REVIEW: ‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch’ Season 3 Episode 9 — “The Harbinger”

Somehow… Ventress returned in The Bad Batch Season 3 Episode 9, “The Harbinger”. Star Wars media, particularly the Disney+ shows, often incorporate fan service. However, this isn’t about the sexualized fan service seen in anime but rather the insertion of characters into projects solely to cater to a specific subset of fans. While some may argue that this form of pandering diminishes the quality of the on-screen works, The Bad Batch Season 3 Episode 9 demonstrates that featuring beloved characters with the genuine care and attention provided by Jennifer Corbett and the rest of the team remains profoundly meaningful.

In The Bad Batch Season 3 Episode 9, the story picks up shortly after the Batch’s return to Pabu. Unfortunately, Fennec takes her time returning to Clone Force 99 with information on the M-Count. However, during this downtime, viewers witness the Batch remaining integrated into Pabu’s day-to-day life. Even Crosshair appears to be embraced by its residents. It’s a painful reminder of how simple of a life the Batch could lead if not for the looming threat of the Empire.

Eventually, Ventress makes her appearance by luring out Omega. The Bad Batch discovers that she was sent by Fennec. Ventress was last seen chronologically in the book Star Wars: Dark Disciple by Christie Golden, where fans witnessed her redemption and connection with Jedi Quinlan Vos. However, her return here raises questions about the timeline and her survival. However, writer Jennifer Corbett affirms that Ventress’s survival will be clarified later, but for the time being, she owes no explanations to anyone.

Unlike Fennec, Ventress doesn’t seek payment for her assistance. She only seeks clarification on why Clone Force 99 is interested in the significance of the M-Count. With the revelation that the M-Count is linked to midi-chlorians, the foundation of Force sensitivity, Omega’s importance becomes undeniable. Given Ventress’s history in The Clone Wars, it’s understandable why the Bad Batch is suspicious of her true intentions in The Bad Batch Season 3 Episode 9.

However, Ventress, as Count Dooku’s former apprentice, intimately understands the perils of being Force-sensitive. This fear is heightened now more than ever at a time when the Empire and Vader relentlessly hunt down Jedi and other Force-sensitive individuals. In many ways, Ventress appears as a harbinger of impending doom, given the Empire’s fervent pursuit of Omega.

After Hunter is forthright with their curiosity in the M-Count, Ventress agrees to test Omega. Throughout Ventress’s test, a common thread emphasizes that Force Sensitivity doesn’t equate to being a Jedi. Ventress goes as far as stating, “Your blood doesn’t make you a Jedi.” Additionally, she later mentions that mere soldier training isn’t sufficient, despite the capabilities Omega has gained through the teachings of her fellow clones. She asserts, “Even if you have Force potential, they can’t show you how to tap into it.”

Not everything revolves around being a Jedi to utilize the Force, a concept familiar in the newer Star Wars continuity. The series has made significant strides in bridging the gap between this time period and the Sequel Trilogy. Despite the brevity of the scenes, these moments instill hope for the possibility of a soldier like Finn and Omega tapping into the Force despite lacking the innate gifts seen in other Force users in the galaxy.

Despite appearing well-intentioned in her testing of Omega, Hunter, Wrecker, and Crosshair remain distrustful. They remember Ventress’s actions during the Clone Wars. However, this brings up the recurring theme that the war is over, and despite past differences, they must now unite against the Empire. Crosshair, having recently rejoined the group, may seem hypocritical for pushing back against Ventress. However, their affection for Omega outweighs their rationality, and they must discover Ventress’s true power the hard way.

Ventress defeats the trio decisively when she refuses to leave Pabu until Omega’s test is completed. It’s bittersweet to witness the Batch fighting together with the Bad Batch theme playing, only to be defeated. Seeing Ventress on screen for the first time may be interesting, but longtime fans saw this coming. However, this iteration of Ventress differs from that seen at the end of The Clone Wars. I appreciate that The Bad Batch Season 3 Episode 9 provides a glimpse of the real Ventress. Behind the defensive walls erected out of necessity to protect herself lies someone who deeply cares and cherishes her connection to the Force. More importantly, she doesn’t have to explain her redemption to anything.

By the end of The Bad Batch Season 3 Episode 9, Omega’s Force sensitivity remains a mystery. She still doesn’t know her purpose, but there are possible hints that this could be her path. Crosshair, Wrecker, and Hunter have all experienced similar challenges throughout the season—provided they all survive. Ventress’s appearance and the ease with which she found Clone Force 99 underscore the danger they face on Pabu.

The Bad Batch Season 3 Episode 9 is for the fans. Even without explaining Ventress’s survival from the events of Star Wars: Dark Disciple, witnessing her healed and vindicated is impactful. The enthusiastic reception of her return further emphasizes its significance to the franchise’s fanbase. Most importantly, now that Omega’s importance to the Empire is revealed, anticipation builds for the rest of the season to return to its breakneck pace.

The Bad Batch Season 3 Episode 9 is streaming exclusively on Disney+, with new episodes every Wednesday.