The Bad Batch Season 3: The Animated Debut of One Key Star Wars Villain

The Empire's Cloning Operations

Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 3 is poised to delve deeper into the Empire's cloning operations, shedding light on its experiments and ultimate goals. At the end of season 2, Omega, a critical member of Clone Force 99, was captured by Dr. Hemlock, a scientist in the Empire's Advanced Science Division. This plotline is expected to tie into Palpatine's 'resurrection' in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and potentially reveal the origin of a notorious character.

Doctor Hemlock in Star Wars The Bad Batch Season 2.

Dr. Hemlock's capture of Omega as a bargaining chip against Kamino's chief scientist, Nala Se, indicates that his work is 'of great importance to the Emperor' and is related to the Emperor's desire to create a clone with Force abilities. The Advanced Science Division, located on Mount Tantiss, is a secret cloning research division where these experiments are taking place.

Moff Gideon and clone tanks in The Mandalorian season 3, episode 7.

The success of these experiments is evident in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, with both Snoke and the resurrected Palpatine displaying Force abilities. However, another Imperial officer, Moff Gideon, shares the same goal of creating a Force-wielding clone. The Bad Batch season 3 is expected to shed light on Gideon's early interest in cloning and the Force, potentially marking his animated debut.

Moff Gideon and Grogu in The Mandalorian

Moff Gideon's Cloning Interest

The Mandalorian season 3 revealed Moff Gideon's interest in cloning, as he had created multiple clones of himself in the hope that one of them would wield the Force. This aligns with his relentless pursuit of power and his desire to capture Force-wielding individuals, such as Grogu.

Moff Gideon in The Mandalorian season 3 episode 7.

The similarities between Moff Gideon and Dr. Hemlock's goals suggest that The Bad Batch season 3 may introduce Gideon in animation for the first time, explaining his fascination with cloning and the Force. This could provide insight into Gideon's early motivations and set the stage for his rivalry with the Mandalorians.

Moff Gideon Clone in Mandalorian Season 3

Gideon's involvement with the Empire's cloning operations on Mount Tantiss could serve as the catalyst for his obsession with gaining power and his eventual conflict with the Mandalorians. The Bad Batch season 3 might depict the beginning of Gideon's rivalry with the Mandalorians and shed light on his early backstory.

Moff Gideon convening the Shadow Council in The Mandalorian season 3, episode 7

A Potential Rivalry with the Mandalorians

If The Bad Batch season 3 introduces Moff Gideon, it could also lay the groundwork for his rivalry with the Mandalorians. The series may depict Clone Force 99 enlisting the help of familiar characters, including Bo-Katan Kryze, to rescue Omega and Crosshair from Imperial captivity.

Moff Gideon, Bo-Katan and the Darksaber

The involvement of fierce Mandalorian warriors in the rescue mission could ignite the beginning of Moff Gideon's jealousy and animosity towards the Mandalorians. This storyline would provide context for Gideon's later actions in The Mandalorian and explain his singular desire to wield the Darksaber and claim what he believes is rightfully his.

The Bad Batch season 3 has the potential to expand Moff Gideon's motives and backstory, making his character more understandable and setting the stage for the rivalry that unfolds in The Mandalorian.