Well, I was half right in last week's review. I thought "Juggernaut" would be the final step to get the Batch to Tantiss, which was close, but "Into the Breach" had one more mini-mission. Still, where I was spot on was with Omega. It's such a joy to see her lead the kids and give them hope in "Into the Breach."
By far, the most interesting part of this episode setting up the finale is Rampart. The Batch still have Rampart with them, heading to Tantiss to save Omega and all the other clones. This is probably the most wild card move in the entire show so far, and it excites me.
I think we can put on our bingo cards that Rampart will more than likely betray the Batch during the mission. And I hope it's this very action that leads to Rampart getting himself killed. No, it wouldn't be the Batch that offs the snooty Imperial. My prediction is that he tells the Empire all about the clones' plans, expecting to be some great hero. That the Empire will take him back with all the bells and whistles. But since he came with the clones, the Empire kills him anyway. That's the exact kind of hubris that would probably lead to Rampart's demise.
But let's speculate how Rampart might join the clones. I think it could be a similar scenario. Perhaps he tries to go back to the Empire at Tantiss and sees they won't take him back. It could be a wake-up call to fight back. Yes, Rampart hates the clones and doesn't believe in their cause. However, he needs them to survive this and get out. They can part ways when the mission is done.
Regardless, bringing Rampart along is a stroke of genius on the creators' part. He is this dark horse who could be the key to the mission or the person who wrecks everything. It immediately builds tension into the story. No one knows what Rampart will do, which makes for some fun, anxious television.
There's also Echo alone in enemy territory. The last three minutes of "Into the Breach" was the most stressful. I was terrified we would see the last member of Domino Squad fall. Echo is probably the most capable and well-rounded member of the Batch, but against impossible odds, he's simply outnumbered while separated from the rest of his brothers. Hopefully, when the next episode airs, it will open with Echo hiding out and slipping out of the ship to rejoin everyone else. Until he's safe, though, I fear for that final domino all by himself.
Lastly, watching the culmination of Omega's journey is a joy. I'm not going to rehash what I've discussed thoroughly in two articles now, including last week's review, other than to say this:
Omega's character arc is well-earned. This is how you write a three season story for a character. She's the second best-written character in the show after Crosshair. Bravo, The Bad Batch writers. I tip my cap to you.
"Into the Breach" was a straightforward, action-packed episode that ramped up the tension for the final two episodes of The Bad Batch. Setting the stage for the end, it's time to (finally) go get Omega.