The Bad Batch proves Star Wars needs more pets

One of the joys of The Bad Batch's third season so far is the addition of the lovable Batcher, a lurca hound that Omega befriended while she was imprisoned on Mount Tantiss. When she and Crosshair escaped the facility, Batcher came along with them, becoming the newest addition to Clone Force 99's team.

Episode 4, "A Different Approach," ended before Hunter and Wrecker could meet Batcher, but we all know what's going to happen. Wrecker will love the space pup instantly, probably becoming one of those pet owners who wrestle with their dogs. Hunter's heart will melt while trying to keep up his tough guy appearance. And like that, Batcher will be a new member. Even the gruff Crosshair made a softer turn for the space hound in the episode, something that pushed him along his own character arc.

Batcher is such a joy, which is why Star Wars needs more pets in general. Whenever a lovable critter interacts with the main characters, it adds something personable to the story. You can tell a lot about a character based on how they treat an animal. Even the most ruthless bounty hunter, Embo, had a space hound. The anooba was named Marrok (which caused so many crazy theories during Ahsoka as the undead Inquisitor was also named Marrok), and this pup would fetch his master's hat after a battle and ride in the passenger seat of Embo's ship. It added a slightly softer side to one of the best bounty hunters in the galaxy.

Speaking of Ahsoka, Sabine's Loth-cat Murley was an exciting addition to the series. Critters are probably easier to create in animation because they can just exist with the main characters. The Murley animatronic was probably one of the more expensive parts of the show. However, Murley added to the show by tying it back to Star Wars Rebels since Loth-cats were important throughout the four seasons. They were so vital that it would have been weird to be on Lothal and not have a Loth-cat pop up somewhere. Live action is also getting better and better technology to bring creatures to life. Who could forget the lovable massiffs who wiggle their tailless behinds when greeting Din Djarin or their Tusken owners in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett?

While droids have always functioned as pet-like companions in Star Wars, there's no beating a cute critter interacting with the main characters. Heck, in Star Wars Legends, even Luke Skywalker had a dog. Pets can add to a character's development, build a world, help tell a story, and so much more. It's a big reason why fans have already fallen in love with the axolotl creature, Nix, in Star Wars Outlaws before the game has even been released. The Bad Batch is proving once again that Star Wars needs more pets. People love animals, and Star Wars animals add so much to a galaxy far, far away.

We can't wait to see what Batcher does next on her adventures and what sort of space pets we get in the future in Star Wars.