All Bad Batch season 2 episodes ranked according to IMDb ratings
12. Episode 9 “The Crossing” - 7.1
Alright, let's dive into the swirling vortex of mediocrity and occasional brilliance that is "The Crossing," and figure out why it's sitting pretty (or not so pretty) at a 7.1 on the grand scale of The Bad Batch excitement-o-meter.
You've been riding the high-speed train of The Bad Batch through twists, turns, and heart-stopping drops, and then you hit "The Crossing." It's like that moment when the rollercoaster eases into a plateau, giving you a chance to catch your breath, look around, and realize you're... well, just sort of coasting along. Sure, there are some scenic views to admire - moments that remind you why you bought the ticket for this ride in the first place - but you're not gripping the safety bar with white-knuckled anticipation.
This doesn't mean "The Crossing" is a complete snooze fest; it's more like the palate cleanser between courses of a gourmet meal. It has its purpose, setting up the chessboard for the grand strategies to come, sprinkling in character development, and doling out bits of narrative that, while not earth-shattering, keep the plot simmering. But here's the rub: when you're used to being served up a feast of edge-of-your-seat action and deep, emotional gut punches, "The Crossing" feels a tad underwhelming. Important? Absolutely. It lays the groundwork, moves the pieces into place, and teases the taste buds for the richness to follow. Indispensable? Maybe not so much. It's the episode you appreciate for its craftsmanship, its quiet moments of reflection, and the promise of what's to come, but it's not the one you'll be raving about to your friends.
11. Episode 1 “Spoils of War” - 7.2
"Spoils of War" is the grand opener of this second season, where anticipation bubbles over like a fizzy drink you've been shaking all day, waiting to pop the cap.
It’s the episode tasked with the heavy lifting of setting the stage for the drama, the action, and the heart-tugging moments to come. We're back in the galaxy far, far away, reuniting with Clone Force 99 and their latest escapades, and the excitement is palpable. Yet, as the curtain rises, it feels a bit like the band's warming up but hasn't quite hit that first note that sends shivers down your spine. Sure, there are explosions, a bit of that classic Bad Batch banter, and the promise of adventure, but it's like opening a box of your favorite cereal and finding out the prize toy advertised isn't included in this batch.
Why does "Spoils of War" find itself sitting at a respectable, yet not earth-shattering, 7.2 on the excitement scale? It boils down to expectations versus reality. Fans are like kids on Christmas morning, eager for that jaw-dropping present that'll have them talking for days. This episode, while it unpacks the narrative and rolls out the red carpet for what’s to come, feels more like the comfy socks of the season - you appreciate them (especially in the cold), but they're not the shiny new toy you were hoping for. It's got the setup, introducing threats and hinting at the emotional and action-packed rollercoaster ahead, but it holds back, playing its cards close to the chest. It's the necessary deep breath before the plunge, ensuring viewers are strapped in for the ride, but without the immediate payoff that sends you rushing to social media to shout about it.