patronus

After a satisfying in-depth episode about Omega, we go back to the Batch, but only part of it. They wouldn't be who they are if they weren't doing all the good to find and rescue Omega.

Hunter's paternal role is beautifully evoked in his painful sidelong glance at Omega's doll (a nice visual parallel to the previous episode), and it stokes our desire to see them reunited. But it is the tests they face that defines heroes.

The episode rolls out the monster-of-the-week plot to structure this step in their search for Omega's whereabouts. We know, as fans, that Hunter and Wrecker are more than capable of facing this one, but it's still enjoyable to watch them fight to complete their mission and get one step closer to Omega.

It also sets a baseline of stakes for the season, as we know that the tests that lie ahead of them will be even tougher. It wouldn't be satisfying if it were too easy, and here they come away with only a meager clue.

Add to this some decent new clone characters, an appearance by a beloved droid, an exciting guest star vocal talent, some of the coolest non-John Williams soundtrack work yet in the series, and impressive animation. The season is off to a strong start.

This is honestly one of the best TV episodes I've seen in past year. I love the patient, suspenseful storytelling that carefully sets up Omega's situation and her goals. The character design shows that she has grown just a bit physically, and it's established that she is growing more independent. But will she be able to meet this test?

In this episode we see Omega's intelligent and principled defiance (her rebelliousness, if you will) and watch and she begins to realize that her heroic and caring heart could lead her into danger as much as it can help her.

Classic writing, elegantly executed. Another reminder that the Star Wars cartoons have quietly become one of the very best parts of the franchise. And I'm thrilled with the casting of Keisha Castle-Hughes and eager to see how her character unfolds.

What an excellent idea to explore a pacifist point of view in the Star Wars universe. But the Lumen Chief's position is so extreme that it ultimately turns into a straw man argument, and it becomes easy to dismiss his point of view as head-in-the-sand, suicidal stupidity. It would be interesting to see a stronger war critique explored as the series goes on.