Critics rave over Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 3: "They saved the best for last"

The third and final season of Star Wars: The Bad Batch is coming out just around the corner, and early impressions are very positive. The show is a sequel of sorts to Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the animated series that helped turn creator Dave Filoni into one of the de facto creative leads for the Star Wars franchise; he's since helped create shows like The Mandalorian and Ahsoka.

The Clone Wars was about...well, the Clone Wars, the galaxy-wide conflict between the Republic, led by the Jedi council, and a group of Separatists led by Count Dooku. We saw this conflict dramatized in the Star Wars prequel trilogy on the big screen way back when. The Bad Batch takes place a little while after that, when Chancellor Palpatine has ascended to the role of Emperor and turned the Republic into the Empire. The actual Bad Batch is a group of clone soldiers who resisted Palpatine's "Order 66," where the clones turned on their Jedi leaders and killed most of them.

The third season of The Bad Batch will wrap up their story. Check out some of the glowing impressions below:

• @MrAdamHolmes: "Having seen the 1st 8 episodes of Star Wars: Season 3, I'm pleased to say the show's final hurrah is off to a great start! Fans of Omega and Crosshair especially have a lot to look forward to, and as per usual, the action and emotional beats are balanced wonderfully."
• @aeronchino: "Season 3 captures the right mix of excellent storytelling and high-stakes action. It has the potential to be one of the best animated seasons yet. It's Omega's time to shine, and I'm here for it. I can't wait to see what's next!"
• @TalkingBay94: "*Everything* is heightened: the dynamic between characters (especially Omega and Crosshair!), the design and atmosphere, and the stakes and ties to the larger galaxy."
• @RussMilheim: "Season 3 is a strong continuation of the series. The strongest element of the new episodes is easily the dynamic between Omega and Crosshair."
• @ThatHashtagShow: "The Bad Batch season 3 may be the best of the three seasons. You will take an emotional journey as loyalty and friendships are tested. You can just feel that the first 8 episodes are leading to something big!"
• @helloimjlaw: "The first 8 episodes of S3 masterfully blend weekly adventures with gripping overarching narratives, backed by stellar storytelling and outstanding animation. This final season cements the series as one of the best in the galaxy. Strap in for one last fight!"
• @SlimAvery: "All the most interesting plot threads and character arcs from the first two seasons are pulling together and headed towards what's sure to be an epic finale. The animation and are as always."
• @MamasGeeky: "The Bad Batch Season 3 has already given me literal chills multiple times. I've seen the first 8 episodes & if they continue this way, I will be a happy camper. Stakes are high, visuals are stunning, action is intense, & treachery is abound! cannot wait for more!"
• @MasterDevwi: "Based on the first eight episodes, the final season of will be the best one yet. It starts off with a bang and never lets up. Season 3 is already so good, and I can't wait to see how it all ends."
• @adamblevins_: "Season 3 is some of the best animated Star Wars ever. It strikes the perfect balance between “adventure of the week” and the overarching story. It’s really grounded in its characters but also very clearly building towards something HUGE. First 8 eps are fantastic!"
• @CoffeeWithKenobi: "While I'm definitely not going to spoil anything, here's what I will say about season three: it's an absolute wonder. The storytelling and character development through the first 8 episodes are dynamic and powerful. It's the victory lap of a superior series"
• @maggieofthetown: "I've seen the first eight episodes of and it's truly a case of "they saved the best for last." Season 3 is the best yet for the series, and a much darker turn. Lots of twists, lots of heart, fun returns, and some HUGE lore connections."
• @sw_holocron: "The Bad Batch Season 3 Eps 1-8 are phenomenal. Mature tone with a focus on overarching plot over one-off stories. This season ties the entire saga together (from PT to The Mandalorian to Rise of Skywalker). Omega & Crosshair are the show’s heart. Palpatine has never been scarier."

The dynamic between Crosshair and Omega steals the show in Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 3

A few of the people lucky enough to have watched the first chunk of episodes early mention that the dynamic between Omega and Crosshair is a highlight. Crosshair is a former member of the Bad Batch who stuck with the Empire in the immediate aftermath of Order 66, although by the end of the second season he's clearly disillusioned with the Empire and wants to join back up with his old crew. Omega, meanwhile, is a young clone who joins the Bad Batch on their mercenary adventures. If Omega and Crosshair have a dynamic, that likely means Crosshair is indeed back with his old buddies.

The first three episodes of The Bad Batch season 3 drop on February 21, next Wednesday, on Disney+. There will be 15 episodes in all.

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