Star Wars: The Clone Wars: 3 best moments from the Bad Batch arc

1. Anakin and Padmé’s “Secret” Meeting

Anakin and Padmé’s “secret” meeting is satisfying on so many levels.

It’s no secret that Star Wars fans take issue with Anakin and Padmé’s romantic relationship in the prequel films, with many feeling as though the relationship is contrived and cringe-worthy to watch.

This scene feels nothing like that as it captures why Anakin and Padmé actually do love and understand each other. Padmé helps Anakin see that Rex relying on his instincts even when no one else sees it is something Rex learned from Anakin. Just as Rex has always been at Anakin’s side to help him, Anakin now owes it to be there for Rex.

Anakin just wants to bring a swift end to the larger conflict so he can be with Padmé. She admires his devotion, but realizes it takes time to make these things happen, and that he needs to be on the front lines of the war while her voice is needed in the Senate. There’s a sense of understanding, emotional intimacy, and genuine longing in this scene that makes their relationship feel real rather than contrived.

The dynamics between Anakin, Rex, and Obi-Wan are also hilarious. Anakin is downright awkward about asking Rex to help with the “thing” they need to do. The normally composed Rex is even more awkward and flustered when Obi-Wan arrives. The best part is when Obi-Wan comes right out and says, “I hope you at least told Padmé I said hello.”

It’s funny and the dynamics between these characters are delightful. Yet, it’s also sad to realize that Anakin felt like he couldn’t share the burden of his secret relationship or reach out for help, even though Obi-Wan clearly knew about it all along. Past moments in The Clone Wars made it fairly clear that Obi-Wan knew the truth all along, but never this explicitly. Obi-Wan’s sarcastic line shows not only that he knows, but more importantly that he accepts it.

Padmé straight up asks Anakin in Revenge of the Sith about reaching out to Obi-Wan for help. Instead, Anakin claims they don’t need his help. He tries to “fix” everything on his own and ends up falling to the dark side and allowing terrible events to befall the entire galaxy.

At least fans got to see this sweet and understanding moment between Anakin and Padmé as part of the show’s final season.

What was your favorite moment from the Bad Batch arc? Let us know in the comments!

Stream Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Disney+.