The Metamorphosis, otherwise known as “Child Neglect: The Book”

Bad Batch end of season thoughts/ramble, bc it's been a week and I just wanna get it all off my chest...

(end of season spoilers and very disorganized rambling)

First off, I do want to say that I enjoyed watching the show. It fulfilled its primary purpose: entertainment. It was nice having something to look forward to every week, and even though it wasn't quite what I was expecting, it was fun. The animation was gorgeous, I liked all the references and tie ins. I will likely watch it again, and will watch season 2. This is by no means meant to be a hate post.

That being said, it is critical so please just skip if you're not into that!

The thing is...it takes very, Very little for me to love a clone. He doesn't need lines, or a face, or even a name, and the default is that I will love him. He can even be a little bastard, like Slick, and it's fine. I always want to know more about them, and wish they had more screen time and time in general to develop their characters. So given that we were getting 16 (20 eps total if we count TCW S7 pilot arc) centered around these guys, I was expecting to absolutely adore them by the end.

And I wanted to love the Bad Batch, I wanted to love them so damn much, and I tried. But I think one of the reasons why they never fully clicked for me was that their thing seems to be "we're unique, we never fit in, we're outsiders in our own home, among the people who are supposed to be our own family, and so we've found our home with each other."

Which! That's usually a wonderful message, and not a particularly rare or unique one either for stories! I usually dig these kinds of stories!

The problem here is the extremely unique situation of the clones. They are literally created to be identical, brain washed to be uniform. They must conform, or are killed off by their creators, and their conformity isn't a choice in the slightest, but one of fear and necessity.

Their uniformity is something that they are also entirely aware of--it's unavoidable, they're clones. Once out in the real galaxy, they all strive to find and establish unique identities for themselves, struggling against a galaxy that just wants them to be faceless products. It's a shared struggle, and all they have are each other, and their brotherhood is sacred as a result. Shunning unique identity is the opposite of who a clone is--it's what they all want.

So on one hand, it's understandable that the Batch stuck out (when all others who would have also stuck out were culled, when individuality isn't allowed). It's understandable that they would have yearned for the brotherhood shared by the other clones, and when they couldn't have it, they stuck closer to each other. It's even understandable that they would feel bitter, having experienced bullying at the hands of the other clones (but isn't it also understandable that the other clones would feel bitter that the Batch gets special treatment, when their own brothers with less-than-beneficial mutations were taken by the Kaminoans to never return?).

And so we have this batch of clones, who the Kaminoans call "mutated," but also specify that their mutations are "desirable" (implying what happens to mutations that are undesirable...). They have their own unique unit, in which they're able to improvise and act freely with seemingly little to no oversight, so long as they complete their mission. No Jedi to obey, no nat-born officers who look down on them. In fact, they look so different from standard clone troopers that most of the galaxy probably don't even know they are clones. They have their own ship (personalized), they have their own possessions (which we don't really see any other clones have), they have their own barracks (probably also very unique), and they even have access to superior weapons and armor (most of the Batch, minus Echo, seem to be wearing modified Katarn-class armor which is supposed to be for Commandos. we KNOW it holds up better than standard trooper armor).

So I'm sure they had some unpleasant experiences growing up, and I do get it. But at least at "present" end of clone wars, they honestly seem to be living infinitely better than all other clones? They still need to follow orders but they have more freedom, and perhaps most importantly, they have clear uniqueness that is denied almost all other clones. And yes, some of the clones on Kamino bully them, but we've seen NONE of the "regular" clones that we know to be particularly nasty to them, and in fact it's Crosshair who starts it by calling them "Regs."

And how does the Batch respond to this situation? By acting superior. It's Crosshair who says and it believes this firmly, and I do feel that the others are likely mostly influenced by this, but it's also true that Hunter, Wrecker, and Tech don't really deny this either. They don't like the "regs," they do act like they're "better." Poor Echo, who they repeatedly seem to forget is in the room, and who they call "machine" and such...yikes yo

So I guess the point is, I just really struggled to feel sympathetic towards them, and was already on a kinda eh about their premise. They're marketed as "the special clone squad"--and yet they're not nice to the clones I love. I thought that wasn't great, but also hoped that the series would work towards them understanding the other clones better, and I love character development so that woulda been fine--but, nothing. A glance from Hunter at Howzer. Extended camaraderie from Gregor, who I feel they mostly just tolerate for the mission, other than Echo who genuinely cares.

And on top of feeling not feeling particularly sympathetic towards what I saw as a pretty privileged group of clones, the Batch seems to place primary blame of their woes on the "regs" themselves, who again, honestly seem far worse off! There isn't blame directed at the people who demanded the conformity from the other clones in the first place, that made it so the Batch couldn't fit in. The Batch was modified due to the Kaminoans (and implied specifically Nala Se). She's the reason why they don't fit in. And the Kaminoans are also why the other clones have to be so uniform, why they must fight to be people and not products.

Bitterness and pettiness can be fine in characters. But it's frustrating to see in a group supposed to be competent and elite, especially when those feelings have consequences. Sure, it sucks when someone throws a food tray at you. You can throw food back. It's not an equal reaction to feel no remorse when you shoot that guy dead in a blaster fight, when for all other clones, having to kill another clone is one of the most horrible, tragic things that one can do (thanks, Umbara).

Fives was the only clone to actually point a blaster at Nala Se.

We know Omega has deeply personal history with Nala Se. She was Nala Se's personal medical assistant. We see her cry when she takes off her head ornament that matches Nala Se. We know that being back in the lab gives Omega complicated, and probably not entirely positive feelings. But we barely learn more about this relationship, other than these glimpses.

And I get the feeling that to Omega at least, Nala Se wasn't all terrible. If Omega grew up with mostly only Nala Se for company, she had to have gotten her sheltered outlook on life, and her willingness to help others from somewhere. Nala Se intentionally let Omega go, to be "safe."

I think Omega's adorable, and I do like her. But I wasn't able to fully love her to the extent I wanted to, because there was always the fear that she was involved in the creation and implantation of the chips. She knows about them, she would have been positioned to do so. I want to think she would never, and I was hoping the show would reassure us of that, but it never did. We don't actually know how Omega feels about Nala Se, or even the chips and their presence in other clones. Instead, all we know is that Omega doesn't like "regs."

And again, "they call me lab scrubber," and "I helped put (or am complicit in putting) mind control devices in their heads," are kinda, unequal. Again I hope it's not the case. But it definitely kept me feeling uneasy throughout the show.

It really boils down to I don't trust or forgive Nala Se, and the Batch's lack of stance against her and the other Kaminoans, and clear distaste for their other clone brothers, really puts them in a situation that makes it difficult for me to take their side entirely.

And then gosh, Hunter. During Crosshair's whole "you never came back for me," spiel, I couldn't help but think he's kinda right. He had 15 episodes. Sure, it's difficult to get Crosshair back. But they could have done something. They could have done research. We could have had scenes of them wondering where Crosshair is, discussions on how best to find him, even if that discussion ended in, "but we can't risk it right now." They could have grilled Omega for information on the chips, which they really shoulda done either way, but especially since that knowledge is important to understanding what (they thought had) happened to Crosshair. Instead, they just ran every time Crosshair showed up. The show could have done better to show that they cared, and were trying, instead of just, y'know, doing chores for Cid. One, "I kinda miss him," doesn't really count as working on getting him back, at least in my books.

The sole exception to all of this, of course, is Echo. Who really, he works with the Batch fine, he's a former ARC and can more than keep up. Skillset-wise, he fits in well enough. But this season really made me wonder why he's with them at all. Crosshair's revelation and true feelings at the end of the season were no surprise to me, as they're consistent with what we've seen of him from TCW S7. But for Echo, a former "reg" to have to work with someone like Crosshair...even if Crosshair thought Echo was "different" enough to accept him, those are his brothers that Crosshair thinks he's so superior to, and has no issue speaking disdainfully about.

The increasing tension between Echo and Hunter, Echo's interest in helping Rex, in helping other clones, in doing something...I do hope they reach a point where Echo demands they go help, or he's leaving.

They gave Crosshair a chance, despite the fact that his choices were willing. I really hope Echo can convince the Batch to help save the other clones who don't have a choice. Because even if the Batch doesn't consider them their brothers, they're certainly Echo's. They matter just as much as Crosshair, and I really hope season 2 shows it narratively.

To conclude, again I'm interested in seeing what happens next, and I want answers about Omega and Nala Se. I find it interesting that they tied the facility where they took Nala Se in with the scientist dude collecting data on Grogu in the Mandalorian and those cloning labs. All of this is interesting, but at the same time I feel like it's trying to build up to Snoke/Palpatine stuff in the sequels which...I don't care nearly as much about, but who knows, could be neat ^ ^;

I'm okay with, and have made peace with the fact that the Bad Batch probably isn't the "clones-centric" show I wanted, and that they'll continue their own story, and probably continue to not care much about other clones in upcoming seasons. That's unfortunate, but alright. I'm interested enough in their story too.

But at the same time...I can't help but think man, if they have the time and budget to do a season 2, after seeing what was (or wasn't) accomplished in season 1...I wish they'd also make a Rex/Cody/Wolffe/"regular clones" show, because in the end, if you're going to do a "clones show"....that's who I want to see most.

If you got to the end, thank you for reading, and being an ear to my ranting ^ ^; Again this is literally just getting this off my chest. If this take isn't one you agree with, please just ignore. For people who did fall in love with the Batch, I'm happy for you, and regret that it just couldn't happen for me. But, I'm hoping that S2 will change my mind, but we'll just have to see! ^ ^;

After The Sunset, Pt.11

Wonderland. Past. Rapunzel's Country Estate. (Rapunzel stands over Anastasia's open casket as Drizella and her fiance approach.) Drizella: “It's like a painting. A mother mourns the loss of her only loved child.” Rapunzel: “Drizella?” Drizella: “I told Prince Gregor everything.” Prince Gregor: (Stalking forward and draws his sword:) “I won't let you harm my bride like you did her sister.” Drizella: (Waving her hand and freezing Gregor in place:) “That's enough. I think we should talk first. (Joining her mother beside Anastasia’s casket:) You know, I've been trying my whole life to win your approval. But now I realize I'm never going to get it, (Looks down at her sister:) because I'm not her.” Rapunzel: (Coldly:) “You're most certainly not. So, you’ve come to kill me, Drizella? To make me pay for what I’ve done? Well go ahead, you can’t hurt me now.” Drizella: “Oh, but that’s where you’re wrong. I didn't bring Gregor here to kill you, Mother. I brought him here to kill something else.” Rapunzel: “What are you talking about?” Drizella: “You may not have allowed Ana and I to use the magic we have inside of us, but that doesn't mean I haven't studied. I know of a way to resurrect Anastasia, Mother." Rapunzel: "You do?" Drizella: (Nods:) "It requires replacing Ana's scorched heart with one filled with belief." Rapunzel: (Gazing down at Anastasia's lifeless body:) "Is it true? Is there really hope?" Drizella: (Continues:) "I always knew that you loved her more. I guess I just didn't realise how much until now. And that’s why I can’t let you have what you want.” (Suddenly, Drizella reaches over and takes Prince Gregor’s sword from his frozen hand and stabs him in the chest with it, killing him.) Rapunzel: (Stepping back in shock:) “Drizella. What have you done?” Drizella: “What I had to. I turned my heart black and now it's of no use to you, Mother.“ Rapunzel: “Why would you do this?” Drizella: “I want you to suffer. I want you to live with the knowledge that you have lost both your daughters. I want your misery to fester and grow until everything you see, you breathe, you feel... is pain.” (Drizella clicks her fingers and disappears in a cloud of smoke.)

Storybrooke. Present. Town Hall. (Emma is outside Regina's office. She tries to open the door but it's locked.) Emma: “Gina. I know you're in there. I can see the light's on. (Sighs and leans against the door:) I know this is all... mortifying, but you can’t avoid it forever. (No answer:) Look, you weren’t the only one who got caught last night. My mom just saw my naked, spanked red ass on her work desk and you don’t see me locking myself away! C’mon, just let me in and we’ll face this together, okay?” (After a long pause, Emma hears the door unlock and Regina move away from the door. Smiling, Emma turns the handle and enters the mayor’s office.) Wonderland. Past. (Will Scarlett is brought before the Queen of Hearts. Pushed to his knees by two guards, a third hands Cora Will's bag.) Cora: "You know, I really should thank you, Knave. With Anastasia's tragic accident and Rapunzel lost to grief, there is no one left to stand in my way. I couldn't have planned things better myself." Will: "If you're going to kill me, just do it here and now. I don't much fancy being watched by a crowd as I die." Cora: "Oh, I'm not going to kill you. After the Red Queen's reign of tyranny, the people of Wonderland require a much more... benevolent ruler. (Looking through his bag:) In fact, I think it's time I returned something to you. (Pulling a small box from inside Will's bag, Cora motions for the guards to stand him up. Lifting the lid and taking out the heart, the Queen steps down from the dais, closer to Will:) Now this may sting a little. (Will cries out in agony as Cora returns his heart through his chest. Walking back up the dais to the bag, she retrieves another item from it:) As my first official act as ruler of Wonderland, I'm going to banish the man responsible for all of the recent turmoil." Will: (When Cora pulls out the looking glass:) "No, please. I need that to rescue Alice!" Cora: (Considers the looking glass:) "Did you know that looking glasses were created in Wonderland, and that each one has a twin? They were originally kept in pairs so that when a time came that you were going to be separated from the one you care about, you gave one to that person so you may keep in contact whenever and wherever you like. More recently, as they've become scarce, when someone finds a looking glass, they use it as a portal to another land. No doubt this is what you had planned for your sister?" Will: "Please..." Cora: "Let's see where this portal takes you, shall we? (Throwing down the looking glass, a pool of silvery liquid forms out of the shattered pieces of the mirror. Nodding to the guards, they pick Will up from the floor once more:) Knave of Hearts, you are hereby banished from Wonderland forever more." (With that, the guards shove Will through the portal and out of Wonderland.)

Enchanted Forest. Past. Aboard The Jolly Roger. (Captain Hook yells orders at his men through rough seas.) Hook: “Bring her about, men! Look alive! Pick up the pace! The Jolly Roger is the fastest ship in the realm. (Slaps rail:) So why does it have the slowest crew?!” Nemo: “They're tired.” Hook: “Who dares defy me?” Nemo: (Stands tall:) “I do.” Hook: “It appears we have a stowaway. (Two of the crew grab Nemo and bring him towards the captain:) Who are you, and how did you get aboard my ship?” Nemo: “I am... no one.” Hook: (Chuckles:) “Right.” Nemo: “Just a man who's come to ask you one simple question.” Hook: “Aye, well... (Holding his sword to Nemo’s throat:) better make it a good one 'cause it's gonna be your last.” Nemo: “Is taking your revenge against the Dark One worth all the time you've spent chasing it?” Hook: “I'll let you know after I've skinned myself a crocodile, but first... I'll just have to settle for you.” Man: (As Hook is about to run Nemo through:) “Narwhale! Starboard bow!” Hook: (To Nemo:) “Don't move. (Hook and the crew move to the starboard side of the ship to see large green eyes staring up at them from beneath the sea:) Sea monster! Man the cannons! Bring her about! On the double! (Hurling a spear at the monster, Hook sees that the ‘monster’ is in fact a ship:) That's impossible.” Nemo: “I assure you it's quite possible. That's no sea monster.” Hook: “What does that mean? What the devil are you up to?” Nemo: “Giving you a choice.” Hook: “I’m not bloody getting on that thing.” (Just then, amid the commotion, a portal opens above them and Will Scarlett comes falling out of it. Landing on top of Hook, causing both men to tumble into the sea.) Nemo: (Shrugging:) “Whatever works.” (Nemo follows them into the water.) Storybrooke. Present. Blanchard Apartment. (Regina paces the floor, deeply uncomfortable as she listens to Snow White speak. Emma, for her part, stands by the table waiting for her mother to finish talking.) Snow White: "...And I think we can all agree that what happened at the school can never happen again." Emma: "For the last time, no one was supposed to be there. You weren't supposed to be there." Snow White: "Well excuse me for driving by, seeing the lights on in my classroom and getting curious." Regina: "What were you even doing out at that time? (Looking to David:) Aren't you Charmings usually tucked up asleep in bed by 7pm?" David: (Arms folded:) "Hey, don't bring me into this." Snow White: "Thank you for the support, David. (To Regina:) Don't try and make me out to be the bad guy here. (To Emma:) You were making love on top of a stack of unmarked homework." Regina: (Scoffs:) "Unmarked? Now who's the irresponsible one?" Emma: "Regina-" Regina: "And what you saw was not love making, there's a difference. What we were doing was f-" Emma: (Cutting in:) "For the record... what we were doing was completely legal and between two consenting, married adults. Quite frankly, Regina and I resent being called here to be scolded like two horny teenagers." Snow White: "Well if the shoe fits..." Regina: "You know what-"

Emma: (Holding back her wife and rounding on David:) "I seem to recall a similar situation happening right here in this apartment between you two. In fact that was worse because there was an actual child present." David: "That was one time." Emma: "So was this!" Snow White: "No, Emma. This has been going on between you both for quite awhile now, people have noticed." Regina: "What people? I want names." Snow White: "Oh, you want names? Okay, well, do you know the Muffin Man?" Emma: "The Muffin Man?" Regina: (Wincing:) "Who lives on Drury Lane?" Snow White: "Oh, so you do know the Muffin Man?" Regina: (Knowing what's coming:) "Yes, we know the Muffin Man! (Mutters the rest:) Who lives on Drury Lane." Snow White: "Well, I overheard him talking to Marco the other day about what he found one morning when he came in to open the bakery." Emma: (Realising what's coming next:) "Oh God." Snow White: "His countertop covered in flour apart from one spot that could only have been made by the outline of someone's butt! (David snorts with laughter at this while Snow glares at him. Emma stifles her own laughter as she spares a glance towards Regina who is subconsciously brushing phantom flour from her skirt:) So I don't think what happened at the school was a one off event at all. And, let's not forget what you two were up to at the town meeting." David: "All right, Snow, that's enough. Look, we're not angry with you at all. Clearly you two are in the honeymoon stage and I, for one, think it's only natural to want to try a few things." Regina: (Wanting to be anywhere but here:) "I can't believe this is happening." David: "But having said that, this public..." Snow White: (Helpfully:) "Lewdness?" David: "Right, lewdness can't go on." Emma: "You guys get that we weren't actually trying to get caught, right?" Snow White: "But you were and now most of the town knows about it." Regina: (Looming over Snow:) "For someone who's not mad, you're sounding awfully judgemental." David: "We just think that maybe now is the time for you guys to finally have that honeymoon you never took." Regina: (Her attention taken by this:) "Honeymoon?" Snow White: (Relieved:) "Yeah, it makes sense. You never took one after you got married for several reasons. But now that it's just the two of you, maybe it's the ideal time for you to have some fun... elsewhere?” Emma: (Looking to Regina:) "Well, I guess we could think about it?" Regina: (Considers:) "We do have a few weeks before the next town meeting." Emma: "And there's nothing going on at the station." Snow White: "Great, then it's settled. You two start thinking of places you may wanna spend your vacation and don't worry about a thing while you're gone." Regina: (Scoffs:) "And why not?" Snow White: "Well, because David and I can take care of things, just until you get back of course." Regina: "Oh, no. I'm not gonna stand here and be chastised one minute and have you steal my job the next. If Emma and I do decide to take our honeymoon, we'll be the ones to pick our replacements." David: (Stepping in before Snow can protest:) "That's absolutely fine by us. As long as you two get to spend some quality time alone together, that's all that matters." Emma: "Good, then... that's settled, I guess." (Having reached a consensus, Emma and Regina begin to take their leave.) Regina: (Standing at the door:) "Oh, one last thing before I forget. If you two are still looking to sell this place, remember that full disclosure is a legal requirement for all real estate transactions." Snow White: (Nods:) "We know." Regina: "Good. Then in that spirit... (Begins pointing in several directions:) Emma and I had sex on that couch, that table, those stairs, that bed, upstairs and... oh yes, that chair. (Smiles as Snow springs to her feet immediately:) So glad we could clear the air." (Regina turns and leaves the apartment while Emma stares blankly at her parents. Having no words, Emma quickly follows her wife out the door.)

Enchanted Forest. Past. Aboard The Nautilus. (Laying unconscious in the ship’s floor, both Will and Hook are prodded awake by the ship’s crew.) Liam: “Welcome aboard, mates.” Will: (Groaning as he sits up:) “Aye, thank you.” (Hook on the other hand rushes to his feet, knocking the crewmen aside and runs to the door, which turns out to be a window, looking out at the sea surrounding them.) Hook: “Where the devil am I? (Turning his attention toward Will, grabbing him and pushing him against a wall:) What kind of dark magic is this?” Nemo: (Entering:) “Not magic. You're aboard my ship. You're now many fathoms under the sea. Welcome to the Nautilus.” Will: “Er... what’s going on... Who are you?” Nemo: “Call me... Nemo.” Hook: (Releasing Will and turning towards the captain:) “What do you want?” Nemo: “This ship is much more than steel and rivets. It's a second chance.” Will: “A second chance? I’m listening.” Hook: “Well I’m bloody not. (To Nemo:) You're daft if you think I'll spend any longer in this underwater coffin than I have to.” (Nemo places something on the table in front of him and spins it. The tip of the arrow pointing almost magnetically at Hook.) Nemo: “I know your heart is filled with hatred, seeking revenge. This harpoon was enchanted to help me find wayward souls like your own.” Hook: “And then what? Fill it with something else?” Nemo: “Yes, Hook. With the one thing missing in your life... family.” Hook: (Stalking towards Nemo:) “No one... will ever replace... what the Dark One took from me.” Nemo: “I know it feels that way now...” Hook: “You have no idea how it feels!” Nemo: “That's where you're wrong. You see, I lost a family, too. They were brutally murdered while I was at sea. I spent decades hunting down the men responsible for what happened. I killed one of them with this very blade. And when I was finished, all I was left with was an empty heart and a bloodstained harpoon.” Hook: “I don't need a family. Let me off. Now.” Will: “I’d think again about that, mate. This ain’t the type of ship you’d survive being thrown overboard from.” Hook: “I don’t remember asking your opinion, whoever you are!” Nemo: “Yes, I was quite curious to know that myself. Who are you, lad? Or perhaps you’d prefer if we called you ‘Man who fell from the sky’?” Will: (Stepping forward:) “The name’s Will Scarlett. I’ve just been banished from Wonderland and ended up here. Wherever ‘here’ is.” Hook: “Aye, good point. (To Nemo:) We are still in the Enchanted Forest, aren’t we?” Nemo: “Yes, but the Nautilus has the power to travel to any realm I so choose. Right now however, there's a mission I need your help with. It's an important one, and when it's done... you will see that this ship... is exactly where you belong.”

Enchanted Forest. Past. (A young Drizella is playing a game of hide and seek in the woods.) Drizella: “Seven, eight, nine, ten! Ready or not, here I come! (Choosing a direction, Drizella runs off in search of her sister. Coming to a hollowed out tree, the girl moves the foliage aside, certain she’s found her sibling:) Found you, Ana. (Coming up empty, Drizella turns and runs further into the forest. Soon finding herself completely lost:) Anastasia?! Anastasia?! Where are you?!” (Turning, Drizella looks up into the sky to see a lantern floating by. Wiping her eyes, Drizella runs towards the direction the lantern was coming from and finds her older sister.) Anastasia: (As Drizella runs into her arms:) “I knew that lantern would guide you to me.” Drizella: “I got so lost.” Anastasia: “Don't worry, Drizella. I promise, your big sister will never leave you.” Drizella: (Straightening up:) “We might have found each other, but now we're both lost.” Anastasia: “Luckily, I know a way we can get back home. Take my hands. Now, close your eyes and concentrate. As long as we're together, we'll always find a way back home.” (Opening her eyes, Drizella smiles and turns to see several lanterns now illuminating their way.) Wonderland. Past. Several Years Later. (Drizella circles her sister’s body, talking to her.) Drizella: “You said you'd never leave me. But I suppose this wasn’t really your choice. You were always the favoured daughter, and yet I never suffered under your shadow. You made sure of that. Now it’s my turn to make sure Mother never forgets what she did to us.” Gothel: (Appearing behind her:) “Oh, if you only knew.” Drizella: “Who are you?” Gothel: “I am the person who will help you extract vengeance against those who have wronged you.” Drizella: “There’s only one who fits that description.” Gothel: (Glancing down at Anastasia’s body:) “There's great power in family, but nothing left to glean from yours. (Gothel opens her hand to reveal a gold coin. Closing her hand once more, the coin reappears in Drizella’s:) My circle of sisters has the most powerful magic in this realm. Join us or suffer your failures alone. The choice is yours.” (Drizella examines the coin in her hand, glancing back at Gothel, she discovers the witch has vanished.)