Star Wars: The Bad Batch is a series that will keep you hooked. Each episode is a journey through the Star Wars universe, peppered with Easter eggs and surprise cameos that make it a must-watch for fans.
Season 3, in particular, has been rich with these callbacks and references, leaving audiences eager for more after the epic finale. Let's take a closer look and see what you might have missed in the latest season.
Star Wars: The Bad Bath Mentions Project Necromancer
In Season 3, Episode 3, we got a deeper dive into the sinister side of the Empire's machinations. Doctor Hemlock mentions Project Necromancer to Palpatine, a callback to The Mandalorian season three.
Hemlock elaborates on the project's aim to create clones with high M-counts, which, if successful, could give Palpatine the key to eternal life. This ties into Dr Pershing's research in The Mandalorian and seems to solidify theories that Palpatine's ultimate goal was to transfer his consciousness into a clone body capable of sustaining his immense Force powers.
Related: Who Ended Project Necromancer? The Bad Batch S3 Explains What Happened to It
Going Back to Planet Pantora
Pantora, a planet that first graced our screens in The Clone Wars, makes a notable return in Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 3. Its cameo is particularly special because it reminds us of the diversity within the Star Wars universe and the storylines yet to be explored.
Pantoran senator Riyo Chuchi plays a key role in helping the clones this season. Jennifer Hale voices the character. Hale has an impressive track record of voicing various Star Wars characters, including Bastila Shan from Knights of the Old Republic.
Related: What is Barriss Offee's Age in Tales of the Empire? How It Fits into the Star Wars Timeline
The Connection to Project Stardust
The season finale of Star Wars: The Bad Batch also teases Project Stardust, a name that should ring a bell for anyone who has watched Rogue One. On the way to their escape, Tarkin mentions reallocating funds from Project Necromancer to Stardust.
If you know your Star Wars lore, you'll recognise this as the codename for the Death Star. As if this nod to Rogue One wasn't enough, there's also a musical Easter egg when a version of the Imperial March plays—the same tune that accompanied Darth Vader's many entrances.
Fennec Shand and the Slayer of Ordo Eris
Ming-Na Wen reprises her role as Fennec Shand, one of the most badass bounty hunters in the Star Wars universe. This time, she's after a bounty named Sylar Saris, known as the Slayer of Ordo Eris. The name might ring a bell for fans of the video game Jedi: Fallen Order, where Ordo Eris is a space station serving as a stronghold for the Haxion Brood criminal syndicate.
The bounty hunt is thrilling, linking Star Wars: The Bad Batch to the wider Star Wars gaming world.
A Labor Camp from Rogue One
Remember that intense scene from Rogue One where Jyn Erso is rescued from an Imperial labour camp? Season 3 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch gives us another glimpse into these brutal camps, this time using Juggernaut turbo tanks to transport prisoners.
The armoured vehicles were first seen in Revenge of the Sith, and their reappearance in Star Wars: The Bad Batch is a nod to the deep continuity of the franchise. It's a grim reminder of the Empire's oppressive control and ties into the larger narrative of rebellion.
Related: Star Wars: Rogue Squadron Director Patty Jenkins Explains the Movie's Massive Delay
A Callback to the Jedi Training Sessions
In the episode The Harbinger, Ventress tests Omega's Force sensitivity with a balancing act that eerily resembles Luke training Rey in The Last Jedi.
The visual callback is a neat nod to the sequel trilogy, and Ventress even wields a yellow lightsaber, joining a rare group of Star Wars characters who use this unique blade.
Cad Bane: The Bounty Hunter with Spurs
Cad Bane's return in Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 3 isn’t the first time hired by Darth Sidious to capture Force-sensitive kids, as this was the plot of Children of the Force, an episode of The Clone Wars.
His companion droid, Todo 360, also makes an appearance, voiced by Seth Green, who has done a few Star Wars animated parodies on his show Robot Chicken.
Related: Is Baylan Skoll in Any Star Wars: Tales of the Empire Episodes? Morgan's Mercenary Explained
With all these Easter eggs, callbacks, and cameos, The Bad Batch Season 3 is a treasure trove. Whether you're a fan of the original trilogy, the prequels, or the sequels, there's always a callback or reference you'll enjoy.