What episodes to watch before Star Wars: The Bad Batch

Episodes based on Wilhuff Tarkin

It’s no surprise Tarkin shows up in The Bad Batch to take matters into his own hands since Jedi Master Shaak Ti no longer oversees the training of the clones after Order 66. Among other things, he’s there to reevaluate the clone army’s usefulness and eliminate any clone who doesn’t abide by the new Imperial regime. That’s where Clone Force 99 comes in.

This isn’t the first time Tarkin shows up out of seemingly nowhere to mess around with our main characters. He does the same thing in Star Wars: The Clone Wars when Ahsoka Tano faces a trial for the Jedi Temple bombing, and again in Star Wars Rebels when Lothal’s rebel problem captures the Empire’s attention.

There’s no doubt he’s going to be a thorn on Clone Force 99’s side, so we recommend watching these episodes to see how he operates during The Clone Wars and how he climbs through the ranks, becoming one of Emperor Palpatine’s favorite military leaders.

Citadel Arc, The Clone Wars

Episodes: “The Citadel” (season 3, episode 18), “Counterattack” (season 3, episode 19), “Citadel Rescue” (season 3, episode 20)

The Separatists capture Captain Tarkin and Jedi General Even Piell and hold them as prisoners in the Citadel, a prison located on the planet Lola Sayu. This group of episodes not only shows how ARC trooper Echo falls in the line of duty, but it also gives us a closer look at Tarkin’s character. Even in his early days, Tarkin comes across as unsympathetic and ambitious. He even holds resentment toward the Jedi and adamantly believes their peacekeeping ways could bring about the fall of the Republic.

Ahsoka Leaves Arc, The Clone Wars

Episodes: “Sabotage” (season 5, episode 17), “The Jedi Who Knew Too Much” (season 5, episode 18), “To Catch a Jedi” (season 5, episode 19), “The Wrong Jedi” (season 5, episode 20)

Ahsoka finds herself in a life-altering situation that lands her in court, and Tarkin takes this opportunity to prosecute her under Republic law. Anakin eventually unveils the real culprit, but the Jedi Order suffers a major blow when one of their own speaks up about how the war has changed the Jedi. Fully believing the Jedi aren’t suited or equipped to lead the war’s efforts, there’s no doubt in our minds Tarkin sees this as a win, since the controversy further causes the public to turn their backs on the Jedi.

Each one of these episodes will help prepare you for the premiere and beyond, but if you’re already up to speed, what are you most looking forward to seeing in the show? Let us know in the comments!

Star Wars: The Bad Batch debuts on Disney+ starting May 4.