Day 522, Quasi-Quarantine: The Summer Of "The Bad Batch" Hits Hyperspace

 

In a time of seemingly endless upheaval and confusion, one of the few constants this summer has been "The Bad Batch."

The number of shows that both kids enjoy can be counted on one finger, and this is it. One of the cool things about "The Bad Batch" is that you can see yourself in at least one character, whether it's Omega's relentless positivity, Echo's ability to overcome obstacles, Hunter's stoic leadership, Tech's bottomless pit of cleverness, or Wrecker's fearless aggression, there is something for everyone.

Additionally, the long-rumored Bad Batch shuttle ("The Havoc Marauder") was recently released by Lego, ending a months-long wait for my building partner. Our daily walks would inevitably include some mention of his wish that August would arrive, and bring with it the new set.

As we prepare to kiss another summer goodbye and send the kids back into the swirling vortex of school, emotions are running high. Something tells me we'll need to rely on the Bad Batch for more and more lessons as the months go by.

It would be hard to ask for a better model ...

Day 225, Quasi-Quarantine: "Crosshair" Snipes His Way Into Our Imagination

When the "Bad Batch" made an appearance in the final season of "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," excitement built around these unique, fascinating characters. Part of Clone Force 99, the Bad Batch was comprised of four clones with genetic mutations.

"Crosshair" is a sniper for the Bad Batch, taking advantage of his exceptional eyesight that makes him deadly from up to 10 kilometers away. This character is supposedly based on Clint Eastwood and described as a "clone version of Cad Bane" -- easily one of the best villains in the Clone Wars universe. Crosshair is sarcastic, aloof, and distrustful of "regs," or regular clone troopers, making him an immediate favorite.

As immediate fans, we secured custom minifigures to represent Clone Force 99. The Crosshair version comes with his trademark 773 Firepuncher sniper rifle and DC-17 hand blaster, along with commando armor that is modified to accommodate the scope of his sniper rifle.

This is a worthy addition in advance of the much-anticipated new "Bad Batch" TV series. We'll discuss his colleagues, Sergeant "Hunter," "Wrecker," and "Tech" later, but this one is dedicated to (in my opinion) the most interesting and creative-looking Bad Batch member.

Day 429, Quasi-Quarantine: Replicating The Fascinating "Bad Batch" Adoptee, "Echo"

CT-1409, or "Echo" (or even "The Hero of Anaxes"), has quickly become one of our favorite members of Clone Force 99, and his dramatic backstory is just one of the reasons why "The Bad Batch" has emerged as a must-watch.

A former ARC trooper, Echo was originally part of the Domino Squad before his heroics at Rishi Station led him to the 501st Legion. After further valor at Tipoca City, he was thought to be lost during an explosion on Lola Sayu.

Instead, the severely injured Echo was imprisoned by Separatist forces and turned into a cyborg. Taking advantage of Echo's lack of consciousness, Wat Tambor put him to nefarious uses as part of the Techno Union.

 

The Bad Batch, Captain Rex, and Jedi General Anakin Skywalker rescued Echo from Shako Minor, and after that mission, Echo accepted an invitation from Hunter to join the Bad Batch near the end of the Clone Wars.

His history in the field serves Clone Force 99 well, and his socket arm and implants allow him to easily interface with computers -- turning a disability into a strength.

As you can see, we've had varying success in building our own Echo (a bonafide Lego minifigure does not exist yet). His pale skin is hard to match outside of the standard Lego white, and we painted a 3-D clone helmet to try to match is colors.

On the first effort, the gray was not quite dark enough, so we went with a sterling silver on the next effort, and the result was good (see the comparison photos above). We have also painted a headset that he can wear when his helmet is off.

As we not-so-patiently await the arrival of the Havoc Marauder set in August, we are tiding ourselves over by trying to build out our own Bad Batch. 

Knowing that these troopers are outcasts and misfits makes slipping up on our designs that much easier to take.

Day 738, Quasi-Quarantine: Giving Echo A Hand In His Emergence As A Bad Batch Hero

During last year's "Summer of Bad Batch," "Echo" quickly emerged as our favorite member of Clone Force 99.

With an emotional and physically distressing origin story, CT-1409 emerged as a hero of the Clone Wars, and he was adopted by the Bad Batch as an outlier from "regs," or normal clone troopers.

Echo is notable for his mechanical arm, which features socket options that offer a number of ways for him to help extricate the unit from difficult situations.

Clone Army Customs created a custom printed version of this arm at a highly affordable price, and when we saw this option, we had to pounce.

The result is tremendous, with a seemingly small addition making a huge impact in the overall look and feel of the minifigure. We look forward to taking Echo into future Bad Batch missions as we not-so-patiently await the next season of their show.

Day 232, Quasi-Quarantine: "Hunter" Guides The "Bad Batch" Away From Normalcy

Last week, we discussed "Crosshair," one of the mercurial "Bad Batch" in the "Star Wars: Clone Wars" universe. This week, let's take a look at "Hunter" -- sergeant and commanding officer of Clone Force 99.

Hunter's mutation involves enhanced senses that make him essentially a walking map. Because he can feel electromagnetic signals, he can track down enemies and sniff out traps with uncanny accuracy.

"Well, maps can be wrong. Hunter never is." ~Tech

Reportedly based on the character of Billy Sole from the movie "Predator," Hunter comes with a DC-17 blaster, an E-5 blaster rifle, modified armor, a tracker backpack, and a knife for close-quarters combat.

The sergeant's role often involves quelling conflicts between the Bad Batch and "regs," or regular clone troopers. He bonded quickly with Echo in the last episode of the Bad Batch mini-arc in the final season of "Star Wars: Clone Wars."

"Your path is different. Like ours. If you ever feel like you don't fit in with them, well, find us."

Day 423, Quasi-Quarantine: Bringing The Bad Batch Into The Light

In the new Disney animated series "The Bad Batch," the exploits of Hunter, Tech, Crosshair, Wrecker, and Echo (more on him in a future blog post) have captivated our household.

The crew has now added a (***SPOILER ALERT***) new quasi-member in the form of the delightful Omega, but we currently have to be content with the 3D-printed Bad Batch minifigures we procured toward the end of the Clone Wars runs.

While we currently wait impatiently for the arrival of the new Bad Batch Lego set in August, we've been busy retrofitting existing minifigures and adapting them to the new storylines from the TV show.

It's still quarantine as hell up in here. But I wouldn't change this part of it.

Lego on.

Day 479, Quasi-Quarantine: Filling The Omega-Sized Hole In Bad Batch Missions

 

An enhanced human female clone from the Jango Fett template, Omega has unexpectedly appeared on the scene to become a central character and fan favorite on "The Bad Batch."

Originally serving as a medical assistant, she was forced to flee Kamino by attaching herself to Clone Force 99 -- the Bad Batch.

Credited with heightened awareness and the ability to pick up new things, Omega quickly became adept at using an energy bow. This new skill comes in handy, as she has become a sought-after commodity for mysterious parties -- even being pursued by notorious bounty hunters Cad Bane and Fennec Shand.

In the show, Omega serves to personalize the Bad Batch, forcing them to take on avuncular roles for a small girl who still has dolls. Boosted by a vaguely British accent, she has unassuming, endearing qualities that at least partially obscure her importance -- and power -- in the post-Order 66 landscape.

Unfortunately, Omega seems to have been overlooked in the summer wave of Star Wars Lego sets, so we did our best to represent her. Hers is an evolving appearance, so we'll be constantly looking to upgrade, but this is a solid start.

Day 274, Quasi-Quarantine: "Tech" Brings Some Spectrum To The Clone Spectrum

 

Just a couple of days after the release of the "Bad Batch" trailer feels like the right time to continue our looks at the crew's custom minifigures.

We've already discussed "Hunter" and "Crosshair," and today we turn our attention to "Tech," the science and technology lead for Clone Force 99 -- the "Bad Batch."

This clone commando excels at engineering, decryption, and language translation, becoming completely immersed in these aspects of his work at the expense of awareness of his surroundings.

According to Wookieepedia, Tech mutated to appear "leaner, fairer, and younger" than other clones, and his personality is non-confrontational. However, he is very talkative, often sharing his arcane knowledge and trivia unbidden.

The minifigure itself is fairly intricately rendered, complete with specialized visor that serves as Tech's computer display. The visor piece arrived a bit warped, but we can work that into a mission where Tech gets too close to a bomb. I also question whether this one came with the right head piece, but the price was right.

Tech also has a computer terminal on his forearm and comes with twin DC-17 hand blasters. Overall, he's a fun Star Wars character who rounds out the Bad Batch with his technical expertise.

We'll discuss the last member of the crew -- "Wrecker" -- if I can find him. He was quickly assimilated, cannibalized, and disappeared into the dozens of Lego minifigures that comprise our playroom multiverse.

Limerick Friday #579: "Bad Batch" Offsets A Dismal Week -- Day 1,112

"Bad Batch" answers all calls

Breaking down "Star Wars" walls

Just a middle-aged man

Sitting on his can

Crying as Tech falls

They were on title alert

Then everyone got hurt

Seven pitchers down

Before we took the mound

Can the Mets fade this injury spurt?

"Mandalorian" ups the decibel

A bit more bass than treble

Wait a minute

Holy shiznit

Was that fucking Zeb from "Rebels"?!

Hypocrisy continues unabated

You wonder why your company's jaded

Frauds abound

What's that sound?

Just my resume being updated

Downright sinister

And emotional, mister

"Bad Batch" had all the feels

And a number of reveals

Wait, that's Omega's sister?!

Last time ...

Day 542, Quasi-Quarantine: Cobbling Together The Annoying But Irrepressible Todo 360

A sarcastic and high-tempered techno-service droid, Todo 360 played a critical role in a number of missions supporting bounty hunter Cad Bane. The droid was intensely loyal to Bane, despite the bounty hunter's willingness to blow him up and use him as a distraction on occasion.

In three episodes on "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," Todo managed to escape from Anakin Skywalker after being rebuilt, kidnap C-3PO and R2-D2, and aid Bane in stealing a holocron from the Jedi Temple.

In a pair of "Star Wars: The Bad Batch" episodes, the droid was shot by Hunter accidentally as Bane kidnapped Omega. When Omega helped repair Todo's severed leg, it gave her a chance to deactivate him and contact the Bad Batch to let them know of her whereabouts. These events precipitated the epic battle between Bane and Fennec Shand that led to Omega's rescue.

To replicate the look and feel of Todo 360, we found an online tutorial, then added some strategic paint for eyes. The result is simple but effective, allowing us to incorporate Bane and Todo into a number of new scenarios involving the Bad Batch and Shand.

Day 1,507, Quasi-Quarantine: Shed A Happy Tear For The Much-Deserved Retirement Of "The Bad Batch"

I knew the series finale of "Star Wars: The Bad Batch" was going to be super emotional, but I perhaps wasn't prepared for the 20-ish-year flashforward at the end.

Omega, Hunter, Wrecker, Tech, Crosshair, and Echo have been mainstays for us since the Covid days. Clone Force 99 has overcome losses (Tech's absence permeates the entire final season, though it a beautiful touch to show his goggles in the last moments), setbacks, and defeats -- all without sacrificing their commitment to no brother left behind.

We've learned more than a few things over the past three seasons, including:

• Definitions can be fluid.
• Families have no blueprint.
• Different can be better.
• Broken can defeat whole.

And perhaps most importantly:

• Outcasts can be cast as heroes.

All hail Dave Filoni. And all hail the Batch.

Day 528, Quasi-Quarantine: Arts & Crafting Our Way To An Epic "Scorch"

 

While my building partner and I have gravitated to purchasing a handful of custom Lego clone helmets, I have the most fun painting blank or existing helmets to match clones that we like.

That's why the creation of RC-1262 -- nicknamed "Scorch" -- was so rewarding. A clone commando who served as part of the elite Delta Squad alongside Boss, Fixer, and Sev (who has been featured here previously), Scorch has a distinctive look that was cool to replicate.

We painted an existing Mandalorian helmet, painted a torso and legs with his trademark yellow color, and pieced together a tactical backpack. First featured in a "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" episode called "Witches of the Mist," he carried DC-17m and DC-15A guns in canon, though those are harder to get hands on.

According to Wookieepedia, Scorch's story got significantly darker after the rise of the Empire, which is why his appearance in "Star Wars: The Bad Batch" ("War-Mantle" episode) gave us mixed feelings. While it was very cool to see him in action, he emerged as a trainer of the first generation of Imperial stormtroopers and was involved in the capture of Hunter after a mission to free Gregor.

Will we see him again in the next season of "The Bad Batch"? Here's to hoping.

Day 535, Quasi-Quarantine: Shifting Loyalties Make Howzer A Compelling Character -- And Build

 

One of our favorite secondary characters from the first season of "Star Wars: The Bad Batch" is Howzer, the conflicted clone captain from the "Devil's Deal" and "Rescue on Ryloth" episodes.

Stationed on the planet Ryloth to assist the Twi'leks in maintaining peace, his arc had him initially siding with the Imperial backers before shifting to the Resistance effort. Unaffected by the customary clone inhibitor chip, Howzer was able to show individualism and question authority.

Howzer was eventually arrested by Crosshair's troops, but not before assisting the family of Hera Syndulla, who would go on to fame as the incomparable pilot of the Ghost, call sign Spectre 2.

With teal blue Phase II armor and DC-17 and DC-15A weapons, Howzer stands out with a distinctive look. Photographs perhaps don't best capture our effort to re-create him, but we managed to paint a blank Phase II helmet, as well as a torso and legs.

My building partner was thrilled with the result -- despite needing some tweaks here and there -- and so was I. We're hoping this memorable character makes further appearances in subsequent "Bad Batch" seasons so we can make additional builds involving him.

Day 1,439, Quasi-Quarantine: The Start Of The Final Mission Of "The Bad Batch"

Clone Force 99 has captivated us since the early days of the pandemic, helping us to navigate some of the more challenging and emotional moments. So the idea that "Star Wars: The Bad Batch" is kicking off its final season today brings up a lot of feels.

We're gonna miss Hunter, Tech, Wrecker, Echo, Omega -- and, yes, even ol' Crosshair. In the meantime, we'll savor every last moment of their final hurrahs together.

"Good soldiers follow orders." So make sure you watch, y'all.

Limerick Friday #576: The Wolfpack Has Put Themselves Back In The NCAA Crosshairs -- Day 1091

An ugly display in Greensboro

Another blowout quite thorough

Read their press clippings

Then lined up for their next rippings

What's next is hard to know

Egos and politics at play

How it ends is hard to say

Work is chaotic

And chaos is psychotic

So I needed a self-care day

After once more getting drubbed

They set themselves up to be snubbed

Put themselves back on the bubble

For State that always spells trouble

NCAA hands are now being rubbed

"Bad Batch" is an overlooked gem

Gritty and emotional in the Outer Rim

With Disney's Star Wars under fire

Of this show I'll never tire

Dave Filoni should always direct them

That bad feeling sinking in

Recognizable to Pack fans akin

They did it to themselves

So get that vodka off your shelves

It's all about to happen again

Last time ...

Day 1,377, Quasi-Quarantine: The Sith-Mas Spirit Has Real Staying Power On Endor

 

If you've been following (Are you kidding? Of course you have!), I've documented how the initial week of the Lego Star Wars advent calendar honored "Bad Batch" and "Mandalorian," the second week paid tribute to the "Clone Wars" and the prequel timeline, and the third week celebrated "Return of the Jedi" and Endor.

Well, little did I know just how strong the Endor would be with week four in a true advent calendar double-down.

Day 16: Endor bunker

Day 17: AT-ST

Day 18: Speeder bike

Day 19: Endor shield generator

Day 20: Ugly Christmas sweater Palpatine

While instantly recognizable, the Endor bunker was a bit meh, and the speeder bike was a bit flat, but I still dug it. The Endor shield generator was simplistic but spot on, but the AT-ST was a flat-out rad build. 

The finale of the five-day week was Emperor Palpatine, sporting a sweater with the death star and some laser bolts, plus a mug and actual laser bolts to carry -- a welcome addition considering the relative paucity of minifigures thus far.

Focusing the advent calendar so narrowly on a specific place is a new approach, and one that obviously limits what to expect. The upside is that a pretty stellar diorama of Endor is now possible with so many mini-builds.

I expect a slight move away from Endor in the final days of the calendar (breaking it up to allow for a Dagobah focus would have been cool), but overall, I've enjoyed this year's efforts. I can't wait to see what's left -- and no, I'm not someone who obsesses over or even looks at the clues and hints on the box cover.

Merry Sith-Mas to one and all!

Day 1,003, Quasi-Quarantine: The "Star Wars" Advent Calendar Locks In Coordinates To Tattooine

 

After some stellar and unexpected mini-builds arrived in the first five days of the "Star Wars" Lego advent calendar, the designers upped the ante in the next five days of reveals.

Day 6: "Havoc Marauder"

Day 7: Luke's Landspeeder

Day 8: T-16 Skyhopper

Day 9: C-3PO

Day 10: Moisture Farm Evaporator

The "Bad Batch" shuttle led the way on Day 6, a nod to the Clone Force 99 crew that has captured the hearts of so many. The "Havoc Marauder" was beautifully designed and a welcome continued homage to the Clone Wars.

The theme shifted to Tattooine in subsequent days, with a niftily done landspeeder (complete with tan and white bricks to represent Luke and C-3PO) followed by a completely unexpected T-16 Skyhopper for the nostalgia lovers.

The next day featured a holiday C-3PO, complete with a blue Christmas sweater with R2-D2 on the front. The second five days concluded with a forgettable moisture farm evaporator -- well rendered and certainly in line with a Tattooine emphasis, but a bit of a throwaway in the spirit of a weapons rack (which has yet to make its annual appearance).

For me, the "Havoc Marauder" and the T-16 Skyhopper were the highlights for the second week. Thanks as always to Jay's Brick Blog for the insights and guidance where needed, and here's to hoping the next five days bring even more surprises.

Day 1,372, Quasi-Quarantine: The Star Wars Lego Advent Calendar Rolls On With A Deep Dive On Endor

 

After an initial week that honored spinoffs like "Bad Batch" and "Mandalorian" and a second week that paid tribute to the "Clone Wars" and the prequel timeline, the third week settled very specifically on Endor as part of the 40th anniversary celebration of "Return of the Jedi."

Day 11: Armoured Assault Tank (AAT)

Day 12: Reindeer Gonk droid

Day 13: Imperial Shuttle

Day 14: Leia Organa

Day 15: Ewok village

The AAT and the Imperial Shuttle were both phenomenally rendered builds, while the Ewok village was clever if a bit simplistic. The Princess Leia Organa minifigure is an exclusive, featuring her in Endor fatigues with her hair up, displaying alternate faces, and holding both a blaster and a Christmas cookie. 

But the highlight of the week for me was the adorable Gonk droid. Droid arms represent the antlers, and a button nose polishes off the holiday look. 

A return to Endor is always a welcome experience for me, and this year's advent calendar -- while somewhat light on minifigures thus far -- has been marked by winner after winner.

Day 577, Quasi-Quarantine: Inviting Ganch Onto The Broader Clone Ranch

 

Drawn to his distinctive helmet, we pieced together clone commander Ganch (CC-4572) despite never having seen him in canon.

The leader of the 612th Attack Battalion, Ganch worked closely with Jedi Master Bolla Ropal (before they were killed by Cad Bane), Jedi General Keelyvine Reus, and Padawan Tyzen Xebec. 

According to "The Clone Wars" web comics "Act on Instinct" and "The Valsedian Operation," Ganch was a key figure in conflicts on Devaron and Ukio before becoming a victim of neural scrambling and attacking his own crew prior to being rendered unconscious. 

Modeled after gunfighter Doc Holliday (!), Ganch featured a mustache and goatee, plus three large scars that lent him some personality among clones, along with his fondness for animals.

For our purposes, we equipped him with a red backpack and coloration and added him to our Red Squad, alongside Thorn, Fox, and another Coruscant Guard. Giggle-inducing name aside, Ganch is a worthy addition to any and all clone missions and "Bad Batch" collaborations.

Day 1,359, Quasi-Quarantine: 'Tis The Season, In A Galaxy Far, Far Away

 

The Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar has become a bit of a holiday tradition here at the household, and this year's version is off to a rip-roaring start.

The initial five offerings have largely been a tribute to the "Bad Batch" (my low-key favorite "Star Wars" show) and "Mandalorian," and there are certainly way worse places to focus for Lego. 

Day 1: Omega

Day 2: Justifier

Day 3: N-1 Starfighter

Day 4: Christmas pit droid

Day 5: Clone Turbo Tank

The two minifigures (well, one minifigure and a robot bold) included in the first week are both festive. The calendar's first reveal was Omega, a fan favorite who has appeared in just a single set thus far and comes with a clever little sled. The Christmas pit droid is adorable and event includes a Santa sack.

The mini-builds are a little more hit or miss in my mind. The Mandalorian's N-1 Starfighter is easily the standout here, with a sleek and intricate structure. The Clone Turbo Tank is recognizable but somewhat simplistic, and the Justifier (Cad Bane's ship) ranks among the worst designs Lego has included in the advent calendar series.

Overall, I've found the instructions a bit more difficult to ascertain than in previous years (2022, 2021, and 2020), so I've relied even more on the essential Jay's Brick Blog to get me over the hump where needed.

Don't get me wrong -- I love the obscure builds (no Roger droids or weapon racks as of yet!) and the way Lego works hard to weave holiday themes into the offerings. I can't wait to see what the second week and beyond bring, as Lego never fails to exceed expectations.