Rampart being thrown around like a sack of potatoes is now my new favorite thing in all of Star Wars.
The Bad Batch's Season 3 episode "Juggernaut" really was the beginning of the end for the show. It was the last step in moving pieces into place so the final three entries of the series could do their thing. That's not a bad thing either, because this was a solid episode. It felt like one last classic Clone Force 99 adventure.
I was not expecting the return of Admiral Rampart really ever in Season 3, so that was an excellent surprise. I like that he's set up to be the Armitage Hux of the show, which builds upon his last episode in Season 2. It's a good example of the Empire's short-sightedness.
Rampart was truly loyal. It's clear he still hates the clones and sees them as lesser. However, the Empire betrayed him, framed him, and threw him into a work camp when he was a good soldier following orders, just like the clones. While Rampart certainly doesn't believe in the clones' cause, he is certainly petty enough to want revenge on those who hurt him. It's a nice foil story with Crosshair's, bringing that full circle.
While it might seem a bit repetitive that Omega is back on Tantiss, I adored watching her in this episode. There were plenty of moments of no dialogue and visual storytelling to show how much she's grown. The one that sticks out to me the most is when Omega follows Doctor Hemlock into the vault. As the laser gates close behind her, Omega looks back at them, clearly taking in her surroundings. She notes everything in every room she enters, spots where the troopers' placements are, and memorizes the layout.
In Season 1, Omega was terrified of being captured. She got away from Cad Bane thanks to some well-timed luck and Fennec Shand. Now, she's perfectly calm. She is using her training from Clone Force 99, Gungi, Asajj Ventress, Phee Genoa, and even Cid teaching her how to use a good poker- er, Sabacc face. This Omega is at the height of everything she's learned. She can stand on her own two feet, trying to charm Emerie for help, and is already making a plan to find a way out again.
The wrinkle in this plan is Omega learning about the Force-sensitive children. Though, that's not too big of a deal. She already wanted to save her clone brothers on Tantiss. What are a few more kids in the mix, too? If anything, because of what she knows from Gungi and Ventress, perhaps she will teach these children how to tap into their powers. Omega can be a leader to the kids, which would be fantastic to watch.
"Juggernaut" might not be the deepest episode, but it was a fun one. It was great to have one last mission with Clone Force 99 before we jump into the final three episodes of the show.