Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 2 episode 6 review: ‘Tribe’
WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 2 episode 6 “Tribe”
This episode’s feel was very similar to that of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and that doesn’t seem like a mistake at all. There were several planned episodes for that series that were created by Dave Filoni and it seems like those ideas have been integrated into the timeline of the Bad Batch. This episode showcases some of the best action sequences we have seen so far but does almost raise more questions than it does questions as we wonder about Gungi’s ultimate fate.
The Return of the Jedi: The padawan Gungi
The main focus of this episode has to be Gungi, who was previously featured in Star Wars: The Clone Wars alongside a group of younglings who trained with Ahsoka and Master Yoda while building their lightsabers. We have seen a little insight into Gungi’s past but quite a few gaps remain. We still don’t know who his master was, how he lived through Order 66, or even where he was during Order 66. I am sure that theories about Gungi rescuing Gorgu from the Jedi temple will swirl (and that would be awesome) we simply don’t really know enough to say where he has been.
But let’s skip to his present. When we find Gungi the Bad Batch is more than willing to help him out. Understandably he was afraid of the clones, but not of Omega. I am curious if Gungi (or other Jedi for that matter) would be able to sense that Omega is also a clone. For that matter, we still don’t know what (or if) has any special modifications. Perhaps she is force sensitive.
Kids at War
The main focus of this episode has to be the concept that Gungi and Omega are kids growing up in a continuing war. Both Omega and Gungi have been trained for combat essentially since birth but even still we see their youthful stubbornness rear its head when they both charge headlong into battle. While a Wookie Jedi after Order 66 would certainly be an absolutely terrifying thing for anyone to see it also makes Gungi a target.
As a kid though both Omega and Gungi are hopeful. Whether it be Omega’s insistence on helping others or Gungi’s connection (through the force?) to the trees both of them show the innocence and selflessness of kids. It was also uplifting to see the Bad Batch respect the Wookie’s traditions and go with a plan that they probably thought was silly but eventually worked.
Final Thoughts
The idea of a Tribe and Gungi finally being able to return makes an excellent story for the Bad Batch. This is the kind of work that Echo (and possibly the audience of the show) have really been looking for. It was quite nostalgic to see clones working with a Jedi again, and comforting to know that at least one of those beloved younglings made it out of Order 66 again. This was one of the best episodes of the entire show, and hopefully, we have more like this in store soon.
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