Bad Batch: Is Rampart heading towards a redemption?

In the world of Star Wars, characters often wrestle with tough choices between loyalty and doing what's right. As The Bad Batch gears up for its finale, one character, Ex-Vice Admiral Rampart, seems poised for a surprising twist in his story.

Initially a menacing supporter of the Empire, recent events suggest he might be in for a change of heart. Rampart teaming up with the Bad Batch is raising eyebrows all around. Sure, the Batch doesn't trust him, but the fact that he's been somewhat playing nice so far hints at some interesting developments. Now that he's been dragged to Tantiss against his will, it's hard to see how he could still betray the Batch to the Empire. Even if he wanted to win back Imperial favor, it just doesn't add up for the Empire to let him live, given the secrets of Tantiss.

Some fans are drawing comparisons between Rampart and Agent Kallus from Star Wars Rebels, who went from Empire loyalist to Rebel sympathizer. But Rampart's still very much about looking out for number one, which makes his future uncertain.

The Emperor dropping hints about dissent within Imperial ranks regarding Tantiss suggests there's more to Rampart's involvement than meets the eye. While Rampart might not have known all the grisly details about Tantiss, seeing the horrors there firsthand could be a wake-up call. The shock of realizing just how twisted the Empire's experiments are might make him rethink his actions.

In the episode "Flash Strike," Rampart's chat with Crosshair gives us a glimpse into his inner struggle. He tells Crosshair that they're loyal to themselves above all else. I think he voices his doubts because he wants to be right for his peace of mind. It's like he's projecting his own doubts onto Crosshair, trying to justify his choices. But Tantiss isn't a place where you can ignore moral questions. It's a grim reminder of the Empire's cruelty, and Rampart's stuck right in the middle of it. No more hiding behind his rank or distance from the action – now he's face-to-face with the consequences of his decisions.

To understand Rampart's journey, we must look back at his past. Before the Batch busted him out to help find Omega, he was actually a prisoner of the Empire himself. That experience might've changed him, even if just a little, giving him a glimpse of what it's like to be on the other side of the bars.

Then there's the messy business of Clone Captain Wilco's death. As an admiral, Rampart was all about keeping up appearances and holding onto his rank. But when he offed Wilco to cover up his own screw-up, it wasn't just about saving face – it was probably also about saving his own skin. The Empire's not exactly forgiving of failure, and Rampart knew that better than anyone.

In "Flash Strike," Rampart's conversation with Crosshair is more revealing than he probably intended. I think he's trying to convince himself as much as Crosshair. Crosshair wholeheartedly claims to have changed in disagreement with him. But Rampart isn't convinced. It's like he's wrestling with his own conscience, trying to justify his choices by saying he's not the only bad person there. Later in the episode, we see that he is discovered by the scouts in the forest, and that is the last we see of him. Locked up in the Empire's own fortress, Rampart could be forced to confront the horrors of the Empire's experiments firsthand. It's a wake-up call that might just shake him to his core and make him question what he previously believed in.

As The Bad Batch races towards its conclusion, Rampart's future remains uncertain. Will he remain faithful to himself, or will he muster the strength to break away from his blind selfishness? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – his path is sure to be filled with ups and downs, moments of doubt, and perhaps even a chance at redemption.