leading the Empire’s recovery strike team to capture Omega but orders his troopers to set their weapons to stun as he wants Omega and the rogue clones captured alive.

Scorch activates a Clone Assassin

In Season 3, Episode 6 of The Bad Batch, titled “Infiltration,” directed by Steward Lee and written by Brad Rau, showcases a multifaceted exploration of loyalty, deception, and the evolving dynamics within the galaxy under the Emperor’s rule.

The episode begins with a clandestine meeting between Senators Avi Singh and Riyo Chuchi, underscoring the growing unrest and rebellion against the Galactic Empire. This sets the stage for a chain of events that unravels the complexities of power struggles and hidden agendas.

One of the central plot points revolves around the revelation of Tantiss, a mysterious location linked to clandestine operations and the conditioning of clone operatives. The introduction of Tantiss adds depth to the narrative, hinting at the Empire’s sinister machinations and the lengths to which it will go to maintain control.

Character development is a key aspect of the episode, particularly for Captain Rex and his clone rebels. Their interactions with Senator Chuchi and the pursuit of information regarding Tantiss showcase their commitment to uncovering the truth and challenging the Empire’s oppressive regime. Additionally, the tension between Captain Howzer and Crosshair adds a layer of personal conflict, highlighting the emotional toll of allegiance and betrayal.

The episode’s pacing is expertly crafted, with each scene contributing to the overarching narrative while building anticipation for future developments. The inclusion of action sequences, such as the confrontation at the Teth monastery and the subsequent ambush by clone assassins, keeps the audience engaged and heightens the stakes for the characters involved.

Overall, “Infiltration” serves as a compelling chapter in The Bad Batch’s ongoing storyline, blending political intrigue, character-driven drama, and pulse-pounding action to deliver an enthralling viewing experience. As the series continues to explore themes of identity, morality, and rebellion, this episode sets the stage for further exploration of the galaxy far, far away.

Rating: 9/10