What The Critics Are Saying About Star Wars: The Bad Batch
May the 4th be with you, friends. Here's hoping you're out there shamelessly celebrating all things Jedi, Sith, Wookie, and intergalactic Rebellion on this glorious Star Wars Day. While many of you are no doubt plotting trilogy re-watches, or "The Mandalorian" deep-dives today, it might behoove you to know this particular May 4th has brought with it the streaming release of a new "Star Wars" animated series, the Disney+ confection known as "The Bad Batch."
The new series is posited as both a sequel and spin-off of the beloved series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," and was created by "The Clone Wars" mastermind Dave Filoni. Fans of that landmark animated series no doubt recall the titular, uniquely gifted unit of clone troopers (also known as Clone Force 99) made their first galaxy appearance in the seventh season of "The Clone Wars." You also know The Bad Batch ended up defecting in their series' finale, doing so with the very special child Omega in tow.
"Star Wars: The Bad Batch" picks up in the aftermath of Emperor Palpatine issuing Order 66 and follows the elite unit as they hide out in post-Clone War deep space, working as a sort of galactic "A-Team." The first episode of "Star Wars: The Bad Batch" is now live and ready to be devoured by "Star Wars" fans everywhere. If the first wave of critical responses proves accurate, everyone is in for a legitimate treat. Here's what the critics are saying about "Star Wars: The Bad Batch."
The new Star Wars series is earning serious raves
So far, the critical notes for "Star Wars: The Bad Batch" are overwhelmingly positive. As of this writing, the latest animated feast from the galaxy far, far away is boasting a 95% fresh rating on RottenTomatoes.com, with most of the early reviews hailing it as both a solid continuation of "The Clone Wars," and an intriguing standalone series.
Brian Tallerico from RogerEbert.com offered one of the first takes, calling "The Bad Batch" a treat for diehards: "An animated series that seems unlikely to make the same kind of waves as the hit that gave the world Baby Yoda/Grogu, but should satisfy the hardcore fans who know why this show is premiering on May 4th." WeGotThisCovered's Scott Campbell offered a similarly optimistic view while also admitting the show might be too niche for those less steeped in galaxy lore: "'Star Wars: The Bad Batch' gets off to a promising start, but might not appeal too much to those who don't consider themselves dedicated fans."
Kyle Wilson of LampLightReview.com is far more enthusiastic, however, claiming the new series is everything fans of "Star Wars" animation could hope for: "'Star Wars: The Bad Batch' is too good to miss, having just about everything fans have come to love about Filoni's animated universe, and serves as a terrific bridge to both." While JoBlo.com's Alex Maidy wasn't quite as enamored, he was also quick to praise the series: "With a story that continues to show that 'Star Wars' can be about more than lightsabers, Jedi, and Sith lords, 'The Bad Batch' is a fun action series with quick pacing and solid writing."
Hopefully, the good reviews will continue to roll in for "Star Wars: The Bad Batch," and the series' release will help make this the best May 4th ever for "Star Wars" fandom.