In Season 3, Episode 7 of the Disney Plus series The Bad Batch, titled “Extraction,” the narrative unfolds with the Bad Batch (Dee Bradley Baker), Omega (Michelle Ang), and the surviving clone rebels (Dee Bradley Baker) attempting to escape Teth. The Clone rebels plan to contact Echo (Dee Bradley Baker) for help.
The clone assassin (Dee Bradley Baker) meets up with Commander Wolffe (Dee Bradley Baker) and the latter’s recovery strike team, composed entirely of clone troopers and stormtroopers. Wolffe is shocked and horrified to discover that the insurgents they were sent to capture are clones, evident from the corpses of those who died in explosions caused by the clone assassin. Angered, Wolffe demands to know the squadron the clone assassin is from, but the clone assassin refuses to disclose any classified information. Wolffe also reprimands the assassin for nearly killing their target, Omega, with bombs, and orders the assassin to recognize Wolffe’s authority over the operation. The clone assassin remains silent, frustrating Wolffe, who proceeds with the assassin in searching for the clone rebels.
The clone rebels manage to reach the leech ship and escape the monastery, but the clone assassin shoots the ship down. When the clone assassin meets with Commander Wolffe again, Wolffe reprimands them for almost killing their target and the rogue clones by downing the leech ship. Nevertheless, they continue their pursuit of the clone rebels, who have already successfully contacted Echo for help and are heading to the extraction point. On their way, Crosshair and Captain Howzer (Dee Bradley Baker) gradually reconcile, with Howzer ending his animosity towards the sniper. However, the clone rebels are later forced into a stun and blaster gunfight with the Imperial recovery strike team. Crosshair fights and defeats the clone assassin at a waterfall, forcing them to retreat.
In the end, the clone rebels arrive at the extraction point but are ambushed by Commander Wolffe and his strike team. Wolffe is shocked to discover that the clone rebels are led by his friend Captain Rex, whom he thought had perished during Order 66. Rex informs Wolffe about the clone experiments on Tantiss, which the commander finds difficult to believe, as he cannot fathom that the Empire would treat most of the clones as captive test subjects. Out of past friendship and camaraderie, Wolffe lets Rex and the clone rebels go because it’s the right thing to do.
The awkward reunion between the two clone leaders ends with Echo extracting the clone rebels on the Bad Batch’s Marauder ship, while Wolffe leaves with his strike team. Rex and Wolffe part ways, with Wolffe’s destiny and potential involvement with the Clone Rebellion left uncertain, although he did eventually join the Rebel Alliance alongside Rex and Gregor in “Star Wars Rebels.” The episode concludes with Rex convincing Hunter that to protect Omega from the Empire, they need to understand why she is so important to them.
Commander Wolffe argues with the Clone Assassin
In Season 3, Episode 7 of The Bad Batch, titled “Extraction,” directed by Saul Ruiz and written by Jennifer Corbett and Matt Michnovetz, Commander Wolffe emerges as a central figure whose character undergoes significant development and exploration. This episode delves into Wolffe’s past as a clone trooper and his evolving perspective on loyalty, duty, and the nature of the Empire.
One of the key aspects of Wolffe’s characterization in this episode is his reaction to discovering that the insurgents they are pursuing are fellow clones. Wolffe’s shock and horror at the realization that his own brothers are now considered enemies highlights the moral complexity inherent in the clone troopers’ role within the Galactic Empire. This revelation challenges Wolffe’s preconceived notions of loyalty and duty, forcing him to confront the uncomfortable truth about the Empire’s treatment of its clone soldiers.
Furthermore, Wolffe’s interactions with the clone assassin serve to illuminate his internal conflict and moral dilemma. Despite his anger at the clone assassin’s actions, Wolffe ultimately chooses to prioritize his friendship with Captain Rex and the principles of honor and justice over blind obedience to the Empire. This decision underscores Wolffe’s internal struggle to reconcile his allegiance to the Empire with his conscience and sense of duty to his fellow clones.
The episode also explores Wolffe’s relationship with Captain Rex, revealing a deep bond forged through shared experiences and camaraderie. Wolffe’s decision to let Rex and the clone rebels go reflects his loyalty to his friend and his recognition of the injustice perpetuated by the Empire. This pivotal moment marks a significant turning point for Wolffe, as he begins to question his allegiance to the Empire and consider the possibility of joining the Clone Rebellion.
Moreover, Wolffe’s uncertainty about his future path adds an element of intrigue and anticipation to his character arc. As he parts ways with Rex and the clone rebels, Wolffe’s destiny remains uncertain, leaving viewers to speculate about his eventual role in the larger struggle against the Empire. While he eventually joins the Rebel Alliance in Star Wars Rebels, his journey towards rebellion in The Bad Batch is unclear, adding depth to Wolffe’s character and setting the stage for potential future developments in his storyline.
Overall, Commander Wolffe emerges as a complex and compelling character in Season 3, Episode 7 of The Bad Batch. Through his internal conflict, moral dilemma, and evolving relationships, Wolffe undergoes significant growth and development, setting the stage for further exploration of his character in future episodes.
Rating: 9/10