The Bad Batch: Is this beloved clone the true identity of Clone X?

In the latest episodes of The Bad Batch, "Infiltration" and "Extraction," we see a mysterious assassin "shadow trooper" who is on the hunt for Omega. There are many theories about the identity of Clone X, but what if it is the beloved Commander Cody?

This beloved clone may be the true identity of the Bad Batch 'shadow trooper'

Cody has made numerous appearances in Star Wars. Most notably, he was the clone that recovered Obi-Wan Kenobi's lightsaber on Utapau in Revenge of the Sith before giving the order to gun him down after Order 66 went into effect. This sequence is even more heartbreaking after watching the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, where Cody is a reliable counterpart and friend to Kenobi and other clones like Captain Rex is to Anakin Skywalker.

If Cody is the identity of the latest Clone X, it would not be the first time we have seen him in The Bad Batch. We saw him in season 2, "The Solitary Clone," when he seemingly defected after he and Crosshair went on a mission on behalf of the Empire.

At the end of the episode, he and Crosshair have a poignant discussion about whether what they are doing is helping the galaxy. Ultimately, the debate boils down to a point that is often brought up when discussing clones: following orders. Crosshair believes that following orders is what they are meant to do, while Cody notes that having the ability to think and make their own decisions is what makes clones different from droids. The episode ends with Crosshair finding out that Cody has defected.

This would seem to suggest that Cody could not be the clone behind the mask of Clone X. If he defected, then perhaps he is somewhere in the galaxy fighting the good fight rather than contributing to the tyranny of the Empire.

However, it is possible that the Empire was somehow able to track Cody down. Perhaps he did not make it very far in his defection or was discovered on another planet and apprehended by the Empire. If that is the case, it is very possible that he underwent some sort of torture or "reeducation" at Mount Tantiss that we've seen other clones suffer at the hands of Doctor Royce Hemlock. This could have turned him into the assassin, Clone X.

This would be a very sad outcome, considering Cody is one of the more recognizable and beloved clones after Captain Rex. Yet, given the Empire's power and resources at this point in the timeline, it is certainly not impossible.

We will likely find out the true identity of this shadow trooper at some point in the final season of the series. If it does become Cody, it would be a heartbreaking outcome for a beloved character.