The Bad Batch episode “Faster” gave us a bit more backstory on the series’ residential Trandoshan, Cid. In the episode, we meet baddie of the week Grini Millegi who has a history with Cid. He warns the Batch to be wary of her. Despite this, Cid tells Millegi she’s changed even though he doesn’t believe her.
Over the course of season one, the hustling Trandoshan definitely developed a soft spot for Omega and seems to at least tolerate the rest of the clone crew. But an interesting predicament arose in the season two episode “Spoils of War.” Cid tells Hunter that it is only a matter of time before the Empire comes for her establishment and their way of life is over. With this threat looming on the horizon, it has set up a debate in the fandom: Will Cid betray the Batch or will she stay loyal?
Let’s look at these scenarios and why they might play out. Starting with the betrayal thought, Cid does have a pattern of getting herself in trouble, something that Tech points out in “Faster.” She’s not grateful whenever the Batch step up to save her with the exception of Omega. She’s purposely keeping her distance, not wanting to get too close to them. Now, with the background information from Millegi, it sounds like she has a history of leaving people behind. Perhaps Millegi was one of those individuals. Between the pattern of behavior and confirmation that this is something she has done to other people, there’s a real argument that if the Empire shows up that Cid would absolutely abandon the Batch to their fate. Maybe even be the one who turns them in if push comes to shove.
The other side of this is the take that she will stay loyal. Honestly, this is the most Star Wars choice. This isn’t a hard-hitting show like Andor. This is an all-ages animated series. Over the first season, the creators took the time to highlight that Cid does like Omega and is opening up more to the other clones. In “Faster,” she looks incredibly surprised to see the Batch stand up for her and fight for her freedom. Sure, she paid them to be there. But after Millegi captured the Trandoshan, Tech, Wrecker, and Omega had every chance to walk away and leave her. She’s not used to having people genuinely in her corner, which does put more emphasis on her words when she tells Millegi that she’s changed. It is very likely that when the Empire eventually comes for them that Cid will give herself up to save the Batch. To add my personal thoughts, I think they’re setting up Cid to die this season for this very reason. My theory is she will give her life so they can live on to fight another day.
There is a third idea in this debate. It’s a mix of the two theories where Cid would turn the Batch in or betray them for money, regret it immediately, and then somehow come back to save them. Maybe she would call in the favors she’s made with others over the course of the show. The Batch did stick their necks out for the son of a crime boss, Roland Durand, in the season one episode “Infested.” She could hold him to some sort of deal to rescue the Batch. The creators also introduced Wanda Sykes’ new character Phee Genoa in the season two opener. Surely there has to be more for Phee to do other than make a cameo. Maybe Cid’s even aware of the Batch’s contacts like Rex or the Martez sisters. It would be fun to see Cid’s character arc come full circle in this way.
Where are you in this debate? Do you think Cid will betray the Batch, stay loyal to them, or be a mix of the two? Or do you have your own idea of how Cid’s story will play out? Let us know in the comments below!
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