“Infested” is a spooky filler episode of Star Wars: The Bad Batch

Star Wars: The Bad Batch introduces some intriguing horror elements in “Infested,” but it still feels like filler, especially this close to the end.

“Infested” is the thirteenth entry in Star Wars: The Bad Batch, and it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The episode centers around Clone Force 99 helping Cid after being driven out of her parlor by an up-and-coming crime boss, Roland Durand. Cid plans to take back her parlor by stealing Roland’s spice and getting him in trouble with the Pykes, a powerful crime syndicate. When things go wrong and the spice crates are lost, the Pykes take Omega hostage until the Batch gets them back.

While this seems to set up an interesting story, “Infested” feels like another filler episode, with a lot of location shots and info dumps. While I appreciate learning more about Ord Mantell and Cid, it just isn’t very excited to watch, and Cid isn’t the most compelling character on the show.

Since most of the episode focuses on Cid, the Bad Batch doesn’t get much screen time yet again. In fact, I don’t think Echo spoke at all, and even Omega doesn’t get much attention; aside from one scene with Roland and convincing the Batch to help Cid, she is mostly a background character here.

All that said, I did enjoy the worldbuilding in “Infested.” The squad journeys below Ord Mantell to use the minecarts that connect to Cid’s parlor. Ord Mantell has acted as the Batch’s base of operations for a while, but we never got to see much of it outside of Cid’s parlor and the surrounding area. So seeing more of the planet is a plus.

Another great thing about this episode is the horror element. While the Batch is underground, Cid warns them against making noise, lest they disturb “the hive.” We later learn that creepy, insect-like creatures called Irlings have a hive underneath Ord Mantell, and they are very dangerous. This was the most exciting part of the episode. The Irlings were introduced well, and they added a lot to the creepy atmosphere.

After successfully securing the spice from Roland, the Bad Batch are caught by his men and a chase through the mines ensues. Both groups start firing at each other, which causes the Irlings to attack. While we see the full force of the bug-like creatures, they only take out Roland’s men, with help from the Batch.

Clone Force 99’s plot armor is still thick when they lose the spice in the mines. When it looks like Wrecker and Cid are about to fall deeper into the abyss, Tech saves them with one of his inventions. Tech blinds the Irlings with his flashbang, they return the spice to the Pykes, and Omega reunites with the Batch.

While I love how “Infested” introduced some horror into Star Wars: The Bad Batch, the story was ultimately dull. I didn’t expect another filler episode so close to the end, but at least it offered something a little different. But with only three episodes left to go, hopefully we can get back to the bounty hunter and Crosshair action.

Grade: B-

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