‘The Bad Batch’ Season 3 Episode 4 Review: An Emotional Turning Point
Following the stunning three-episode premiere of season 3, The Bad Batch keeps the ball rolling in episode 4. Titled “A Different Approach,” episode 4 follows Omega and Crosshair as they evade the Empire hot on their tracks.
Even though I enjoyed the episode as a whole, I think there are parts of this episode that some may not enjoy as much. There are certain decisions made and story beats that I think may annoy certain audiences. However, for those who are okay with a slower-paced episode following what was a breathtaking and enthralling season premiere, episode 4 is a solid installment with a pivotal closing scene.
Spoilers below …
As a whole, I greatly enjoyed this episode. However, I think a few audiences might be disappointed. For this review, I’ll take a look at both perspectives.
The three-episode premiere ended with a lot of momentum going forward. With Omega and Crosshair escaping Mount Tantiss, and the appearance of The Emperor, there was a lot of excitement going into episode 4.
I think this episode does slow that excitement down a bit as Omega and Crosshair have to search for new transport after their ship crash lands. In the process, Omega and Crosshair hustle for credits, rescue their new hound friend, and then reunite with the rest of the squad.
Compared to the rest of the action-packed events and thrilling reveals contained in the previous episodes, I thoroughly enjoyed the slower, more introspective episode. It allowed Omega and Crosshair time to interact, butt-heads with one another, and allow the audience time to get to know the two better. Considering that these two rarely interacted with one another in the previous seasons and that this is most likely the last season we’ll ever see these characters, I savored the chance to spend time with these two.
Although, I also see how certain viewers might think differently. For one, Omega’s highly altruistic and idealistic actions in this episode do make sense for her character, but I think this episode also took it to a bit of an extreme. Her desire to “do the right thing” and not cause any violence does slow down the pacing of the story and also puts the people around her at risk. While the writer’s insistence on making her a pure and caring character is admirable, at times, I think the audience feels a bit like Crosshair, annoyed and fed up with Omega for her dogmatic mindset and for always wanting to follow the rules.
The real key moment of the episode is the conclusion where Omega and Crosshair reunite with Hunter and Wrecker. It’s an emotional, beautiful scene that’s executed beautifully thanks to Kevin Kiner’s touching score. And props to Michelle Ang who portrayed Omega perfectly from the beginning and continues to pour her heart and soul into the character. But the episode ends with Hunter and Wrecker wary of accepting Crosshair back. It’s a great conclusion that sets up the rest of the tension going forward and sets up what could be an emotional reconciliation between the whole squad.
Again, as a whole, I enjoyed this slower-paced entry for The Bad Batch season 3. But I can also definitely see others possibly calling this one a more “filler episode.” Considering what was shown off in the trailer, I’d say we still haven’t gotten to “the meat and potatoes” of the season. Yet, considering that Omega and Crosshair have already reunited with Hunter and Wrecker, I’m also wondering what else they haven’t shown off and what’s waiting in the next 11 episodes.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Jay Goodearl runs the YouTube Gaming channel “Good Games, Dude” His channel aims to open up video games to beginners and immediate players and help them understand what makes games the art form that it is.
