Episode 14 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch lists a variety of fan complaints

While season one of Star Wars: The Bad Batch has been inconsistent, episode 14 addresses numerous fan issues and showcases the animated Star Wars show’s capabilities. The Bad Batch is set at a tumultuous age for the universe, following Star Wars: The Clone Wars and overlaps with the conclusion of the prequel trilogy.

The Empire cements its grip over the galaxy and its various worlds and people. Season 1 of The Bad Batch was, unfortunately, a difficult experience in and of itself.

While season one of Star Wars: The Bad Batch has been a mixed bag, episode 14 addresses many of the criticisms raised by fans and demonstrates the animated Star Wars show’s capabilities.

The Bad Batch is set in a tumultuous age for the universe, following on from Star Wars: The Clone Wars and overlaps with the conclusion of the prequel trilogy. The Empire cements its grip over the galaxy and its various worlds and people. Season 1 of The Bad Batch was, unfortunately, a bit of a roller coaster ride.

War Mantle

With the first season of Star Wars: The Bad Batch coming to a close, the story appears to be gaining up momentum. Unlike The Bad Batch episode 13, which served as filler and seemed unsatisfying due to its placement in the season, episode 14, “War-Mantle,” propels the series forward and demonstrates what it can be when it’s blazing on all cylinders. First and foremost, this is a narrative about Clone Force 99, as they prepare to assist Captain Rex’s old friend, CC-5576, or Gregor.

This issue has been seen in several of its Star Wars cameos as well. From Rex to Hera Syndulla to a Jabba the Hutt discord, the Bad Batch has seen a lot of familiar faces (though not necessarily the same one from Return of the Jedi). None of them have been bad, but there’s a sense that they’ve been overshadowed by Clone Force 99.

They’re not quite huge enough to be an event like Ahsoka Tano in The Mandalorian, but they’ve also dominated Clone Force 99.

“War-Mantle” makes excellent use of Gregor (and Rex) because their appearances make perfect sense and are used to advance both the Empire’s plot and the Bad Batch’s journey of self-discovery and attempts to do the right thing.

With the addition of Crosshair, a character who has been absent from episodes at times but is now given some key moments (and the groundwork for more), Star Wars: The Bad Batch episode 14 appears to be the episode when everything finally comes together.