"The Bad Batch Ep #13: Infested"

"The Bad Batch Ep #13: Infested" written by Amanda Rose Munoz, directed by Saul Ruiz

First let me say, I have complete faith in this show and genuinely believe that all the little hints and moments will pay off in the end. But as of right now, without knowing the future connections, I'm not really sure what the point of this episode was... I figured after "Ep. 10: Common Ground" when Omega played Dejarik for Cid followed by Cid proclaiming the Bad Batch free of their debts to her that we weren't going to be seeing anymore Cid and the show would continue to a new phase. ...as it did with "Ep. 11: Devil's Deal" and "Ep. 12: Rescue on Ryloth." But then at the beginning of this Ep, we immediately hear that the Batch are doing a job for Cid and she turns out to be the impetus for the entire episode. ...huh??

The reason I mention "hints and moments" that usually pay off in the end, is because of the villain being a Devaronian...who gets half his horn cut off. Cikatro Vizago anyone?? The Broken Horn Syndicate?? Could these somehow be related?? Goodness gracious I hope that we're getting the back story of this fascinating organization from the animated show "Rebels"!! Now I will admit that Cikatro's left horn is missing half and Roland's right horn is missing half so they definitely aren't the same person, but I still think there's a connection here somewhere. Plus, the symbol on Roland's jacket is almost like a half inverted Broken Horn Syndicate symbol except with both horns still intact--check out the comparison below with Roland's jacket on top. Also, the Pykes are involved. A group we've seen in "The Clone Wars" animated show and Solo. What kind of criminal underworld story line is going to unfold now that these new characters are appearing??...

Plot-wise, the Batch return to Ord Mantell to report back to Cid and find her parlor over run by goons!! They discover that a Devaronian named Roland Durand (son of Isa Durand) has taken over and Cid is "out." As they return to their ship, they discuss escaping Ord Mantell for good and Omega pipes up with a call to action to save Cid from whatever fate has befallen her. I do so love this little powerhouse of a woman. They then run smack into Cid who overheard the entire conversation. Whan whan. She has a plan to steal the shipment of spice Roland is safe-keeping thus tarnishing him in the eyes of the Pykes. There are pump-action/motorized mining carts attached to cables. There's a nasty flying creature that has infested the tunnels (see below). Spice gets taken. Spice gets lost. Omega gets held hostage!!! Spice is retrieved. Spice is given back to the Pykes. Omega is freed and Roland Durand gets his right horn chopped off.

The only really interesting parts about the episode's story arc were 1) Omega being held hostage (see her brothers' reactions to the Pykes saying Omega must stay with them while they retrieve the lost spice at the beginning of this review)--I loved watching her connect with Roland (she truly is able to see the good in all people), and 2) why in the world did Cid return to her parlor so quickly??? As for 2, I'm gonna guess that her two "hench-men," the Weequay Ketch and the Ithorian Bolo, sold Cid out after being caught by Roland AND the Pykes. She does say that they gave her the all clear... Cid had tasked them with kidnapping Ruby (the lizard stolen from the Rhokai in "Ep. 7: Battle Scars"). Ruby had become Roland Durand's prized pet (but still affectionately remembered Omega--so precious! see below). Let's just say Roland wasn't about to lose his baby.

Well, I guess there was more to unpack than I realized!! My fingers are staying crossed that this show will continue to connect various bits and pieces across episodes thus making the most surprising things relevant in the end. Only three episodes left!!!! ...I'm also crossing my fingers for a Season 2...