Summary
That fan theory may not be disproved just yet after all. “Extraction” is an action-packed episode with some solid character moments.
After Episode 6 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 3 pulled a fast one with its title, Episode 7, “Extraction”, is more straightforward. It is indeed Clone Force 99, along with Rex and Howzer, who’re forced to extract from their base after the mysterious Shadow Trooper, who may or may not be a brainwashed Tech, relayed its coordinates to the Empire.
There’s a lot more action than character development in this episode, which is fine since the previous one was the other way around. But the identity of the seemingly unkillable Shadow Trooper remains a point of real contention, since the implication remains that he’s Tech, despite the seeds having been planted in the previous episode that it can’t be. But if not Tech, then who?
Anyway, “Extraction” is given shape by the gang’s efforts to escape the base on a Leech Vessel while under heavy fire from the Imperial unit led by Commander Wolffe. However, the Shadow provides an intriguing wildcard, since he survived being buried alive in the previous episode and goes rogue to pursue his targets against Wolffe’s orders.
Crash Landing and Team Building
When the gang attempts to escape on the Leech, the Shadow Trooper shoots it down and they crash-land in the jungle, with some distance to travel before they’re able to be picked up by Echo at an extraction point.
This provides some time for conservation. Crosshair’s redemption arc continues when he explains to Rex why he left the Empire after pledging his loyalty to them. For Crosshair, it was about exactly that – loyalty. He believed being loyal was important, and he became disillusioned by the Empire when he learned that they had no loyalty to him in return. He was disposable, a tool to be used.
We already know this, as he explained it to Hunter in Episode 5, but it’s important that Rex and Howzer hear it too. They don’t have the pre-existing relationship with Crosshair that Hunter and Wrecker, other “defective” clones, do. What Crosshair realizes is that his fundamental values are shared by all of the clones who have rebelled against the Empire. The loyalty he’s looking for is right in front of him.
Waterfall Showdown
Crosshair tells the other to run on while he delays the rogue Shadow Trooper who is chasing them, which results in a one-on-one fight in a waterfall.
Crosshair’s shakes continue to compromise his marksmanship, and presumably make him less efficient hand-to-hand, so he’s outmatched by the Shadow Trooper. The Shadow comes very close to drowning him in the water until he’s stunned from behind by the others and is dragged by the current off the waterfall, presumably to his death.
Crosshair is helped back up to safety by the others in a nice “We’re all on the same team now” moment, paying off the conversation from earlier.
Wolffe Does the Right Thing
When the team gets to the extraction point, Wolffe’s ship arrives before Echo’s does, and the team is trapped. However, Rex immediately recognizes Wolffe and explains to him what the Empire has been doing to their brother clones.
Wolffe, still fiercely loyal to the Empire, isn’t inclined to believe any of this. However, he sees some truth in what Rex is saying, and in the fact that they’re questionably chasing a literal child all over the galaxy. Wolffe, whom we know thanks to Rebels will eventually take up arms with Rex and Gregor against the Empire, lets them go.
How does Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 3 Episode 7 end?
The end of the episode reveals the Shadow Trooper survived the fall, but still does not reveal who he is. However, such a big deal has been made of him thus far that he has to be someone we know, and despite the dialogue in the previous episode, I’m starting to believe that it might actually be Tech.
With Omega’s importance to the Empire now obvious, Rex tells Hunter that his next step is to figure out why. That’s the only way he’s going to be able to keep her safe, and no matter what he says, his fight against the Empire is going to have to continue.
Do you have any theories on the identity of the Shadow Trooper? Let us know in the comments.
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