The Invisible Wounds of The Bad Batch

[@ArTorrPresents]

Go to nordvpn.com/artorr and use the code 'artorr' at checkout to get a significant discount on a two-year plan!

[@shinystarmiestudios4179]

"We're soldiers, what happens to us then?" Well, the Bad Batch became the Dad Batch, for one.

[@augustinevela9892]

Real Star Wars fans loved the prequels. It was very apparent the backlash came from a loud minority.

[@kevinvassago]

Man, when I clicked this video, I had no idea how amazing it would be!

[@tripplordofinconvenience9953]

E .

[@mandotory6728]

"It’s been a blast" *Shows Crosshair taking the reactor ray in his face* That was cruel

[@clankers8929]

Yep cruel, I couldn't agree more. Some fans seem to get a kick out of bashing our Experimental Clone Force 99 Sniper. Really wish they wouldn't. He's NOT the villain, I have been pointing this out for a while now. If you still think he is, you haven't been paying attention. Imagine instead, if Hunter or Wrecker had been brought in by Tarkin, would fans be as cruel to Hunter or Wrecker?

[@mandotory6728]

@@clankers8929 That was just a joke buddy, you’re taking it too seriously

[@clankers8929]

@@mandotory6728 I do, yes. Passionate about my Star Wars, guess that's what happens when you literally grow up with it, I was 7. I hear ya, sorry.

[@TheNocturnal1]

Clankers! Oof

[@notthedroidsyourelookingfo4026]

@@clankers8929 He's ordered the execution of unarmed civilians.

[@shayneoneill1506]

One thing that I'm finding interesting is that the youngsters who where really just small kids when those prequels came out, or even born after, have a very different view of them than my generation (Gen X). They seemed to like it, whilst seemingly to dislike the recent trilogy. Meanwhile I kinda liked the new films (Although noting some absolutely whack continuity between II and III and a few 'wtf' elements that seemed a bit design by committee. The first film at least was straight up classic star wars)

[@baneofbanes]

I can at least say that the prequels were something new and told an actual story. The sequels just seem like a money grab pandering to peoples nostalgia.

[@urbynwyldcat9131]

How am I only just discovering this fantastic channel?!

[@0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0]

Beautiful stuff man, you put to words a lot of things I was thinking.

[@0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0]

Although I'm a bit weary of the "Thank you for your service" message at the end. I think beautiful that you want to truly show compassion and empathy for a group of people who are used by their governemnt and then thrown away when they're no longer useful. But we also know how much suffering is done by the victims of the "service" these military personel carry out. And while I have a place in my heart to care for victims on both sides of this issue, I feel like this unconditional framing of what they do as a heroic service for the people, and not being a violent tool for imperialistic control, is part of the problem, regardless of whether they're also victimized. Nonetheless, a very well thought out and produced video.

[@TheNocturnal1]

Nice video! Love the editing of your vids! Recently revisited Star Wars Bounty Hunter on the PS4 (first time was back on the GameCube in the 2000s) and liked how they showed Jango Fett's multi-faceted personality that really, lots of the Clones in one way or another, take after from. I recommend checking that one out and the Dark Horse Comic series about Jango!

[@smoke600k]

idk about the community's overall sentiment towards the show, but i loved every second of it. especially the fact that it is a story on it's own, no jedi, no grand goal, no game changing world warping plots. just dudes. dudes trying to survive

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

Them having to worry about food and just trying to give Omega a normal life was quite relatable.

[@pandawan5]

Exactly. I loved season 1 finale, hoping the Batch wouldn't be saved by a big cameo character. I just loved it. The Bad Batch was unexpected and a great surprise. I hope they keep it up with the simple storytelling.

[@SwordsmanMercenary]

I agree. The SW community kept whining about there not being Vader or some other character cameo. But they sememd to not grasp the point

[@Panda-xd5ey]

@@SwordsmanMercenary star wars has very much become dominated by characters who are Somebody- that is, characters that play a major role in the major political events in the story

[@Flufferz626]

Seeing who the writer is, I think Bad Batch's veteran parallels are definitely intentional. I even got that vibe despite not coming from a military background or family.

[@saragolightly]

Not only well researched and organized, but also done without all the negative emotion of so many SW obsessed channels. Thanks for faithfully loving this universe without letting its shortcomings ruin your experience :) There are definitely some eps in the Bad Batch that felt slower or unnecessarily "kiddie themed." But it is still a WONDERFUL addition to the lore.

[@ArTorrPresents]

I like being a voice of positivity in the SW community! 👍

[@derrickstorm6976]

I have no idea what kind of 'completely negative' channels you watch, I've never seen a totally red SW video essay

[@gray5804]

@@derrickstorm6976 well, there are a few channels (not gonna say names) who are rather negative toward the new content, as well as toward content within sw that tries to have more inclusivity for people who are often underrepresented.

[@MohamedRamadan-qi4hl]

@@ArTorrPresents sorry but south Vietnam supported America

[@saragolightly]

@@derrickstorm6976 'completely negative' is not a phrase in my original comment. :)

[@tscarb]

As an Iraq veteran and army retiree I’ve been watching this show and saw all all you’ve spoken on Its interesting how the Bad Batch and Falcon & Winter Soldier are hitting the veteran community

[@blackneos940]

Thank you for you service, good sir.... And may the Lord be with you. ;)

[@tscarb]

@@blackneos940 thank you very much

[@schoonfam08]

Thank You for your service, my grandpa served in the Air Force during the Vietnam Era.

[@tscarb]

@@schoonfam08 thank you And for hom

[@patrickmusson4571]

Thank you for your service sir. The Good Lord Almighty and the Force will be with you, always.

[@EdKauffmann]

i also love that Bad Batch is a story about family where the main caregiver-child relationship is SPECIFICALLY one of older siblings raising a younger sibling. The parallel of them having to suddenly make do without the Republic's all-encompassing support structure feeding and sheltering them, but still needing to provide both survival AND a healthy childhood at the same time for the youngest and least-independent among them speaks SO much to the experience of families without parents (whether from sudden tragedy, poverty, or abuse). It not only makes these larger themes more immediate and intimate, it's also just beautiful to see that family circumstance depicted with such gravity and care in a kids show, when so many kids out there in those exact circumstances deserve to see that reflected in their heroes.

[@ArTorrPresents]

Agreed!!

[@yog-sherkoth1782]

Technically omega is their older sister

[@Real_RPGgaming]

@@yog-sherkoth1782 how?

[@yog-sherkoth1782]

@@Real_RPGgaming omega was one of the first batch of clones along with boba and she didn't get the growth hormone (The kaminoans used these two as jango Fett's genetic controls). Basically she ages normally making her around her teen years where the badbatch is a newer generation of clone with the growth hormone making them around 5-10 years old when order 66 occurs.

[@Real_RPGgaming]

@@yog-sherkoth1782 oh yea I forgot about the growth hormone. TYSM

[@EspressoInSpace]

Hands down the greatest Star Wars breakdowns ever

[@saragolightly]

Not only well researched and organized, but also done with the right attitude. I'm so tired of The Fandom Menace hating on everything just to get views.

[@quendi5557]

Agreed.

[@jxckedgell3821]

Yep

[@Znrgy23]

Agreed I’m on break rn and I’m 100% spending the next few days watching this man’s videos

[@panther-nk2hn]

And some of the most positive ones, too. I don't think I've ever heard a Rebels video essay as praising of the show as his was.

[@saragolightly]

The scene where Omega discovers sunlight and dirt is the purest thing I've ever seen

[@jwroot]

She's a Curious little one... But She's Precious.

[@shankshoanatlprez4453]

Definitely the next Ahsoka type character now in Grand Master Filoni's stable of Fandom favorite characters. I say Grand Master respectfully, because he was once very much the apprentice...Now he is THE Grand Master, In Filoni We Trust!

[@Cyro_2235]

this moment should clones have had in TCW long before omega! but TCW was too busy showing us pointless shit and filler.... the books did this. but the show is too primitive for that.

[@strikeforcealpha9343]

@@jwroot There's something Prreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeecious about her.

[@lmlmanonfire13]

Anyone else on Team “Omega is trans and I’m here for it”? 🏳️‍⚧️

[@ArkenTheAmerikan]

Absolute masterpiece. I love the positivity you consistency manage to bring to Star Wars analysis, it's a genuine and enduring inspiration. Star Wars has always had an interesting relationship with various unpleasant forms of trauma, but I never thought of it while watching The Bad Batch. I always viewed it through the lens of individuality vs uniformity, of which Clone Force 99 naturally represents the former, but the aspect of PTSD somehow never entered my mind until watching this. You touched on it briefly with your Fallen Order video, but now you've made a full on exploration of trauma and I am so here for it. As an aside, you've got me listening to the A-Team theme all day long, so good job.

[@ArTorrPresents]

It's a banger of a theme for sure. Thank you for your thoughtful response!!

[@shinystarmiestudios4179]

I wonder if he'll expand this with the batch. And I'm not just talking about how this is affecting the Batch, but affecting Omega as well. Some of the things she's experienced, no adult should have to endure, let along as 12-13 year old child.

[@evandafoe1222]

My biggest problem with this analysis is that Crosshair didn’t want power, he wanted purpose. But it’s important to remember that it is the individual who brings purpose to what it is they do and Crosshair couldn’t see purpose, thus far, in anything other than be a soldier - even for the empire. If it was about power, he would have sold them out as quickly as possible.

[@ArTorrPresents]

I agree that it's about purpose-- but having power is what fulfills it in the mind of Crosshair. And like any other villain in SW, power is temporary, and not what delivers true fulfillment.

[@palpatine1715]

@@ArTorrPresents did you get that through observation or from George Lucas’s speech on pleasure and happiness?

[@poenpotzu2865]

What is purpose but the power to choose one's destiny?

[@princesseuphemia1007]

I also got the impression that Crosshair just wanted to survive, and joining the empire was the most realistic way (in his mind) he saw of doing it, less than he necessarily agreed with the empire or the sense of 'purpose' it gave him.

[@troyfortsch4440]

As a 50+ year old Star Wars fan, I’ll put this as simply as I can…. I love your work.

[@ArTorrPresents]

It's my pleasure!

[@dont-hurt-me2519]

During the "A Farewell to Home" segment of the video, you should have mentioned a line mentioned by ES-01 (One of the Stormtroopers in training) from the Bad Batch Episode; "Replacements" (S1E3). The specific quote was: "With the Empire, I get paid, I get fed and I have a roof over my head. That's more than the Republic ever did for me." While this relates back to the "A War of Mistruths" segment where you mentioned the Clone Wars was having a negative financial effect on the lives of the lower & middle class people throughout the galaxy, it signifies that for a select few group of people, the change from the Republic to the Empire had a bit of a positive effect.

[@ArTorrPresents]

I thought about including that part for sure. Definitely underlines the appeal for the elite troopers to enlist with the empire.

[@tristankawatsuma8962]

Isn't this something that neither the Republic or the Empire granted to the clone troopers? I just always get the impression that most people in the galaxy on both sides of the war and long after it was over never gave a damn about the clone troopers whether they were justified or not. One thing that always irks me is that in my mind, the galaxy long after the Rise of Skywalker would still be familiar with battle droids since these things almost last forever. Droids are always going to outlive humans. Meanwhile the other soldiers of the war are eventually going to be forgotten and anybody who bothers to remember them is going to focus just on the fact they were the Empire's first soldiers. Heck, the clones may even be remembered only as a footnote since the Empire replaced most of them so quickly. History books will flash over the combatants and focus on how the war affected the galaxy, but at least the battle droids still exist and the Jedi Order will be resurrected. The clones on the other hand are gone forever. An entire species (yes, they are human but there is still a distinction from them and normal humans like us) is gone, wiped out. Just like the Geonosians and probably just like the Kaminoans in a matter of decades. Nobody will remember their heroics in the Clone Wars. Nobody will ever know the brainwashing that forced them to betray what they were raised to believe in. Nobody will ever know what their lives were like. Nobody will even care. And the worst part of it is since they were the ones who helped establish the Empire that began a long era of darkness in the galaxy, I can't really fault descendants of those who lived under the reign of the Empire only remembering the clones for one thing-Being the Empire's first soldiers.

[@stardragon7893]

@@tristankawatsuma8962 I couldn't agree more. The clones are the biggest tragedy in the Star Wars galaxy. They sacrificed so much, and then they were just thrown aside because their puppet master didn't need them anymore. The worst part is that most people probably won't know or care.

[@magdavillafuerte505]

@@ArTorrPresents Hi, i would like to ask you a question. You see, i'm from latin america (peru to be specific) and in my university my ethics proffesor gave a speech criticizing George Lucas because he said that his vietnam message is incompatible with the movie, because in real life the Vietcong commited atrocities like the massacre of Hue, while the americans did the same bombing rural town in vietnam. ¿What's your opinion on this? ¿Did george lucas failed because of a bad metaphor or his story doesn't rely on being a metaphor?

[@aryanbhuta3382]

​@@magdavillafuerte505 The Rebel Alliance is not a direct parallel to the Viet-Cong, at least not yet. Recently, there has been more of a push to show the Rebel Alliance in a morally dubious light.

[@CT9905.]

As a retired Vet who also suffers from PTSD… I thank you for this video.

[@_.BlackArmor._]

May GOD BLESS and PROTECT you Amen ❤️

[@ActionJacksonVideos]

The Bad Batch felt like a Hideo Kojima production, where even if the plot wasn't always moving forward, the characters and world were constantly fleshed out in small but meaningful degrees. I personally disagree with the sentiment that most of the batch is underdeveloped, as character development is rarely as straightforward as encountering and understanding an Aesop, followed by completely altering one's identity for the next episode. As a whole, the Batch are all fundamentally more compassionate and more sure of themselves at the finale than they were at the premiere, and have a deeper understanding of what it means to stand on their own feet and live when they otherwise were expected to die. I loved getting to see a moral quagmire fully embracing how complex the concepts of identity, duty, and betrayal can be, especially when juxtaposed in the hyper-real mirror that Star Wars subtly casts back on us. It's one of my favorite pieces of Star Wars media and I genuinely cannot wait to see where they can take this show. Your video was fantastic and brought a new lens I hadn't previously considered to the product, something that I find happens every time I watch a new Artorr original. I can't wait to see what else you've got, and don't stress about "low content production". My favorite channels make six or seven videos a year, and I do count you among those. Can't wait for your takes on ME2!

[@Jodaku]

I agree strongly with your take that TBB felt like Kojima production. I got heavy Metal Gear vibes early on with TBB. Some of it was admittedly superficial with Hunter and Snake (or Big Boss) sharing a pretty strong resemblance and just generally having a similar energy. But the things you pointed out showed it was more than just superficial resemblance the video reinforces it.

[@Neurodivergent-j1f]

As a huge MGS fan, I must say that you are a genius for spotting that.

[@Neurodivergent-j1f]

@@Jodaku Cad Bane vs Revolver Ocelot?

[@twstf8905]

Captain Howzer; A man who has found purpose not in becoming a loyal soldier, but loyal to the good he can achieve shows us the way. And he just so happens to have a _magnificent_ head of hair! 😍 #HotHowzer 🔥 #Fashionista

[@stardragon7893]

He's the best. I really hope we get to see him again.

[@spartanalex9006]

As 40k has proven, the better your hair, the better your morality.

[@riddell26]

@@spartanalex9006 Fulgrim ring any bells?

[@spartanalex9006]

@@riddell26 He's the exception, not the rule.

[@centurian318]

An honorable leader and soldier who refused to follow what he believed to be an unlawful order, and he was not alone in his beliefs.

[@merlyworm]

I found Bad Batch very enjoyable. At first I was a little meh on Omega, but she grew on me as the series went on. The revelation that she's their older sister was funny to me. Reminds us that the clones dont live long, etc. Great work again. Looking forward to your Mandalorian breakdown.

[@Yodalemos]

I hated everything about Omega, we know what a perfect clone of Jango looks like, because we have Boba and we're supposed to believe Omega is a lossless clone of Jango when she shares literally none of his features.

[@merlyworm]

@@Yodalemos She's a modified clone, like the rest of the 'bad batch'. Who knows what modification she has. Plus she wasnt programmed to age fast. I'm wiling to put some faith in the same people that gave us Clone Wars that it'll turn out good in the end.

[@Yodalemos]

@@merlyworm except that the series makes a point of claiming she's a natural clone. Why would they say that if she was modified to this extent.

[@merlyworm]

@@Yodalemos Think by natural, they meant not aging fast. Natural lifespan. Tho, it could easily be they changed her chromosomes to XX, and a couple minor appearance changes to mask she was a clone to the casual observer.

[@bigfatboss7427]

@@merlyworm She just feels out of place considering Boba still exists, 100% copy of Jango and a natural lifespan. Either Omega has some wierd/advanced modification or she was added for the sake of simply creating a mission for the Bad Batch.

[@dont-hurt-me2519]

Some of my hopes for Bad Batch Season 2 is that they try to incorporate the scrapped "Kashyyyk Arc" from the Clone Wars. There are various ways the show could appropriate the arc; either make it a series of flashback episodes or update the arc to match with the setting (think along the lines of what they did with the "Ahsoka Walkabout Arc" by replacing Nix with Trace & Rafa)? I've mentioned this before but I'm hoping that Season 2 has more "original" episode & less that rely of the return of characters/locations from previous Star Wars Media. If past elements do return, I'd love to see either Hondo Ohnaka, Zeb Orelius, Boba Fett, etc. & their interactions with the Bad Batch as well. Season 2 should also answer what happened to the young clones; the ones who were still in the early phases of their training & had yet to experience combat of any form (practice or the real thing)? Whether or not Omega may be force sensitive...to an extent should also be answered in Season 2.

[@diegomendez3943]

What about Cody and Wolffe would you like for them to come back for season 2?

[@dont-hurt-me2519]

@@diegomendez3943 Yes

[@scinnyc]

The young clones became Purge Troopers for the Inquisitors. It briefly covers this in the 2017 Darth Vader comic

[@Superglitchym]

How about they show up in rots with clone wars style for a bit and then are sent to assist depa?

[@shinystarmiestudios4179]

Well, Hondo Ohnaka is the best way for Boba to learn about Omega and The Bad Batch, and it probably wouldn't be that hard to bring him into the show for an episode, or even part of an episode, and have Boba cameo at the end, learning about Clone Force 99 and especially Omega

[@Sumguyinavan_]

What I learned most from the Filoniverse is that the creator of a narrative isn't always the best one to expand on it. They are not infallible, they do not deserve the final say. Once they put the spark of inspiration out into the universe, people may and will do with it as they please (and copyright can't completely stop it- the more it tightens its grip, the more stories slip through their fingers). Sometimes you get someone so inspired by and understanding of what the narrative is about, they can do more and better with it than the creator arguably ever did.

[@MooniFrog]

I was never really interested in Star Wars until The Bad Batch. The show is great and I can see it will become something greater in the future(hopefully) Thank you for the amazing video, it always feels like I'm watching a movie :D

[@ArTorrPresents]

Thank you for checking it out!!

[@steelresilience]

Glad you're interested. The Clone Wars series was just as good.

[@MooniFrog]

@@steelresilience Yes!! Thanks to TBB I watched it too ^^ It is also great 🙏

[@steelresilience]

@@MooniFrog I'm glad to hear it. Rebels is good too. Resistance is okay but nowhere as good as TCW and TBB.

[@MooniFrog]

@@steelresilience Planning to check out Rebels too, soon :D

[@quendi5557]

The message you were trying to spread was really clear and was really impactful even for someone who doesn't live in america.

[@rose_city-86o51]

Every hair on my body was standing up through out this entire video. I agree with everyone else, this is hands down the best SW breakdown video ever. I flippen love it. The intro, the explanations and just an awesome wholesome video over all. Really helps to drag the core issues going on in the SW universe, out into full view and done in a way that was well explained. What a lot of us hardcore SW fans have been trying to explain that there is bigger issue for years, you were able to do in a well fluid way. Love it

[@ArTorrPresents]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@ryanallen5396]

I think you made an excellent point about Omega and her representation of hope. And the writers did an amazing job of showing that. I honestly can't stop smiling whenever the show focusses on Omega

[@Maya_Ruinz]

The Bad Batch is starting to become my favorite story of Disney's Star Wars, as a veteran myself I cant help but see all the same patterns the Bad Batch are going through with my experiences when the war was over. When you live for your next mission, how do you transition from war to peace and not feel lost and purposeless? You learn that only through processing your emotions and learning to love again can you finally put it behind you.

[@jwroot]

40:39 "You did that on Skako Minor when you rescued me. I'd still be trapped in that place if you hadn't. If there's a chance that trooper is being held against his will, then we have to try and get him out." - Echo *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP*

[@CharlesOberdick]

Everyone wants to to have a Star War but no one knows how to deal with the damn Star Peace.

[@maramackenzie-mann]

Honestly its so uplifting to hear someone talk about TBB in a positive light, mentioning its flaws yes, but focusing on its good points as well.

[@LoreFreak]

Such an amazing channel, few take the time to study the cultural and historical context like you do. Kudos, can't imagine how much work goes into making such a video. You're truly underrated.

[@ArTorrPresents]

Appreciate the thoughtfulness, thank you for checking this out!!

[@ryanmosdell9007]

Before the release of the Bad Batch I was worried the morality of Star Wars animation might go away because of different changes around our world and compassionate themes in stories becoming less likely to be in these types of shows or as prominent as it was in Star Wars. But I am grateful I was wrong and am glad Star Wars animation is still what it was before. I believe Star Wars is one of the last media franchises that puts teaching people on morality and compassion before other things.

[@pticatori]

Raising awareness about veteran associations amongst at least your closest ones is the best first step in helping veterans to recover. Every country has a war it rather not talk about. To Russia, these are the 1st and the 2nd Chechen Campaigns. Those were conflicts relatable to such as Vietnam or Gulf War. Atrocities, commited by both separatists and Russian army were unthinkable. When the Campaigns were over, we've had hundreds of thousands servicemen with PTSD and other disorders, who came back home, just to find themselves in a downfall of alcoholism, heroin addiction, and criminal organisations. They quickly became branded by society as "people you should avoid". It's chilling now, how ruthless people were to them. Nobody even tried to help, and I, as a kid, was just afraid of them. I've carried that fear throughout a big part of my life. It took me years to refine my contradictory feelings towards them, into something of awareness and compassion. Because this is the way. Dear ArTorr, you did a truly great job. This must be outspoken, and in some cases even constantly reminded about: they are us. No more, no less. They need help, but they are of that kind that rarely seeks it. So that's up to me, you, and all of us. And this refers not only to US military veterans, but to any veteran of any conflict in any country all over the world. Please, at least try to be compassionate to them.

[@pticatori]

I wonder if I should delete this comment after what happened in Ukraine. I wrote this before February 24th.

[@pticatori]

@snowflake You are absolutely correct. Things are going to be be even worse. It's commonly known that PTSD hits a hundred times harder on those troops who are of the attacking side. Ukrainian people are just defending their motherland from invaders, it's a righteous war to them, they didn't start it. Killing invaders in the process doesn't mean dealing with conscience, and it's absolutely okay. People get KIA/MIA at war, y'know. But hundreds of thousands of Russian troops (who are NOT volunteers, btw) are going to deal with the same devastating psychological aftereffects as Reich soldiers did after WWII. The flimsy ideological basis explaining the legitimacy of the invasion will inevitably crumble in time (as Nazis' ideology did) and we'll have yet another pile of retired soldiers trying so hard to understand _why the hell they did what they did, and how to live with it now_. Sadly, one's brain may be easily tricked with propaganda in a short term, but as soon as delusion fades, it (such wow!) appears extremely difficult to get along with the fact that one is nobody else, but a murderer, and a war criminal. Such an overwhelming controversy fries one's brains, and takes years to process. -- P.S. What's even more horrible, they are all drafted. Evasion is prosecuted by the law: refusing to go will eventually get you behind the bars, wherefrom you'll get drafted anyway, but to penalty battalion now. However, it applies only to those, who did military training (which is more or less obligatory for all men from 18 to 27 yo). -- P. P. S. I thank God I somehow avoided it legally (due to health issues). Still I'm afraid as f.. because, well, who knows what else may pop into our _beloved leader's_ head. He's running out of military personnel already. Nobody's safe here. Would have fled the country already, but I simply can't. Every day I pray for it all to end.

[@Shadowkiller-dq2ju]

As an OTH veteran it was extremely hard to transition back civilian life without getting any help from the government. I’m extremely lucky that I had my family and friends to help me out.

[@soapbarl8554]

I like how you connect fiction and real life events to expand on the surface level story of the bad batch

[@mikaelacash3791]

" They treat combat like Dungeons & Dragons." XD In all seriousness, though, you're absolutely right about everything here. I love Bad Batch. The shift in the Galaxy from the Republic to the Empire is a story we've long needed and been missing. The story of the Veterans. It hurts how much our veterans get forgotten. I know so many, most of them left with permanent scars (both physical and mental). We need to do better. I like the addition of Omega as the Hope that we constantly see resonating through all of Star Wars, though. That's what I love so much about Star Wars. Hope is always there.

[@Pigpen_YT]

It makes me so happy that there's somebody in the Star Wars fandom making longform Star Wars content that's not negative, spiteful or mostly normal but the occasional jab at anyone who likes say the Sequels or Rebels. Props king, glad to see someone else who appreciates the Bad Batch!

[@cradiculous]

A very sobering discussion, for sure. While you mostly discussed how it relates to our past, it really does describe our current present rather well, too. There are so many lies everywhere, and a staggering amount of people are more interested in picking a side than putting in the effort to find the truth themselves. These are not times when you can trust everything you're told, and that's true for both parties.

[@iamunamed5800]

You can't find the truth yourself... that's why all these issues are happening. Because of the internet we live in a post-truth age. Nothing anyone says can be taken as objective fact online, everything has a bias and lens to it. And it goes deeper then left vs right, that's just the easiest line to draw.

[@jeko72]

@@iamunamed5800 it seems like everyone forgot the goal was to root out corruption

[@Striker163videos]

“Totalitarianism is never content to rule by external means, namely, through the state and a machinery of violence; thanks to its peculiar ideology and the role assigned to it in this apparatus of coercion, Totalitarianism has discovered a means of dominating and terrorizing human beings from within.” Hannah Arendt, Origins of Totalitarianism

[@Ty-yy7zr]

Omega's theme is one of the best themes in star wars.

[@ArTorrPresents]

Agreed!

[@RandomInternetUser6120]

I thought it was obvious

[@jamma.77]

You're the first person I've seen do a proper, deep look at this series. Most people's reviews (out of the ones I've seen, anyway) seem to start and end with those complaints you listed about filler episodes and no charcter development. This defintely raised my opinion of the show.

[@avaschu1370]

I loved the bad batch season one. While Crosshair's story is a breath of fresh air from Starwars' redemption themes, I really do hope that this isn't the end of it. I remember being mildly upset during the season finale p2 at Tech's comment on how Crosshair couldn't change. I felt this way because after I got over my initial dislike of him (I honestly cheered when Rex punched him haha), I saw the potential his character had to evolve based on the events that happened to him in the first few episodes. My biggest hope for season two is that the writers continue to pull at the string in Crosshair that had him save Omega (without victimizing him) if we are to get a happy ending. Of course, there's always the possibility *we won't* but that's something I prefer not to think about. I'm also hoping for more of Rex, and more Echo-centric episodes for no other reason than I like him and want to know so bad how he found out about FIves. Here I am still awaiting Rampart's death whoops.

[@thelegolistme3250]

OH YESSS I DIDNT KNOW WHAT TO WATCH TONIGHT AND THIS POPS UP AT THE PERFECT TIME Fan talk aside, the amount of work you put in these and the clone wars and rebels videos is amazing and i always enjoy (re)watching them. May the force be with you

[@jadedbtw3560]

Agreed

[@quendi5557]

Agreed.

[@SuperDanielHUN]

I find it refreshing, to see that Hollywood can create an original female character, that is an absolute joy to watch. Who would have thought, a 10 year old kid would become one of my favorite characters in Star Wars. I Hate Kathleen Kennedy, but anything Dave Fiiloni touches becomes a masterpiece.

[@ARandomSpace]

I like Filoni's stuff, but some take it quite far. Filoni did some stuff in Resistance and that wasn't good. The only thing I can really criticise TCW on is the Legends retconning, which I didn't mind.

[@LordVader1094]

Omega is a really weak character though. She's just there to tell the characters to do something and nothing else.

[@RedNinja0070]

@@ARandomSpace dude sthu omg you're such an incel.

[@RedNinja0070]

@@LordVader1094 Incel alert* Jesus you hate women

[@awesomecoolguy8857]

@@RedNinja0070 ???

[@jessetaran7116]

I like that you brought up Rey and Kylo because Crosshair's scene with the Batch in the Kamino training room reminded me of Snoke's throne room in TLJ and I had the same sinking feeling in my chest in both scenes.

[@cassievania]

Thank you for this. As a veteran I've often related to the clones, and especially trying to readjust to post-military life. I think you did an excellent job touching on those points.

[@DRGWRailfan]

Dude your videos are the greatest Star Wars videos on this platform. So beautifully edited, and most of all, the messages behind them are phenomenal, you really hit us in the feels. You're a great writer, and I can't wait to see what you do next!

[@ArTorrPresents]

Thank you so much!!

[@DRGWRailfan]

@@ArTorrPresents Anytime bro!!!

[@Ty-yy7zr]

Does anyone think we're going to see an older omega in Book of Boba Fett, since they're effectively brother and sister???

[@KaminoKatie]

I can see that happening

[@shinystarmiestudios4179]

I'd say most likely yes, though not until Season 2 at least. (If TBB ends before Mandalorian Season 3, I could see someone namedropping her during Season 3 of Mandalorian)

[@jasondillard4435]

Wow. The A-Team theme playing over Bad Batch hits just right.

[@ArTorrPresents]

Right?!

[@thenewdoc4599]

You easily have some of the best and most nuanced star wars video essays on KZbin. It'll be interesting to see how you interpret the aftermath of a civil war in The Mandalorian and an apathetic galaxy learning to care about each other in the Sequel trilogy.

[@ArTorrPresents]

Excited to touch on the world in the Mandalorian for sure!

[@mandoaddict7154]

Thank you for a superb analysis of one of my favorite animation shows, the bad batch. I really appreciate your respectful analogy with today's veterans, in general. My brother who was a Vietnam veteran was proud of his service. But, it also altered his life trajectory in a bad way. He suffered from PTSD all his life. He did not meet his full potential because of it. Your criticism of the VA is spot on, but I have to say that he was lucky to have had access to a great facility in Long Beach, CA. He got excellent care there that every veteran in the US should get. Thank you for your hard work in creating such excellent work. Please don't stop.

[@davidlosey431]

Suggested edit. Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy both sent (Eisenhower) and expanded (Kennedy) American's involvement in the Vietnam war. Lindon Johnson expanded America's role in Vietnam. Nixon did continue to expand Amerca's role, however his administration did get the United States out of Vietnam.

[@tracey5324]

Knowing that the writers have real army experience makes me happier now that I know the subtext I felt I was reading was intentional. The fact that they parent Omega by using After-Action-Reports instead nondefined rule changes, the seamless way they take posts or shift responsibility back and forth between them without words and even the tiny ways they find privacy while being crammed into a single hallway of a ship. Even a lot of the character development is done through subtle gestures or expressions which feels very genuine. Poor Echo has had to completely rewrite his self identity and moral code this season and practically nobody noticed.

[@pinkiepone3299]

ArTorr, I commented before but I have to say it again: your videos are on a level of quality I haven't seen in a long time. Your audio editing is top notch, and I've not seen people use it to emphasize their points as well as you have. Your writing is as solid as ever too. I had the initial thought while watching the show that this was touching on topics of Veterans, but this analysis just solidified that as something I need to rewatch the show with in mind. But more than that, I ended up losing myself in this video, something I rarely find with KZbin nowadays. It's funny, my father watched this show with me. He grew up on the Prequels, I grew up on Clone Wars, and I think we both had very different but meaningful reactions to it. To him, seeing Kamino destroyed was this sense of closure to years of questions about the Empire. For me, it was almost like the end of an era, like I was watching something I'd seen grow up with me be taken from me. To him, Kamino was part of the Prequels and the story Lucas told with them; for me, it was part of the Star Wars show that got me into the entire universe, the connection to it I had grown with in such a short amount of time yet was no less strong. For him it was relief, for me it was uncertainty. And I think that's what he Clone Wars and Bad Batch really excel at, hitting all generations of Star Wars with such a fine-toothed edge. Thank you as well for your discussion of Veteran services at the end as well. It was such a sincere way to end the video and really shows how much the topic means to both you and the show overall.

[@ArTorrPresents]

Thank you for the kindness and thoughtfulness. I try to do everything here with a purpose 👍

[@OrionFromMars]

This is a fantastic analysis, and the incorporation of real life events is a great example! I love how you also had a positive view of the show as well, I personally loved The Bad Batch too. I’ve seen so much negativity circulating the series, like, the ending wasn’t enough or their are *too* many fillers, which isn’t necessarily false because it all depends on the persons opinion, but than again this is only season one. While I prefer not to compare Clone Wars and Bad Batch because Clone Wars had many more seasons which meant a lot more stronger and impactful episodes, I will admit, Bad Batch had a much stronger start. Not to say that The Bad Batch doesn’t have flaws, it definitely does, but what show is absolutely perfect? Anyway, really liked this video! Great job!

[@jonesy2064]

better call saul is a perfect show

[@IsaacV24]

Gotta admit I wasn’t huge on the Bad Batch. But I’m always excited whenever ArTorr uploads a Star Wars video…

[@domhatesmangos7273]

bro you are killing it with these chapter names

[@ArTorrPresents]

👍

[@themesongfan452]

There was a time I would've celebrated the destruction of the Kamino, that heart of evil where so much was done to ensure the destruction of the Jedi Order and the rise of the Empire. And yet, when it finally happened, I felt sadness instead. And I remembered the episodes during the Clone Wars when the clones fought in Kamino's defense declaring, "Today, we fight for more than the Republic! Today, we fight for our home and brothers!" And I suddenly realized that the end of Kamino doesn't symbolize justice for all the evils that were committed there; it symbolizes everything the clones fought for being in vain, both here and across the galaxy. And I cried.

[@Wyvdhvdgh]

Quickly becoming my favorite KZbinr, rarely does anyone else continually register with my emotions and have such high quality editing and narration. Keep up the good work

[@ArTorrPresents]

Thank you so much!

[@twistedyogert]

I feel so bad for our veterans. They sometimes took a literal bullet for our country, they should be treated like royalty, given access to everything they and their families need.Those who serve in the military have valuable skills that can be applied to civilian life. If they could just get the help that they need things would be much different.

[@DAM9427]

Dude that was a great vid, great content. You are so right how we vets feel about being used as pawns for a pointless war(s). You touch on a lot of good point. You had a really accurate view of the parallels between the star wars universe and the real world. Thank you.

[@ArTorrPresents]

So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@-sk8-437]

They treat combat like D&D LOL that slayed me

[@andyl7303]

Me too! haha

[@michaelkaduck1915]

When I first heard this show was getting made, I was like, 'Okay, really?' I felt like I had already finished with the Clone Wars Era with the amazing last season. But I am so delighted to have been wrong. I have loved The Bad Batch. The way it explores the struggle the clones have had to find meaning is so cathartic, and this video did a good job of helping address the real-world issues of caring for war veterans, which at first I didn't even think about. I still have some hope for Crosshair. Like Omega said, he's their brother too. And its such a great true way to say goodbye to the prequel era of Star Wars.

[@quendi5557]

And it's amazing that they are taking it slow with him, people don't change very fast for the most part so it's great they are taking it slow.

[@Rdkjedi]

The destruction of Kamino is one of my favorite scenes in all of Star Wars and animation, the music and imagery is so emotional and overwhelming as someone that grew up with the prequels and clone wars

[@karanthakker7434]

I think a better analogy of the clones to a real life army would be the British Indian soldiers that fought in the millions in the Second World War and were used as just numbers and figures that were being mass produced in India through the British colonial machine. The forced conscription of the Indians or at least deceiving the indians to fight in the war is very similar to the programming of the clones to fight for the republic (actually the empire but made to be seen as a republic)

[@sr7129]

Love the bit about clones and military families. My dad was navy and never the biggest prequel fan but whenever he was home I made him watch clone wars with me, and he loves the clones

[@JBBrickman]

Hey I know it’s annoying when people ask about projects but you mentioned at the end of your Raider video that you would be covering Temple of Doom and Last Crusade in early 2021. I was just wondering since 2021 is about to be over, if you put them on the back burner or if you have shelved them?

[@ArTorrPresents]

I don't mind getting asked about projects! I've put that video on the back burner. I will hopefully be doing it sometime by or before this summer 👍

[@Spagghet]

I agree with the concepts you described portrayed in the show. I disagree with your allegorical portrayal of the “unjust” wars described. No war can truly be defined as just, and the ones mentioned are as complicated as any historic conflict.

[@clonetroopersteve6780]

“I’ve been looking forward to this”

[@justaguy5346]

It’s all hitting harder after seeing that homeless clone in kenobi

[@matildakeith9575]

This was so wonderful to watch. I absolutely L O V E D this show, to me it felt like it was trying to say something different. The characters didn’t have the most depth, but I completely adored all of them anyway. To me the show was about a family trying to find their way in a broken galaxy. Before their purpose was just the mission, but now it’s to simply take care of one another. Hunter has a really strong moral compass that’s constantly challenged, and when he starts losing sight of it, it’s Omega who reminds him not to lose his compassion. Everyone looks to him for answers, but he doesn’t always have them, and it important that he doesn’t always make the right call. However I’d argue Hunter is probably one of the most objectively “good” characters in Star Wars. He’s just a war veteran trying to get by alongside this hodgepodge family he sort of pulled together. He took in Omega without hesitation, and when he doubted his ability to give her the stability she needed, he tried to send her with the Laquaynes. But when she assures him that she wants to stay with them, he tries to be the best parent he can be to her, and she builds her own unique relationships with each of her brothers. TLDR the show was smaller than what people are used to, but I think that’s a good thing. It’s just really cute and really sweet. I’ve seen a lot of pretty bad takes on The Bad Batch. I almost didn’t click this video because I was ready to hear another person rip into something great for not living up to their unrealistic expectations. This show is a personal comfort of mine, and I am counting the days until season 2. Aside: i’ve been saying that Crosshair is your racist uncle since August

[@christofthedead]

Although Dee Bradley Baker is an amazing actor & I love most of his voice acting, the New Zealand accent he puts on for the Clones sounds more like a parody than an accurate representation of the accent. It might not be noticeable for American or European audiences, but it's fairly difficult to listen to for people who are from that part of the world. Definitely a missed opportunity to not have all of the Bad Batch represented by actual NZ voice actors. Despite that minor (General) grievance - Amazingly well made & thought out video essay

[@andreww9150]

First, well done. I appreciate, as a veteran who deals with mental health issues, the factual yet supportive way that you brought it all around. One criticism, though, is that nobody can "do what they need to do" to make Crosshair change. Crosshair has to see a need and then want the change he would have to work on. Nobody else can define that for him, or force him into it, and any efforts to do so will only push him farther into the hole he has dug. What his brothers and sister CAN do, however, is provide the support he'll need once he makes that decision, if he ever does. Perhaps that's where you were going, and it just came out poorly, or I misunderstood your message at that particular moment in the video. All in all, though, well researched and written overall. Thank you.

[@ST-cp6fn]

I love this sw content on this channel so much

[@ShannonLynn21]

I'm still not totally convinced Crosshair doesn't have his chip. It's like character deaths, unless I see it on screen, it didn't happen.

[@Pokey_Puni_]

This might be one of the most undeserved hated shows for Star Wars so far, many fans I've seen don't like the show for it's slow paced story and lack of character progression within the main cast, and I'm not saying every Star Wars fan should have extensive knowledge about the military and it's soldiers, but should understand that this isn't a story about ex military super soldiers fighting a growing empire, but rather a story of betrayed and forgotten veterans attempting to survive on their own wits and strengths, and the struggles that come with the difficult path they find themselves in. I'm not saying this show is perfect, but it's a damn good successor to Clone Wars, even if some aren't able to see it's message and symbolism.

[@wkadams88]

One thing I didn't see mentioned directly, but I think you hinted at, was the ubiquitous sense that I think is in all veterans, that question of "what do I do now?" It's not so simple as just picking something to do, then doing it. You've chosen to transform yourself into something that, in a lot of ways, goes against normal human instinct. At the very least, your simian need for community is co-opted and made to serve what you're told is a higher goal. But at a certain point, that's over, and whether you loved or hated it, the ending always seemed abrupt. This was where the show shined for me, in its portrayal of the range of veteran experiences. Some become like the Batch: a thorn in the side of the power that remains after that power has extracted its use from them. Some are like Cut, finding greater meaning outside what they were "made for," and in holding on to that instead, retain as much of their humanity that remains as they can, even while visibly still carrying their former purpose in their bones. Some are like Howser, seeing the flaws of the system they serve, and bravely exhibiting the courage to stand against it and change it from within...only to find that the system is too big for any one person to change. It even does what the sequel trilogy said it was going to do in humanizing the TK troopers. Who could forget the squad Crosshair leads to Onderon? They were ordinary people, seemingly hardened and trained for war just like the clones they volunteered to replace, only to find that war and violence were far uglier than the propaganda had led them to believe. I find their brief story to be one of the most compelling in the first season, because like them, I joined the military expecting to find greater purpose, only to discover a job that only oscillated between mind-numbing monotony and the deliverance of brutality, both extremes being just as pointless, accomplishing nothing except the waste of time and lives. You said at the end that you weren't sure if the portrayal of veterans in the Bad Batch was intentional...and truth be told, I'm not sure either. But whatever the showrunners intended, they were paying attention. That, for me, is why the Bad Batch is a cut above every other portrayal of veterans in media. It doesn't feel like pandering or even a well-intended mistranslation. It feels like it was written by someone who understands what it's like to give their soul to a cause, and have it spit back out to them with pieces missing.

[@MCLegoboy]

The announcement of The Bad Batch was certainly an odd choice back in 2020, but the description had me excited. Then the show came out and I absolutely loved it, it felt like it was tailor-made for me. Following up on that period after the Clone Wars before everything becomes the Dark Times is great, and while I didn't care much for the members of the Bad Batch nor even their episodes of Clone Wars, they are great in their own series! I can certainly understand the complaints I've also heard, but personally, it's my new favorite Star Wars thing. I'm so excited for what Season 2 has to offer because I imagine a lot of the complaints people have had are going to be addressed, and not out of reaction, but because episodes and themes and characters are just going to be followed up on. People can be really impatient and just deem everything a filler episode or say that someone doesn't have enough to do. Individual episodes of these shows are worked on up to two years in advance, let things play out. Rebels is phenomenal upon rewatch with how much they pulled from before and set up intentionally within the show. Season 1 of Bad Batch delivered, and I have no doubt it will continue to be great going forward.

[@mackenzy.mp4]

“Omega embodies the reality of raising a family after war, and the Havoc Marauder, their trusty ship, is the car that family lives out of.” speechless.

[@BenRigney480]

Can't wait for the Season 2-3 video essay

[@officernealy]

I had a best friend that not too long ago where we severed all ties with each other. I did it because he became lost to flagrant views, they weren't mere political disagreements but instead he actively transformed into a hateful, bigoted individual that I no longer recognized. I think that's why the fractured relationship between Hunter and Crosshair struck such a cord with me. Because I've been in Hunter's shoes in seeing a brother relationship crumble and through Crosshair, I guess I assume maybe my friend felt betrayed that I didn't "join him." I don't expect our friendship to ever heal, but I at least root that one day, these characters can fix what I can't.

[@heyitsmace]

Such a great analysis! I'm really sick of people bashing on this show without even thinking more about it.

[@ArTorrPresents]

It's sad really. Bad Batch is honestly a really fun show on its surface. Beneath that, there are layers and layers of thought, imo. So I'll always stick up for this show!

[@heyitsmace]

@@ArTorrPresents glad to see it!! Great work

[@Alice-gm7kh]

A masterpiece as always

[@ArTorrPresents]

Thank you!!

[@theredbrick3249]

Yesssss, your videos are always so fucking good. Keep it up

[@kieran8921]

You need to do a breakdown of Thrawn and how he seems to command the respect and devotion of the fanbase how many say that they would serve in the empire under Thrawn.

[@Warr1895]

Amazing job, actually had to fight off some tears.. I love Star Wars but making even more connections with real world events then I originally knew made it that much more deeper. And honestly helps me understand why I’m so drawn to it. Great research and an amazing video!

[@hammer1349]

Something I noticed about the scene where captain Howzer surrenders is that some the clones that side with him thrown down their weapons and shields with force, with defiance shining bright. While others, take a softer approach being gentle with their weapons and shields, potentially unsure or doubting of what they are doing but eventually coming to the conclusion that what Howzer says is right. Another detail I noticed is that the ones who follow the imperial line don't look around when the captain says to, they basically don't even react to his speech at all. Despite the faceless helmets, I feel like this underpins the individuality of the clones. The fact that among a group of clones, half chose to follow their commander's example and the other half chose to turn against them

[@erronblind4235]

I'm kinda shocked u havent talked about The Mandalorian, but these videos r awesomd regardless of what they r about?👍

[@ArTorrPresents]

It'll probably be one of, if not the very next Star Wars projects I'll talk about!

[@jonsmith2832]

@@ArTorrPresents any idea what you're gonna do for book of boba fett? Are you gonna do it as it's own thing or include it with your mandalorian video?

[@ArTorrPresents]

@@jonsmith2832 Probably separate videos.

[@devinm8391]

Looking forward to watching this one! I love your style of video essays, it's great conent!

[@nullite4589]

Phenomenal. Absolutely wonderful. I cannot recommend this video enough. You've crafted a fine video essay here, and you should be very proud.

[@diegomendez3943]

Una por el algoritmo.

[@bobbycecere1037]

It's kind of a shame. You're a sharp fellow, clearly interested in US politics & history but also clearly informed on roughly half of our history. I noticed you highlighted 3 Republican presidents while spinning your moral messages (which I agree with) but seem blissfully unaware of their Democrat counterparts who have done EVERYTHING they have done and then some. Particularly your attention to veterans affairs, Which would have been the perfect opportunity to highlight Obama's administration. There failure at the VA is unmatched in American history but somehow you didn't even know it happened. I kept waiting for it. You seem so interested in the plight of our veterans. It's just strange to see a guy capable of recognizing bad leadership but ONLY from one political party. It's both odd & silly. Can't take that narrow viewpoint seriously.

[@RepublicTrooper125]

What I love about The Bad Batch is how much it feels like Metal Gear Solid in terms of the little subtleties of the world and the soldiers in it.

[@HolyknightVader999]

32:56 This is why older societies gave military veterans a higher place in society, to thank them for their service, encourage others to sign up, and to prevent them from committing suicide or other horrible things. In the Medieval culture, soldiers who proved themselves in battle get knighted, knights who proved themselves in battle become lords. Lords who lead their armies well get promoted in the social structure or even marry into the royal family, and in an elective monarchy, they can even become kings. Meanwhile, the poor get help from the Church, which always looked out for the poor, even when greedy popes were in charge. (Greedy popes tend to splash cash on the poor to buy their way to heaven.) They knew they needed to offset the trauma that soldiers feel in war, with potential rewards and a pat on the back by society.

[@baneofbanes]

That’s not at all how medieval society worked.

[@HolyknightVader999]

@@baneofbanes That is how medieval societies worked. Aristocratic titles are given as a reward for military service, while those born in aristocratic families are trained for war.

[@baneofbanes]

@@HolyknightVader999 No. aristocratic titles were given in return for military service, and more often then not they were sold. Most soldiers where peasant levies, and after the war was over went back to being regular peasant farmers. Social mobility came form economics, not warfare.

[@HolyknightVader999]

@@baneofbanes That was only later on, when knights were no longer useful in combat during the advent of more effective firearms. If you tried to buy a noble title in medieval times, they'd laugh at you and throw you out.

[@baneofbanes]

@@HolyknightVader999 No, not at all. Countless times throughout the Middle Ages when Kings needed cash they would sell lands and titles to wealthy peasants and burghers. Has nothing to do with firearms.

[@SuperGoose42]

Not the video I was expecting, but a very good essay nonetheless. Excited for more in the future.

[@lucks4fools978]

Well, sleep can wait. I have something more important to do. In this case, watch.

[@fALECX]

You my man - are the KZbin Endgame in Content Creation. Well done!

[@crypticsamich1235]

Army Grunt here. I think I can speak for myself and all the other dudes and gals that served when I say, thank you. Thank you for using your platform as a way to spread awareness to all our brothers and sisters suffering. One of my NCOs lost the fight in his head 5 years ago, so many things you said truly struck a cord. Not in a positive or negative way, but in a needed way. Keep doing what you do ArTorr. You excel at this shit. Recon!

[@jackson857]

I don't think enough people watched the Bad Batch to appreciate how beautiful the animation is. I thought the last 4 episodes of Season 7 of the Clone Wars was beautiful but this show somehow managed to take it up another notch. I've never seen anything like it.